Things To Do In San Marcos – Top Activities To Enjoy!

BY  Barsha Nov 23, 2022

There are so many things that most definitely be on your NYC bucket list! And one of those things happens to be visiting the Statue of Liberty viewpoint. Yes, there is more than one. Today, we will be discussing all the best spots to see this historical symbol of emancipation. And not just see - we have also determined where you can take the best pictures.  Come on! Lady Liberty is iconic in NYC! So you can’t just ignore her. It only makes sense to take a few photos of the original First Lady of America. What we liked to call ‘one for the gram!’  Keep reading to find out all the best spots to check out the Statue of Liberty. Snap a few shots for the gram - you just have to stick to the very end!  Visiting The Statue Of Liberty View Point - 10+ Spots To See The Statue Of Liberty (Free Spots Too) There’s no accurate answer to the very popular ‘how to see the statue of liberty?’ question! Located literally in the south of Manhattan, this Lady of Liberty prefers to chill in the middle of the water. It makes the nearby areas perfect for taking aesthetic photos! But isn’t that the best part of visiting New York? So many people visit the city that never sleeps in the hope of living a free life. Isn’t that what the Statue of Liberty stands for? When people cross the Atlantic Ocean towards the United States Of America, they see the Statue of Liberty. It gives them hope of the promised land where class doesn’t matter.  So without wasting any more time, scroll down to find out which is the best Statue of Liberty viewpoint!  Brooklyn Bridge: You don’t need to look for Statue of Liberty views. You can enjoy one of the best views of the Statue on your visit to the Brooklyn Bridge. The Bridge is iconic pop culture and the best part? You can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. The Bridge serves as a beautiful Statue of Liberty view point. You don’t have to spend a single penny on the same! Battery Park City Esplanade: The view of Statue of Liberty from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan is truly one of the best views of the Statue you will get to witness. When you are walking the long stretch of the beautiful seaside sidewalk, it will feel like you have simply stepped inside a black-and-white movie. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for one of those caught-in-the-camera-very-candid pictures! One World Observatory: The historic World Trade Center happens to be another beautiful Statue of Liberty view point. It is also located in the Lower Manhattan region. You just have to reach the One World Observatory. Unfortunately, you have to pay around 43 dollars for a basic ticket to the Observatory. But that’s fine because it’s NYC, baby! Green-Wood Cemetery: The Green Wood Cemetery is hauntingly beautiful in its own way, but you also get some crazy views of the Statue of Liberty from here. The twisted cobblestone pathways, the graves of famous figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat or Horace Greeley, and even the breathtaking views of the Statue - all come together to make this place a must-visit on your trip to the city that never sleeps.  Louis Valentino Jr. Park & Pier: Another Statue of Liberty view point based in Brooklyn, the Louis Valentino Jr. Park & Pier, is located in the Red Hook waterfront, the industrious neighborhood of Brooklyn. This one’s also free, so there’s no reason why you won’t check out the best symbol of American liberty from this spot. You can also enjoy stunning views of Staten Island, Governor’s Island, and the city skyline. Museum Of Jewish Heritage: The Museum Of Jewish Heritage is one of the lesser-known spots that offer crazy views of the Statue of Liberty. Another one of the Battery Park Statue of Liberty views, the Museum is entirely devoted to honoring Jews and as a Holocaust remembrance. If you love history, then you can’t miss out on this spot.  Staten Island Ferry: One of the fun yet lesser-known things to do in New York is to take the ferry from Manhatten to Staten Island. You do not just get to enjoy breathtaking views of the City skyline and Staten Island, you will also have the best view of the Statue of Liberty while you are commuting between Staten Island and Manhattan.  Governor’s Island: If you are ready to invest around 3 dollars, you can visit Governor’s Island - And you will find yourself at the perfect Statue Of Liberty view point. You just need to reach the hills here and explore the trails. You might just find yourself enjoying not just stunning views of the Statue but also that of the entire Lower Manhattan! Liberty State Park:  There’s no mystery behind this one. Everyone knows that the Status of Liberty is located in the waters of New Jersey. So New York is not the only place with stunning views of this iconic statue, even the state of New Jersey has some crazy unexplored views. You can also try out some canoeing in the timeless Hudson river.  Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Another beautiful Statue Of Liberty view point in Brooklyn, the beatific Brooklyn Heights Promenade, sits proudly over the Brooklyn Queens Expressway or BQE. The beautiful esplanade definitely needs a visit as it offers stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge Park.  And It’s A Wrap!  You might have been looking for the one perfect Statue Of Liberty view point, but we have managed to provide you with so many options! One Statue, multiple viewpoints, and that, my friend, is the best part of New York! You don’t have to be happy with one when you can have several - be it your Cosmopolitan or the perfect viewpoint.  So tell us, what do you think about visiting the Statue of Liberty? And if you already have, what was your experience like? Tell us in the comments below!

