The 10 best treks in the world

These 10 classic treks are for serious walkers. All of them require a sturdy pair of lungs, fit legs and a good amount of preparation. However, if you choose to go on any of these trails then you will be rewarded with experiences that last a lifetime. In no particular order:

1. GR20, France

This demanding 15- day (168km, 104mi) slog through Corsica is legendary for the diversity of landscapes it traverses. There are forests, granite moonscapes, windswept craters, glacial lakes, torrents, peat bogs, maquis, snow-capped peaks, plains and névés (stretches of ice formed from snow). But it doesn’t come easy: the path is rocky and sometimes steep, and includes rickety bridges and slippery rock faces – all part of the fun. Created in 1972, the GR20 links Calenzana, in the Balagne, with Conca, north of Porto Vecchio.


2. Inca Trail, Peru

This 33km (20mi) ancient trail was laid by the Incas and is currently traversed by thousands each year. The trail leads from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winding its way up and down and around the mountains, taking three high passes en route. Views of white-tipped mountains and high cloud forest combine with the magic of walking from one cliff-hugging ruin to the next – understandably making this South America’s most famous trail.


3. Pays Dogon, Mali

The land of the Dogon people’ is one of Africa’s most breathtaking regions. A trek here can last anywhere between two and 10 days, and takes in the soaring cliffs of the Bandiagara escarpment inlaid with old abandoned cliff dwellings. Dogon villages dot the cliffs and are an extraordinary highlight of the journey. The Dogon are known for their masked stilt dancers, intricately carved doors and pueblo-like dwellings built into the side of the escarpment.


4. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Reaching a height of 5,545m (18,193ft) at Kala Pattar, this three-week trek is extremely popular with those who want to be able to say, ‘I’ve been to the base of the world’s highest mountain’. The difficult trek passes undeniably spectacular scenery and is trafficked by Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu. The heights reached during this trek are literally dizzying until you acclimatise to the altitude, and the continuous cutting across valleys certainly has its ups and downs.


5. Indian Himalayas, India

Fewer folk trek on the Indian side of the world’s greatest mountain range. So, if isolation’s your thing try trekking in Himachal Pradesh. Hardcore hikers can try teetering along the mountain tops for 24 days from Spiti to Ladakh. This extremely remote and challenging walk follows ancient trade routes. The bleak high-altitude desert terrain inspired Rudyard Kipling to exclaim, ‘Surely the gods live here; this is no place for men’.


6. Overland Track, Australia

Tasmania’s prehistoriclooking wilderness is most accessible on the 80km (50mi, five- to six-day) Overland Track. Snaking its way between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake), the well-defined path (boardwalked in parts) passes craggy mountains, beautiful lakes and tarns, extensive forests and moorlands. Those who want more can take numerous side walks leading to waterfalls, valleys and still more summits including Mt Ossa (1,617m, 5,305ft) – Tassie’s highest.


7. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

See the stunning subalpine scenery of New Zealand’s South Island surrounding this medium three-day (32km, 20mi) track. At the base of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the track passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mt Aspiring. Highlights include the views from Harris Saddle and atop Conical Hill – from where you can see waves breaking on the distant beach. The main challenge for this popular hike is actually securing a place among the limited numbers who are allowed on the track at any time.


8. The Narrows, USA

A 26km (16mi) journey through dramatic canyons carved over centuries by the Virgin River, the Narrows in Zion National Park is a hike like no other. The route is the river, with over half of the hike spent wading and sometimes swimming. The hike can be traversed in a day, though some choose to take the hanging gardens and natural springs at a more leisurely pace – spending a night at one of the park’s 12 camp grounds.


9. The Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Leading from Chamonix in France through the southern Valais to Zermatt in Switzerland, the Haute Route traverses some of the highest and most scenic country accessible to walkers anywhere in the Alps. The summer Haute Route walk (which takes a different course than the more famous winter skitouring route) takes around two weeks to complete. It mainly involves ‘pass hopping’ and demands a high level of fitness, with every section containing a high huff factor.


