Making The Most Of The Gold Coast’s Whale Watching Season

BY  Anindita Dey Mar 29, 2025

With the beautiful Spanish culture spread across Manila, there are a lot of places to visit. There are a lot of things to do in Manila which I will highlight in this blog so that you can plan your trip accordingly.   Starting from contemporary museums to art scene, the place is the home of the oldest Chinatown across the world. Let me share with you several elements that will help you explore the place, both the old and the new.   I think Manila is one of the best places to visit in February especially because the weather is dry and pleasant. You can easily explore the city during this time.   Read All About Things to Do in Manila!   If you are wondering about the things to do in Manila, let me share with you some of the coolest places to visit. The nightlife is good here, but I am more of a museum and art scene girlie. It is the home of several parks and museums that will express history to you.   Several elements will make you feel that you have come to a previous era. Additionally, several places offer entertainment and fun to people of all ages.    Rizal Park   A beautiful park, open from Monday to Sunday. It is mostly open from 5 am to 10 am and 11 am to 8 pm. When you visit the park, entry is completely free. There are several gardens, laws, and other outdoor events organized across the 57-hectare park.   There is also a statue of hero Jose Rizal, commemorating him, and the name of the park is given. The hero has contributed to the wellbeing of the city hence, you get to see a lot of him and his commemoration in and around the city and places to visit.   There are a lot of places where you can go shopping once you explore the city. Henceforth, if you are traveling alone, carry the best travel credit card you possess.   Fort Santiago   It is a landmark in Manila which is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 11 pm. The place is a defensive fortress which has a museum exhibiting many arts and sculptures. The national hero, Jose Rizal is commemorated through the exhibits of the museum.   In 1571, the Spanish governor and navigator, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi built the castle or the citadel. The city of Manila was newly established by then and is currently one of the oldest fortifications.   National Museum of Fine Arts   A massive museum, the place is a collection of fine art, botany, natural history and archaeology related to Filipino culture. The museum is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm.   As the home of 29 galleries and exhibitions in the hallway, it comprises national artists and Filipo masters of the 19th century.   San Agustin Church   A beautiful place to visit, this historic place was constructed in the 16th century. The San Agustin Church is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. The ceilings are vaulted while the church exhibits detailed frescoes.   It is a Roman Catholic church which is located in the intricate walled city of Intramuros in Manila. The church functions under the auspices of the Order of Saint Augustine. Furthermore, when you visit you get to see Baroque art in the church.   Manila Ocean Park   More of an aquarium if you ask me, the Manila Ocean Park is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The theme park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. and it has evolved into the perfect holiday destination for tourists.   It is an aquatic theme park which you will have both fun and knowledge when you check it out. Additionally, it is a perfect place for you, if you are traveling with your kids. It is one of the best places to travel with kids.   It is also an educational facility that features live shows, an oceanarium, and hands-on activities. There are all-star Bird shows, Sea lion shows and many more giving you the perfect experience and offering you the thrill of the ocean.   Intramuros   The meaning of the term, Intramuros, is the “Walled City” which is the oldest district in Manila. It looks like a fortified city which was one of the most important places for Spanish governor during earlier times of colonial times.   If you are a lover of history, this is the place for you. The culture of the place has been heavily influenced by the colonial rule and the impact it has on ordinary people.    Paco Park   An urban park which offers you serenity when you visit it between 6 am to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday. The park has been developed on a cemetery site which is walled of course. There are shaded paths for people to walk along with areas dedicated for gardens.   The cemetery is under the maintenance of municipality, and it was built by the Dominicans. During the Spanish colonial period, it was built and filled within it are interred remains of city figures.   Ayala Museum   https://www.instagram.com/p/DGpqNWWTrLn/?img_index=4 Another amazing museum that you must visit if you are going on a trip to Manila is Ayala Museum. It is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum has a modern touch exhibiting Filipino archeological exhibits.   Starting from history to modern and cultural artifacts and exhibits are available here. There is also a research library that is quite important for you if you are writing a research paper on the history of Spanish colonial period.   The place is run by the Ayala Foundation privately. It houses several ethnographic, archaeological and cultural exhibits and art. You will be fascinated to know that the place exhibits the Surigao treasure of the indigenous tribe?   Arroceros Forest Park   Another urban park that you must visit is Arroceros Forest Park as things to do in Manila. There are a wide variety of plants and trees in the park along with a riverside walkway and a fishpond! A perfect combination of nature and modern practices will enhance your overall experience.   The park is open for you to visit from Sunday to Monday from 8 am to 5 pm. The lush green forest is filled with greenery. Did you know this place is also known as “Last Lung of Manila”? Spread across 2.2 hectares, the park is a home of many flora and fauna species.   