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Location: Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, Next to Grand Post Office, New Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 4pm on August 13, 2015.
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Popular and easy hikes in Olympic National Park, Washington
- Hurricane Ridge Meadow Trail: An easy paved 1/2 mile loop trail that opens up to meadows filled with wildflowers and offers views of the fabulous Olympics. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Pictures and more info here.
- Hurricane Hill Trail: This trail starts at the end of the Hurricane ridge road and the trailhead is almost 1.3 miles from the visitor center. The hike is about 3 miles out and back, considered as moderate, and features great views of surrounding peaks. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Pictures and more info here.
- Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail: A short, paved, and easy 1.1 mile loop trail through the lush green rainforest of moss-covered trees & ferns in Hoh Rain Forest. Pictures and more info here.
- Spruce Nature Trail at Hoh Rain Forest: An easy 1.2 miles loop trail leads to a path to lush green riverside meadows alongside the mighty Hoh River in the lush Hoh rainforest. Pictures and more info here.
- Ruby Beach Trail: A short hike from the parking lot that offers a sweet and nice climb over rocks and driftwood and lands on the stunning, expansive beach with sea stacks all over. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes/sandals as the walk is a little steep and also needs to cross the driftwood to access the beach. Pictures and more info here.
- Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail: A short and easy 0.9 mile trail through the lush green rainforest. The trail opens to the blanket of mosses and ferns that cover the giant old abundant growth trees. Pictures and more info here.
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Location: Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 6:30pm on August 11, 2015.
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Abu Dhabi, which means “Land of the Gazelle” in Arabic, is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the second largest man-made island in the world and is about 80 miles from the most popular city in the UAE, Dubai. From sand dunes to natural islands, from cool oases to lavish resorts, from desert to gardens, Abu Dhabi offers various activities for every traveler. Compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is slightly expensive, very traditional, and more peaceful. With the gorgeous skyscraper buildings, the spectacular mosques, the colorful gardens, the beautiful beaches, the city has a significant prominence in the UAE.
These photos are from a short visit to Abu Dhabi on our way to Abu Dhabi airport on July 24, 2018.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Make sure you have valid passports, visas, travel insurances and documents.
- Carry international driving licenses if you plan to rent a car.
- Airports: Abu Dhabi International Airport or Dubai International Airport, whichever is convenient. Commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
- By bus: 2-3 hours ride, costs less than $10, may have to wait up to an hour.
- By Taxi: Nearly 2 hours drive, costs upwards of $80.
- Other options include Uber and Careem (a local taxi service). Careem is less expensive than Uber for shorter distances and Uber is less expensive for longer distances.
- Best Time To Visit
- November to April: High season, best time for exploring the outdoors and to avoid the extreme heat. Be prepared for the big crowd.
- May to August: Low season, best time for budget travelers, be ready to fight the extreme heat.
- September to October: Shoulder Season, best time for the beach
- Clothing
- Weather is warm throughout the year, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, pants, shorts, sundresses, capris, long skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Keep cardigans or shrugs for covering shoulders.
- For Desert Safari: Pants, shorts, or capris, and t-shirts or blouses (preferably no skirts or mini shorts). It is better to wear open shoes, flip flops, or sandals to avoid sand getting into shoes.
- A light jacket for the cool winter mornings and evenings.
- Dirham is the official currency of the UAE. Money exchange can be done at licensed exchange offices, banks, and hotels with your passport. Credit and Debit cards are commonly accepted in Abu Dhabi, but it’s better to keep some amount of Dirham for tips and pay at local markets and smaller shops.
- There are dress codes on mosques and some of the beaches.
- The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Traffic is much lighter on the weekends.
- There is absolutely no shortage of hotels in Abu Dhabi. Depending on your budget and point of interest, book the appropriate hotels.
- For the best prices, avoid luxury taxis, use the regular taxi cabs (Uber is another option too). You can ask the price for your destination and also check if there is a meter in the taxi.
- You can rent a taxi or book Hop On/Hop Off Buses to get around.
- During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking and partying are prohibited in public places between sunrise and sunset.
- How many days: one or 2 days to cover the major attractions.
- Abu Dhabi’s Top Attractions
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in the UAE, beautiful architecture built with marbles, elements of gold and other precious stones.
- Emirates Palace: A luxury resort that looks like a fairy tale castle.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Ferrari-branded theme park for speed and adventure.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: Global Culture & Art Collection museum on Saadiyat Island.
- Qasr Al Hosn: A historical landmark and oldest stone building of Abu Dhabi.
- Corniche Road: A 5 miles long seaside promenade.
- Yas Waterworld: A family entertainment Waterpark
- Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village: An authentic replica of a typical Bedouin village which gives an idea of Emirati life before the oil boom.
- Etihad Tower: An Observation Deck for skyline views of the city.
