THE BEST SAFARIS IN INDIA

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THE BEST SAFARIS IN INDIA

POSTED BY TRAVELSHOPEE IN 21. JAN, 2016, UNDER TRAVEL DIARIES

We’re sure you are already aware, but we live in the land of one of the most famous books in the world: The Jungle Book. This epic tale, that has kept children and adults entertained and dreaming of life in the jungle for decades, was inspired by the beautiful creatures of the wild that also call India home. We think it would be a scandal for any Indian not to try and venture out into the wild and see some of these incredible creatures that feature in this book at least once!

There are approximately only 3,200 tigers left in the world; 100 years ago there were 100,000. 70% of that tiger population resides in India and we’re privileged to be part of a generation who can still see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, so we urge you to go out and do so if you can (or go again if you have been already)!

It’s not all lions, tigers and bears at these safari parks; you’ll get to see other incredible (and endangered) creatures such as elephants, rhinos, Asian lions and many others too. So, to help you out and kick-start your safari planning, we’ve listed some of the greatest National Parks in the world, that just so happen to be in India!

Bandavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Source: Trekpedition.com

This safari park has one of the densest Bengal tiger populations in India making it very popular with travellers and animal lovers.

Best time to visit: March-May will give you your best chance of seeing a tiger in its natural habitat.

What else to do? Explore this beautiful state, there are many incredible places to visit and sights to see such as the Gwalior Temple or Taj-ul-Masajid.

Kanha Safari, Madhya Pradesh

For the truest Jungle Book experience, head to Kanha; this luscious green territory is the real-life inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s epic adventure. This rich environment will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on edge as you navigate your way through the jungle, like the explorers of days gone by.

Best Time to Visit: March to May to see the big cats and the park is closed from July to mid-October during monsoon season.

What else to do? Besides Bandavgarh National Park and Kanha there are other sights to see in Madhya Pradesh; it is densely populated with beautiful temples including Birla Mandir high in the hilltops.

Sunderbans, West Bengal

Source:juggadery

Spread over West Bengal and Bangladesh, over 200 Bengal tigers call this park home. The diverse and somewhat dangerous terrain means you’ll have a real adventure to look forward to. This safari also comes with a twist: don’t think you’ll be bouncing around in a 4×4 looking for these secretive creatures; you’ll be in canoes gliding down swampy waters through mangroves.

Best time to visit: November to March gives your best chance of seeing a tiger sun-bathing on the marshy banks of the swamps.

What else to do? Belur Math and the Victoria Memorial are two incredible structures that you can visit whilst in West Bengal, or if you want to take your travels further why not hop over to Bangladesh and explore another beautiful country.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

This is India’s oldest tiger park, having opened in 1936 this reserve takes a lot of care in really preserving the natural habitat of its tigers. This does mean that your chances of seeing a tiger are less as none of the tigers will be tracker or baited. But don’t let that deter you, if you do see a tiger you will be part of an exclusive group and if you don’t see one, then you’re guaranteed to see some of the giant grey wild elephants that also call this park home!

Best Time to Visit: The best time to spot a tiger is March to May, but the park is open from November to June.

What else to do? Whilst in Uttarakhand why not take advantage of the amazing hikes that are available to you in the Northern region of India.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

Source: Tim Strater

You will find no tigers at the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, but don’t be disappointed as this wildlife park is home to wild lions! We recommend staying at least two days to make sure you see all the animals, including hyenas, black bucks and many more.

Best Time to Visit: Whilst December to March is considered to be the best time to visit Gir because of the agreeable climate, it is well-known that your best views of the wildlife will be from April to May (although it will be very hot!).

What else to do? Gujarat is a wildly diverse destination with so many things to do, find out more here in our Gujarat Tourism Guide, as well as more information about Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

This safari is great for seeing tigers, but in the warm desert climate you’ll also be able to see an array of different animals basking in the sun. Sloth bear and wild boars (amongst others) reside in this park that has been so popular to wildlife photographers from around the world for years.

Best Time to Visit: To see a tiger we recommend going between April and June, but remember this is also the hottest time of the year!

What else to do? Whilst you’re in Rajasthan, why not extend your trip and take in the incredible sights of the city of Jaipur.

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FUN IN VEGAS WITHOUT GAMBLING: 10 ALTERNATIVE ATTRACTIONS IN LAS VEGAS

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Las Vegas lies at the very heart of Western excess; money flows through the neon-lit streets as tourists and locals flood in and out of the goliath hotel casinos inhabiting the strip. Gambling is the main pull for the majority of visitors to this desert city, but there is more to Vegas than hoping for a lucky break!

If you visit this metropolis, whether you are gambling or not there is so much you can see or do without playing the slots. The following list contains our favourite attractions that Las Vegas has to offer!

10) The Neon Museum

Located in downtown Vegas, The Neon Museum is home to over 150 old neon signs that used to decorate the famous strip in decades past. The awe-inspiring giants that used to array the prestigious hotels and casinos are an impressive sight regardless of taste. Home to the famous “Hacienda Horse and Rider” sign, the collection started in 1996 and has been growing ever since.

Prices start from $18 for a day tour and $25 for a night tour; we suggest a night tour as you can witness the full splendour of the signs as they were originally intended!

