Unique Things To Do In Phoenix: Enjoying The Sun And Warmth Year Round (Approved By A Local Travel Expert)

BY  Nabamita Jan 5, 2023

If you are planning an upcoming vacation to Mexico, then you must visit Tolantoongo, which is a box canyon, which is in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The canyon is 1.5 hours of northwest, Pachuca, and about 198 km which is about four hours from Mexico City.  So if you wanna know more about this exceptional natural escape with beautiful hot water springs and natural pools and rivers with caves. To know more details about the Grutas de Tolantongo, then keep on scrolling down.  How Will You Reach The Las Grutas De Tolantongo? With diverse natural resources, Mexico is a haven for visitors and travelers. The Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a natural system of grottoes and caves. The beautiful water flows from the Grottos to the river of Tolantongo, which flows through the hot springs, which act like swimming pools like natural pools.  If you don’t know what a grotto is, then it is a type of cave that is naturally made underground and flows through for thousands of years. Rainwater could easily seep down piercing calcareous rocks, which dissolved them.  Then the result that formed was a mesmerizing aquatic heaven with rivers, waterfalls, and even hot springs, that became Tolantongo.  How To Reach Las Grutas De Tolantongo? Now that you know where this aquatic heaven is, you should be able to reach the place easily, as there are many options you can avail to reach the place. Here are the options you can select from.  1. Renting A Car Service One of the most popular choices of transportation from Mexico City to la Grutas de Tolantongo. Although a car service can be expensive, it is still one of the expensive options. So if you have a hefty budget, then you can easily avail of a car service. Well if you love a long stretch of road, then you will love the surrounding atmosphere while traveling.  2. Take The Bus One of the cheapest forms of transportation is the bus service. The bus is public transportation that any tourist can avail of. The easiest way for you to get a bus service is through Mexico Terminal TAPO.  From the ADO bus service, you can reach Pachuca. The journey is a 2 hours journey by bus, although the buses run every 3 hours, then plan your timing accordingly.  You would have to take a bus again till Ixmiquilpan, the bus is about 2 hours journey which runs about five times a day. Then from Ixmiquipan, it is about a 14 minutes walk, from where you can get a bus to Tolantongo.  The bus journey is very jarring and tiring and it might take you 6 hours to complete the whole journey. And it will cost you about $12 to about $22. Since this method is so tiring and long, it is not recommended for tourists, as it would take them a whole day.  3. Join A Tour Group Another possible transportation you can get to Las Grutas de Tolantongo is by organizing to join a tour group. If you are staying in Mexico City, for a few days, then the easiest way of traveling to Grutas de Tolantonga is with a tour group.  What Are The Things To Do In Las Grutas De Tolantongo? Upon reaching Grutas de tolantongo, there are a lot of places you can do there, and a few of these things that you can do. The area is divided between two areas, which are La Gruta Zone and El Paraiso Escondido.  1. Tolantongo Hot Springs (El Paraiso Zone) The hot springs of Tolantongo in the El Paraiso Zone are known as a stunning sight to see. There is a variety of hot springs, present here are mostly infinite pools, built on the side of grottos, cliffs, and swimming pools.  The temperature is somewhere around 96F and 100F. The hot springs were very relaxing and very popular, which have people flock there for this relaxing activity, so having a swimsuit with yourself is a must if you wanna go to the hot springs. Read More: Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter 2. Tolantongo Cave & Tunnel (La Gruta) There are beautiful dark and wet caves and tunnels that you can visit and explore by yourself. Since the walls of the caves and tunnels are wet, you should carry water shoes, to avoid slipping. You can also go swimming in the pools in the caves, where you will find beautiful waterfalls.  3. Tolantongo River (La Gruta) All of you who want to stay overnight at Tolantongo would mostly camp out near the Tolantongo river. The blue and warm Tolantongo river is a beautiful place to camp. There is more open space for people to gather and enjoy themselves.  Read More: 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas 4. Suspension Bridge (El Paraiso) One of the famous places of Tolantongo is the swing bridge which allows visitors a beautiful and luscious green environment.  The suspension bridge is an attractive tourist destination when you are visiting Grutas de Tolantongo. You should remember to wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking for a while.  5. Zipline (El Paraiso) If you are an adrenaline junky and love adventure sports, then you are going to love Ziplining through the greenery of Tolantongo. Although it is not free, the price for ziplining is not as much, only about $10.  Wrapping Up! Now that you know that Grutas de Tolantongo is a beautiful place state in Mexico. Then if you are visiting there you will find a comfortable grutas de tolantongo hotel. Or if you are staying there only for a night, then camping is the best option.  So if you think this article helped you in knowing more about grutas de tolantongo, then give your own article a like and comment down below. Read Also: Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations! 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

