India’s hill stations, famed for their stunning scenery and cool air, were formed by the British during their colonial rule.  Located at an altitude ranging between 1000m-2500m, these towns, formally known as hill stations, are elevated from their adjacent valleys and plains, thus affording a refuge from India’s sweltering summer heat.  Beyond stunning scenery, lush green hills and snow-capped peaks, these retreats, found throughout India, offer a host of outdoor adventure travel activities for families:  Mountaineering, trekking, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding are only some of the adventures on offer.

Shimla - View from Mall

Stained Glass Window in St. Michaels

Most of India’s hill stations are located in the north.  Perched on the hilltops at the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh state, Shimla, the state’s capital, and Manali are among the most popular hill stations. Rediscovered and developed by the British since 1819, Shimla, carved on a mountain top at a height of 2196 m is breathtaking. With its colonial charm, it cool mountain breezes and lush pine forests, Shimla is the “queen of hill stations” and the summer capital of British India.  Its snow-capped peaks, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls and lovely lakes make it magical.  The region is dotted with temples and religious sites, among them St. Michael’s Cathedral , once considered India’s finest, and a masterpiece of stained glass construction. Not far, Narkanda offers amazing skiing slopes and other adventure activities in the region include trekking, river rafting, heli-skiing and fishing.

Shimla the Ridge photo by Betelgeuse from Wikimedia Commons

St. Michaels Cathedral

 Lively Manali is the starting point for the main overland artery to remote Ladakh, or “Little Tibet”, renowned for its beauty.  Spread along the banks of the Beas River, Manali is a place of snow-shrouded mountains, deep gorges and religious pilgrimages.  The area is punctuated by Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and bright gompas.  Cascading waterfalls, sulfur springs and the Arjun Cave are among Manali’s highlights, and adventure pursuits include skiing throughout the year, as well as mountaineering, trekking and kayaking.  For a more serene setting, lovely Old Manali or Vashisht are the places to stay.

Skiing in Manali

Tibetan Temple in Manali by Mya M. from Wikimedia commons

Hirimba Temple Manali

Chamba, the charming capital of its eponymous district is well off the beaten path.  Its claim to fame lies in its temples and its vivid festivals – the annual harvest festival, Minjar, held in July and the Sui Mata festival, honoring the memory of a princess, held in April.  Founded in 920 AD, Chamba survived for nearly 1000 years until it fell to the British in 1845.  Perched on a ledge above the Ravi River, Chamba is well-known for its well-defined snow ranges where trekking is popular.

Delwarra in Mount ABu

Situated amidst a barren desertscape, Mount Abu is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan.  This picturesque town is a green oasis with a stunning collection of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, renowned for their architectural beauty and dating to the 11th century.  Situated on the highest peak of the Aravalli range, Mount Abu is considered a holy place and is a center for religious pilgrimages. Once the retreat for royals and later for the British, Mount Abu abounds with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, lush green forests and beautifully landscaped gardens.  The hill station is home to a wildlife sanctuary housing over 800 species of plants and a wide variety of wildlife, including leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, and samhar and jungle cat.

The numerous hill stations of North India offer the perfect off-the-beaten-path retreat for adventure travel holidays, relaxation and just sharing quality time with family and friends when traveling in India.

An adventure-packed, intense way to explore Costa Rica’s rough terrain is by cycling and horseback riding.  Both of these activities are among the best for exploring the more remote areas of the country.

Horseback Riding

Beyond the pure pleasure of the riding experience itself, reaching beautiful isolated regions can sometimes only be accomplished on the back of a horse.  To this day, horseback riding is a basic means of transportation in Costa Rica where villagers in rural areas still use horses as the main means of travel.  Horseback riding trips come in all versions – short treks or multi-day expeditions, beginner adventures to trips for advanced riders.

From Coasts To Mountains on Costa Rica's Trails

A horse riding excursion can take you from the Pacific coastline through impressive river canyons, where you will come upon the plants and wildlife that adorn the country’s landscapes – monkeys, butterflies, unique insects and myriads of colorful birds pave the way for great sightings.  Or ride into the mountains where you may want to explore the Cloud Forest Valley, and then descend to the Arenal Volcano and on to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall.  Stop in the area to relax and soak sore limbs in the healing waters of one of the region’s hot springs.

Rainforest Trails

...And Mountain Views

Riding through any of the expansive green mountain meadows and local ranches of the country or galloping across the white sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean offers the kind of exhilaration and vitality that only riding atop a horse can provide and is just one of many active adventures that make Costa Rica such an adventure packed destination.

