The park became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and was a part of the major natural areas which have a lot of scenic delights and have the best of conservation, educations and training as the main aims.

It is said that Killarney National Park, has had inhabitants which date back to the Bronze Age when copper was first mined at the Ross Island. People have been living here from as far back as 4000 years ago. There were monastic settlements here which provide a lot of occupation here. The Innisfallen monastery is a very popular and important. It was founded by St. Finian the Leper. There are a lot of information sources here in the Annals of Innisfallen and these date back to the 11th to the 13th centuries.

Then the country of Ireland was taken over by the Norman invasion and there were two chieftains Mc Carthy Mor and O’Donoghue of Ross who took over the responsibility of holding the lands of the Lakes. Then the lands came into the control of Herberts of Muckross and the Ears of Kenmare respectively. In the year 1911, Mr. W. B.Brown purchased the Muckross Estate and gave it to his daughter Maud.

Muckross Abbey was founded by Donal McCarthy which is a Franciscan Friary in the year 1448. There are very well preserved ruins that were believed to tbe the burial place of the local chiefs.

The Muckross Demesene is the most popular part of the National Park and the Muckross house is the mainstay of the place. The House was constructed in the year 1843, is today managed by the Trustees of Muckross House and the national Parks and Wildlife Services and is a major tourist attraction in this part of the world.

The Muckross House has a special admission charge and today is a projected as a late 19th century house. There is a craft shop and also a restaurant in the earlier stables in the house.

In fact Muckross Gardens is popular for the varied collection of the species of rhododendron and also azaleas and hybrids. There is a large water garden here and also a rock garden which provides the tourists with the needed tour attractions and the natural limestone outcrop is another important aspect of this region. There are many exotic trees which thrive in this land of pleasurable sights and natural wonders. With the best collections of plants and beautiful sights, the Killarney National Park is a sight to behold and a tourist attraction in this part of the world.

Come to this region of Killarney National park in Ireland and enjoy the pleasures of being in an exotic land of absolute delights. A perfect way of enjoying the wildlife beauty of this part of the world, it is certainly a must see in tours here.

Ladakh – The land of quiet beauty and silent charm is also the land of the Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake, which lies in the stretch of Himalayan ranges and is an endorheic lake. Ladakhan charm exudes out of the lake as the saline waters of the lake are seen to completely freeze during winter.

Situated in Ladakh, this lake is gaining a lot of importance internationally as this region is being found to be a great wetland zone. Soon this area would be the first ever trans boundary region of wetland in the Southern part of the Continent of Asia.

Pangong Lake in spite of its beauty is also in a disputed territory – The line of control passing through this beautiful water mass. Shared by China, India and Tibet, the China portion is supervised by India. One should surely visit this place for its absolute virgin look and the serenity here is the ideal getaway spot for a tired soul.

The Khurnak fort near the lake is also important but today it is controlled by China. Witness to wars between India and China, the lake has brackish water and very little vegetation. Aquatic life is rare here just for a few crustaceans. But the beautiful ducks and the majestic gulls are a certain feast for the photographer and the nature lover. Besides we do find a good amount of herbs and marshes that grow throughout the year in this land of blue calm in Ladakh.

Migratory birds like the Brahmini duck and the Bar headed goose find Pangong a regular favourite and are seen headed towards this pristine blue zone. Wild animals like the Marmot and kiang are a common feature here.

Pangong Lake in Ladakh was earlier fed by the Shyok River, an offshoot of the River Indus. Geographical reports show how the vast mass of water of earlier days has shrunk to the size it is today.

Pangong is around 5 hours from the city of Leh and has an adventurous terrain stretch. Passing the Changla Pass, and the villages of Gya and Shey, we can see the army here protecting the region as we drive through. The Crazy Stream or Paagal Naala is seen as we pass through. A famous tourist spot, the Pangong Lake is open in the months of May to September.

It is required to take a permit to visit the Pangong Lake and it is sad that boating facilities aren’t allowed here for security reasons.

Thus with its bluish green waters and pristine locales, Pangong Lake is really an amazing destination.

Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize

Also known as the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre, this grotto is full of Mayan myths that challenge one to explore it by going beyond the limits of the human tolerance capacity. However, if you manage to pull across, then the cave rewards are just immense. In the olden days, this cave was the important spot of pilgrimage for the Mayans who considered offering human sacrifices as the offerings to their deities quite inside the caves. In their times, not visiting this cave was a folly and was to be compensated by death. However, you can take succor in the sense that no such Mayan belief is now followed. Today, when the tourists explore it, it takes reasonable amount of hours as you swim underwater, hike, and just marvel at the water that is not apt for swimming. Then, go a mile underground to spot the crystal skeleton of a female. The carcass is called so because it has got coated in brown calcite with the passage of time.

