Gujarat is a large state in western India, stretching from the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch to the dry landscapes of the Rann and the forested hills of the southeast. Its varied geography includes salt marshes, mangroves, grasslands, deciduous forests, wetlands, beaches, and a long coastline. Major cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot provide urban centers alongside historic towns, pilgrimage sites, wildlife reserves, and rural communities. The state is particularly known f
Dorrigo National Park lies on the escarpment of northern New South Wales, about an hour from Coffs Harbour, where subtropical rainforest covers steep valleys and high country. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting plant communities that preserve links to ancient forests. Its elevated position creates broad views toward the Bellinger Valley and the coast, while dense forest keeps many walking tracks cool and shaded.
Thekkady is a town in India, located in the Idukki district of Kerala near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats. It serves as a key entry point to one of the country’s well-known protected forest areas, where hills, dense vegetation, and a large artificial lake define the landscape. The town itself is modest, with roads lined by spice shops, small lodges, and tour offices. Its setting within a highland region gives it a cooler climate compared to the plains, while its proximity to
Merida was once the sprawling capital of the Mayan empire and the center of their universe. Merida is now the center of a cosmopolitan universe, built on Mayan heritage, and given a unique twist by French and Mediterranean immigrants. Days are spent exploring the city's many museums and equally fascinating shopping districts. At night, local music can be heard from just about every park in the city, inviting newcomers to enjoy a romantic and fun-filled evening.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument lies in northeastern Arizona on Navajo Nation land, surrounding a network of deep sandstone canyons near Chinle. The monument is distinctive because it is both a protected landscape and a living community, with Diné families continuing to farm, raise livestock, and maintain homes within the canyon.
Photo Credit: Photo by Alexander Shenkin on Unsplash
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects a remarkable volcanic landscape on Hawaii Island shaped by Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. Visitors can explore lava fields, volcanic craters, native rainforest and dramatic terrain created by generations of eruptions. The park also preserves places of deep importance to Native Hawaiian culture and provides an exceptional view into the geological processes that continue to build the Hawaiian Islands. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its landscape continues to evolve as volcanic activity reshapes the island.
Other Popular Destinations in Hawaii
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Kona, Hawaii
Kona started as King Kamehameha I's government seat, and is now a popular tourist destination with key landmarks like Hulihee Palace, as well as coffee farms, shopping and dining.