Mountain Biking

Manuel Antonio National Park is a mountain biker’s paradise with its stunning hilly landscapes, dense tropical forest and great beaches. 

Mountain Biking in Costa Rica

Enveloped in the misty jungle and abundant wildlife including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, macaws and toucans, you’ll cycle through hidden trails to remote waterfalls and isolated vistas.  Paddle through mountain landscapes, riverbanks and along the beautiful white beaches of the central Pacific coast on biking trips with distances ranging from 20 to 60 km. with levels designed for beginners to the most experienced bikers.

At the base of the Andes in western Argentina, the province of Mendoza, set against the backdrop of the Andes highest peak, is an area of breathtaking beauty and a destination offering diverse attractions and adventures.  The scenery of over 900 vineyards, stretching out to the far-reaching horizon, against the Cerro Aconcagua looming high above creates a stark contrast of mountain and valley in this dry, arid province.

Cerro Aconcagua

Mendoza

The city of Mendoza, the province’s capital, presents a lush oasis in the desert-like region, with its huge plazas, wide boulevards shaded by towering sycamores, pedestrianized streets with lively cafes, forested parks and local street fairs.  The city’s outskirts, however, are its real attraction.  Driving west from the city, the landscape of rolling vineyards opens to a world-renowned wine country proffering daily wine tours and tasting.

Nestled within the Cordon del Plata, the front range of the towering Andes seen from the city, great excursions are available.  Day hikes to Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6962 m. and second only to Mt. Everest in the Himalayas, are popular here.  Posta Chacritas, a 22000 acre estancia offers welcoming accommodations in the region with guided horseback riding, mountain biking, rappelling, trekking and canoeing trips.

Cordon del Plata

Further on, the small town of Uspallata and its eponymous valley, a lush green area created from the melting snows of the mammoth mountains towering above, presents incredibly beautiful viewpoints of the rainbow red, purple, orange, yellow and pink colors of the rock mountains that rise from the crystal clear river waters.  Here, the Mendoza River boasts the best whitewater rafting in Argentina.  Studded with class III and IV rapids, it offers all requisite conditions for speeding through its thundering waves, snaking its way across the upper valley region through Precordilla.  Unforgettable rafting journeys for the entire family can be had at the tamer Atuel River canyon, set at the foot of the Overo volcano, where class I and II rafting is offered.

White water Rafting on the Mendoza River

Puente del Inca

Further on, the Puente del Inca, a fascinating geological phenomenon and historically a spiritual   place for the Incas, features a natural bridge created from the sulfuric waters of the local hot springs, turning everything in its way yellow.  Walking to Aconcagua National Park from here, you’ll arrive at stunning Lago Horcones.

In the winter, the area is a popular ski destination with world-class resorts dotting its peaks.  The Penitentes and Las Lenas ski areas provide terrain for every level with their many runs.  In addition, the thermal springs offer a perfect way to relax tired limbs after an adventure-packed day.

Las Lenas Skiing

The host of sights – the rivers, creeks, mountains and stunning valleys,  the adventures possible , from laid-back walking to class IV rafting, the region’s lovely metropolis of Mendoza, second largest in Argentina – all combine to make Mendoza Province an ideal family adventure holiday spot to be included in an Argentinean vacation.

Mendoza- Argentina's Wine Country

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southern tip of Argentina and Chile  separated from the mainland by the Magellan Straits, is a place of extremes.  Where the Pacific meets the Atlantic, where winds blow hither and yon, where weather is unpredictable, where unusual wildlife abounds, where abundant and diverse adventure activities are limitless, it is a must-visit region for those with a true spirit of exploration.  At the tip of Argentina, Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway to the world’s southernmost Tierra del Fuego National Park, situated in the archipelago.  Winter or summer, the opportunities for outdoor activity  in this national reserve are endless:  Hiking, glacier trekking, skiing, tobogganing, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching and much more is at your fingertips in this amazing environment.

Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego Sunset

Tierra del Fuego is a geographic paradise of forests, lakes, mountains and marine life.  It is Argentina’s only coastal park, its 240 square-miles being flanked by the Andes, which run here east to west, and by the Chilean border on its west.  To the south, the park opens to the waters of the Beagle Channel. Exploring  this region, you are overwhelmed by awe-inspiring views of snow covered mountains, cerulean lakes, ice-blue fjords and rushing rivers.  Water is the prime attraction, with a rich and varied array of coastal wildlife, including seals, killer whales, birds and walruses. 

