One of Costa Rica’s most important ecological areas, Corcovado National Park, was once described by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth'. This rich ecosystem stretches along the southern Pacific coast and encompasses beautiful ocean bays, tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, Central America’s largest wetland area, and the country’s biggest mangrove forest, sprawled over 20 000 hectares. Its myriad exotic creatures include jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, red macaws, quetzals, and red-eyed tree frogs – not to mention the dolphins and humpback whales that breed in the coastal waters. Nature and adventure lovers will be in their element here, with a host of outdoor activities on offer, including wildlife viewing, fishing, surfing, and jungle treks.
Stretching along Canada’s western border, British Columbia has it all – a strong ‘first nations’ heritage, exquisite scenery, prolific wildlife and a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital. The province consists largely of untamed wilderness – rugged mountain peaks, lush forests, alpine lakes, sparkling rivers and coastal surf – making it a prime destination for outdoor activities, from fishing, kayaking, surfing and rock climbing, to hiking, biking, skiing and golf. If it’s ritz and glitz you’re after, there’s plenty to be had on the island of Vancouver, which encompasses BC’s capital, Victoria – five-star cuisine, lively nightlife and countless options for retail therapy. In the winter months, the Northern Lights put on a fantastical light display in certain parts of BC, including Dawson Creek and Muncho Lake Provincial Park.
Sawai Madhopur, the lively capital city of the greater Sawai Madhopur District, rests within southeast Rajasthan, on the northern extension of the sprawling Vindhyan Plateau. The city is famous for its flourishing fauna and flora and mouth-watering cuisine. Some of the best ways to experience these local treasures include a meander through enchanting public gardens and a sample of the delicious local dishes at the numerous atmospheric restaurants. Both a history and nature enthusiasts dream, Sawai Madhopur opens a world of enjoyable excursions with some of the most notable attractions being the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort; the religiously significant Chamatkar Temple; and the remarkable Ranthambhore National Park, renowned for its abundance of free-roaming wildlife including the majestic Bengal tiger and Indian leopard.
Thailand’s original and third-largest national park, Khao Yai was founded in 1962 and remains one of the country’s most renowned and popular protected areas. It sprawls across more than 2000 square kilometres of jungle, evergreen forest and grassy plains, and incorporates roughly 50 kilometres of stunningly scenic hiking and biking trails, ranging from 500m to eight kilometres in length. It also encompasses several spectacular waterfalls, including the 20-metre high Huay Suwat, which was featured in the blockbuster movie 'The Beach'. The park is a hub of biodiversity, home to around 3000 botanical species and a vast array of exotic animals, including macaques, gibbons, bears and elephants, as well as a dazzling array of birdlife.