BY  Sibashree Jan 18, 2025

Greenfield just had a brilliant holiday season, and it welcomed the ice skating rink on the Courthouse Plaza. But adventure or fun outdoor activity is something that Greenfield has always been famous for.  Whenever you consider the things to do in Greenfield Indiana, you will find a lot of beer tasting, food tours, and exploring the art scene. Furthermore, it is one of the fastest-growing suburbs of downtown Indiana.  Moreover, it is home to Eloise Greenfield, the famous American author of children’s books, and it has the boyhood home of James Whitcomb Riley. You can even enjoy your food in a grain elevator, which is 100 years old, or chase the turtles. Also, you will love the apple-picking or farming experience here.  Again, hiking the natural trails is one of the best things to do in Greenfield Indiana. So, are you ready for a Greenfield tour? Here’s our Tour and Travel guide.  Unique Things To Do In Greenfield Indiana | It’s Time To Explore And Relax The unique things to do in Greenfield Indiana will inspire you to rekindle new hobbies. You may grow a habit of baking apple pies or doughnuts after a farming experience at Tuttle Orchards.  You may even grow an elevated taste of coffee after tasting the best vanilla latte and muffin at The Green Bean on Washington Street. Moreover, you can reserve a table at The Green Bean by calling (317) 434-5973.  Furthermore, if you are an aware traveler, you will always find how the business community grows in Greenfield Indiana.  So, on the one hand, you have unique things to do in Greenfield Indiana, like chasing the turtles. On the other hand, you will notice how it is moving toward the future as the fastest-growing hub of Indiana.  Plan a trip to Greenfield, Indiana, around September or October to explore the town at its best.  1. Exploring The Pennsy Trail The Pennsy Trail is an old railway track that has been transformed into a recreational trail. It starts from East Greenfield, follows US 40, and continues toward the city’s West Edge. Here, the trail has a break of around 2.5 miles and from the break, the trail continues again.  As you explore the trail, you will find famous landmarks like: Indianapolis Zoo Irvington Cumberland Along with hiking, you can also bike and run along the trail. It is even ideal for a walk with your pets.  Moreover, on the way, you will come across many murals, sculptures and paintings that depict the history and culture of the city. They also make you familiar with Kakuda, Japan, the sister city of Greenfield.  As you reach Depot Street Park, you will find lush greenery, making you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. During the summertime, you will find the summer concerts filling your ears. 2. Apple Picking At Tuttle Orchards https://www.instagram.com/p/DACewoWsIel/?img_index=1 Address: 5717 N 300 W, Greenfield, Indiana Contact Number: +1 317-326-2278 Hours Open: 9 AM to 6 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry: Free Tuttle Orchards is a little outside Greenfield. Spanning over 200 acres, Tuttle Orchards is home to apple trees of over 30 varieties. This place is also famous for growing pumpkins and other vegetables.  In addition, the 10000 square foot greenhouse here is famous for growing a wide range of vegetables and flowers. Plucking fresh apples from the trees is the most exciting activity at Tuttle Orchards.  Further, on some days, kids can have a lot of fun here at the Tractor Town Adventure Farm. This play area is developed with a country theme and it has mazes and sliders.  Once you are done plucking apples, you can collect the fresh produce from the farmhouse. At the cafe here, you can taste the best coffee and delicacies made using fresh produce from the ground.  Moreover, you can collect award-winning apple cider from here, and the doughnuts here are yummy!  3. Drinking Local Craft Beer At Wooden Bear Brewing https://www.instagram.com/p/CxOeyM2O4fb/ Address: 21 W North Street, Greenfield Contact: +1 317-318-1803 Greenfield is a great place for tasting craft beer. Wooden Bear Brewing, a local brewery, is the best place to visit for the same. It is the winner of the gold medal for the Russian Imperial Stout.  Other craft beer varieties you will find here are: Fruited ales Ambers IPAs This craft beer joint also has a kid-friendly environment. Watching turtle racing here is one of the most unique things to do in Greenfield Indiana. Further, this place has trivia competitions, painting days, bingo nights, and many events frequently.  Overall, it is a great place to relish craft beer. 4. Visit The Boyhood Home Of James Whitcomb Riley Address: 250 W Main Street, Greenfield, Indiana Contact Number: +1 317-462-8539 Hours Open: 11 AM to 4 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry Fee: $4.00 for adults, $1.50 for 6-17-year-old children, $3.50 for seniors, $1 for students (Free for Children Aged Below 6) Hoosier Poet, or James Whitcomb Riley, is a prominent name in the literary scene of Greenfield. He got this name because he presented the essence of the Hoosier dialect through his work.  