Casa Manila   The Casa Manila is a house that now serves as a museum which is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm. The house was built in the 1850s and is not restored to exhibit art, architecture, and colonial furniture of the Spanish colonial rule.   It is often called the living museum which features the way a well to do affluent Filipino family will live. The lifestyle of this family is depicted through the arrangements of furniture, art and architecture.   The colonization had severely impacted Manila and this is how we can see when we enter the museum. It is a must-do list of things to do in Manila.   Wrapping Up!   In conclusion, now that you have gone through the things to do in Manila, I am sure you are already planning on what to do. When you visit the place, I am sure you will experience the ancient practices and instances of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.   Comment below on which place is your favorite to visit when you to Manila. You also need to share with us if you think we have missed something on the things to-do list.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Ankita Mar 21, 2024

Atlanta and Savannah are two of the most popular and exciting cities in Georgia. They are both rich in history, culture, and entertainment. But they are also very different in many ways. Atlanta is a modern and bustling metropolis, while Savannah is a charming and historic coastal town. How can you experience the best of both worlds? By taking a road trip from Atlanta to Savannah! But how far is Savannah from Atlanta? How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to Savannah? What are the best routes to take from Atlanta to Savannah? What are the best places to visit along the way from Atlanta to Savannah? In this article, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you the best tips and tricks to plan and enjoy your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. I will also show you the top 10 sights that you simply can't miss on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. Let's get started! How Far is Savannah from Atlanta? The first question that you might have is: how far is Savannah from Atlanta? The answer is: it depends on the route that you take. There are several routes that you can take from Atlanta to Savannah, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Of course, these are not the only routes that you can take from Atlanta to Savannah. Also, you can customize your own route, depending on your preferences, your budget, and your time. You can use online tools, such as Google Maps, Roadtrippers, or Furkot, to plan and optimize your route. You can also check the traffic, the weather, and the road conditions before you start your trip, and adjust your route accordingly. Also, you can be flexible and spontaneous and take detours or shortcuts as you go along. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey! Having said that, here are some of the most common routes that you can choose from: The Fastest Route This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via I-75 S, I-16 E, and I-516 E. This route is the shortest and the quickest, as it covers about 248 miles and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to drive. However, this route is also the most boring and the most crowded, as it does not offer much scenery or attractions along the way. You will mostly see highways, traffic, and billboards. This route is best for those who are in a hurry and want to get to Savannah as soon as possible. The Scenic Route This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via US-441 S, US-129 S, US-341 S, GA-57 S, and US-80 E. This route is the longest and the slowest, as it covers about 310 miles and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to drive. However, this route is also the most scenic and the most interesting, as it offers a lot of scenery and attractions along the way. You will see mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, farms, and small towns. You will also pass by some of the historic and cultural sites of Georgia, such as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Jarrell Plantation, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.  This route is best for those who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the beauty and the diversity of Georgia. The Alternative Route This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via I-20 E, US-25 S, and US-17 S. It is a good compromise between the fast and the scenic routes, as it covers about 270 miles and takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to drive. This route is not as boring as the fast route, but not as scenic as the scenic route. You will see some scenery and attractions along the way, but not as much as the scenic route. You will also pass by some of the major cities and towns of Georgia, such as Augusta, Waynesboro, and Statesboro. This route is best for those who want a balance between speed and scenery, and who want to see some of the urban and rural aspects of Georgia. The Top 10 Sights to See on Your Road Trip from Atlanta to Savannah Now that you have chosen your route and planned your trip, you might wonder: what are the best sights to see on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah? There are so many places to visit and things to do along the way that it can be hard to decide. To help you out, I have selected the top sights that you simply can't miss on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. These are the sights that will make your road trip memorable and enjoyable. Here they are: 1. Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre park that is located 15 miles east of Atlanta. It is home to the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world, which depicts three Confederate leaders: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. The park also offers various attractions and activities, such as a cable car, a train, a museum, a golf course, a lake, and a campground. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking in the park. Stone Mountain Park is a great place to start your road trip, as it gives you a glimpse of the history and the nature of Georgia. 2. Madison Madison is a small town 60 miles east of Atlanta. It is one of the most charming and historic towns in Georgia, as it has over 100 antebellum homes and buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can take a walking tour, a driving tour, or a carriage tour of the town, and admire the architecture and the atmosphere. You can also visit some of the museums, shops, and restaurants in the town. Madison is a perfect place to stop for a break, as it offers a relaxing and romantic experience. 3. Milledgeville Milledgeville is a city that is located 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. It is the former capital of Georgia, and the birthplace of the famous writer Flannery O'Connor. You can visit some of the historic and cultural sites of the city, such as the Old Governor's Mansion, the Georgia's Old Capital Museum, the Andalusia Farm, and the Lockerly Arboretum. You can also enjoy some of the outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and biking, that are available in the city. Milledgeville is a fascinating place to visit, as it shows you the heritage and the creativity of Georgia. 4. Macon Macon is a city that is located 85 miles south of Atlanta. It is known as the "Heart of Georgia", as it is located in the geographic center of the state. It is also known as the "Song and Soul of the South", as it has a rich musical history and culture. You can visit some of the musical landmarks of the city, such as the Otis Redding Museum, the Allman Brothers Band Museum, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Hay House, and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Macon is a fun place to visit, as it offers a lot of entertainment and excitement. 5. Dublin Dublin is a city that is located 120 miles southeast of Atlanta. It is a friendly and festive city, that celebrates its Irish heritage and culture. You can visit some of the Irish-themed attractions of the city, such as the Dublin-Laurens Museum, the Shamrock Bowl, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade. You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Market on Madison, the Theatre Dublin, and the River Bend Wildlife Management Area. Dublin is a delightful place to visit, as it offers a lot of charm and cheer. 6. Statesboro Statesboro is a city that is located 55 miles northwest of Savannah. It is a college town, as it is the home of the Georgia Southern University, the largest public university in Georgia. You can visit some of the campus attractions, such as the Georgia Southern Museum, the Center for Wildlife Education, and the Botanic Garden. You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Averitt Center for the Arts, the Statesboro Farmers Market, and the Splash in the Boro Water Park. Statesboro is a lively place to visit, as it offers a lot of culture and fun. 7. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge that is located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, along the Savannah River. It is a 31,551-acre refuge that protects and preserves various habitats and species, such as marshes, forests, wetlands, and islands. You can see animals such as alligators, deer, otters, bobcats, and over 300 species of birds. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and photography in the refuge. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit, as it offers a chance to experience the wildlife and the nature of Georgia. 8. Tybee Island Tybee Island is a barrier island that is located 18 miles east of Savannah. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, who can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating. The island also has a pier, a pavilion, a lighthouse, a museum, and a marine science center. Tybee Island is a wonderful place to visit, as it offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience. 9. Historic District The historic district is the heart and soul of Savannah. It is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the US, and it features over 20 squares that are filled with monuments, fountains, gardens, and statues. You can also see some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city, such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Mercer Williams House, and the Davenport House. You can take a guided tour, hop on a trolley, or simply walk around and admire the architecture and the atmosphere of the historic district. 10. River Street River Street is a lively waterfront area that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. You can browse the boutiques, sample the local cuisine, listen to live music, or watch the ships go by. You can also take a riverboat cruise, a ferry ride, or a water taxi to see the city from a different perspective. River Street is especially festive during the holidays and the events, such as the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Fourth of July Fireworks, and the Oktoberfest. Wrapping It Up! A road trip from Atlanta to Savannah is a scenic and adventurous way to explore the diverse and beautiful attractions of Georgia. You can see the stunning scenery, the historic landmarks, the quaint towns, and the fun activities that lie between the two cities. Also, you can enjoy the flexibility, the convenience, and the adventure of driving your own car. You can stop whenever and wherever you want, and discover the hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. By following the tips and tricks that I have provided in this article, you can plan and enjoy your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. I hope that this article has given you some ideas and inspiration for your road trip itinerary. Have a great time on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah!. Read Also: From Hiking To Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks In Utah! The Best Mountain Getaways In Washington: Where To Stay, What To Do, And How To Relax A Guide To Adventure And Nature: The Best Things To Do In Moab Utah For Outdoor Enthusiasts

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