Category: Adventure

The beauty of Costa Rica has attracted backpackers, bicyclists, and other adventurous travelers for as long as one can even remember. This could be the fact that Costa Rica is a place where natural beauty is embraced as much as it is preserved, or it could just be the gorgeous environment that awaits you.

Whatever the case may be, it’s no secret among mountain bikers that Palo Verde National Park is a dream come true. It’s on many mountain bikers’ bucket lists due to its challenging, exhilarating trails and beautiful forestry that makes one feel one with nature. Situated between Canas and Bebedero, it’s a habitat for many of the world’s most beautiful species of birds. The diverse terrain is comprised of forests, grasslands, lagoons, limestone, and mangroves.

One of the most remarkable things is that Palo Verde aims to protect one of the only remaining dry forests of the Neotropics. It just goes to show that Costa Rica’s approach to preservation remains unparalleled to this day.

Must-Dos for Any Mountain Bikers Visiting Costa Rica

If you want to make the most out of your trip, you should learn from the knowledge and experiences of others to ensure no stone goes left unturned. Starting with this guide is a great first step!

1. Become enlightened by enjoying the power of nature.

From the countless butterflies to the music chirped by local birds, there’s no other place in the world that hold the beauty that Costa Rica holds. You can delve deeper into the wildlife by exploring the forests.

2. Explore parts of Costa Rica others might not discover.

Bicycling is one way to get into parts of Costa Rica that can’t be easily accessed in other ways. Certain parts may require walking your bike through due to the terrain, but it can unlock experiences that may not have been possible otherwise.

3. Hit the waters on a memorable boating adventure.

You can book a charter boat to take things to the water for a day of relaxation. This is actually one of the primary things that tourists tend to do when visiting this particular region. A captain can help you navigate areas only known to the locals as well.

Where to Stay When Visiting Peninsula Papagayo

After a long day of adventure and biking, it’s always good to have a place to unwind and lay your head for a good night’s sleep. With that said, the search for the best hotels in Costa Rica (specifically those around Palo Verde) was undertaken. This led us to two resorts specifically, the Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo and the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. Both are full resort-style hotels, with tons of activities, amenities, and features that will make staying in this luscious paradise even more relaxing. It’s hard to imagine, but it’s true!

For those who want to take a break from pedalling and try an electric bike as they cross the rivers and follow the trails that this part of Costa Rica is known for, Four Seasons has the bikes to make it happen. You can also expect to find that their property offers fine dining, leisurely activities, and much more. As far as the Andaz Costa Rica Resort, their offering is a little more elaborate. From multiple dining options to their all-natural playground, the entertainment is endless. It’s safe to say that they’ve officially set the bar when it comes to what Papagayo Costa Rica resorts should offer to its guests.

From the simplest villages to the most imposing palaces, Rajasthan, the largest and also most touristic region in India , fascinates us with intense colors, intoxicating smells, hypnotic dances and cities you never imagined.

It is the India of the great lords, the Maharajas , who reigned from their great Fortifications and fought over their elephants and horses. A land where the desert conditions the lives of its people, humble peasants who cultivate the arid land and manage to survive the intense sun.

The incredible turbans, long mustaches, beautiful jewels, colorful saris, decorated animals, sacred offerings and beautiful smiles will make you fall in love with this mythical land of gypsies, nomads and incredible palaces.

The best places to visit in Rajasthan:

1. Jaipur

The capital of the region is chaotic, dirty and stressful . Maybe it is not the typical postcard that you had imagined of India and personally it is not where you would spend more time.

Can you imagine a city with thousands of cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, bikes, millions of people, in addition to cows, goats and everything mixed without too much apparent order except for the one that marks the constant horn of the vehicles? Well that’s Jaipur or any other big Indian city. However, the appeal of India is also that. See the beauty among the Chaos. In addition, the city has some attractions that definitely deserve to be visited.

The City Palace , built around the year 1730, is a complex of buildings and gardens that allows you to travel to the time of the Maharajas. It is adorned with beautiful columns, pink arches and shapes reminiscent of Arab architecture. Some walls also have several engravings in blue and yellow tones.

Next to the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal is the biggest icon of the city and a place where you will definitely pass on your tour of the pink city. It was created so that the women of the high caste could, without being seen, observe the street festivities. The visit to the interior is recommended, but in my opinion, the best part is the facade that can be seen from the street.

The temple of the monkeys is another interesting place, there is a small sanctuary where you can make an offering, in addition to having great views of the city which you can travel through the Palace on Wheels train.

2. PUSHKAR

By far, my favorite city in Rajasthan is the most opposite side to Jaipur. The most attractive area is located around a lake , which is accessed through 52 gaths, and which pilgrims use to bathe in the sacred water. It is said that God Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth and from there Pushkar was born.

In addition to several temples where the Hindus make their offerings as the Temple of Brahma , Vishnu or Hanuman, you can go to a restaurant or hotel to observe the city and the lake from a terrace. The view is priceless.