Dambulla Cave, Sri Lanka

Considered as the most stunning cave temple in the nation, this is a complex boasting five Buddhist shrines that are called the Raja Maha Vihara. Among these caves, the largest one is the home of nearly 48 Buddha statues and other statues of the Hindu deities. The latter carvings became possible in the 12th century, the time during which the Hindu ideology became strong in Sri Lanka influencing the local culture. The main purpose of these caves was to protect the King Valagambahu who sought shelter here in order to escape the invaders of the Anuradhapura town. Since then, these caves are an important pilgrimage spots. The visitors remain stunned to see the careful details of the shines and the ceiling murals adorning the caves, which have been painted into the rough rock face.

Corycian Cave, Greece

This is mystically located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, which is named behind the nymph Corycia. As per the legend, Mt. Parnassus is holy and that all the locations including the caves are among the most beloved sites of the gods. And certainly, it is not tough to justify this. The main grotto is gigantic measuring 60 m by 26 m and offers an awe-inspiring vista of the plain as one starts to descend to give you the best. You just cannot recognize the fact that the caves were excavated just recently because all its indictors have been removed making it possible to leave the cave unspoiled for attracting more visitors in future. The archaeological digs found many precious antique objects, bone flutes, a Neolithic male figurine, bronze statues, and terracotta figurines.

St. Paul’s Grotto, Malta

History says that St. Paul in 60 A.D. who was a prisoner stranded here took shelter in this small grotto. It was only at the time of his stay here where he performed miracles. Making him the divine figure, even the poisonous snake bites could not harm him. In fact, you will find a church of the name of this saint, but his actual lock up was within the cave in the church where he spent three months. Rejuvenated in 1692, the grotto is believed to have walls that have healing powers. Interestingly, it has been seen that the overall size of the cave never alters even by a bit irrespective of the scraping done. The main interesting objects here are the saint’s statue, Pope’s lamps, and the silver figure given by the knights. Virtuous and tranquil, this subterranean grotto is just not worth to miss and that its sacred stories are just the profile-raisers.

Sof Omar Caves, Ethiopia

Considered as among the panoramic underground caves, this cave complex is a hub of natural wonders. The mysterious Sof Omar Caves is one of those hard to reach sites because of the route passing via the valleys and hills edged with the thorny trees making it a challenging run of 120 km. However, do not worry; as you will be rewarded with the best! Formed by the Web River that meanders until a subterranean area, the caves are vital for the Islam followers as the name of the complex refer to the name of a saint – Sheikh Sof Omar. The site is a marvel because of its giant pillars, spacious heights, and archways leading to the river. Making it a bit eerie, the complex is packed with crocodiles, bats, and crustaceans. But chill! They are harmless as they migrate to the river.

The beach runs will find Bali to be a Paradise. Kuta beach tops the list. Famous for white sands and rocking nightlife, the surfers will have a ball here. The high tides are just perfect for surfing but not swimming. The seaside restaurants will relish your appetite with some exotic mouth watering delicacies. The Lovina Beach is by far no less than in delivering fun. A perfect spot for Scuba Diving and Snorkelling, here you can also explore a vast coral reef. You can also enjoy dancing and playing with the dolphins. Looking for some relaxing time at the beach!! Come to the Sanur beach where the calm waters will truly calm you, sooth you and rejuvenate you. Here you will get a glimpse into the culture of Bali as a traditional village will welcome you with its warm people and open markets where you can stroll  and buy some souvenirs to take back home.

Now let’s move to the mountains. Ubud, a strikingly beautiful region in the mountains to the north of Kuta Beach and Denpasar is a very traditional and historical town surrounded by many ancient villages. The Balinese royal family also stays here. An array of temples and scenic beauty will leave you mesmerized. The adventure buffs here is some fun in store for you. While Kuta is perfect place for surfing for the beginners, the experienced surfers should head to Bukit Peninsula. The surfers are going to come here again and again.

Denpasar, the capital of Bali is always buzzing with traffic. There are various temples worth visiting. Sakenan Temple, Uluwatu Temple and Jagatnatha Temple are all Hindus temples and are considered very sacred and pious. The best part visiting these temples is that paying prayers to the almighty one can also enjoy a perfect natural beauty. This place can also be explored for various museums; the most famous one is the Bali Museum.