So, his childhood home in Greenfield is a popular attraction in the town. The boyhood home also has a museum that displays the author's life and accomplishments. You can even find the work of Will Vawter, a contemporary of James Whitcomb Riley, here.  5. Having The Best Coffee At Greenfield, Indiana https://www.instagram.com/p/CjvHOhJOcNM/ If you are a coffeeholic, Greenfield will spoil you for sure. Further, in places like Hitherto Coffee (Contact No: (317) 318-9782), your favorite drink tastes even more refreshing with your favorite gaming experience.  Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour at 1558 N State Street Greenfield is a brilliant example of farm-to-pot practice. For example, the vanilla syrup they use in the coffee is made from fresh vanilla beans.  You will also find here quick bites like flatbread pizzas and pastries. In addition, the variety of ice creams and pies is brilliant here.  Now, about the gaming experience, you can play the classic UNO or Clue Game. However, the biggest attraction is The Godfather. It’s a wonderful fusion of Mafia and Monopoly.  6. Have The Best Burger Bite At Greenfield Greenfield serves awesome burgers. However, you will love the burger even more when you have it at the Depot Restaurant. It’s located at 240 W Mill Street, Greenfield, and the contact number is +1 317-477-3942.  The restaurant building has a height of over 100 feet and was once a food grain elevator in the city.  Further, it is the second-tallest building in the city. The grain elevator built it 1906 was renovated as a restaurant and opened in 2021. Today, it can accommodate 100s of guests on its two floors.  The restaurant's interior is old-world, with wooden pillars and seed sacks still there. Moreover, you will have the best American smashed burgers here. The Angus smashed beef burgers, especially, are out of the world.  You can try the applewood smoked bacon, coleslaw, and BBQ brisket. You will also love the sandwiches and wraps here.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Singapore is one of the top countries in dark tourism if you consider the market growth rate. The country, known as the “Asia Light,” was a British colony, and for them, it became a strategic commercial point. With British rule established here, it became a land of trade, fortification, and military activities. Further, in 1941, Singapore was hit by Japanese attacks. Remember, it was coordinated with the attack of Japan on Pearl Harbor. However, the British rule and the Japanese attacks are just the tip of the iceberg if you look at Singapore's war-trodden and complex political history.  Thus, you will find many sites in Singapore that tell the tales of tragic human incidents. Even if all the places for dark tourism in Singapore are not related to death, there is something mysterious or “somber” about them.  Moreover, the dark tourism sites in Singapore are the places to familiarize oneself with the history of the country, its political landscape, and human stories. THESE Are The Best Destinations For Dark Tourism In Singapore  Most sites for dark tourism in Singapore are related to WWII and Imperial Japanese attacks. Despite being a center of British fortification, it failed to protect itself from those ravages. Let’s explore the places that present Singapore when it was a British Colony fighting against Japanese invasions.  Kranji War Memorial Kranji War Memorial is a place to honor the people of the Commonwealth who died in World War II. It is heart-wrenching to see the names of the allies on the walls of the Kranji War Memorial. Can you believe that there are inscriptions of 24000 allies whose bodies were never found? Further, it is the burial of more than 4000 people who died in the Second World War.  At Kranji War Memorial, you must visit the following spots to remember the brave and lost souls.  War Graves Memorial Walls Singapore Wall State Cemetery Military Graves Singapore Civil Hospital Grave Memorial The Singapore Memorial is the highest point of this cemetery. This iconic structure has soldiers standing in attention, a plane’s wings, and the fin of a submarine.  Choa Chu Kang Cemetery | Another Dark Tourism Site Near The Kranji War Memorial  After exploring the Kranji War Memorial, you can bring out your adventurous spirit. The Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is less than 20 Kms away from the Kranji War Memorial.  The architecture of the cemetery has an eerie appeal. Further, passers-by from the area have often reported seeing women trying to board their cars.  In addition, many cab drivers have carried passengers to the cemetery. However, these passengers suddenly vanished into the air.  Pasir Ris Tower: A Ghost Tourism Site Near The Kranji War Memorial  Pasir Ris Tower, also known as the Suicide Tower, is one of the most haunted places in Singapore. According to stories, a boy with the special power to see spirits saw a person at the top of the tower. He climbed up the tower but got pushed down by someone. Even today, anyone approaching the tower has a strange feeling. The fear is so intense here that people have stopped exploring or ghost hunting.  