Beagle Channel from Tierra del Fuego

The park’s interior features a full range of hiking options – several short trails are long on fascination with the Sendero Laguna Negro (the Black Lagoon Trail) topping the list, taking you to an amazing lagoon whose dark waters create a mirror-like effect.  Bounded by high fjords and glaciers, Fagnano Lake, the sixth largest in the world,  is a fisherman’s heaven and excellent for expert kayaking.  One of the park’s other outstanding spots is Lapataia Bay at the end of the 3300 km road between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, where at times you can embark on a Beagle Channel cruise.  In addition, this a great district for enjoying the wild outdoors, with camping facilities and tent rental opportunities readily available, and infinite possibilities for adventure tourism.

lake Fagnano

As Argentina’s southernmost city and the gateway to the park, Ushuaia’ setting is dazzling.  Viewing the town from the green waters of the Beagle Channel, you’ll be struck by the rows of brightly colored houses set against the backdrop of the snow-crested Andes Mountains, almost close enough to touch.  Magic is everywhere here – the blue of the sky and water nearly blinding in its brightness, the air so fresh and crisp, and the jaw-dropping views surrounding you everywhere.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia has its own interesting history and sites:  Once the prison home to Argentina’s worst criminals, the town’s bridges, streets and buildings were built by the forced labor of the penal colony to help create what is today a thriving metropolis of nearly 65,000 inhabitants.  The Museo Maritimo del Presidio (Maritime Museum) is the actual former prison where visitors can learn about the area’s history as well as access the eerie cell areas of prisoners and imagine life behind its walls in the early 20th century.  The museum also displays wax figures of Argentina’s infamous convicts who resided here.

Journeying to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, you are indeed going to the end of the world as far as is physically possible before reaching Antarctica.

Nestled into the foothills of the Andes Mountains on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the gateway to Patagonia’s Lake District.  Packed with hikers in the summer and skiers in winter, this region is South America’s ultimate Switzerland, with its Alps-chalet style buildings, chocolate factories and shops, and log cabins serving fondue.  Largely settled by immigrants from Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Bariloche reflects its alpine heritage in its architecture, landscapes and lifestyle.

Bariloche

Against a backdrop of glacial bodies of deepest blue waters, evergreen forests and the Andes Mountains to the west, the Lake District with Bariloche at its heart, is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Argentina.  Trekking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and every other imaginable outdoor activity are on offer in the region.

Lake Nahuel Huapi

 

On Circuito Chico

Cycling enthusiasts can kick off their adventure by taking on the El Circuito Chico (the Short Circuit). Those with less stamina as well can enjoy a tour of the route by bus or car.    This 65 km ride starts out in Bariloche, looping around Lake Nahuel Huapi, the largest of the region’s 20 lakes, for unparalleled lake and mountain scenery and heart-pumping biking.   Cycling out on a busy lakefront road from Bariloche, you quickly leave behind the urban sprawl while Cerro Lopez, a 6811 ft. high peak looms ahead.  The road passes through expansive evergreen-forested scenery with never-ending views of the lake close by.

Entering Colonia Suiza

Spanning the narrow channel where Lake Nahuel Huapi meets Lake Moreno, cross the Angostara Bridge to a hidden cove and take in the splendid water scenery.   The road heads into the hills, but before this heart-thumping climb, take a side trip onto the gravel path leading into Colonia Suiza (Swiss Colony), located next to a small outcrop and bay on Lago Moreno.  Here, enjoy hot Swiss chocolate and alfajores, Argentina’s favorite cookie, before retracing your steps.

View from Cerro Lopez

Back on the Circuito Chico, bike uphill to Cerro Lopez, stopping to catch your breath and the jaw-dropping view at the highest point, Punto Panoramico.  From this privileged vantage point, an incredible vista spreads out over Lake Moreno to the lovely Llao Llao Hotel, and beyond, the majestic Andes with views of the lakes stretching out in every direction.  From here, the road trends down towards the narrow inlet and bay of Bahia Lopez, a favored swimming spot for locals.

View from Punto Panoramico

Continuing on, you’ll hit the Llao Llao Peninsula Reserve, a beautiful Valdivian forest well worth exploring.  An easy stroll here takes you to Lake Escondido, a lovely hidden mountain lake.  Getting on your bike, you’ll face an easy descent through the park towards the Llao Llao Hotel and Porto Panuelo, the main port of embarkation for most boat tours on Lago Nahuel Huapi.  Halfway down, a slight detour reveals the lakeside village of Villa Tacul, set on an inlet on the water. 