The Bali Barat National Park will be a delight for the nature lovers as you will get to see plethora of flora and fauna. It is home to some rare species of birds like the Bali Starling, elusive leopards, Javan Buffalo and barking deer. The archaeological buffs will be content to see Kintamani which is a historical city in Bali mountainous region. Situated amidst breathtaking scenic beauty, this place also features Bali’s largest lake. One can also enjoy a  hot spring bath and canget rid of some skin ailments.

Of the thirteen Islands, San Cristobal Island is the biggest. You will never want to take off your eyes from viewing the dramatic volcanic sights, watching frigate birds, sea lions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, dolphins among others. Don’t miss out the El Junco Lake where apart from watching beautiful endemic birds you can also enjoy surfing. The second largest island Santa Cruz is home to the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin research centre. A giant tortoise breeding program is also running here to keep the jewel of the Galapagos Island, the Galapagos tortoise alive. Also visit this island for incredible bird watching and outstanding flora. Moving onto the next Island, Isabela is world famous for impressive lava flows from volcanic eruptions that took place several years ago. The main attraction is a small compound of small brackish lagoons which are home to Flamingos. The main town Puerto Villamil lets you enjoy spectacular view of Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul Volcanoes.

The one island which is loved the most by the visitors is the Santa Maria Island. The location of Champion and Devil’s crown has beautiful coral formations suitable for snorkelling. A small islet La Loberia is a great place to watch the sea lions. Genovesa Island boasts of High concentration of birds and also lets you enjoy good snorkelling along the amazing cliff sides. The beach runs would love coming to the Rabida Island where the red sand beaches and saltwater lagoon will be welcoming you along with natural beauty. One of the most eye catching of the Galapagos tourist attractions is the Espanola Island where coral white sand beaches with tranquil turquoise waters will be just perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The site Punta Suarez where you can walk on lava rocks and also enjoy watching nests of blue footed boobies and Nazca boobies will be mesmerizing.

Those who are adrenaline junkies will not be disappointed as it is the premier scuba spots of the world. Riding enthusiasts will also find some fun restored for them at the Galapagos Islands. One can enjoy a memorable horseback ride along paths on the hillsides of Santa Cruz with spectacular scenery and unique wildlife all around. Take the whale watching tour and feel up close to the sleek whale weighing thousands of pounds enjoying like a child in its natural habitat.

“The earth opened and swallowed many people, before my face, and the sea I saw came mounting in over the wall, upon which I concluded it impossible to escape.”

Those were the words of Edmund Heath, who eventually did survive (which is how he wrote that letter) in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that rocked Port Royal, Jamaica, in 1692. He penned those thoughts from the safety of a ship that was anchored in the harbor of his city and he wrote it as the city crumbled around him. Port Royal was, at one time, described as the “most wicked and sinful city” all over the world. It was known for the darkness of its heart and the magnificence of it all; the booze (most notable of which was the blackout inducing Kill Devil Rum), the pirates it was overrun by and the prostitutes that wooed these pirates (or “wenches”, if we be talking Pirate, matey). So when the city crumbled and was very nearly destroyed in totality, many saw it as a punishment from the heavens and a fitting repayment and cleansing of all the lust, crime, sin and sex that flowed through the streets of Port Royal.

Jamaica was a Spanish haven from much before Columbus said that it was a sight to behold and a thing of rare and bountiful beauty. The Spanish armada had landed in 1494 and never looked back. There was nothing much to mine there in the form of gold or minerals or valuables of any sort. It was only when the English stormed Hispaniola in 1655 (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and failed to do so in spectacular fashion that they turned to Jamaica as a secondary option, a consolation prize of sorts since returning with something was better than returning with nothing.

Over time, it became a vibrant hub of English life and a home to all sorts of unsocial elements too. They even had a pirate named Henry Morgan become their lieutenant governor once but he at least had the decency to crack down on pirate activities that he had helped give birth to. The earthquake that almost destroyed the island was estimated to measure 7.5 on the Richter scale.

