BY ArnabFeb 6, 2024

When you picture a perfect Mediterranean getaway, what comes to mind? Lush vineyards, rugged seaside cliffs, and hillsides dotted with pretty churches and gelato by the coast - these are staples of Italy's unique natural and cultural landscape. While the major cities attract millions each year, some of the country's most incredible treasures lie just offshore - its islands.  This article has some of the most amazing islands’ list you will find around Italy. So, if you are a travel enthusiast, here are a few of Italy’s most stunning islands. Sicily  As Italy's largest island, Sicily’s charm is endlessly diverse, from coastal towns like Cefalù and Taormina to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Cycle along rural routes through almond and olive groves or simply relax on the beaches along the Ionian coastline. The island's strategic location means every era of history has left an indelible mark, which is on display in everything from architectural gems to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With its year-round warm climate and superb hospitality, Sicily promises an authentic Italian island paradise. Taking a holiday in Sicily means stepping into a whole new world. Start your journey in Palermo’s Arab-influenced street life. Then, drive along the north coast, stopping at Cefalù, before continuing down the east coast to Taormina for more incredible panoramas. After exploring art-filled towns like Catania, head inland to appreciate mountaintop vistas from Etna.  When it comes to accommodation, private villas are the ideal choice for a stay on the island. There’s a good selection of holiday accommodation in Sicily to choose from. Villas, apartments, and agriturismi often boast private pools, outdoor spaces and fully equipped kitchens, as well as catering services. Opting for a villa rental allows you to enjoy comfort, independence and the flexibility to come and go as you please, all essential ingredients for an idyllic island getaway. Sardinia  Sardinia, located west of the Italian peninsula and Italy’s second-largest island, boasts over 1,800 kilometers of stunning coastline and crystalline waters. Discover beaches of fine white sand set against a backdrop of jagged granite cliffs that tumble dramatically down to the sea, or venture inland, where rugged mountains and ancient stone villages contribute to the island’s its unspoiled appeal. Nature lovers will want to spend time amidst plains of wildflowers and forests that are home to rare birds and mammals. Sardinia's unique culture is evident in its gastronomy, which features cheeses like pecorino and ricotta, and in its traditions, for example, sheep-herding festivals. Coastal hubs like Cagliari, with its medieval landmarks, and Spanish-influenced Alghero, welcome travelers. Away from these areas, authentic farm stays provide a glimpse into local pastoral life.  Diverse natural beauty and amazing landscapes all contribute to the thrill of exploring Sardinia. Along the coast, hidden bays and lighthouses dot limestone cliffs that plummet down to azure waters, and inland, craggy peaks rise green from dense cork oak forests. Packed with archaeological riches and fringed by remote beaches, Sardinia’s natural beauty and slow pace of life are simply mesmerizing. Elba Elba Island is a stunning destination, famous for its varied landscapes and history, located off the Tuscan coast. Also known as the island of Napoleon due to the French emperor's brief exile here, Elba boasts beautiful beaches, mountains, and varied rural scenery. Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters that fringe sandy shores and pocket-sized coves. Or set off on one of the hiking trails that lead up into Elba's mountainous interior, where slopes are dotted with picturesque medieval villages.  Foodies will delight in local specialties that showcase the bounty from surrounding waters and hills, from lobster to tender beef. The island’s geological heritage is also interesting, thanks to a long history of iron mining. Offering a heady combination of exploring Portuguese fortresses, mineral-rich hot springs, superb beaches, and picture-postcard town centers, Elba is a superb holiday destination for those looking for beauty, history, and relaxation on an unspoiled Italian island Capri  Catch a glimpse of the hideaway cove, or of pathways that wind through Bougainville and oleander-filled fragrant gardens. Above the sapphire-shaded Mediterranean, limestone rocks soar into dazzling blue skies. Capri is endlessly seducting, attracting visitors with its charm and mild climate and the promise of exploring lush hillsides before relaxing in seaside restaurants and strolling through tiny villages. Immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of life in the Mediterranean amidst stunning natural scenery and in the open-hearted culture of Italy's islands for a truly unforgettable experience. With careful planning and a natural desire to explore, a visit to any of Italy’s paradise islands – Sicily, Sardinia, Elba,, and dazzling Capri – will provide long-lasting visual memories of natural beauty and a wonderful cultural journey. Ischia If you want to take your eyes off Capri a bit, simply hop on a ferry and travel across the Gulf of Naples. Here, lies the neigh neighboring of Ischia which boasts about its topical springs. Moreover, they invite glorious soaks, mesmerizing beaches and Neapolitans basking in the sun and holidaying. In these busy town centers, you might also find some great restaurants, gelato stalls, and other tourist attractions.  Ischia first got fame in Neapolitan Navels and their subsequent TV remakes by Elena Ferrante. Although it is bustling you will not find it too busy, so visit it anytime you want. Dive into the astounding beach of Giardini la Mortella, soak in the dramatic view of the Aragonese Castle, and don’t forget to visit the upmarket villages near Sant’Angelo.  