Visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica will find that despite its small size, the country has an incredible number of attractions and activities to offer. Five per cent of the world’s biodiversity can be found within Costa Rica’s borders and great efforts have been made to preserve this rich resource; protected national parks make up almost 25% of the land – more than any other country in the world. From fishing and surfing to white water rafting and exploring volcanic regions, Costa Rica is the perfect playground for nature lovers and adventures seekers alike.
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.
Lumberjacks, beavers, hockey fanatics, Mounties and maple syrup spring immediately to mind. While Canada certainly provides all of these traditional associations in abundance, this awe-inspiring country has so much more to offer than a slew of cliches. With its unrivalled outdoor adventure facilities, its unforgettable natural landscapes and its exceptionally cosmopolitan and progressive cities, Canada has plenty to offer those seeking cutting-edge culture as well as adventure junkies looking for a serious adrenaline kick. Popular tourist destinations include: the magnificent Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, high-end luxury ski resorts such as Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber-cool and perpetually bustling urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether visiting an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, taking a dog-sled ride through the Yukon to view the spectacular northern lights blaze across the night sky, or indulging in some lovely high tea on Vancouver Island, you are bound to find plenty of activities to keep you blissfully engaged in this exceptionally diverse and incomprehensibly vast nation.
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.
Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
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.
Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
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.