BY  Mashum Sep 16, 2022

Sikkim is a small kingdom state tucked wavy into the lap of the Himalayas. It is known for its culture, heritage, and, of course, beautiful scenic beauty. Here in this beautiful city, you can experience a peaceful atmosphere among the mountains and the greenery. But do you know when the best time to visit Sikkim is? If not, then continue to scroll down this article. Welcome To Sikkim! Sikkim is among those places in India that you need to visit once to gaze upon the beautiful Kangchenjunga, the highest mountain peak in India and the third highest in the World. Here you will see the beautiful harmony between modern and traditional cultures and heritage. Tourists visit this beautiful state in India practically all year round. But like any other tourist destination, there is the best time to visit Sikkim as well. You can visit Sikkim with both your friends and always with your family. There is a lot to do for everyone here in Sikkim. Best Time To Visit Sikkim Whether you are visiting Sikkim for a solo or a big fat family vacation, or a getaway with your friends, these are the months you look for to travel. March - June ☀️July - October ☔November - February ❄️ 5c - 25c4c - 17c-5c - 7c Sikkim has a lot of beautiful places to visit with different scenic beauties. So the terrains and beauty you will witness in the North of Sikkim will be very different in South Sikkim. March - June March to June is considered the best time to visit Sikkim. The weather is pleasant, and you won’t have any problem traveling to different places. There won’t be any roadblocks like during winter or monsoon.  During this time, you can easily enjoy the beautiful flowers that will fully bloom during these months. And as for gazing upon the beautiful mountain peaks, you can easily see the Kanchenjunga due to the lack of rain or snow clouds. However, due to pleasant weather, the mountain peaks are visible. July - October From July to October, it is considered the monsoon season. The first few showers of rain nourish the mountains and the hills. It rejuvenates the beautiful green landscape. But it is advised that you not visit any hilly region during the monsoon months, as the danger of roadblocks and even landslides are dangerous for tourists. However, you can plan to stay here but try to avoid Northern Sikkim. November - February November to February are the winter months and the best time to visit Sikkim to see snow. The whole landscape is covered in a thick layer of beautiful fluffy snow, which looks like something out of a painting. If you are capable of handling the snow, then surely you should visit Sikkim during these months to experience it fully. If you are lucky enough, you can even witness snowfall here. So for Christmas, have a white winter wonderland here in Sikkim. Different Climates In Sikkim Like any other tourist destination, you can divide each season into months, and on the basis of that, you can plan your trip.  ☀️Summer In Sikkim The summertime in Sikkim is an enjoyable time for tourists to visit the hill station. Therefore, if you are looking for Sikkim best time to visit, then I will advise you during the summertime. But even though it is the summertime, don’t forget to bring woolen clothes, as the temperature might drop at any time. It is easier for sightseeing in such pleasant and clear weather. So it is the best time to visit Gangtok Sikkim, the Yumthang valley, and Rumtek Monastery. ☔Monsoon In Sikkim During the monsoon months, Sikkim usually gets heavy showers each year, and this causes roadblocks and landslides each year. Although the weather during these months is chilly, you can enjoy it a lot.  One of the best advantages of the months is that you can get many discounts on travel and hotels since it is off-season. So you can take advantage of that. ❄️Winter In Sikkim The snowy months are the best time to visit Sikkim Gangtok. The valley and the mountains are covered in beautiful layers of white snow; it is just like heaven. The temperature falls to -5 degree celsius, so don’t forget to bring enough warm clothes and gear along with you. Even though the weather is quite chilly, it is bearable, and you won’t feel any discomfort due to the cold. There are a lot of snow sports you can enjoy at this time, like snowboarding and skiing. So I would recommend to you the best time to visit Sikkim is during the winter months. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Now that you know which is the best time to visit Sikkim, if you have any more questions, then here are some of the questions asked by others. 