Concluding Words Italy is a place full of wonders. From bustling lanes to deserted islands, you never know what will surprise you. So, if these islands are not on your bucket list already, ensure to add them soon. There are other tourist destinations too which are located in these islands. Discover them while you travel here.  Make sure to have a safe trip, and do not forget to live in the moment. So, that’s all about the mesmerizing islands of Italy. I hope you liked this comprehensive guide. If it helped you gain necessary insights, do comment below. Thank you for reading.  Read Also: Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy! Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy Exploring The Allure Of Holiday Getaways In Italy

BY Nabamita SinhaJul 23, 2022

Welcome to the “Queen Of The Hills!” Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Hidden beneath the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is an “abode of god.” Situated among the serenity of nature, it is a must places to visit in Darjeeling for some intoxicating time in nature’s lap. Travel Guide About Darjeeling NicknameThe Queen of the HillsDarjeeling Whole  Area3149 sq.kmLanguage SpokenNepali, Hindi, and BengaliPopular Places to VisitBatasia Loop, Tinchuley, Darjeeling Rock Garden,  Lepchajagat, Darjeeling Ropeway, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tiger Hill, etc. Best Time to VisitApril-June to experience summer, October-January to experience winter. Popular Places to visit for couplesMirik, Love Road, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Mall, Observatory Hill, Darjeeling Ropeway, Tea Gardens, Mahakal Temple, and Glenburn Estate. Top Religious Places Ghoom Monastery, St.Andrew’s Church,  Dali Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Aloobari Monastery, etc.Top Things To DoTrekking, Shopping, River Rafting, Toy Tain Ride, Visit the Tea Garden, Camping, Explore the wildlife and flora, Mountaineering, etc. Darjeeling: Why Even Go There? Darjeeling is one of the biggest tourist destinations in India. Its natural beauty, perfect climate, and captivating mountain view are a few of the reasons to visit here. Darjeeling is a part of West Bengal and is located at a height of 2134 meters. It is a proud possession of West Bengal Tourism. The exotic flora, fauna, and chilly weather are a few reasons why it is named the “Queen of the Hills.” It is a perfect abode for trekkers and mountaineers. The view of the Kanchenjunga is spectacular from here. This spectacular view is what attracts a lot of tourists year-round in Darjeeling. However, Darjeeling has a lot more to offer tourists. From Darjeeling, you have access to most other hill stations such as Gangtok, Kalimpong, and many more. There are great places to visit in Gangtok, and Darjeeling is your starting point for that. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. 1. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute And Darjeeling Zoo The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling is one of the best in the country. It exhibits the mountaineering gears from the early days along with certain artifacts. The Institute was built here in honor of Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to climb Mt. Everest. They were the first to climb the tallest mountain in the world for the 1st time in 1953. All the mountaineering gear that the men used is also here in the Institute itself. There are souvenirs and a restaurant here on the premises for the tourists. Located beside the Institute on the same premises is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Here you can experience the best wildlife Darjeeling has to offer. Here you will find a number of exotic animals such as the Siberian Tiger, snow leopard, goral, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear, and red panda. Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Summer & 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Winter. 2. Darjeeling Ropeway Opened in 1968, known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car; from here, you can have the best view of Darjeeling. This was the first cable car system ever built in India. From the beautiful Tea Gardens to the majestic peak of the Kanchenjunga and the dense forest beneath it. You will be able to experience everything Darjeeling has to offer at once. Timings: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Winter and Monsoon), 10:00am to 2:00pm (Summer and Autumn). 3. Happy Valley Tea Estate Enjoy the lush greenery and the sweet taste of Darjeeling Tea. This is a 150 years old Tea Estate, one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Although this is only the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, built in 1854, situated 2100 meters above sea level. Timings: Tuesday to Saturday- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 4. Senchal Lake And Wildlife Sanctuary This is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, set up in the year 1915. Situated about 11 kms away from Darjeeling town, it is a must-visit place in Darjeeling. Senchal Lake, which is situated within the wildlife, has the most beautiful picturesque view. For nature lovers and photographers, this is an ideal place. Here you will find a number of wildlife such as leopards, rhesus monkeys, and Himalayan black bears. Along with that, here, you will see a wide variety of exotic birds. 5. Shrubbery Nightingale Park If you are someone who loves flowers and exotic flora, then you must visit Shrubbery Nightingale Park. Here you will find beautiful flowers along with a majestic view of the Kanchenjunga mountain.  