9) Stratosphere Las Vegas

For the ultimate thrills in The Entertainment Capital of The World there is simply no place other than the Stratosphere worth visiting. Featuring the four most talked about thrill rides in the city, there is no real competition for adrenaline pumping excitement here!

The Skyjump is a Guinness World Record holding bungee jump that allows users to enjoy a controlled descent of 829 feet! The record in question is for the highest commercial decelerator descent in the world. Prices for the jump start at $119.

Big Shot is the highest amusement ride in the world. The ride consists of a 49m tower attached to the 281m high Stratosphere high deck; and riders can pull 4Gs during the 72kph experience! If this sounds like your kind of activity then $25 will give you the experience you crave.

Insanity consist of seats suspended 274 metres in the air above the city, they spin at 3Gs and give you an unparalleled view of the sprawling capital of Nevada.  $25 allows you to partake in the Insanity adventure!

X-Scream catapults riders 8m over the edge of Stratosphere and will undoubtedly give you a thrill! The X-scream is named thus as the ride generally prompts screams from the participants! $25 will give you a go on this ride.

If you plan on going on Bighsot, Insanity and X-Scream; then we suggest buying a day pass for $36 which will allow you unlimited turns on all these rides!

 Las Vegas Weddings

Antoine Taveneaux / Wikipedia

This is certainly not for everyone, but Vegas is famous for its wedding services and Hollywood suggests that no trip here would be complete without a snap-wedding! If it is your wish to tie the knot and these not-so-illustrious institutions then you have plenty of options!

The most famous wedding venue in this city is Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. You can have your ceremony performed by an Elvis Presley impersonator or have the whole thing styled in the theme of your choice. Prices start from $245.

7) Nevada State Museum

If you want to learn the history of The Silver State then this is the place to visit. Started in 2011; this museum takes visitors through the geological makeup of the area as well as the human history of the state. The Nevada State Museum gives you a real taste of the State, and many of the exhibits revolve around Las Vegas itself.

At $20 for adults and $10 for children, the experience hold real value for money, as it gives visitors a visual education about one of America’s most exciting states!

6) Red Rock Canyon

FrankFortePhoto / Wikipedia

If you are craving some nature after the bright lights of the big city then Red Rock Canyon should be your next destination! Home to Golden Eagles, Wild Horses and Mountain Lions; this really is a natural haven from the nearby gleaming metropolis. Rock climbing and hiking are popular here as are the more tranquil activities of sightseeing and picnics!

If you plan to take a look at Red Rock Canyon, then make sure to go to the visitor centre before you start exploring. You will get all the information needed for a safe visit in this wild but beautiful conservation area.

5) Exotics Racing

If fast cars are your thing then this may well be the highlight of your time here! At Exotics Racing, you get to drive a supercar around one of the area’s best racetracks. For the experienced driver; this is an opportunity to drive some of best premier cars available today. And for those not quite as experienced; you can learn all the techniques required to steer one of these beasts around a track.

With prices ranging from $249 to drive an Audi R8 and $99 to ride along with one of Exotics Racing’s own drivers there is an opportunity for everyone to unleash their inner Lewis Hamilton!

4) Adventuredome Theme Park

The Adventuredome offers visitors an opportunity to try 25 rides and various other amusements located within its 5 acre area. It has been a Las Vegas feature since 1993. From rock climbing and mini-golf to a full-size roller coaster; Adventuredome has all you need for a fun-filled day out.

$32 will give you access for a day, and considering the vast array of activities on offer that really is some value for money!

3) Mount Charleston

Doc Searls / Wikipedia

Just 56km away from The Strip lies Mount Charleston; natural beauty has a home here, with waterfalls, forests and wild flowers in abundance. During the summer months Vegas is notoriously hot, and Mount Charleston undoubtedly offers solace from the incessant heat that envelopes the area!

Famous for its hiking trails, a day out here will have you either refreshed from relaxing in the cool breeze or fully tired from exploration. Either way you will have spent your time well; basking in the splendour of the magnificent landscape that surrounds the 8th largest mountain in Nevada.

2) Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offer visitors an utterly unique experience. The unmistakenly American take on gardening is an incredible sight to behold and is an oasis-like treat in the middle of Las Vegas. Featuring over 10,000 flowers which are duly changed every 2 weeks by the 120 dedicated gardeners; this is not to be missed during your Vegas stay.

The gardeners here create amazing displays that showcase an inventiveness which will leave you speechless.  To make this experience even more appealing, a visit here will cost you absolutely nothing as there is no entry fee to the gardens.

1) Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Day Tour

A visit to Las Vegas would not be the same without a stop at these equally awe inspiring attractions, one natural and one man-made; each is a true American landmark. The Grand Canyon really needs no introduction; as it is a treasured natural landmark which reaches depths of over 1,800 metres at some points!

The Hoover dam is an impressive technological feat that cost a staggering $36 million in 1936. If you don’t mind heights; we recommend a walk across the Hoover Dam bridge; as the views from the structure are simply amazing.

Most visitors to these attractions pay for a tour that includes both landmarks in its itinerary. The prices for a tour here vary depending on which operator you choose, but expect to pay $100 for a basic tour package.

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