1. How Many Days Are Sufficient For Sikkim Trip? Ans: Sikkim is considered to be one of the most beautiful and heavenly places in India. So as to explore the place in its entirety, then you would require about 12-15 days to the max. But if you want to skip a few places, then you can say there for about 8 to 10 days as well. 2. Where Is Snowfall In Sikkim? Ans: To experience snowfall and snow, you have to travel towards Northern Sikkim. Places such as Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Gurudongmar Lake are a few of the areas in Northern Sikkim that experience snow and snowfall during the winter months. 3. Which Is The Coldest Place In Sikkim? Ans: The coldest place in the whole of Sikkim is a part of the Northern Sikkim called Zero Point. It is best for its snow-covered valleys and landscape. If you want to enjoy beautiful snow, then this is the place for you. Visit Now! Now that you know what the best time to visit Sikkim is, you can easily plan your next trip to Sikkim. Don’t forget to pack enough warm clothes and necessary gear to beat the chilly weather.  If you find this article helpful, then write down in the comment section which is your favorite hill station in India or in the World.

BY  Sibashree Nov 20, 2025

We were lying in the Medlands Beach with the Milky Way arching overhead. No city lights! Only the sound of the waves kept us connected to this physical world. For me, it was not just the sky full of stars and constellations. These stars were the roadmap for our ancestors, irrespective of the culture and country we belong to. They watched the stars to keep time and decide the time of the year ideal for agriculture, harvesting, fishing, and hunting. In the Maori culture, Tohunga kōkōrangi, or specialist priests, had this deep astronomical knowledge, and they shared the knowledge with others. Also, there are myths and ancient stories about the stars, like the one with the Matariki cluster. This cluster is associated with the anger of Tāwhirimātea, the God of wine and storms. Being furious, he tore his eyes and threw them into heaven. There, his eyes became the Matariki stars. Overall, for the Maori tribes, the stars and constellations have been beyond celestial bodies for observation. They were a mix of spirituality, science, stories, and a way of living life. So, when the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, became a Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2017, it celebrated ancestral connections and the role of the sky as a roadmap. And I visited Great Barrier Island in 2022. So, nature had its own reboot during and post the COVID-19 era. So, we could see the clearest sky. In this Great Barrier Island stargazing guide, I will talk about the best stargazing spots, stargazing tips, conservation etiquette, and more. Let’s explore the magic of the Aotea Dark Sky Sanctuary. A Deep Dive Into Māori Astronomy (Tātai Aroraki) And Legends: A Combination Of Science, Spirituality, And Culture When on the Great Barrier Island, it is important to see the stars and celestial bodies through a Maori lens. Also, during our Maori-guided stargazing tour, our guide chanted waiata, and he even used carvings (whakairo) and told stories to make the experience more interactive. He made us familiar with the key celestial figures and their Maori names. Furthermore, he explained how Maori people perceive different celestial phenomena. Major Celestial Figures And Their Significance In Maori Tradition  It is fascinating to see how Maori people connect the stars and celestial bodies with their traditional beliefs and stories.  1. Te Kahui O Kahu  The Te Kahui O Kahu constellation is the guardian of the sea and land. The stories of this constellation are important for teaching us the importance of being respectful to nature and protecting natural resources. 2. Matariki Or Pleiades Star Cluster  Matarikin is the most celebrated Māori constellation. When Matariki gets visible in the sky at dawn, it announces the arrival of the Māori New Year. It is time to gather, share stories, and plan for the year ahead for this local tribe. Also, according to traditional beliefs, the brighter the Matariki constellation shines, the better the year for harvesting and fishing.  3. Tautoru Or Orion Constellation  Tautoru symbolizes protection and power. It was significant for hunters and warriors. 4. Ngā Rā  The Milky Way or Ngā Rā is believed to be the pathway of ancestors in the Maori tradition. The ancestors use this pathway to travel between the worlds. Furthermore, in many interpretations, this is the pathway through which the spirits guide the departed souls to the afterlife. 