The human world is largely a jungle of concrete which cannot keep us happy and peaceful forever. Therefore, it is better to go into the lap of nature from time to time, to experience the real beauty, happiness, and peace. If you are planning to visit some natural marvels, I have brought you the information of five destinations that are natural wonders.

They offer more than just scenic beauty—they offer soul-stirring experiences. They are a reminder of the Earth’s majestic brilliance that’s not available in abundance now.

1. Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon has been carved by the Colorado river in thousands of years’ continuous flow. It is the home of layered bands of red rocks, diverse range of wildlife, hiking points, and several scenic viewpoints.

The USA government has recognised it as the Grand Canyon National Park and it is located in Northern Arizona. It is said that the south rim of the park is more accessible than the north rim.

How to Reach at Grand Canyon, USA

Phoenix (PHX) is the nearest airport to the south rim and Las Vegas (LAS) is the nearest airport to the West Rim. You can take a shuttle or a cab to reach the respective rim of the canyon from either of the airports. 

There is also a railway route that can be used to reach the south rim of the park from Williams, Arizona.

Lodging and Getting Around at Grand Canyon, USA

Lodging options are available within the Canyon at Phantom Ranch, including campgrounds and hotels. There are also shuttle services available that can be used for a tour within the park.

Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon, USA

The best time to visit the Canyon is during March, April, May, September, October, and November as the weather remains pleasant in the months.

Things to do at Grand Canyon, USA

There are many activities that can be done at the Grand Canyon National Park which is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. A few of them are as follows: 

• Hiking at the well-maintained trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab.
• Capturing the Scenic Views from several viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Watchtower.
• Witnessing the Wildlife including mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, and over 400 bird species.
• Whitewater Rafting in the Colorado river that is still flowing there.
• Helicopter tours can also be a good option to experience the diverse range of wildlife and natural spots.

2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system stretched in over 3.4 million square kilometres. It is located off the coast of Queensland in Australia and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also one of the seven wonders of the world.

This reef is the home to an incredible diversity of marine life. It includes over 400 types of coral, over 1500 species of fish, and over 4000 types of molluscs.

How to Reach at Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The nearest airports to the Great Barrier Reef are Cairns (CNS) and Hamilton Island (HTI). Cairns is good for international travellers too as this airport caters to domestic and international flights. The HTI is a domestic airport but has connectivity from major Australian airports such as Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. After reaching either of the two airports, travelers may use the boats and other options to reach the reef.

Lodging and Getting Around at Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Lodging options are available at all the nearest cities and islands like Cairns, Port Douglas, and Hamilton Island. There are options of flights, ferries, and other local transport options for getting around the reef.

Best Time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The best time to visit the reef is between Amy and October as the water remains warmer and underwater visibility remains good during these months.

Things to do at Great Barrier Reef, Australia

As this is the hub of natural sights and biodiversity, there are many things that can be done there. A few of them are as follows:

• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving to explore the diverse marine life and coral formations.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours to enjoy the underwater scenery.
• Sailing and Boating to explore the reef and surrounding islands. 
• Kayaking is paddling through calm waters to enjoy the ambience.
• Water Sports Activities like Jet Skiing, tube riding, or wakeboarding 
• Reefsleep to experience the night under stars.
• Swimming with Minke Whales during their migration season.

3. Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest tropical rainforest spread across over 6.7 million square kilometres. It is located in South America spanned across nine countries Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. 60% of the rainforest is in the territory of Brazil.

It plays an important role in regulating the global climate with its incredible biodiversity. It is the home to a vast array of plant and animal species, having nearly 10% of all known species on earth. 

How to Reach at Amazon Rainforest, South America

One can reach the rainforest via any of the nine countries it is panned in. The most suitable options could be Manaus (MAO) airport in Brazil well-connected from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Miami airports. The other popular options are to travel to Iquitos (IQT) in Peru and Coca (OCC) in Ecuador. From there, one can access the rainforest via jungle lodges, boat trips, or eco-lodges.

Lodging and Getting Around at Amazon Rainforest, South America

Lodging options in the Amazon rainforest include jungle lodges and river cruises, in budget and luxury segments. Getting around the forest is possible through water, air, and ground modes. Launches, pique piques, and canoes are the common modes of river travel. In addition, small airplanes and excursions into the jungle are the options to move around through air and guided ground touring. 

Best Time to Visit the Amazon Rainforest, South America

The best time to visit the Amazon rainforest is between June and November when there is lesser rainfall, making it easier to explore the forest. December to May is the wet season and displays the lush greenery but may not be comfortable enough to explore for the travelers.

Things to do at Amazon Rainforest, South America

Being in the lap of nature is a blessing in itself but there is a lot more to do in the Amazon Rainforest. Here are a few options: 

• Spotting Pink River Dolphins and other unique creatures through boat trips.
• Explore wildlife watching on guided walks or boat tours to observe a variety of animals.
• Birdwatching offers the opportunity to see colorful macaws, toucans, and many other species.
• Enjoy a thrilling fishing experience and try your luck at catching piranhas. (Avoid killing them, just have a sight an let them live freely in their habitat)
• Walks on the traverse suspended walkways high above the forest floor. 
• Nighttime Jungle Walks to discover nocturnal wildlife and experience the rainforest in a new light. 
• Kayaking, Canoeing, Hiking and Trekking to discover hidden waterfalls and explore trails.
• River Cruises to enjoy scenic views along the Amazon River.
• Visit Waterfalls in which a few of them are also swimmable.

4. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is a stunning park in Chilean Patagonia. It is renowned for its dramatic mountain peaks, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for trekking and nature enthusiasts, due to its breathtaking scenery and unique ecosystems.

It offers a range of landscapes, including granite peaks, glacial valleys, grasslands, and forests. 

How to Reach at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

The nearest airports to the park are the Puerto Natales (PNT) and the Punta Arenas (PUQ). The former is a smaller airport while the latter one is the larger one. You can then take a bus or rent a car to the park’s entrances.

Lodging and Getting Around at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

There are plenty of accommodation options available in the location. The lodging options include high-end hotels like Tierra Patagonia, hostels like Refugio Grey, campsites within the park, and glampings. Getting around options include shuttle services, public buses, hiking, guided tours, and self driven cars but a 4×4 one.

Best Time to Visit the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

The best time to visit Torres del Paine National Park is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. It starts from December and lasts till February. In this season, the weather remains warmer and the days are longer. However, it is the busiest time to visit the place; expect high crowds and higher prices. If you wish to go there when there are fewer crowds, plan for shoulder seasons. It falls between September to November and March to April. As this is a kind of off-season, you may get most of the things at affordable prices.

Things to do at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Even if you do nothing and just stare at the mountains, glaciers, sky, and water, that’s enough at this beautiful place. However, you can do a lot more than that to get the most out of your trip. Here are a list of the things to do: 

• Hike the W Trek that takes you past glaciers, valleys, and the iconic Torres towers.
• Trek to the Base of the Towers (Las Torres) to reward yourself with breathtaking views of the park’s granite peaks and a glacial lake. It will be a full day trek. 
• Explore the O Circuit which is a longer and more remote version of the W Trek, this 7–10 day loop offers a deeper immersion into the park’s wilderness.
• Cruise on Grey Lake to get close views of the spectacular Grey Glacier.
• Visit Salto Grande Waterfall which is a great spot for photos and wildlife viewing.
• Kayak on Grey or Pehoé Lake’s icy waters with surreal views of mountains and glaciers around you.
• Wildlife Watching would also be fun. You may spot guanacos, condors, foxes, and possibly pumas in the quieter areas of the park.
• Go Horseback Riding across open pampas and through scenic valleys.
• Camp under the stars to experience the raw beauty of Patagonian nights and sunrises.
• Photograph the Paine Massif to capture sunrise or sunset shots of the dramatic mountain range, with colors dancing on snow and granite.
• Explore Lago Nordenskjöld which is the vivid turquoise lake, perfect for relaxing walks. It offers great vantage points for the Paine mountains.
• Birdwatching of over 100 bird species. The park is a haven for bird lovers.

5. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India

The Valley of Flowers is nestled high in the western Himalayas in Uttarakhand. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant alpine meadows. It is sprawled across the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is a home to over 500 species of wildflowers. The flowers bloom in riotous colours against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and misty skies.

This serene paradise is not just a botanist’s dream, it is also a spiritual retreat for nature lovers and trekkers. 

How to Reach Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India

To reach the Valley of Flowers, one must first travel to Govindghat, the base town. The nearest airport to the town is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) which is about 290 km away from it. If you wish to travel by railway, the closest railhead is Rishikesh Railway Station. It is around 270 km from Govindghat. 

Once you reach Govindghat by either of the means, you can reach Valley of Flowers through a 14 km trek via Ghangaria. Remember, ponies and porters are available up to Ghangaria only, the final 3-4 km trek to the valley must be done on foot.

Lodging and Getting Around at Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India

There are no accommodations inside the Valley of Flowers itself. Visitors stay at Ghangaria, a small hamlet with basic guesthouses, camps, and hotels. They offer food and lodging during the trekking season (June to October). Getting around the valley is strictly on foot, due to the noble intent of preserving its ecological sensitivity. Don’t worry, the well-marked trails are manageable for anyone with moderate fitness.

Best Time to Visit Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India

The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is mid-July to mid-August, when the monsoon rains awaken the valley into full bloom. Though the weather remains rainy then, the flowers are at their peak, enhancing the lush green beauty. The valley remains closed from November to May due to heavy snowfall.

Things to Do Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India

What more you would wish to do at such a beautiful place except staring at the surrounding nature and species of flowers. Here are a few additional things to do at the Valley of Flowers.

• Trek to Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria which is a must. This 4 km trek takes you through dense forests and streams, providing a scenic view.
• Visit Hemkund Sahib which is a sacred Sikh shrine located at 4,329 meters from Ghangaria. This steep trek offers spiritual and scenic rewards.
• Photography and Nature Walks allow you to capture rare Himalayan flora, cascading waterfalls, and surreal landscapes.
• Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting may offer you a sight of Himalayan monals, snow leopards (rare), blue sheep, and butterflies, among many others natural beauties.
• Meditation and Relaxation is one of the best things to do in such a nature-abundant atmosphere. You can bask in the silence and spiritual calm amidst the valley’s serenity.

Winding Up

Here, our journey reaches the final destination from where we should say a ‘bye’ for now. But, stay tuned to this blog for our next encounter with a few other destinations. I’ll soon be back with a new article with the information on another travel destination.