- Saadiyat Island’s Sandy Shore: A long white sand beach with all facilities.
- Best things to do
- Book any of Abu Dhabi city tours
- Go for an evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride and Sand Boarding with BBQ Dinner.
- Go for a Kayaking tour on Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves.
- Chill out at a long, white sand beach on Saadiyat island.
- Walk along the seaside promenade Corniche Road for extensive views of the Persian Gulf and the city skyline.
- Get thrilled at the Ferrari Theme park
- Book any boat tour to view the city’s skyline.
- Spend a full day at the beach at Yas Island.
- Splash around to cool off at Yas Waterworld waterpark.
- Enjoy a 360 degree view of Abu Dhabi at Jumeirah at Etihad Tower.
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Location: Kalka Das Marg, The Mehrauli area of South Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 2:30pm on August 11, 2015.
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Agra, India
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Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Delhi, India. Agra is a big city in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is home to great monuments including the incredible Taj Mahal. From one the Seven Wonders of the world, Taj Mahal to Agra Fort, each one tells a colorful history with beautiful architecture.
These photos are from our visit to Agra Fort on August 12, 2015.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to Visit: November to March
- October to March: Pleasant weather, but expect big crowds and high prices. Be prepared for foggy mornings in December to January.
- July to September: Humid and hot, expect rain, but less expensive.
- Fly Into: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Agra can be visited on a day trip from Delhi by taxi, bus, train, or air.
- By Taxi: 3 to 5 hours, flexible, private, comfortable, hassle free, but expensive. You can ask for a rental car or taxi from your stay in Delhi
- By Bus: 3 to 5 hours, shared ride, but less expensive. The pick up points are mainly in north and northwest Delhi like Mori Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Akshardham Temple, Anand Vihar ISBT, and New Ashok Nagar. The drop off points in Agra are Agra Bypass, Rohit Cold Storage in Kuberpur, Bihari Ji Family Restaurant in Kuberpur, Agra Toll Plaza and Agra Fort which are around 10-15 kilometers from Taj Mahal. You can book a bus ticket here.
- By Train: 2 hours, comfortable, most popular, and least expensive ride. You need to catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) near Paharganj to Agra Cantonment (AGC). Upon arriving at Agra Train Station, you can get a prepaid taxi or rickshaw to reach Taj Mahal which is about a 20 mins drive from Agra Railway Station.
- By Air: 1 hour, but expensive. Taking a flight from Delhi to Agra is the easiest way when compared to other major cities in India including the metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad as they do not have direct flights to Agra.
- If you plan to reach Agra by Bus, Train or Air, make use of the 24-hour official prepaid auto rickshaw and taxi booths just outside the bus stand, railway station, and airport to reach your hotel.
- Clothing:
- It’s warm and humid, so wear light and loose clothes. There is no dress code but it is a good idea to wear something that covers your knees and shoulders. Cotton Kurtis, Salwars, Long Skirts, Maxi dresses, Cotton Shirts, Pants, T-shirts, Blouses, and comfortable footwears.
- Accommodations:
- A one or two nights stay is enough to explore Agra city. There are a number of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, homestays, and serviced apartments in Agra. Book hotels wisely that best suit your budget, your taste of food, and travel distance.
- The best way to get around Agra is by auto-rickshaw or hire a cab.
- Best Things to Do In Agra
- Relish and embrace the beauty of Taj Mahal. Take a relaxing walk around the Taj Mahal complex that includes passing through the huge gateway of Taj Mahal – Great Gate (Darwaza-i rauza), the beautiful large garden (Charbagh), a reflecting long pool, a red sandstone Jawab Masjid mosque, and the exquisite white marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal. For more details here.
- Explore Agra Fort also known as Red Fort. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the lavish residence of the Mughal Emperors of India. This large historical, 16th-century fortress of red sandstone showcases pristine architecture. Walk through this historic fort and explore the Moti Masjid, Musamman Burj, Diwan-i-Khas, Shahjahani Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Anguri Bagh. The fort is open year round from 7am to 6pm. There will be an entry fee of Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 300 for Foreigners. Have at least two hours to explore the entire fort.
- Watch the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort.
- Enjoy the beauty of the Persian-style garden, Mehtab Bagh. It is about 12 kms and takes about half an hour from the Taj Mahal to reach Mehtab Bagh. Taxis and Autos are easily available to visit Mehtab Bagh.
- Take a boat ride on the Yamuna river for a different view of the Taj Mahal.
- Make a short visit to Mughal style of architecture Jama Masjid, the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula, the Tomb of Akbar the Great, and the Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani in the outskirts of Agra. All are within 5 to 20 kms from Taj Mahal.
- Have fun shopping at colorful narrow streets of Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja ki Mandi, and Subhash Bazar for handicrafts, garments, jewelry, glassware, rugs, carpets, and marble products.
