7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg

BY  Ankita Dec 15, 2021

Do you love to spend your entire day in nature and walk through a heavenly road, far from the crowd and pollution? Do not wait to visit the national parks in Georgia. Georgia is a fine meeting point between Asia and Europe. A green patch in the Caucasus or Caucasia mountain. It is situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. As a natural tourist destination, the Georgia state parks have all the beauty from the sea and mountain ranges. Georgia’s mixed culture of the place and the panoramic view from the mountains makes the place a unique travel destination. These national parks in Georgia are the specialty of Georgia. Each of the parks has a unique ambiance. The natural cave, natural lakes, mountains, and waterfalls create a very special experience for travelers. 6 Marvelous National Parks In Georgia All the Georgia state parks are budget-friendly. And when you want to feel Georgia’s incredible natural beauty. You must enter the name of these national parks in your travel list of Georgia. For the short ten-day tour, these six Georgia national parks are quite pocket-friendly destinations. Here are the six lists of national parks in Georgia. 1. Machakhela National Park Are you searching for a good natural hiking park in Georgia? Machakhela national parks in Georgia camping are very popular among the locals and the tourists. This park is only 25 km away from Batumi.  This park is especially facilitated by the camping and hiking facility. The place is a unique campaign park for teenagers and children: the Angelo Mountain spectacular views and the River Machakhela gorgeous delta are the best-suited for an education campaign. This virgin forest of oaks, beech, chestnut are great places for campaign and hiking. Pick any walking trails to explore the area. And get a unique experience. 2. Tusheti National Park Caucasus ranges are all gorgeous and have stunning beauty. When you are in Georgia, the scenic beauty of pristine alpine lakes and Caucasus ranges has different kinds of travel experiences. You can feel the explore the place with vehicles and hiking trails stretching over the area.  You can feel the Caucasus mountain’s range of unique scenic beauty when you are walking through the hiking trails. All the national parks in Georgia are popular because of their amazing beauty. The virgin ranges are pretty popular among the tourists because of their calm and quiet ambiance. Most of the tourists are exploring the place by horseback or on driving trails by car. But walking or horseback is the correct way to enjoy the solitude of nature. These ranges have some popular heritage destinations. The village of the ranges is carrying the glorious impression of the past. 3. Mtirala National Park Batumi is a trendy starting point. When you are in Batumi, all the national parks are not far away from this place. If you are going to ask my opinion, I would rather say if I did not visit this place, I would miss the most beautiful one in Georgia. This is the best national park in Georgia, only 30 km Away from Batumi. The heaven on earth. Small piece of dense forest with uniquely diverse flora and fauna. You only have to take a short walk to reach the middle part of the park. Where a very pretty lake is present with a small high cascading waterfall.  The best part of exploring is you can go camping beside the lake. But you have to take a conscious step to keep the place clean to preserve the beauty of nature. Read Also: Best National Parks In Hawaii 4. Kolkheti National Park Among all Georgia state parks, Kolkheti national park is famous for bird watching. The Kalakshetra pheasant bird is the natural habitat of this place. The Tikori and Suspa river is the best place to see the different types of bird activity.  Many wetlands are present on these two river banks. And this place is becoming the perfect hangout spot for migratory birds. In this single park, you can spot almost 194 different types of species of migratory birds.  Pilastomi and Pichori river is the best tourist spot for tourists. This park has all facilities for bird watching like the bird watching towers. You can spend your entire day fishing and just pass your leisure time on a boat. 5. Kazbegi National Park Kazbegi national park is another excellent choice for hikers who love to see the mountain view from the high. This park is situated in the Caucasus ranges. This range is remote and a little bit dry. But from the Kazbegi national park, you can view different types of rare birds collection. From the Kazbegi national park, the nearer mountain village trails are the biggest attraction of the place. This park lies under the northeastern part of Georgia.  