The city of Port Royal, built largely over sand, never stood a chance; it was almost instantly liquefied. 33 acres of the city disappeared underwater, forts were destroyed or submerged and some 2000 people lost their lives that day on June 7, 1692. The city’s destruction was taken as a sign of divine retribution. Port Royal was the original sin city, and it has paid for its sins by being hit by fires earthquakes and hurricanes on multiple occasions. In 1951, Hurricane Charlie destroyed almost everything, leaving very few of the original buildings. It had stripped Port Royal of its dignity, and a lot of the 17th century city lies under a watery grave 40 feet deep and today’s city is almost floating on rooftops. Because of its state of non-decay, the city is an archaeological wonder (a bit like Pompeii) except that it’s not that well known. That’s all the more excuse to go for a round of scuba diving to check out sunken cities that few have ever visited.

The most captivating, ear and eye catching first sites in Central Java are the sights and sounds of Hindu gods and goddesses in a unique and picturesque spectacle not witnessed by the human eye anywhere else in the world. Though, older temples are known to exist there and elsewhere, the most famous of those in Central Java are located in close proximity to city of Jogjakarta, also known as Yogya. This same region along with the Hindu temples complex of Parambaram also houses the Buddhist temples of Borobudur. Many versions, many ages and many tales down memory lane there stands a mention that Borobudur was a temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva initially. It was later converted to a shrine for Lord Buddha and was built during the seventh century AD.

Borobudur is located thirty kilometers from Jogjakarta in the shadow of Merapi Mountains, which are known for sporadic volcanic activity. Borobudur complex is located on ten levels with each level representing a higher plain in the existence of man. While the lower levels have sculptures of Lord Buddha, his life and Jataka tales engraved on the walls, the highest level has seventy-two stupas, with a statue of Lord Buddha inside each of them. Only a few of these stupas are open, where one can gaze at the marvelous statues of Buddha with the benign smile for which he is famous.

All the temples and structures at Jogjakarta are carved from stone in an age when cement was unknown, these massive structures have been formed by dove-tailing the stone pieces, much like the modern Lego.

Thirty kilometers away from Borobudur one finds the magnificent temple complex of Parambaram. 242 temples have been reputed to have been there out of which eighteen had been restored. This complex was also built around the seventh century and was a part of the famous Sri Vijaya Empire which ruled most of the Indonesia and surrounding areas. The main temple complex comprises of eight temples. Of these three are devoted to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu that form the Hindu trident. Just in front of these are the temples devoted to the vahanas of the three gods viz, Hansa, Nandi and Garuda. A unique feature of the Parambaram temples is that at the extremities of the central access are located two temples which are known to provide a balance to the universe.

The most pristine recitals of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, known locally as Mahayudha are to found in Indonesia. Jutting the Parambaram temple complex is a large amphitheatre where the epic Ramayana is performed everyday in the evening. These recitals are marked by the soft music played on the traditional instruments known as Gamelan, with the most delicate movements in the most exquisite costumes. The performances surreal and ghast a lasting spell on the audience.

These are the main complexes in Jogya. But the entire area is scattered with many a temple and memorial to the memory of Pandavas, who are the most common deities lending their names to most of the Indonesians. Like in the neighboring town of Solo, the central square has a sculpture of five giant images of the Pandavas.

Indonesia is a unique journey of exploration, not only for visitors from Indian but all over the world. Many Indian visitors are surprised when they visit the National Museum in Jakarta to discover that the prominent stone image that greets them on entry is that of Lord Ganesha.

The ground opposite the Presidential Palace has giant replica of Arjuna and his charioteer Lord Krishna driving the ratha powered up seven horses.

Other places with old Hindu temples and sculptures are located in the island of Bali and at Ubud. At the Baisakhi temple at Bali is one of the very few Hindu temples in Indonesia where religious rites and rituals are still performed everyday.

After the Shrivijya Empire start disintegrating, the royalty shifted the base to Cambodia where they created the massive Angkor Vat and other temples complexes.

All these are amazing examples of the culture derived from ancient Indians which found expression as religious symbols under the Hindu kings and emperors. All these places are now a apart of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Fishing

How appropriate that that most leisurely of Sunday activities, that bastion of all things delightfully backward should be the plinth on which this town was built. The Mino River is the staging ground of their waterfront activities and it is this thin aquatic tract that separates it from Portugal. Traditionally, the two states have had a fractious relationship. Today, the two share a relationship that is calm and even friendly in its nature. That explains why I find so many Portuguese on a quick day trip into the town, but it is not where I will be, for I am headed to Monte Santa Tecla. It is one of several settlements that litter the outskirts of A Guarda and it was discovered as early as 1913, known well for its rounded and sometimes even oddly squarish and oval buildings.

