Table of Contents
Millions of people tour National Parks every year for education, inspiration, cultural awareness, observation of plant life and wildlife, and recreation. The landscapes in National Parks represent untouched and unaltered beauty of the earth, and often host rare flora/fauna. From majestic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, lush green hills, steep canyons, cave art, historical architectures, to animal migrations; National Parks present an array of universal happenings. They are places that have been put under preservation status by the government of the particular country to which they belong. The purpose of a National Park is to protect the natural habitat and surroundings; preserve the heritage of select land. They are public places; where people can visit and observe nature in its purest form. The area given such a status cannot be developed and is protected for future generations as well. These awe-inspiring wonders are something to see at least once in a lifetime.
The Unrivaled Bounty of Natur
If you are a travel enthusiast, nature buff, or aesthete, you will love what these guarded regions have to offer. Whenever you travel here, be sure to feast your eyes upon our top ten picks of the most alluring National Parks worldwide. At Travelhouseuk, we have compiled a list of marvels that will bolster your love of nature.
Banff National Park, Alberta; Canada
The post-card perfect imagery of this National Park indeed echoes the spirit of the Rockies. The world’s third, Canada’s oldest and most beautiful park; it has stunning lakes, towering mountains, gorgeous wildlife, and hot springs. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake Louise is a glacier-fed, sea-green cascade, like no other. Take a tour around the marshlands, a dip in the soothing outdoor pools, visit the Banff Park Museum, or cycle along the Banff Legacy Trail. Rangers will show you the ample biodiversity around. In winters, you can hike or ski here too; the possibilities are endless. It offers complete lodgings and an event calendar, for an unforgettable vacation, with a scenic view.
Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
A spectacle of natural beauty, it lies in the Chilean Patagonia region. Created due to a geological fault, it turned into an adventure-Mecca because of its gorgeous landscapes. It was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. View the colossal ice glaciers, go for a 4-5 day hike, go ice-skating, boat cruising, or horseback riding here. The jagged mountain peaks also provide you with a mystical view, and you can camp here as well. Roughly 150,000 visitors come to Chile each year. The must-see locations of this wonder include; Grey Lake, Las Torres, Grey Glacier, and Pehoe Lake. This panorama is sure to leave you breathless.
Juizhai Valley National Park, China
Situated in China’s Sichuan province, it has everything one could dream of: snow-covered mountains, blue lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful unparalleled scenery. With the visual outlook of a fairyland, the five-flower lake is a striking scene. A place of natural wonders, you will find alpine lakes, grasslands, and Tibetan villages there. Declared as a biosphere reserve, you can take a detailed tour of its limestone landscapes. It gets its name because of the nine villages, abundant flora and fauna;it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts. A World heritage site, it hosts several attractions; Panda lake, Rize Valley, Pearl Shoal, Long lake, Zechawa valley, Rinocerous lake, and many more.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia
The largest and one of the most famous and frequented National Reserves, the Great Barrier Reef Valley is a captivating sight. An entire underwater ecosystem 1400 miles long; it has a diverse collection of marine life. Breathtakingly beautiful, the deep-sea scenery is something one should put on their bucket list. A World Heritage site, it is eco-friendly and promotes responsible tourism to its visitors. It is indeed the pride of Australia. You can go fishing, snorkelling, diving and even sailing here. Starfish, corals, molluscs, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and so many more species of Sea-life exist here. The surrounding golden beaches, tropical islands, and water attractions invite tourists from all over the world. Being one of the seven natural wonders, it’s the only living thing on the earth’s surface that is visible in space.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; USA
The world’s first national park and the most visited in USA; with a volcano and active geysers. This hydrothermal wonder covers almost 2.2 million acres over three states; and has lakes, forests, peaks, and abundant wildlife. You can see a herd of bison, elk, bears, wolves, antelope, sheep, moose, and many more. Don’t forget to capture the striking waterfalls when you visit or be mesmerised by the Grand Prismatic Spring. You can even watch the Old faithful geyser erupt, learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, or observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. This alluring destination is a sight for all four seasons!
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
You haven’t lived if you haven’t seen the annual wildebeest migration that takes place in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is a classic wildlife sanctuary and hosts one of the best game reserves in the world. One must put this national park on their bucket list. Massive in size, and hosting the Big Five, the wildlife present here is illustrious and liberated. If you ever plan a Safari trip, look out for: lions, giraffes, elephants, hippopotami, gazelles, warthogs, crocodiles, cheetahs, and an endless variety of birds. Rhinos and Hyenas have been spotted here too. There is nothing quite like the animals roaming free under the starry night sky or the gleaming morning sun. It represents the true essence of Africa.
Goreme National Park, Turkey
The incredible cone-shaped rock formations of the Goreme National Park in Turkey are a spectacular sight. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was formed by volcanic erosion, giving them the shape of ‘fairy chimneys’ or ‘hoodoos.’ The dwellings and towns here are underground and date as far back as the 4th century. Some frescoes are as old as 10th or 11th C.E. An open-air museum, churches, homes, all can be found in the structures, linking to the Byzantine era. Take a hot air balloon tour over Cappodocia, visit the historic structures, explore ancient settlements, go shopping for traditional trinkets, or enjoy exquisite wine and dining options. Its an all in one place!
Galapagos Marine Reserve, Ecuador
A world heritage site in Ecuador visited by the great Charles Darwin, who took inspiration for his research from it; it is the second-largest marine reserve in the world. With over 2900 marine life species, you will find dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, albatrosses, crabs, iguanas, and many other conserved species. Dazzling crystal blue waters, scuba diving, island hopping, extensive tours, yacht lunches, there’s so much to do here. Look out for reef sharks or maybe the gigantic Galapagos Tortoise. This national park is truly an animal lover’s paradise. Covering 97% of the Galapagos Islands, the reserve is under the protection of strict laws for current and future generations.
Deosai National Park, Skardu ; Pakistan
Situated in the majestic Skardu, the Deosai National Park rests on the second-highest plateau of the world. The landscape is strikingly beautiful with abundant wildlife, even at high altitudes. The legendary plains host a perfect mix of green and blue; the wildflower fragrance emanates in the air. It provides a pristine camping environment in the healing warmth of nature. Bordering the West end of the Himalayas, the mountains here are snow-capped in winters, and you can see splendid meadows in the summer. Brown bears, a wide variety of butterflies, golden marmot, grey wolf, snow leopard, red fox, and Ibex; many other creatures reside here. Housing the glossy Sheosar lake, it boasts a wildlife paradise and is the pride of Pakistan.
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Thailand’s oldest and most visited, it covers 2000 sq km of evergreen forests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and fantastic flora and fauna. Khao Rom is the highest mountain in the park. Part of a World Heritage site, it is close to Bangkok and easily accessible. Don’t miss out on the three-tiered, orchid, or Haew Suwat waterfalls, the last of which you’ll see in a Leonardo DiCaprio film! The range of wildlife found here includes elephants, Asian black bears, king cobras, monkeys, leopards, and many birds. You can even have a guided group or private tour, whatever suits you. Complete with a Buddhist temple, this is a photo-perfect location amidst nature.
So which National Park has given you the incentive to catch your next flight as early as possible? Call us at Travelhouseuk to make the most of your trip to these mesmerizing natural sites of the world.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.