The Sameba temple and Sioni basilica are the most prominent tourist attractions of the park. The local villages welcome the tourists with friendly gestures offering them food and wine. Read Also: 7 Best National Parks In Ohio 6. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Borjomi national park is also a great attraction of the Caucasus mountain range. This park is entirely professionally developed for hiking and adventure walking. The best part of the park is this park has well-organized multiple hiking trails.  When you just want to enjoy your day by walking through these magical roots, pick any trails among the available 12 hiking trails. And go towards the peek. You will find many Borjomi & Kharagauli National Park photos on socials and they will make you more interested in the national park. This is why most national and international tourists prefer this park among all the Caucasus national parks in Georgia.  You will get multiple options for the camping sites, and all the places are quite comfortable for the tourists and hikers. The scenic beauty of the place is so pleasant you can take the tour and enjoy the views of Georgia’s finest hiking national park. What Is The Most Visited State Park In Georgia? Stone Mountain Park is considered to be the most visited among the Georgia State National Parks. The state park is located just 15 miles away from Atlanta.  In its appeal, this park is no less than the national parks in Georgia state. Further, for the young at heart tourists, this is an elevated form of a theme park. Overall, it is a melting pot of local history, natural beauty, and theme park thrills.  Exploring Nature At Its Best At Stone Mountain Park, Georgia The 3200-acre area of Stone Mountain Park will allow you to get lost in the wilderness. Hiking is the best way to explore the area and be familiar with the unique geology and ecology.  Further, the park houses a museum, where interactive exhibits make you familiar with the natural history of the area.  Camping At Stone Mountain Park, Georgia If you want to know the Stone Mountain Park, you must choose camping as an accommodation option. The Stone Mountain Family Campground will allow you to be in contact with nature in the metro Atlanta area.  The campground has 441 wooded campsites with amenities like electricity and water. Along with tents, you can also go for popups and motorhomes.  Moreover, amenities at these campsites include: Wireless Internet Connections (Selected Sites) Volleyball Swimming Pool Supply Store Playground Comfort Stations Full Showers Laundry Facilities The location of Stone Mountain Park is 4003 Stonewall Jackson Dr. Stone Mountain GA 30083. You can get in touch with the park at (770) 498-5710.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the most visited state park in Georgia? A: Stone Mountain Park is considered to be the most visited state park in Georgia. The state park is located just 15 miles away from Atlanta.  Q2: What is the oldest state park in Georgia? A: The park system of the US state of Georgia was discovered in 1931 with India sPOring Stae Park, therefore it is the oldest state park in Georgia as it was being looked after by the public park since 1825.  Q3: Can we still hike in Georgia? A: If you really like the outdoors then the indoors, are good for you as Georgia offers 600 miles of hiking trails. Every bend holds a surprise for you.  4: What is the tallest waterfall in Georgia? A: Amicalola Falls state park has the tallest waterfall, in Georgia. It is 729 feet tall and is located in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. The park is considered to be the best spot for an adventure with family and friends.  Wrapping It Up: Among all national parks in Georgia, these are the top picks of parks from travelers. The magical, heavenly mountain trails, cascade waterfall, and little dense forest are the biggest attractions of the place. The mixed culture of the nearest villages and the unique history of the place is the area’s biggest attraction. Do not forget to share your traveling experiences with us. You May Also Like:  Things To Do In Maryland Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts

