The Amalfi Coast is a famous tourist destination, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The stretch of road which runs along the Amalfi Coast is known as the Amalfi Drive. It begins in Sorrento and there are shops along Sorrento’s alleys where tourists can buy items of embroidery among many other things. If you are only in the mood for sightseeing, then going to the Island of Capri would be a better option. There you’d see Grotta Azzurra, also known as Blue Grotto.

The light refracts from an opening under the water and makes it look dramatically blue. Entering this magical blue world is an experience of a lifetime for many visitors. The Amalfi coast has endless stunning places for tourists to enjoy. Even if you miss seeing Blue Grotto, you could visit the Emerald Grotto, which is located east of Positano. An elevator from the coastal road would take you down to this cavern, after which you could ride a boat past rock formations that are dazzled with light.

The town next in line would be Amalfi, where you’d be able to relax yourself and take a break if needed. Heading east from there would take you Ravello, which is a Cliffside retreat for writers and a few miles from Ravello comes, the A3 highway. This highway was started in 1929, but was completed only in 1974. It has been a subject of controversies within Italy because of questionable contracts.

The Amalfi Drive, also known as ‘Strada Statale 163’ not only rewards visitors at every turn, but is also challenging as a drive considering that the road is only two cars wide. The most beautiful section is 40 km long between Amalfi and Positano, but it’s usually hard for tourists to pick their favorite town along with drive since each one of them has its own charm and inspires unforgettable impressions.

It is advisable to honk after every turn as well as to pay attention to the honks coming from oncoming curves. The journey should be made in the daylight as the road is full of twists and turns. Moreover, efforts should be made to begin the drive as early as possible in the morning since that would allow you to escape the heavy traffic. Tourists should be prepared for some amount of shouting and waving of hands during the drive, but since the journey is breathtakingly beautiful, you should just relax and consider it part of the sightseeing.

Tips regarding usage of Public Transport

• You need to reach the bus station early as there is a long line of travelers and you may miss the best seat.
• You must ‘validate’ your ticket as you aboard the bus. Ticket validation can be done by inserting it into the small validating device mounted on one of the seat posts.

Also Read:  Amalfi Coast

Endowed with nearly half of world’s wild tigers, India has long been a fascinating destination for jungle safaris. Fictional stomping grounds of Kipling’s Mowgli, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India bring delight to every nature lover. It doesn’t require a trained ear to decipher the thundering roar of country’s national animal coming from the distance. The chance of encountering the majestic cats is now greater than ever as the population (around 2,200) is on the rise owing to the wildlife conservation efforts in India.

Here’s a list of the best tiger reserves in India to stand face-to-face with these gorgeous beasts in their natural habitat.

Bandhavgarh

With the highest density of tigers in this national park, it is your best bet to witness a Bengal tiger in action. Located in the heart of the park, Tala zone is the most sought after safari route. Jungle rides vary from open-jeep tours to elephant safaris. Its dry deciduous forests and rocky landscapes were once inhabited by the most photographed tiger in the world – Sita – and Charger, an aggressive tiger. Aside from tigers – the keystone species – the park is bursting with leopards, deers, and migratory birds. And remember, a UNESCO World Heritage Site “Khajuraho Group of Monuments” is not too far away.

Ranthambore

A must-have item on the Rajasthan tourism package, it is arguably the most fabled tiger sanctuary known to the Western world. Does it ring a bell? Look up where American singer Katy Perry tied the knot in 2010. Home of popular tigers named ‘Machli’ and ‘Broken Tail’, Ranthambore National Park comprises lakes, scattered ancient religious sites, and a 10th-century fortress. Although the time for wildlife safaris in Ranthambore is October through June, most tiger sightings occur in November and May. Sawai Madhopur is the gateway town to this park that lies 112 miles south of Jaipur (the capital of Rajasthan) and 260 miles from the city of Taj Mahal – Agra.

Jim Corbett

Boasting a gamut of astonishing flora and fauna, it is the oldest national park in India. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills and famed for its unadulterated natural beauty, it has five regions dedicated to tigers. Spending a night in serene ambiance of Dhikala Forest Lodge is highly recommended for the wildlife enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on overnight camping, elephant safaris, and walking tours in Dhikala zone. Once you have a face-off with a tiger, go for adventures like white water rafting, boating, and hiking in Nanital.

Sundarbans

Yes, it may be harder to spot an elusive Royal Bengal tiger in the Ganges delta, so make sure to leave enough time for multiple safaris. Weave through dense mangrove wetlands on foot or by boat and stay alert as you might just stumble upon a rare sight – a swimming wild tiger. Gosaba is the last frontier town to enter into this UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the largest estuarine forest in the world. The ideal time to get here is between September and February.

Tadoba Andhari

Reputed as the ‘Jewel of Vidharba’, it is the oldest national park in the state of Maharashtra. Compared with other tiger reserves, this well-preserved park is not well-known. However, visit the park from November to February if you are inclined to see how a mother takes care of her kittenish cubs and to learn about a lone male’s solitary behavior during ordinary quests like hunting and marking his territory. Jungle cottages, guest houses, and tents for accommodations and jungle safari trips with local guides are available here for visitors at Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge.

Moreover, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Manas National Park, and Satpura National Park are among the best places to spot tigers in India.

 

Image credits: Palenque , Andaman, Julian W, dangdumrong, Dey.sandip