Making life a holiday with interesting vacation and adventure ideas.

Following the China tourism video that we put on the blog the other day, I came across this article by Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy entitled Himalayan wonders, describing a short break at Bhallard, in the Kumaon foothills.

Bhallard is a remote village at 7,000 feet, a two-hour car ride from Khatdogam, with a perfect view of the entire Himalayan range. Notable for fresh air, quiet walks through deodar forests and according to Ennapadam Krishnamoorthy, a companionable silence. In short, it offers the ultimate vacation for those in search of tranquility.

The best way to get there is by the Ranikhet Express, which runs between Old Delhi Railway Station and Khatgodam, followed by pre-arranged taxi. Read the article for details.

Labels: Himalayas, India, meditation, nature, vacation

Until recently, wildlife in the 100 km Serranía de los Yariguíes mountain range in Colombia went unstudied, because of the difficulty of access and political instability, but researchers working with the Columbian bird conservation organisation, Fundacion Proaves, have made great advances with the discovery of a series of undescribed species and subspecies and yet another new bird has just been added to their tally.

The expedition team also reported finding the world's most viable populations for various critically endangered bird species. This led to the Yariguíes mountains being declared a National Park and the foundation of an adjacent nature reserve.

You can read more about the expedition and its finds online at Wildlife Extra.

Labels: birds, Birdwatching, Columbia, expedition, National Park, nature, South America, Yariguies

In most countries, tulips are cultivated but in Eeastern Anatolia, Turkey, tulips grow wild. For two weeks in May, visitors are treated to one of natures wonders, as the whole area turns red with wild tulips. Also at this time, demoiselle cranes and bustards can be seen.

Turkey is in fact paradise for birdwatchers and the famous city of Istanbul lies beneath a key migration route for birds. The small wood eagle, snake eagle, falcon, bee falcon, hawk and stork are just some of the birds that can be observed.

The Turkish Nature Society is a non-profit organization aiming to conserve the natural treasures of Turkey and they have determined the rarest and the most beautiful natural sights in Turkey. Find out more about these wonders of nature in Turkey.

Labels: Birdwatching, nature, Tulips, Turkey