Changi Chapel & Museum Changi Chapel & Museum is one of the best spots for dark tourism in Singapore because of its educational value. This educational center passes on the heroic stories of Changi that occurred during the Japanese occupation of the country. Further, the Changi Museum is dedicated to people who lived and died in the Changi prison during World War II.  Moreover, the Changi Chapel took inspiration from St George’s Church in its architecture. The prisoners of war (POWs) worked to furnish the church.  The Changi Chapel and Museum has a guide on wheels. Temi is a robot with the knowledge and information to help visitors navigate the museum and learn about the exhibits.  Changi, A Hub Of Dark Tourism In Singapore  Dark tourism is not just about places of tragic human history. Ghost tourism is an important category of dark tourism. When in Changi, you will come across some of the most haunted places in Singapore.  So, are you ready to walk into the shadows? Old Changi Hospital  The Old Changi Hospital was constructed for the treatment of British soldiers. However, under the Japanese troops, it became the house of the prisoners of war.  You can still hear the screams of these prisoners when you are near this hospital.  Changi Old Beach House The Changi Old Beach House is the site where the Sook Ching Massacre took place. Many visitors to this house have experienced screams, and they have seen blood stains on the walls.  Also, many have claimed to see violent paranormal activities at Changi Old Beach House.  The Battle Box The Battle Box was a British underground command center located at Fort Canning Hill. It functioned as a part of the Malaya Command headquarters. Further, the Malaya Command headquarters defended Singapore and Malaya during World War II. The site was restored in 2016. Further, it is a site that speaks about the true reasons behind the fall of Singapore during World War II. So, it is an important educational and tourist destination in Singapore today. Lieutenant-General Arthur E. Percival and Allied Forces decided to surrender to the Japanese Forces at The Battle Box. The surrender happened on 15th February 1942.  Haw Par Villa For me, Haw Par Villa is one of the scariest sites I have visited. According to Chinese mythology, there are ten hells, and Haw Par Villa mimics them.  However, the scariest thing about Haw Par Villa is that you can hear screams from this area at night. Also, many people believe that the statues here are real human beings covered in wax. Further, the local people call it one of the doors of hell.  Even if you are not up for its haunted story, you can visit this site to see the 1000 statues and dioramas. These structures are the best displays of Asian craftsmanship. Further, the stories of 10 hells presented here are the fusion of various Oriental beliefs and philosophies like Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism.  Haw Par Villa, or the ten courts of hell, are “the result of the mixing of four different religions and philosophies: Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Confucianism.”Eisen Teo, the chief curator of Hell’s Museum Fort Siloso Fort Siloso gets its name from the Malayan word Siloso, meaning rock. It is the only coastal fort in Singapore and has played a significant role in the country’s defense. This fort has an on-site military museum filled with the memorabilia of World War II.  The most striking elements of the museum are tunnels, fortified military structures, interactive video documentaries, and wax figures. The wax statues at the Surrender Chambers depict British and Japanese soldiers.  Reflections At Bukit Chandu https://www.instagram.com/p/CgB2RnvOoDU/ Reflections At Bukit Chandu is an interpretative center for dark tourism in Singapore for educational and historical purposes.  Today, the Reflections at Bukit Chandu tell the tales of the Battle of Pasir Panjang in 1942. The Battle Point 226 here is a testament to how the Malay Regiment stood against the Japanese troops.  Malay Regiment began its journey only with a recruit of 25 people in 1933. Within 10 years, this “experimental company” was strong enough to combat the Imperial Japanese forces.  The Japanese killed a hundred men from the Malay Regiment, and a few more were butchered as they refused to take off their uniforms during the surrender of Singapore.  Reflections At Bukit Chandu commemorates and presents the sacrifice of the men in the Malay Regiment as they lived up to the “Ta'at Setia,” or “Faithful and true” motto.  You must explore the following collectibles at Reflections At Bukit Chandu. British .303-inch projectiles The entrenching set of the British Army Personal kit used by the British Army Bronze bust of Lieutenant Adnan Saidi Marseille roof tile Sculpture depicting the Malay Regiment You will find many publications on World War II at the visitor shop here. Moreover, don’t forget to read the poetry by Edwin Thumboo and Noorhaqmal Mohamed Noor to reflect upon the bravery of the Malay Regiment.  That’s it! Enjoy dark tourism in Singapore and explore various aspects of the country’s history. These places are beyond local or national importance as they are testaments to World War II, triggering human tragedy all over the world.  After you are done with your dark tourism in terest in Singapore, it is time for you to check some other opportunities at that place. For instance, consider tax consultancy services for all your tax requirements on a business trip in Singapore. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]