Villa Tacul

Rising unmistakably a little further, the Hotel Llao Llao, notably one of Argentina’s finest resorts, sits on a bluff above Lake Moreno.  It is well worth taking a walk around the hotel’s lovely grounds.  A stop for lunch here at the casual Café Patagonia, whose panoramic windows offer stunning views with majestic scenery of mountains and lakes, is highly recommended. 

Hotel Llao Llao

 

After a visit here, all that remains is to wind your way back to Bariloche, before your next trip to Porto Panuela for a cruise on the lake.

Bariloche's Swiss Chalets

Town of Bled on Lake

Nothing prepared us for the beauty of Slovenia’s Bled and Lake Bled.  A small town in northwest Slovenia, Bled’s claim to fame is its lovely picturesque lake and the thermal springs which have earned it exclusive spa resort status.  To boot, a wealth of outdoor adventure travel activities are on offer here and in the surrounding area. 

Lake Bled

Lake Bled, the jewel in the crown, is a picture of near perfection, a  tiny island perched in its  center and its castle, guarding the lake protectively from a high crag above.  This beautiful lake, which is quite small, affords one of the most relaxing and lovely walks around its banks where one can take in the spectacular scenery.  A visit to the church on the island is a must – public transportation is available by motorboat or gondola, but hiring a boat and rowing out is a much more satisfying and exciting experience.  Overlooking the lake and perched atop a cliff, Bled Castle offers  amazing views of the whole of the lake and the many valleys in the background.

Lake Bled and Castle ABove

 

Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge

A short drive from Bled, you come upon Vintgar Gorge, an impressive canyon whose wooden walkway built into the rock crisscrosses the Radovna River and affords great views of cascading falls and rapids.  Walk in these beautiful surroundings, with the refreshing mist of the river spraying your face or take an easy white water rafting trip down the  nearby river rapids.  Vintgar Gorge is a superb place for adventure outdoors!

 

 

 

Postojna Caves 

Inside Postojna Caves

The Postojna Caves, a mere half hour’s drive from Bled, are without a doubt some of the most spectacular caves to visit.  A small train takes you through approximately 4 km of the caves, where gallery after gallery of incredible rock formations in hues of black, red and bluish white astounded us. Spaghetti-like stalactites dangle from above while stalagmites appear as if candles melting in Gaudi-like structures, and in the background the oohs and aahs of spectators left gasping by the spectacle.  Thin calcite curtains appear as fragile as to give an impression of fluttering voile cloth.  Where the train ends, a tour on foot continues and takes you to the second of the cave’s highlights – a view of the Proteus Anguinus – the human fish, a remarkable tiny albino creature found only in these caves.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ljubljana 

Ljubljana on the Ljubljianca River

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital is only an hour’s drive away.  This is a great city, small enough to explore on foot, yet classically European.  Stroll its quaint streets; hike up to its castle, visible from almost anywhere in town; enjoy the lovely houses in Tarnovo and Krakova neighborhoods as you wander along the banks of the Lubljanca.  Ljubljana is first and foremost, though, an outdoor town.  Let the sun shine and the city’s many nature lovers are out walking, hiking, cycling and roller blading.

Bled and its surroundings, the wonderful, unspoilt mountains, ,its towns and  even its  capital city all  present the best that nature, in all its splendor, has to offer.  The myriad of relaxed recreation, activities and scenery in this region of the Balkans offer some of the best adventure travel holiday’s   families can imagine.

Human Fish

Plitvice Lakes Birdeye View

If the Dalmatian coast provides one of the most spectacular sailing adventure destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers one of Europe’s best outdoor adventure travel,  back-to-nature experiences.  Located inland near the Bosnian border and about a 2-hr. drive south of Zagreb, this Croatian jewel is a richly vegetated and visually elaborate canvas of 16 lakes, waterfalls, streams, caves, springs and brilliantly colored water.

Driving on the old road between Zagreb and Zadar, a dense mixture of Alpine-Mediterranean landscape takes over.  As the sound of rushing water obliterates every other noise, you know you’ve arrived at Plitvice Lakes.  The park, a lush 8 km square, heavily forested plateau and valley features beech, spruce and fir trees and is home to rare wildlife, such as the European brown bear, wolves, eagles, owls, lynx, wild cats and capercailzies.  More than 70 bird species breed here as well.  The breathtaking turquoise, azure, gray and blue crystal-clear waters of the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and four Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) are strung together by cascading waterfalls created through sedimentation of travertine, a particular type of limestone, and miles of pleasant walks. 