It is an area with many gypsies living in their nearby camps , and their clothes and accessories are, in my opinion, the most colorful in the country. I got to meet some of them and it’s worth talking to them and taking some photos.

3. UDAIPUR

It is a charming city, especially, the area around Lake Pichola . Here some scenes of the movie “Octopussy”, of the legendary “James Bond” were recorded.

In the center of the lake is the beautiful Taj Lake Palace , which was built more than two centuries ago and is undoubtedly the biggest attraction in the city. There are many gaths that give access to the lake where people bathe, wash their clothes or make their offerings. It is a place of contemplation.

If you visit the City Palace, which is also a museum that dominates the city from above, you can admire various clothes, artifacts and ancient weapons, while you walk through its large galleries.

The Jagdish temple is another place you should visit, and it has an impressive ornamentation consisting mainly of dancers carved in stone, in addition to elephants and other details.

4. JODHPUR

In the middle of the vast Thar desert and at the foot of the majestic Merhangarh fort , Jodhpur has hundreds of streets and passages that create that maze where everything is blue and white.

It is a place of great aesthetics, each street seems taken from a story and its soft tones make it peaceful in the midst of that Indian chaos.

A visit to the fort is essential to observe the great blue city from above, and later, to lose yourself in its narrow alleys to feel that you are in a different world.

5. BIKANER

Famous for the Karni Mata temple , or temple of rats, the city has many more places to visit, such as the impressive Junagarh Fort, Largarh Palace or Shiv Bari Temple. It is also a good introduction to the desert and a good place to hire a camel tour.

6. JAISALMER

Near the border with Pakistan, the most famous city of the Thar, it is also the hottest. On my trip through Rajasthan the thermometer arrived here at 50 degrees.

The Jaisalmer fort , also known as the golden fort, is one of the largest in the world and a mandatory visit. Other precise places are the Bada Bagh, the Gadisar lake and the nearby dunes, which are a great attraction for those seeking a Safari through the desert .

Before planning your trip, must check out the Palace on Wheels fares for the peak and lean season.

India is a huge country with an ancient culture. There are more than 1 billion inhabitants. The capital of India – Delhi is full of attractions that are worth visiting for every traveler.

Here is the list of attractions of Delhi are:

1. Red Fort

Lal Qila is a palace-fortress built by the emperor of the Great Mughal dynasty Shah Jahan in the middle of the 17th century and became the center of the new capital of the empire – Shahjanabad. Its name Red Fort was due to the red, as if filled with blood, giant walls, stretching for 2.5 km. Time did not spare the pearl of Delhi – due to numerous military operations, the complex, which once was not inferior to the famous Versailles due to the richness of its interiors, lost both its treasures and its former glory. The peacock throne studded with gems was taken to Iran and lost in the milestones of history, and the unique diamond Kohinor went to the treasury of the British crown and became another place to visit.

Open from 9.30 to 16.30 on all days except Monday.

Address of attraction: Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk Metro Station).

2. Lakshmi Narayan

The most beautiful of the sanctuaries of the patroness of family well-being and health, the goddess Lakshmi, is the temple of Lakshmi-Narayan, resembling a gingerbread house. This is a very special place – even those who do not believe in energetically strong places leave Lakshmi-Narayan with a sense of purity and peace.

The creation of an unusual architectural work of white and pink marble was due to the family of rich philanthropists Birla who donated significant funds for the construction of the church in the 1930s. Mahatma Gandhi himself took part in its opening ceremony, asking to accept all believers in the church, not paying attention to their caste affiliation.

The main hall of the three-storey complex, where the statues of the patrons of the Lakshmi temple and her spouse Narayana are located, is decorated with skilful frescoes depicting the existence of divine entities, and the smaller shrines are dedicated to Hanumana and Ganesh, who grants prosperity and wisdom.

Another room is for worshiping Krishna – there is always soft, soothing music and unhurried religious chants.

Mode of operation: The doors of the temple are open from 4.30 to 19.45, entry is free.

Address attractions : Peshwa Road General Description, Gole Market, the New Delhi.

3. Humayun Mausoleum

This landmark “elder brother” of the world famous Taj Mahal, designed by the great Persian architect Aga Mirak Mirza Giass to glorify the memory of Emperor Humayun, set the course for all Indian architecture for three hundred years.

The mausoleum, located at the crossroads of two avenues, is one with a huge garden, symbolizing the Muslim paradise. In the painting and decoration of the mausoleum, traditional Arabic motifs are harmoniously interwoven with new, unseen hitherto elements.

Four entrances facing the cardinal points lead to a square structure, in the center of which a cube-tomb rises on a large platform, topped with a grand dome. The central building is complemented by four octagonal wings, designed to rest the members of the imperial family. The tomb of aristocrat Isa Khan and a mosque dedicated to him are also on the territory of the ensemble inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address: Nizamuddin East, Mathura Road, Dehli.

