Some of nature’s greatest delights are elusive and rare, but when they happen, they make you realise the breathtaking beauty of planet you inhabit. Presenting a few places to see nature at its absolute best
How to get there: Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, Air France, Emirates and British Airways offer flights with stop-overs at Abu Dhabi, Brussels, Paris, Dubai and London at a starting price of Rs.75,000.
Morocco’s climbing goats
The Morocco’s climbing goats are a fascinating sight to watch. On one Argan tree, whose oil is considered a delicacy, it is not surprising to see more than a dozen goats relishing the fruits of the tree. Once digested, the nuts of the fruit are excreted, which are used by the farmers to make the valuable argan oil used in food and cosmetics. Due to the scarcity of food here, the goats have adapted themselves to be able to climb to the top-most part of the tree that bears that ‘hidden fruit’. Interesting in its own right, the Climbing Goats phenomenon may not be breathtaking, but is definitely awe-inspiring and interesting to many who have never see anything like this before. So next time you visit Morocco and spot a tree with some strange things hanging all over, don’t dismiss it off. This could be your moment of photo-glory!
How to get there: Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, British Airways, Air India and Alitalia offer flights with stop overs at Doha, New Delhi, London and Zurich at a price range starting from Rs.70,000.
Enrosadira, Dolomites, Italy
Here is probably where budding fantasy novelists can go to, to get surreal ideas. The Enrosadira Mountain peaks came from Dolomite – a special composition of calcium carbonate formed over 250 million years. During the later part of the day, as the sun sets, the peaks shine in a bright pink colour, gradually fading into purple. Legend has it that a dwarf king called Laurino had a beautiful rose garden in his palace. When he resorted to kidnap Similda, the princess of his dreams, he was caught by her brother, who recognized the palace from the rose garden. Laurino cursed the flowers for betraying him, and never wanted them to blossom . Since he forgot to mention twilight, the flowers blossom, in a hue of pink in the twilight. Whether the legend is true or false, it sure augments the beauty of the peaks.
How to get there: From Hyderabad to Alaska – Emirates, British Airlines and American Airlines, with stop-overs at Dubai, London and Seattle at a price of `130,000. Hyderabad to Finland – Jet Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, IA and British Airways with stop overs at London, Frankfurt, at a starting price range of Rs.60,000
Northern Lights
It is like a gift from the sun to the earth when electrically charged particles try to enter the earth’s atmosphere at a very high speed, creating an array of rainbow lit skies. Called the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights can be seen in the Nordic countries, Alaska and Canada. Tales have been spun for ages on this phenomenon – from ones that believe that they are the spirits of the dead ancestors to being omen. For those who have plenty of time and patience, chasing the Northern Lights is a great idea. They occur between 8 pm and 4 am and on a clear sky-night, at their spectacular best. They may not exactly show up when you are present there, but it is a chance you definitely want to take if you seek an out-of-the-ordinary adventure trip. Take your best camera and its best lenses, and get going – the Northern Lights wait to welcome you.
How to get there: Emirates, Etihaad Airways, Jet Airways, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer flights with stop-overs at Dubai, Manchester and London at price ranges starting from Rs.75,000.
Giant’s Causeway – Ireland
Come to Antrim in Northern Ireland and you will get to see what happened to Ulster-Scots after a volcano erupted many centuries ago. The area, called the Giant’s Causeway is like a construction of polygonal pillars by a mad architect, giving it a designer landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one place you have to go to realize why it is so unique. Both high and low, these columns are perfectly interlocked and form steps that slowly merge into the sea. Of the estimated 40,000 columns, 48% are said to be six sided, 31% five sided, 19% seven sided, 2% four sided and 0.5% eight sided. With an option to choose any of the four stunning trails of the Giant’s Causeway and an opportunity to spot bird species such as cormorant, shag, redshank guillemot and razorbill, the Giant’s Causeway surely is not to be missed. When you are there, why not check out the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge from where you get to have a spectacular view of the scenic landscape in Antrim? The once traditional bridge that was set up by fishermen is now a famous scenic spot for those who enjoy calm,and the sense of elevation – literally!