5. Tāwhirimātea Or The Southern Cross  Tāwhirimātea is worshipped as the protector of the sea. In ancient times, the Maori sailors depended on this constellation to guide them across the Pacific Ocean. 6. Auroras Maori people worship auroras as the spirit of their loved ones or ancestors. They even think that auroras bear significant messages from the spiritual realm.  7. Bright Planets (Venus And Jupiter)  The appearance of these bright planets was associated with the everyday life of Maori people. The appearance of these planets is predictable, and that is why they are associated with timing ceremonies and navigation. Why Great Barrier Island Is A Stargazer’s Paradise?  With exciting hiking trails, pristine beaches, and an eco-conscious and off-grid lifestyle, the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is an ideal stargazing destination. With no ATMs, footpaths, or banks, the island has maintained a quiet existence. Furthermore, with low air and light pollution, the stars, the Milky Way, and other celestial bodies shine bright in the sky once the Sun goes down. In addition, around 60% of the island is protected by the Department of Conservation (DoC). So, it is home to many endemic plants, animals, and birds. So, it is also a bucket-list destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Moreover, each islander thinks of themselves as a kaitiaki or caretaker. Thus, it has successfully emerged as a zero-waste island, and biosecurity measures with designated spots for camping, hiking, and cleaning have made this island a sanctorium of sustainable practices and natural preservation. What Makes Aotea A Dark Sky Sanctuary?  The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has scientifically measured the darkness of the sky of the Great Barrier Island. The IDA further offers principles to protect the night sky through awareness and restricted lighting. "To be a Dark Sky Sanctuary, you need an mpsas [magnitude per square arc second] of 21.5, and we had an average of 21.79. Every step on that scale is twice as dark; Auckland is 18, so you can see 10 times more stars here than you can in Auckland.”  Hilde Hoven, from Good Heavens Dark Sky Experiences.  Furthermore, the darkness of the night sky of the Great Barrier Island is measured every year, and the report is sent to the International Dark Sky Association. In addition, the local people choose low-intensity lighting indoors and outdoors to adhere to the light pollution standards of the dark sky sanctuary. In addition, there are no street lights, and the entire island practices off-the-grid living to preserve it as a Dark Sky Sanctuary.  What Are The Best Stargazing Spots On Great Barrier Island, New Zealand?  The Great Barrier Island is one of the best stargazing spots in NZ. I had the most beautiful stargazing experience at Medlands Beach. However, Awana Beach and the Mount Hobson Summit are two other prominent locations for stargazing. 1. Medlands Beach  I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Good Heavens group stargazing experience on the sand dunes above Medlands Beach. We all had access to an 8-inch telescope to get up close and personal with the stars and planets. Furthermore, each of us had binoculars, and our guide used a laser light to point at the stars and planets and share their stories with us. Far from urban areas, Medlands Beach offers the best views of the night sky, and the gentle waves reflect the stars and planets. Here is a dark Sky photography guide for you if you are at Medlands Beach. You can use the contrast between the dunes and the vast sky to create a perfect composition for your picture. 2. Awana Beach  Awana Beach, one of the best beaches in Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is a natural planetarium. The shoreline here is secluded, making it even more suitable for stargazing. Offering a clear view of the southern sky, Awana Beach is the best place to see the Milky Way on the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, Awana Beach is the meeting ground of amateurs and professional astronomers. The beach gets more visitors during the following celestial and planetary activities. Planetary Alignments  Occasional Auroras  Lunar Eclipses  In addition, the tranquility of the place is ideal for experiencing stargazing as something beyond a visual spectacle. 