Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a hill town in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills, surrounded by tea estates, eucalyptus-covered slopes, shola vegetation, and rolling mountain scenery. Sitting at more than 2,000 metres above sea level, it has a notably cooler climate than the plains of southern India. The town developed as an important hill settlement and remains the main urban centre of the Nilgiris.
Albi is a city on the River Tarn in southwestern France, known for its distinctive red-brick architecture and compact historic centre. Its Episcopal City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings together the imposing Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, the former Berbie Palace, the Saint-Salvi quarter, and the Pont-Vieux. The city is often called “Albi la rouge” because of the warm tones of its brick buildings.
Set on the River Seine, Rouen is Normandy's capital and a breathtaking city steeped in history, art, and romance. Marvel at the exquisite Gothic architecture of the Palais de Justice, l'Église Saint-Maclou, l'Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.
Plymouth is a rural town in central Vermont, set among wooded hills, small farms, ponds, and mountain valleys in the Green Mountain region. The town includes several small settlements, with Plymouth Notch being the best-known because of its preserved historic buildings and connection to President Calvin Coolidge. Much of the surrounding landscape remains forested and lightly developed, with roads following valleys and ridgelines rather than forming a dense urban center.
Photo Credit: Photo by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
St. Lucia is an island of verdant landscapes in every direction: A dense rain forest rises up and covers The Pitons' twin peaks, and in the valleys, the sun's rays dance upon the large yellow-green leaves of banana plants. Beyond all the greenery, you'll find isolated coves, stunning beaches, colonial towns, quiet fishing villages and first-class yachting facilities.
Sports-enthusiasts needn't worry about feeling idle on a St. Lucia vacation. The island has plenty of activities to partake in, from water sports such as diving and snorkeling to land options like hiking through the rain forest and exploring a volcano.
Lucia's beaches are awe-inspiring, with strands of black volcanic sand, mile-long stretches of white beach and gorgeous palm-fringed bays bordered by towering mountains. Nature's impact on St. Lucia's beaches has made each one more breathtaking than the last.
Popular Destinations in St. Lucia
Castries
Castries, St. Lucia's capital and a busy port city, is an idyllic Caribbean wonderland. Tourists will find craft and fruit markets, photo-ready murals and a general cozy charm here. One must-do activity is getting to the top Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) to drink in the lovely panoramic views. Be sure to visit the museum at Derek Walcott Square, and soak up the sun on Vigie Beach!
Soufriere
Soufriere sits on the southwest coast of St. Lucia, framed by steep hills and the twin Pitons that rise sharply from the sea. Once the island’s original capital, the town carries deep historical roots tied to colonial rivalries and the development of plantation culture.