10. Baltoro Glacier & K2, Pakistan

This corridor of ice leads to the colossal peak of K2 (8,611m, 28,251ft), the world’s second-highest peak. This incomparable trek traverses some of the most humbling scenery on the planet. What begins following icy rivers boldly goes to the guts of the glacier before leading to the granite pyramidal mountains including Paiju (6,610m, 21,686ft), Uli Biaho (6,417m, 21,053ft), Great Trango Tower (6,286m, 20,623ft) and ultimately K2. If the 15 days doesn’t floor you, take side trips to more moraine-covered glaciers.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/tasmania/travel-tips-and-articles/76228?intaffil=lpemail

World's Top 5 Beach Destinations

When life gets bored in huge traffic and everyday life start to overwhelm, it's comforting to escape to the warm sun and surf of a beach. Throughout the world you will find various types of beaches that are famous for their stunning aspects. If you are desperate for a warm and sunny escape to a beach, you can now jet off to these sandy slices of heaven that comfort your needs.

Here are some best beach destinations unmarred by latest developments, with opportunities for adventure, culture and great food. Plan your trip and visit these unusually peaceful and very beautiful seaside holiday destinations that offer you opportunities to fish, boat, swim, relax and more.


Santa Rosa Beach Florida

Santa Rosa Beach is best known for its quiet, wide stretches of beach, a colorful Caribbean-style artist colony and natures trails that traverse a 15200-acre forest. The abundance of slash pine trees made it a perfect place for turpentine production. The Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities, several parks and historic cemetery. It is one of the best places for shopping, fine dining, golfing, art galleries and nature trails. The lapping waves and cool sands are main attractions.


Monterrico, Guatemala

Monterrico is the most popular beach in Guatemala and also the closest to Guatemala City and Antigua. Th
e beach is mostly clean, and the hotels between the Dulcey Salado and the Eco Beach place keep it the best. The foreign tourists are largely attracted because of the local sea turtle conservation efforts as well as the laid-back atmosphere of the area. You can even get glimpse of the newly-hatched offspring during your visit. The beach also provides plenty of options for inexpensive accommodations and restaurants.


Hahei Beach, New Zealand

Hahei is the most spectacular and popular white beach with a commercial centre that includes accommoda
tion, fine dining, shops, caf's, art galleries etc. The coastline to the north and the offshore islands form the boundaries of a marine reserve, makes it a popular destination for diving and kayaking. Offshore islands make this beach ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. The small settlement town serves as a gateway to the popular Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve. Those who are looking something more can go for water sports at Hahei, including scenic boat trips, sea kayaking, and snorkeling.


Sanur Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages and also one of the most established tourist ar
eas. Sanur Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach with calm and warm seawater located in east part of Denpasar Town. You will find an array of fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, and unique shops alongside ancient temples, art museums, and historic monuments.


Kaanapali Beach Maui, Hawaii

Located in Maui, it is one of America's best beaches. With three miles of white sand and crystal c
lear water, marvellous hotels and resorts, this former retreat for the royalty of Maui is now a popular getaway for the world. Visitors can spend the day sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing, or whale watching. Those who need even more, can enjoy waterfront shopping, a sugarcane train, open-air restaurants, and championship golfing.

Source:http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Worlds_Top_5_Beach_Destinations-nid-89966-cid-51.html

Exotic Island Vacations for Honeymoon

Honeymoon has become more important among young couples. Nowadays couples are looking for more exotic, adventurous and exclusive getaways like private European castle and lonely islands. Thus, you don't have to share the terrain with hundreds of other hotel guests or local residents during your honeymoon period. You can choose a hotel on a private island and enjoy the amenities such as spa treatments and beach views. At the same time each of these secluded islands lets you relax in your own style with your sweet hear

Here are some honeymoon islands which will help you enjoy your holiday happily ever after.


Reunion Island East Africa

Situated off the coast of East Africa in the South Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is a little known, exotic island with all the charm of the tropics. Eco-loving honeymooners will love this island for its preserved natural environment and free from over development stuffs. Adventure seeking honeymooners will be well pleased with its Hiking, surfing, diving, game fishing, and paragliding opportunities. Honeymooners can also explore the tropical beaches, 3000m high peaks, volcanoes and forests.