4. Jama Masjid Mosque

Like the Taj Mahal, one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid, owes its existence to Shah Jahan. As many as 14 years, five thousand workers erected a grand temple, capable of simultaneously accommodating up to 25 thousand believers. Three arches lead to the huge inner courtyard of the mosque, and two 40-meter minarets and four towers located at the corners protect it from uninvited guests.

In Jama Masjid, one of the most significant relics of Islam is preserved: hair from Mohammed’s beard, one of his shoes, a footprint left in stone, and the head of the Koran, inscribed by the prophet’s dictation on deer skin.

Entering the temple, visitors must take off their shoes and wash their faces and limbs in the waters of the pool located in the center of the courtyard. Only a Muslim can enter the temple during the service.

The temple address , located at the address: Gali Kababian, Old Delhi, is open every day from 07.00 to 12.00, from 13.00 to 18.00.

5. Garden of the Five Senses

The creation of the best botanists in India – an unusual park called the Garden of Five Senses – is located among the rocks and rocks.

On an area of ​​80 thousand square meters. Many harmoniously selected plants have been planted, alternating in decorative elements and coping well with the task set before the park – to awaken all the human senses with the help of beauty. The main road leading to the fabulous fountains divides the garden of the five senses into several sectors. Khas Bagh Garden, the most picturesque place in the park, reminiscent of the rule of the Great Moguls, gathered an unusual collection of exotic flowers and plants from the farthest corners of the Earth, and its entire territory cuts through water channels like vessels.

There is a Water Garden , a Solar Energy Park , and even a Spice Yard in the Five Senses Garden . It is said that a visit to the garden fills the soul with harmony and a sense of peace that does not go away for many years.

Address: Saiyad ul Ajaib, New Delhi (Saket Metro Station).

Embark your journey and explore Delhi via Palace on Wheels train which is the most famous luxury train in India.

Kufri is among the world famous skiing destinations. In the winter season, the meandering paths of potato cultivation turn to an amazing ski track. Apart from skiing, some of the popular amusements are hiking and tobogganing through the snow cladded slopes. People generally visit Kufri to experience the adrenaline rush of various adventure games. However, you shouldn’t worry at all if adventures are not your cup of tea. Pony and yak rides are also exciting and popular in Kufri. Consider taking a ride to the trekking destinations and witness the allure and charm of nature. Every year in the month of February, winter sports are held. Kufri is the perfect place where you can get lost through the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, especially when it comes to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

• Skiing

Skiing is one of the most important reasons why tourists make a wish to visit Kufri. The sport is quite popular in the winter months. For this reason, Kufri is also known as the skiing capital of Shimla. The high altitude and beautiful slopes are the perfect conditions for experiencing the rush and gallop of skiing. From amateur to professional, all types of skiers can have their complete bliss as Kufri offers a number of destinations for skiing. Every winter in the month of February, the travel and tourism department of Himachal Pradesh organizes winter festival in which skiing and tobogganing are the most popular.

• Himalayan National Park

The Himalayan National Park extends over an area of 90 hectares. It is one of the ideal places for animal and birds lovers. This place is home to north-western biodiversity like oak, blue pine, holly, cedar, spruce, deodar and many. Apart from the animal and plant species, you can also witness one of the most incredible sights of the Himalayan Mountains. The Park remains open from 10.00 in the morning to 4.00 in the evening, except on Mondays. Entry fees are applicable, and the Park lies on the intersection of Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road. Whether it’s a guided tour or simply exploring, The Himalayan National Park in Kufri is one of the refreshing points in the entire trip.

• Yak rides

Various places in India offer horse rides, but very few in terms of yak rides and Kufri is one of them. The concept of yak ride is unique and exciting than horse rides. Enjoy your trip while galloping around through the beautiful rocky and muddy trails. A yak ride through the forest path is one of the most scintillating as it offers the view of panoramic mountain ranges alongside. Yak ride is compulsory in the winter months as you’ll be amazed to see how thy function in the bone-chilling cold of Kufri.

• Horse riding

Considering the beauty of Kufri, one can explore the town riding on horseback. It is the most classic way of gazing the natural grandeur of the neighbouring mountains, valleys and of course the charm of locals. Each ride will certainly provide an unforgettable experience, especially towards the rough terrain and rocky trails. When it comes to horse riding, you should never underestimate the episode of Mahashu Peak. You can easily reach the top and will be amazed to see the surrounding natural beauty. Not only should you opt for, but horse riding is a necessity when it comes to Kufri.

• Kufri Fun World

When it comes to entertainment, Kufri Fun World is the best place to make a visit. It is a great place for kids. It is located on top of Mahashu Peak at the elevation of 9000 ft. The Park has various amusement rides both for kids and adults to experience the utmost adrenaline rush. One of the most important things in Kufri Fun World is go-karting tracks. The Park enlists its name among the world highest go-karting tracks. To reach the Park, consider hiking through the mountains or simply hire a pony that can carry your weight. Kufri Fun World also has a canteen that offers some of the best Himachali cuisines to suit your cravings.

It is suggested to hire a travel agent or guide who can help you visit the tourist spot with ease and advanced information to make every moment special.