So you are a lover of the great outdoors. Mary Davis once said, “to walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” And to walk in a natural surrounding that isn’t milling with people is even nicer, no? With that in mind, we put together this list for all your lovers of the outdoors. Sit back, sip a hot cup of tea and drift away…
HYDERABAD
Take a Rock Walk in the Great Outdoors
Did you know: Some of the rock formations in and around Hyderabad are older than the Himalayas, estimated to be 2,500 million years old! Once you are done with the city & its biryani and bazaars, take a trek to explore these natural wonders. Save the Rocks Foundation conducts a trek every third Sunday of the month. It is free, and an amazing way to learn about the unusual geological formations, legends, and local history behind the stones. You will also discover hidden lakes, teeming with birdlife among the rocks.
LADAKH
Discover a Bird Paradise
The Hemis National Park in Ladakh is spread over 4400 square kilometres, and is home to the very elusive and rare Snow Leopard. Nearly 200 of these extremely graceful animals live on this harsh land. This is the largest national park in the entire country and home to several species of mammals that provide food to the Snow Leopards. Ladakh is a veritable bird watcher’s paradise, with nearly 200 species of birds calling arid landscape their home.
GOA
Catch Crabs and Swim with Dolphins
The Goan backwaters are where you should be if you are up for a little challenge. Crab catching, though not easy, is extremely exciting. You can try it at Baga Beach as well. We suggest you go to the backwaters for a much more fulfilling experience. Though if you’re looking for something much more chilled out, you can watch dolphins swim right by you along the beach belt of Sinquerim, Candolim, and Baga. Some boat tours offer ‘No Dolphins No Payment’ options, so we’re thinking your chances of spotting these delightful creatures are pretty high.
KOLHAPUR
Step Outdoors: Take a Walk in the Park
Take a morning walk at the Shivaji University campus. A university is not a place that usually features on a traveller’s bucket list, but Kolhapur’s Shivaji University is worth a visit. While we are not suggesting that you head to the library, you should plan a morning walk on the sprawling 853-acre campus (preferably on a Sunday or other holiday) to enjoy its pristine beauty sans the crowds. The spectacular university building and well-maintained green lawns make getting up early in the morning a sensory pleasure!
MUMBAI
Take a Thrilling trek—or three!
If you live in Mumbai, try the trek from Vasai to the waterfall in Tungareshwar. The flattish path lies between thick woods and puts you close to nature without taking you too far from the city. If that is too mild for your adventurous heart, consider Chanderi for a difficult but worthwhile two-day hike. Even better: make the gradual climb to Kalsubai, Sahyadri’s highest peak.
Please check for updated travel/tour information. Our current lot of articles is designed to cheer you up with a spot of feel-good dreaming while the pandemic is around!
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