The park was totally destroyed during a massive earthquake in 1934; it was rebuilt to its former glory. It has pebblestone pathways, a musical fountain and benches to sit on. This park is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Blooming Seasons: October and November. 6. Dhirdham Temple Another gorgeous tourist attraction is the Dhirdham Temple; it is a Hindu temple in Nepalese style. This is located just below the Toy Train station. This temple was built by the King of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Pradhan, in the year 1936. The temple has the idol of Lord Shiva. The idol is of white color, and Shiva is represented to have various expressions with his third eye. This temple has the architectural design of the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. Aarti Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Note That: Inside the temple premises, cameras are not allowed. 7. Darjeeling Mall And Chowrasta At the heart of Darjeeling town are the Darjeeling Mall and the Chowrasta. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. It is the best places to hang out for both tourists and localities. Here you will find the best restaurants, shops, boutiques and cafes. This is a must-visit place in Darjeeling for anyone to visit. During the evening, you will find a lot of entertainment options here. Few of the best shops around here are Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Curio Corner, Habeeb Mullick & Sons and the Jolly Arts & Bhutan Tibetan Art Shop. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. What Are The Nearest Railway Station And Airport To Darjeeling? The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is Darjeeling Railway station and Siliguri Railway Station. And the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located 70 km from Darjeeling. 2. What Is The Best Time To Plan A Holiday To Darjeeling? Depending on the season, you need to plan your trip here. If you are planning to visit during the summer for pleasant sightseeing you can visit from April-June.But if you are willing to experience the cold and with it wildlife, you can visit from October-December. 3. How Are The Accommodation Facilities For Tourists In Darjeeling? Darjeeling has a huge number of good quality accommodation facilities for tourists. No matter how you are traveling, big group, solo, as couple, or with family, there are options for all.From 5-star hotels to luxury resorts, pocket-friendly hotels, and even homestays, everything is present here in Darjeeling. Visit Now! Here I have pointed out the 7 best places in Darjeeling to visit, but there are more than 25 places to visit in Darjeeling, and Gangtok should be your next destination of choice. Darjeeling is a staple tourist destination for every Indian. It is the first place our parents took us to. It has a different emotion on my part. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

BY Ankita TripathyNov 20, 2023

Have you ever thought that tourism harms the environment? The carbon footprint, inefficient use of resources, and pollution from non-recyclable trash affect the nature around us. Fortunately, today the entire travel industry has realized this and is taking decisive steps to counteract it.  For example, when you're traveling to the UK and want to pick up a Birmingham Airport car hire, companies provide electric and hybrid vehicles that reduce emissions. You can find these cars at Birmingham Airport via Rental24.co.uk.  The same goes for hotels. Green or environmentally friendly hotels are those whose activities don’t affect (or have virtually no effect on) nature. Plus, their style of work actively promotes sustainable education and responsible tourism.  So, if you're planning to visit an island nation and take part in environmental initiatives, choose a hotel accordingly. Here are the Top 10 sustainable stays in the United Kingdom. Daylesford Organic Farm, Gloucestershire  Daylesford Organic Farm began as a simple passion for organic produce and has grown to become one of the most sustainable farms in the UK. Covering an area of 2,500 acres, it sits in the county of Gloucestershire.  Daylesford is the perfect place for a nature-friendly getaway with the whole family. Here you can find charming stone cottages, stylish modern country houses, and cozy luxury rooms for two. By the way, the hotel often hosts interesting events, such as tasting evenings with sommeliers, master classes on cooking organic dishes, book clubs for intellectuals, and wellness yoga retreats.  Atlantic View Lodges, Widemouth Bay, Bude  Providing a calm and secluded holiday by the water, Atlantic View is also among the eco-friendly hotels in the UK. The picturesque coastline begins just a few steps from the cottages. At the same time, green cottages are surrounded by high cliffs and decorate the Cornish coastline. Perhaps their main feature is the comfortable terraces overlooking Widemouth Bay and the endless Atlantic Ocean.  All Atlantic View cottages are designed with the environment in mind. It uses solar thermal panels as well as energy-efficient air pump systems. One more sustainable feature of the houses is their green roofs, which fit perfectly into the hilly landscape of the area. They create an atmosphere of maximum unity between guests and nature. One Aldwych, London  This eco-friendly option has all the qualities for environmentally responsible travel in the UK. As a five-star hotel, One Aldwych has adopted green living in almost every area. It includes a vacuum drainage system, energy-saving LED solutions, and a chlorine-free swimming pool. It also has eco-friendly materials used in the interiors and exteriors.  