The foundations of the present town lie in these early settlements itself and another prime example of these settlements is the Celtic Roman ruins of Citania de Santa Trega. I wonder how, if those first settlers could cast a glance forward in time, would these settlers see the bustling tourism industry that has really taken off here in recent times? And then I realize that it is all a moot question when I gaze out from the mountainous settlement itself, for all they can see is a panorama straight out of the annals of perfection for as far as the eye can see, all culminating in the mouth of the estuary from where I stand.

It would be wonderful to believe that the town has stayed in a time warp, but nothing could be further from the truth. While A Guarda has metamorphosed into something more beautiful, it has still managed to retain much of its pastoral charm.

That probably explains why no one knows how to pronounce its name, barring Madalina whose tongue it rolls off sounding like freshly picked honey. Strange, it sounds more like cracking egg shells when I try to pronounce it.

But it’s a good thing then that words fail me when I set my eyes on the rapturous beauty of the Apuseni Mountains lingering around, the spa baths waiting for me to dunk my word-weary body in its rejuvenating waters. I remember the Finnish being ritualistic, almost loving when it came to their saunas and it is almost the same as that when it comes to these spas deep in Romanian hinterland. It’s not surprising why those that do visit this place rave so much about it. The region is gifted with minerals plucked from the very depths of the earth, and it is these very minerals that endow the waters with its unique curing properties. Knowing about Geoagiu Bai is realizing you have stumbled upon a pearl of rare beauty, and I will not tell anyone about it lest this little slice of heaven becomes a tourist location.

And it is not just the waters that set my edgy mind at ease, it is the tranquil of the surrounding environs that puts me at ease. It is like nature tore a blank cheque from its reserves of beauty and it has been encashed right here to the fullest extent possible. It has the best of mountain and sea, and gently wrapped in rows upon rows of beech and fir is a verdant beauty almost unknown to the world. I genuinely fear though that fame will bring hordes of tourists and gone will be the sylvan loveliness of it all. I cast an eye over at Madalina though and reflected in her I see a collective pride of the region and know that none can pillage its splendor. It will remain tucked away in the bosom of the mountains, forever issuing its call of the wild to those lucky enough to hear it. One day I too, will return and with my head on the rolling grass close my eyes and be transported back to a more peaceful easygoing time where jaguars are big cats and windows are meant to be installed in homes, not computers.

What: The Grand Canyon

Where: Arizona, USA

The Grand Canyon is certainly not the deepest canyon in the world. However, its gigantic size makes it one of the best natural attractions in the world.

What: Mount Everest and the Himalayas

Where: on Nepal – Tibet Border

Mt Everest is known to be the jewel of the Himalayas, which is located on the borderline between Tibet and Nepal. This is definitely one of the best natural attractions in the world and can show off, since it is the highest mountain on earth.

What: Giant’s Causeway

Where: Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Giant’s Causeway is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland and is one of most popular tourist attractions. It is an incredible site and proves that the nature works in mystifying ways!

What: Cappadocia

Where: Nev sehir Province, Turkey

Cappadocia is an area in Turkey, which is best known for the amazing rock formations, usually identified as ‘fairy chimneys’. The scenery at Cappadocia is somewhat spectacular – almost eerie and in appearance it is lunar-like.

What: Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks

Where: California, USA

To be precise, these are two national parks, however, are managed as one single park. Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks houses major living trees on earth, which are spectacular examples of ways in which nature can challenge the odds.

What: Niagara Falls

Where: Canada

If you consider visiting most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is surely not one of the best ones – this battle is characteristically waged among the largest waterfall in the world.

What: The Great Barrier Reef

Where: Queensland, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is known as the largest coral formation in the world. It is so large that you can actually see it from the outer space. It covers a huge area of almost around 133,000 sq miles (around 344,400 sq km). The Great Barrier Reef is known to be one of the ecologically important areas around the world.

What: Uluru

Where: Northern Territory, Australia

Uluru is one of the most recognizable and popular Australian icons all around the world. Uluru is also called as Ayers Rock. The site has been appreciated for a very long time for its immense size, its cultural importance, and its beauty.

What: Geirangerfjord

Where: Norwegian Fjords, Western Norway

You will come across numerous fjords in your lifetime, however the ones located in Norway are known to be the best and most beautiful all around the world; and in spite of everything, ‘fjord’ is actually a Norwegian word!

What: Carlsbad Caverns

Where: New Mexico, USA

For numerous decades the ‘Big Room’ located within the Carlsbad Caverns was known to be the largest cave chamber all around the world. The Big Room, along with the various other cave rooms, located in Carlsbad Caverns are even today highly impressive.