- Take a Trip to Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of monuments and temples with great architecture and is located approximately an hour (45 kms) west of Taj Mahal.
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Location: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 4:30pm on August 11, 2015.
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Taj Mahal!! WOW… just a WOW!! It is beautiful, it is unique, it is precious, it is huge, it is the symbol of love, and it is one of the wonders of the world. Watching this giant white marble mausoleum change its colors from glowing golden to pinkish hue, to milky white over the time lapse in a day is truly magical. Taj Mahal is one of the universally admired masterpieces of UNESCO world heritage sites.
The Taj Mahal is considered as one of the most beautiful architectural sites ever created. This exquisite marble structure is a mausoleum proudly standing out on the right bank of Yamuna river in Agra. Agra is a big city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India and is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Delhi, India.
The Taj Mahal was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, as a memorial to his wife. Today, it is listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Here, I am not going to write the great history behind this magnificent monument, instead I will try to showcase the beauty of the graceful Taj Mahal! These photos are from our most awaited visit to Taj Mahal on August 12th of 2015.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to Visit: Though Taj Mahal can be visited at any time of year and at any time of day, early summer months in India (March to June) are the best time to visit
- October to March: Pleasant weather, but expect big crowds and high prices. Be prepared for foggy mornings in December to January.
- July to September: Humid and hot, expect rain, but less expensive.
- Fly Into: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Agra can be visited on a day trip from Delhi by taxi, bus, train or air.
- By Taxi: 3 to 5 hours, flexible, private, comfortable, hassle free, but expensive. You can ask for a rental car or taxi from your stay in Delhi
- By Bus: 3 to 5 hours, shared ride, but less expensive. The pick up points are mainly in north and northwest Delhi like Mori Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Akshardham Temple, Anand Vihar ISBT, and New Ashok Nagar. The drop off points in Agra are Agra Bypass, Rohit Cold Storage in Kuberpur, Bihari Ji Family Restaurant in Kuberpur, Agra Toll Plaza and Agra Fort which are around 10-15 kilometers from Taj Mahal. You can book a bus ticket here.
- By Train: 2 hours, comfortable, most popular and less expensive ride. You need to catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) near Paharganj to Agra Cantonment (AGC). Upon arriving at the Agra Train Station, you can get a prepaid taxi or rickshaw to reach Taj Mahal which is about 20 mins drive from Agra Railway Station.
- By Air: 1 hour, but expensive. Taking a flight from Delhi to Agra is the easiest way when compared to other major cities in India including the metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru Chennai, and Hyderabad as they do not have direct flights to Agra.
- If you plan to reach Agra by Bus, Train or Air, make use of the 24-hour official prepaid auto rickshaw and taxi booths just outside the bus stand, railway station, and airport to reach your hotel.
- Clothing:
- It’s warm and humid, so wear light and loose clothes. There is no dress code but it is a good idea to wear something that covers your knees and shoulders. Cotton Kurtis, Salwars, Long Skirts, Maxi dresses, Cotton Shirts, Pants, T-shirts, Blouses, and comfortable footwears.
- Accommodations:
- A one or two night stay is enough to explore Taj Mahal and Agra city. There are a number of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, homestays, and serviced apartments in Agra. Some hotels even offer the best views of Taj Mahal. Book hotels wisely that best suits your budget, your taste of food, and travel distance. You can reach the Taj Mahal by hiring a cab or a rickshaw from your hotel.
- Opening Hours:
- Open year around from 6am to 7pm (30 mins before sunrise and 30 mins after sunset) and Fridays remain closed.
- Opens for night viewing from every 2 days before full moon day to 2 days after full moon days from 8:30 pm until 12:30 am. Night viewing hours are suspended during the holy month of Ramdan.
- Entrance Fee
- Indians: Around 50 rupees
- Foreigners: Around 1,100 rupees that includes a water bottle, shoe covers, a tourist map of Agra and a golf cart or bus service to the entry gate.
- Children under 15: Free
- It is better to have exact change to buy entrance tickets.
- Tickets can be purchased at ticket booths near the entry gates or online at this website.
- Try to visit the Taj Mahal during Sunrise. Undoubtedly it is the best time of the day for the best lighting, thinner crowds, and to avoid midday heat. East side of the monument has the best lighting in the early morning.
- Arrive early to the ticket booth. The actual entrance to the Taj is about 1km from the ticket booth. You can walk on the well maintained path or you can hire rickshaws. Wheelchair services are available.
- Make sure you choose the right entrance gate among the East, West, and South Gates. The West gate is the main gate which means more crowd; the South gate is the least used gate, so less crowded but opens after 8am and is near to the market; and the East gate is very close to the number of hotels.