3. Mount Hobson Summit  A hike to the Mount Hobson Summit ensures a brilliant stargazing experience. The summit is at a height of 627 meters, and thanks to the height, it is free of the atmospheric interference at the sea level or lower altitudes. Also, once you reach the summit after a walk of 2-3 hours, you will get a 360-degree view of the night sky and the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, the height allows you to observe the Orion Nebula and other deep-sky objects with binoculars. 4. Kaitoke Hot Springs Kaitoke Hot Springs fuses relaxation with a fascinating stargazing experience. Imagine you are soaking in warm sulfur water pools, and the stars are shining the brightest over your head. It is a multisensory experience, with the crisp air caressing you, the warm water offering comfort, and the night sky presenting the ultimate cosmic display. Just a small tip. You must bring a waterproof laser light to see the stars without ruining the clarity or the darkness measure. 5. Windy Canyon  Windy Canyon already has that drama on the verge of being surreal, thanks to its unique geological formation. So, stargazing here feels magical, with the canyon itself functioning as a natural observatory. The clarity of the sky is so high here that even the faintest celestial bodies become visible. In addition, the Windy Canyon is accessible for all types of visitors as the walk is short and easy. What Are The Top Stargazing Tours & Experiences?  The Good Heavens stargazing tours and experiences are the best on the Great Barrier Island. It offers the following stargazing tours on the Great Barrier Island. 1. Heavens Above - Private Dark Sky Experience  This private dark sky experience is organized at your accommodation with a telescope, hot chocolate, and bean bags arranged by Good Heavens. They can also take you to the nearby beach. The charge is $1560 for a group of 2 to 12 people, and beyond that, the price will be on request. 2. Moon Walk - Group Star Gazing Experience  Moon Walks happen for a week every month. During this time, the Moon looks the biggest in the sky, and the Milky Way is less visible. The tour charge is $130 for adults and $65 for children below 13 years. 3. Look Up And Get Lost - Group Dark Sky Experience  This is a deep sky experience, and the tour continues for 1.5 hours. The charge for this tour is $130 for adults and $65 for children under 13. How To Enjoy Dark Sky Sanctuary On Great Barrier Island Without A Tour?  Are you on an independent stargazing tour on the Great Barrier Island? Consider the following Aotea stargazing tips. 1. Checking Weather Conditions  Clear Moonless nights are the best for a stargazing experience on the Great Barrier Island. However, if you want to go for a Moonwalk, expect lesser visibility of the Milky Way and the stars. 2. Finding A Dark Sky Spot  The beaches of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, are ideal for the ultimate stargazing experience. Know the dark sky spots and drive away from urban life to see the best cosmic display. 3. Bringing The Right Gear  On guided stargazing tours, the tour operators provide binoculars, telescopes, and red laser lights. If you are on a DIY tour, you will have to carry these essentials. 4. Using Stargazing Apps And Tools  You must use stargazing tools and apps for the best stargazing experience. The best is the free NASA app, and Astrospheric is another app known for brilliant forecasting. Furthermore, you can bring a star chart to locate and identify the stars and constellations. Astrophotography Tips For Beginners  The Medlands Beach and Awana Beach are two of the best beaches for reflection shots on the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, here are some ideas about the essential equipment and camera modes for astrophotography on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.  Camera Mode Manual Aperture \(f/2.8\) or \(f/4\) ISO 3200 or 6400 Shutter Speed 15-25 Seconds Or, Divide 500 by the Focal Length of Your Lens File Format RAW or RAW + JPEG to Retain Better Color Data for Editing White Balance Manually Setting The White Balance to 4000 Kelvin Tripod Carry a Sturdy Tripod for Image Stabilization.Focus Keep Your Lens Focus to Infinity.Trigger You Can Use a Remote Trigger or Set the 2-10 Seconds Self-Timer of the Camera to Avoid Jerking while Pressing the Shutter Button.Lens Wide Lens (At least 24mm) for Full-Frame Cameras 18mm or Wider for APS-C Cameras  Seasonal Stargazing Calendar: What To See & When  Know when to watch meteor showers, the Milky Way, and Aurora Australis in the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.  