Staying at this hotel takes you on an amazing journey into environmental reality. It gets you thinking about the many ways you can reduce your emissions - just like One Aldwych does. Located in the prestigious area of Westminster, this prestigious hotel clearly demonstrates that luxury and tradition can be completely nature-friendly. The Grove, Hertfordshire  Located near to London, this five-star hotel deservedly joins the list of green accommodations in the UK. It occupies 300 acres of woodlands in Hertfordshire and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.  The Grove recently received the Green Apple Environment Award for its contributions to sustainability and environmental protection. Its signature highlight is its 18-hole top-class golf course. You can also enjoy on-site outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the Sequoia Spa with excellent service, and rooms with stunning countryside views. The Ritz London  The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain took on a responsible attitude towards nature back in 1983. The legendary Ritz in Piccadilly breeds bees of the old English breed Buckfast. They collect nectar in Hyde Park and the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Also, they replaced almost all the lamps with LEDs and reduced the consumption of electricity, gas, and water. One more important step they take towards preserving the planet is recycling waste. They do it so that nothing ends up in a landfill.  It makes a hotel even more pleasant to feel like a crowned person in the exquisite rooms. Especially when you know that the hotel is scrupulously and conscientiously adhering to its green policy. The Ritz also helps reduce its carbon footprint, earning it a Green Tourism Gold certification. The Scarlet Hotel, Magwan Porth  Hidden between ribbed cliffs, the Cornish coastline, which is home to The Scarlet Hotel, is one of the UK's eco-tourism destinations. With many coves and bays around, it offers a sophisticated setting for a luxurious stay. Not to mention the nearby Scilly archipelago, consisting of many small cozy islands.  The Scarlet strives to provide guests with maximum relaxation and tranquility while being in the heart of this English wilderness. The Ayurvedic spa, which attracts visitors from all over the country, features an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, a log hot tub, and a natural pool carved into the rocks.  In addition, the hotel is completely environmentally friendly: all interior elements are made only from natural or recycled materials. Plus, the owners try to use rainwater, and electricity comes exclusively from renewable energy sources. The Cavendish London Hotel  As a rule, premium hotels have little to do with the environment. However, Cavendish and its staff won over with their commitment to resource- and energy-saving technologies and consistency in green actions throughout the hotel.  Low-flow showers and taps, energy-saving light bulbs, sensor-activated hallway lighting, and hydrocarbon-filled refrigerators are just some of the environmentally friendly features at the Cavendish Hotel. In addition, the local restaurant recycles 100% of its waste, practices sustainable food consumption, and supports local farmers and producers with orders. Heckfield Place, Hampshire  An ancient 18th-century English estate and biodynamic organic food and flower farm sits in Hampshire, just an hour's drive from London. The local farm employs a team of experts who hand-grow grains, harvest organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables, and produce dairy products, which they then serve in the local restaurant.  It took the Chen family almost ten years to turn the estate into a luxury hotel. While working on the interior, they tried to restore the former Georgian appearance of the building and adapt it to modern needs. Now, Heckfield Place has won several awards for its commitment to sustainability and supporting eco-tourism in the UK. Its owners try to make maximum use of alternative energy production methods, rainwater, and natural materials, and also reduce daily waste. The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire  Opened in 1924, The Gleneagles is a grand private country estate set in 850 acres of beautiful valley land. Here nature has been preserved untouched, in its original form. Everything around breathes true history: the mighty mountains, the vast expanses, the golf courses, and the main hotel building itself.  At Gleneagles, luxury and impeccability coexist harmoniously with a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere created by friendly and courteous staff. In addition, they are attentive to nature: the hotel uses pellets for heating, organic cleaning and washing products, and LED lamps for lighting. Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire  In Hampshire, you can stay in a hotel located right in a tree! Set in the New Forest National Park, this luxury country accommodation with spa facilities as well as large grounds is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.  Each of these houses hovers high above the ground, while panoramic windows as well as spacious terraces allow guests to observe amazing views from each luxury room. The suites have a compact kitchenette, plus every morning you will enjoy breakfast delivered from the main part of the hotel. So, are you ready for sustainable travel in the United Kingdom? Choose one of the above hotels for a nature-friendly stay. Also, follow the basic rules of eco-responsible travel to continue the life of our planet! Read Also: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel 9 Tips For Authentic Travel Experiences 20 Of The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2024