Andaman Islands India

Andaman Nicobar Islands is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in north India. The islands are hilly and abound in green forests. Timber is plentiful and of a vast variety. The white sandy beaches with back drop of luxuriant greenery and the clear blue waters of the lagoons enclosed by coral reefs will attract newly married couples in all possible ways. You can find out some ancient indigenous tribes roaming in the island. The island of Havelock, a two-hour ferry ride from Port Blair, is one of the the most appealing views you can cherish with your partner for a lifetime.

Whitsunday Islands Australia

Whitsunday Islands Australia is one of the most romantic Honeymoon Destinations of Australia. It is an exclusively lonely and uninhabited island especially for honeymooners. Here you can choose Hamilton Island marina to board your very own luxury yacht filled to the brim with delicious food including amazing variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. The sapphire blue waters are full with fish, whales, dolphins, turtles and mantarays will take away you and your partner to another heaven.

Rangali Island The Maldives

Honeymoon vacation in the Maldives will give you the heaven on earth and the required seclusion with its beautiful white sandy beaches and perfect sunset. You can find plenty of resorts offering a once in a lifetime kind of secluded romantic island honeymoon vacations. Here you both can Relax in your private Jacuzzi, go for a dip in your villa's pool and enjoy the glorious tropical paradise. The most amazing one is dining in the underwater restaurant and kicking back in the over-water spa.

Lizard Island Australia

Located right on the Great Barrier Reef with 24 powdery white beaches Lizard Island is unique and northernmost island resort set on its own private speck of land in the middle of the world’s largest coral reef. While enjoying the panoramic view over Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach you can even arrange a private picnic any of the 24 white-sand secluded beaches. There are Anchor Bay Rooms in a tropical garden with easy access to the bay and beach. All rooms inside have a private balcony with hammock.

Source:http://travel.siliconindia.com/travel-article/Exotic-Island-Vacations-for-Honeymoon-aid-92.html

Best Safari Parks in India

National parks in India , spread across the country, offer a fascinating diversity of terrain, housing large number of rare and giant animal species. The Indian subcontinent boasts of almost 90,000 living species, including 1,250 varieties of birds. India's national park system with its roots in royal Indian hunting grounds became public lands after the departure of the British in 1947. Today, parkland comprises tens of thousands of acres of animal terrain. This weekend let us explore some of the best safari parks in India.


1. Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park is located in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh. The park has a significant population of Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, Barasingha and Indian wild dog. The forests here are vast. Some of the other animal species found in this park are sloth bear, leopard, striped hyena, spotted dear, wild boar, jungle cat, jackal and a variety of monkeys. Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in the park. The park is spread more than 940 sq km in a horse shoe shaped valley bound by the spurs of the Mekal range. Safaris in this park are given on elephants.


2.Kaziranga National park

Located in Assam, Kaziranga National Park lies northeast of the narrow neck of land between Nepal and Bangladesh, along the shores of the Brahmaputra River. This world heritage site is famous for the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros. The landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes and shallow pools. It was declared as a national park in 1974. A private jeep tour or elephant ride through various parkland habitats can be availed inside the park. Apart from one horned rhinos, you can spot elephants, wild buffalos, monitor lizards, and water birds like the bar-headed goose, grey-headed lapwing, and spot-billed pelican, inside the park.

3.Sunderbans, West Bengal

Named after the Sundari tree, Sunderbans National Park is located at the South Eastern tip of the 24 Paraganas district in West Bengal. The Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The park treasures a huge number of Royal Bengal Tigers and is densely covered by Mangrove forest. The park is also abundant with a wide variety of birds, reptiles and invertebrate species. Safaris are given here in canoes.

4.Corbet National park

Corbett National Park is the first national park in India and is also well known for its tiger reserve. Located in Uttarakhand, this park is named after author and photographer Jim Corbett. Though chances of spotting a tiger inside this beautiful park are rare, you may see one that was not baited or tracked. The jeep safari inside the park is worth a trial. If you are seeking fun and adventure, a visit to this beautiful park is a must. Corbett is one of the few parks in northern India with wild elephants, and chances of seeing them are great indeed.

5. Bandavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Source: http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Best_Safari_Parks_in_India-nid-95511-cid-29.html