Season / Months Meteor Showers (Peak Dates) Milky Way Core Visibility Aurora Australis Chances Summer (December–February)• Geminids – Dec 13–14 (best annual shower) • Ursids – December 22• Quadrantids – January 3–4 (short, intense) • Early Morning Visibility• Low on Horizon before Dawn The chances of Aurora Australis visibility are low as geomagnetic activity is subdued; occasional events only during strong solar storms.Autumn (March to May) • Lyrids – April 22–23 • Eta Aquariids – May 5–6• Core Visibility from 2 AM to 5 AM There are moderate chances of seeing the Aurora Australis. As the nights grow longer, the chances become higher, and equinox-related geomagnetic boosts the visibility chances.Winter (June to August) • Bootids – June 27 (variable)• Southern Delta Aquariids – July 28–30• It is the Best Season for Milky Way Photography.• You Can See the Core for Most of the Night. These months offer high chances of seeing the Aurora Australis due to high solar wind and longer nights. The chances of seeing the Aurora increase after the Equinox.Spring (September to November) • Draconids – October 8th • Orionids – October 21–22 • Leonids – November 17th–18th• The Core Visibility Becomes Less in this Season.The September equinox gives strong geomagnetic activity. So, this season offers moderate to high chances for Aurora visibility. Stargazing-Friendly Accommodation & Camping  Camping on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is the best option for stargazing. There are Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites such as Medlands Beach, Akapoua Bay, Harataonga, Awana Beach, The Green, and Whangapoua. In addition, Stay High Island Camping Co. and the Great Barrier Island Campground are two privately-owned campgrounds on the Great Barrier Island. Furthermore, stargazing tour providers, such as Good Heavens, can offer all-inclusive packages, including eco-friendly accommodations such as XSPOT Cliff House.  Beach Etiquette & Conservation For Night Sky Lovers  When you listen to the Maori stories about stars and celestial bodies, you have to respect their tradition. Be sensible, as the stories are a part of their value system and spiritual beliefs carried through generations. Our guide asked us to remain quiet during storytelling and participate in some cultural traditions. The more respectful you are toward their culture, the more enriching your experience will be. In addition, you have to abide by the light pollution rules and wildlife protection norms. 1. Light Pollution Rules  Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. So, the protection of the dark sky is very important. So, you have to avoid using bright lights, and even if you need to use light for safety, keep the intensity low. Furthermore, you need to allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness of the sky. Slowly, you will also discover the faint stars. You can use a red laser light and binoculars to enhance the stargazing experience on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. 2. Wildlife Protection  Stargazing goes hand in hand with the wildlife tours on the Great Barrier Island. The sound of black petrels kept us alert during our entire stargazing experience on Medlands Beach. To protect the wildlife on and around your stargazing location, you must avoid feeding the animals and birds. Maintain a safe distance and remain on the marked routes to avoid disturbing their habitats and soil transfer. Furthermore, do not trespass on any private property, and you must not leave any litter behind. Adventure Add-Ons: Glowworms, Hot Springs & Night Kayaking  You can combine the stargazing experience on the Great Barrier Island with night kayaking at the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. As you kayak, you will notice the water of the Great Barrier Island transforming into a surreal landscape. Furthermore, if you are on the Great Barrier Island around February-March, you will see bioluminescence in the water on warm and calmer days. In addition, taking a bath in the Kaitoke Hot Springs after sunset is an experience that you will remeber for the rest of your life. Final Tips For Your Aotea Stargazing Adventure  You need to have some knowledge about the moon phase if you want to enjoy stargazing on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. The New Moon or the Crescent Moon is the ideal day for observing the night sky. Also, even in the summer months, the temperature drops drastically after sundown. So, you will have to wear layered clothes.  Moreover, keep flashlights dimmed or the brightness of your phone screen low to avoid light pollution.