BY  Sibashree Mar 21, 2025

Nepal, a land of majestic peaks and fresh natural air is a dream destination for Trekkers around the World. Nepal holds the world's most prominent mountains and provides lasting trekkers with refreshing journeys through forests, tri-level fields, and snow-covered paths across its varied natural landscapes.  Nepal's many short trek routes like EBC, ABC, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, let's all adventurous explore nature and culture in no amount of days. These five enjoyable Nepal treks below provide an excellent hiking experience over  just the time of two weeks.  1. Everest Base Camp Trek No journey can compare to the allure of Everest Base Camp Trek, one of Earth's most attractive hiking trails. As you travel up on this famous Moderate to Challenging difficulty level trail towards the heart of Khumbu, each step brings you closer to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. After landing in Lukla, travelers penetrate the Sherpa towns and dense rhododendron forests prior to crossing high altitude, glacier areas. As we move forward, Hikers reach Namche Bazaar, a lively mountain settlement with its delightful sights of prayer flags and teasing Everest views alongside Lhotse and Ama Dablam.  After this segment, the trail goes to Tengboche Monastery which preserves an old Buddhist heritage offering amazing views of Himalayan peaks. Starting the journey to Everest Base Camp tests your strength but promises you an icy and memorable encounter with High Mountain wilderness that carves into your memory. The Everest Base Camp trek runs for as little as a 12 day period even despite its steep environment and altitude. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) represent ideal times for this trek as the stable weather in this time frame lets you see the mountains in their best light. If you want to skip some days to get aerial view of the Himalayas, you can take Everest Helicopter Tour which gives you 30 minute of stunning mountain views including the Everest. 2. Annapurna Circuit Trek The Annapurna Circuit route leads trekkers across Nepal's diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests bottoms then high-elevation meadows then ending at the edge of the Himalayan range. The route circles Annapurna Massif, offering awe-spiring views of peaks like Annapurna Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. The highlight of the trek is one of the world's highest trekking passes, Thorong La Pass (5,416m). The ascent here is tough, but despite the steep climb people reach the top feeling proud, enjoying breathtaking views across the horizon. While walking along the trails, hikers discover villages influenced of  Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions blended, experiencing the warmth of the Gurung’s, Thakali, and Manang communities. Let’s not forget about Tatopani's natural hot springs. A dip here makes People experience relief from their tired muscles prior to heading to Poon Hill to witness one of the world's stunning sunrises over the Himalayas. This trek can be as long as 30 days, but we also have a 13 days route for this moderate to challenging Circuit trek. Advisable time periods would be March to May and September to November for an experience that is undisturbed by nature. 3. Manaslu Circuit Trek If you want to explore more remote and undisturbed trekking trails the Manaslu Circuit trek package stands out as a preferred route. The trek routes of the eight highest peaks in the World, Mount Manaslu (8163 meters) guides travelers through glacier rivers and scenic high-altitude passes. Unlike Everest and Annapurna, The Manaslu trail stands apart for it’s uncrowded and peaceful nature providing hikers perfect space for immersion in Nepal's unspoiled nature. The path follows original paths used by salt traders taking you through small Tibetan villages that have stayed true to their traditional ways since time immemorial. The most hard but fulfilling part is Passing through Larkya La La (5,106 meters) that requires physical fitness and endurance which results in incredible mountain views of Manaslu, Hiking Himal and neighboring peaks.  Trekkers find supreme enjoyment on the challenging Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need 14 days to complete this adventure and the advisable time period which offers optimal conditions would be from March to May and September to November. 4. Upper Mustang Trek This moderately difficult Upper Mustang Trek leads adventurers to Nepal's hidden land where trekkers encounter a stark contrast to Nepal's typical lush hillside regions. Also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”, Mustang exists below the Annapurna range rain shadow, creating a beautiful desert-like landscape with deep canyons, eroded cliffs, and ancient caves. This trek feels like stepping in the past. This Ancient Tibetan territory holds centuries of Buddhist culture. Its many old monasteries, chorten temples, and traditional brick houses line its landscape. The walled fortress of Lo Manthang shows its whitewashed houses and royal palaces beside colorful fluttering prayer flags. The distinct features of this destination go beyond its special landscape. Mustang stayed hidden to foreign visitors until 1992, when they finally opened it to the public. The trek generally takes 14 days. The best experience would be between spring and autumn months, when the skies are clever and the weather dances mild. 5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek When seeking a quick but dazzling hiking adventure, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek represents an excellent choice.  In 14 days this trek brings trekkers deep into Annapurna Sanctuary, where a glacial amphitheater hosts Annapurna's peaks, including its main summit and four surrounding giants, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli. The Annapurna region's lower slopes start with trails that run through cultivated fields, passing bamboo patches and traditional Gurung communities. Before the final ascent to the Annapurna Base Camp, hikers often stop to visit the Jhinu Danda for its natural hot springs.  This Moderate difficulty trek is indeed a little tough, but the 360-panorama view you'll get from here, that makes it all worth it.  The road to Annapurna Base Camp frequently links to Poon Hill, where trekkers enjoy the sunrise views above Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek is suitable for both intermediate and advanced walkers. To make the Hike even more memorable, advised seasons to visit would be Spring and autumn. Final Say No other nations on earth have trekking routes that match the legacy of the Himalayan routes of Nepal. Whether you dream of the mighty Everest Base Camp, wish to explore the hidden routes and valleys of Mount Manaslu and Upper Mustang, or want to dive into the rich culture of Annapurna region. There's a trek for it all. All these treks mentioned are perfect for the time saving Travelers who want an unforgettable Himalayan exploration during their brief vacations. Each one can be completed within two weeks. A short adventure that leaves a long and lasting impact on your memorial lane.

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]