Put on your hiking shoes to get up close to the park’s breathtaking beauty:  A system of wood-planked walkways, stairways and dirt trails lead you along the lakes, past the cascades, natural barriers, pools, springs, caves and crags.  The paths literally lead right up to the middle of the waterfalls, where you’ll get great views of the travertine formations.  Climb through the slippery caves to the top of the Plitvice plateau for stunning vistas of the forested lakes.

Hiking in Plitvice Lakes Park

The park offers several hiking routes:  For those limited on time, the shortest one runs through the park within 90 minutes.  For enthusiasts wanting to experience nature at its best, the longest and most spectacular trail takes 6-8 hrs.  Be sure to take the boat ride along Lake Kozjak, the park’s largest lake, connecting the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, the lower part of the Upper Lakes being the most striking area of the park. 

After a full day of wandering through the mist, stop at one of the wooden strukli (strudel) stalls at the park entrance for a slice of apple, cheese or berry strudel, or enjoy great grilled trout at the Licka Kuca restaurant.  If you want to spend a few days in this Garden of Eden, there are hotels within the park limits, and affordable local villas and apartments for rent in the nearby vicinity.    To get to know the locals, lodging in a local Sobe (room for rent) is most affordable and highly recommended.  This area was involved in the beginnings of the Bosnian war and finding out about the region’s history from a local resident is a priceless education!   Sobes are everywhere and are easily found – all you need to do is drive up to one.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great active holiday and one of the best family vacation destinations when traveling in Croatia, especially with youngsters.  The spectacular wild scenery, the great hiking and back-to-nature adventure outdoors experience is not to be missed.

When the morning sun clears the Amazon tree line in southeastern Peru and strikes a gray-pink clay bank on the upper Tambopata River, one of the world’s most dazzling wildlife spectacles is nearing its riotous peak  

    – Franz Lanting, Macaws: Winged Rainbows, National Geographic, January, 1994

 Tambopata National Reserve,  a  3.7 million acre reserve in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon and the gateway to one of the world’s most remote and extraordinary Amazon rainforest environments, is home to over 1300 species of birds, including 32 kinds of parrots.

Scarlet Macaws

One of the most fascinating phenomena here is the daily flocking of birds, especially parrots and macaws, to clay licks.  Clay licks, or “colpas”, as they are referred to locally, are special deposits of clay along the Tambopata riverbanks and deep in the Amazon rainforest interior where birds and other wildlife come to eat soil. 

 Why should hundreds of birds eat soil from these special sites?  The birds, especially the parrots, have a curious habit – they dexterously pluck fruit off trees, tear it open, discard the fruit and eat the hard seeds at the center.  By eating the seeds from hundreds of plants, they are exposing themselves to highly toxic substances. The birds come to the “colpas” to obtain hard-to-find minerals, present in high concentrations in the lick’s soil .  They eat the clay to protect themselves and neutralize the effects of these toxins.

Blue and Yellow Macaws

The macaw clay lick, the largest “colpa”, is a huge 50-meter tall cliff of reddish clay that extends about 500 meters along the Tambopata River.   Here, at dawn, a brilliant array of color descends upon the lick.  One by one, the birds begin flocking  to the clay.  As the morning progresses, they arrive in colorful waves to eat thumb-sized lumps of the clay.  The spectacle of colors during the  feast is dazzling – Blue and Gold Macaws, Mealy Parrots, Scarlet Macaws, Dusky-headed Conures, Blue-headed Pionus  are just a few of the kinds of birds streaming  in from all directions.  At first, the birds congregate in the crowns of trees surrounding the licks.  They spend hours at a time screeching, squabbling and purring at each other before descending to eat the clay.  Once they descend on to the lick, they concentrate on finding choice spots from which to feast on the clay.  And whoosh – they are gone leaving a pageant of color and sound at the first sign of danger.

Clay Licks   are not unique to the birds.  So for example, a peccary clay lick  is home to wild rainforest pigs that show up in herds to eat clay in the late mornings.  Parakeet licks are found in the more remote areas of the rainforest, whereas monkeys lick  tree trunks with sediments, and butterflies flutter about beaches where nutrient-rich liquids have evaporated.  The macaw lick, however, with its proximity to the Tambopata Research Center, a rustic lodge established to protect the nearby lick and to accommodate travelers and researchers, makes it a superb outdoor adventure travel starting point for the intimate rainforest experience in this uninhabited frontier of the Refuge.