- Avoid visiting on weekends and public holidays
- Everyone needs to go through a security check before entering the entrance gate. Food, smoking products, chargers, tripods, and large bags are not allowed. There are lockers available at the entrance.
- Eating and smoking is strictly prohibited inside Taj Mahal. Also no photography inside the main mausoleum
- Walking paths are clean, paved and well maintained. Wear comfortable footwear. Note that you may have to take off your shoes or wear provided disposable shoe covers while entering the mausoleum.
- Carry enough water.
- Carry sunglasses and a hat and don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
- Request a guide if you want to know the history and related stories about Taj Mahal. You can check with your hotel for a tour guide too.
- Official website http://www.tajmahal.gov.in/.
- Relish and embrace the beauty of Taj Mahal. Take a relaxing walk around the Taj Mahal complex that includes passing through the huge gateway of Taj Mahal – Great Gate (Darwaza-i rauza), the beautiful large garden (Charbagh), a reflecting long pool, a red sandstone Jawab Masjid mosque, and exquisite white marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal.
- Take as many pictures as you can from all angles.
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Bubbles over Niagara Falls
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Location: Niagara Falls State Park, New York, USA.
Date and Time: Around 7pm on May 18, 2019.
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Location: Suvarna Backwater, Near Bengre, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.
Date and Time: Around 2:30pm on July 28, 2018.
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Location: Tea Estate, Samse near Kalasa, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.
Date and Time: Around 4:30pm on August 10, 2011.
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Ausable Chasm is one of the popular getaway attractions in the Adirondacks region of Upstate New York. This beautiful sandstone gorge is renowned as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, not to be confused with the Grand Canyon of the East which is Letchworth State Park. Both are impressive; one is in the Adirondacks region and privately owned and the other one is in the Finger Lakes region and a state park. Ausable Chasm is about 3 miles west of the beautiful Lake Champlain in Vermont and about 40 miles south of the Canadian border.
The scenic Ausable Chasm is the oldest and largest natural attraction since 1870. This is a two mile long, narrow sandstone gorge, filled with gorgeous waterfalls, a beautiful Ausable river, well maintained hiking and adventurous trails, water activities, and much more. You will be amazed by the Ausable Chasm in many ways whether you choose to walk through the trails, tube down the Ausable River, raft down the Ausable rapids, or view the Chasm from the cliffs.
These photos are from our visit to Upstate New York on the labor day weekend of September, 2021 and was our first outing since the pandemic.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- 5 hour drive from New York city; 2 hour drive from Montreal, Canada.
- Best time to Visit: May to October. Summer and Fall are busy seasons.
- Accommodation: There are a number of hotels near Ausable Chasm; Plattsburgh is a good choice for a stay as it is just 13 miles away. Campsites and cabins are available inside the Ausable Chasm with plenty of activities like swimming, playgrounds, shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, and disc golf.
- Weak or no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
- The land of Ausable Chasm is privately owned by the local power company. There will be an entry fee for access to the trails and other attraction tours.
- Ausable Chasm is open year round from 9am to 4pm (5pm in summer) weather permitting.
- There will be a lot of climbing and walking downhill, so wear sturdy shoes. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
- Carry a change of clothes, water shoes/sandals with a heel strap if you are planning for tubing/rafting down the Ausable river. Remember to carry a waterproof bag to avoid your belongings getting wet on the raft floor as there are no lockers near the Table Rock raft tour area.
- Admission tickets to basic trails and adventurous tours/hikes can be purchased at the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center has a nice museum about the geological and tourist history of Ausable Chasm, cafe, gift shop, and restrooms.
- Many of the sections of the trails have no safety rails, but the trails are wide enough.
- The pathway, staircases and bridges may be slippery and some sections with no study railings. Take precaution.
- There are picnic tables and a couple of port-a-potties along the trail. For safety, no strollers and no pets.
- Start early to have more elbow room on trails.
- There are shuttle buses which can be used to return to the welcome center instead of walking.
- Bring snacks and water bottles.
- For more info, check Ausable Chasm.
- There are several tour packages that offer hiking, rafting, and tubing through the gorge, via ferrata, rock climbing and rappelling. Choose a tour that best suits you.
- Best Things to Do
- Enjoy the Scenic Hiking Trails: Inner Sanctum Trail, Rainbow Falls/Elephant’s Head Vista, Rim Walk Trail, Dry Chasm Trail and the guided Ausable Chasm Riverwalk.
- Stop at the parking lot near the Gatehouse/Ausable Chasm bridge. Take a short walk on the Ausable Chasm bridge and peer down to view the beautiful Rainbow Falls.
- Get a thrilling experience by any of the tours: Ausable River Tubing,, Ausable Chasm Rafting, guided Adventure Trail, guided Rappelling and Rock Climbing, and guided Lantern Tour.