TRAVEL SPECIAL .......................NATURE TRAILS WITH FAMILY WORLD SPECIAL (2)

 NATURE TRAILS WITH FAMILY WORLD SPECIAL (2)

THE COUNTRYSIDE TRAILS

Let nature surprise you this summer, as you take some of the best trails and hikes across the world

    Adventure can have different meanings to different people. For some the ultimate adrenaline rush would be to bungee jump for some it would be to explore landscapes, hike up mountains, trek for days to reach the peak of a mountain. Today, we congratulate the tourist who seeks adventure in nature. If you’re not the kind who seeks a renevdouzs with nature, we suggest be a bit of an embracer, you’re to be enamoured by the majestic mountains, the calm rivers, and the unique flora you meet on your journey. So what is a nature trail? The dictionary defines it as a signposted path through the countryside designed to draw attention to natural features. The nature lover simply says, a nature trail is where you introduce yourself humbly to the green forests, silent valleys and active volcanoes and exit without leaving a trace for your presence (yes, this also including carrying your trash back, in fact some countries have a heavy fine if caught littering and behaving irresponsibly to the nature). We suggest, try an eco-friendly trip, the kids will wake up to the various varieties of tress, the glorious landscapes and feel one with nature. Maybe this might the path for their dream career, hobby or even courage to talk about preserving the environment.
    Compiled by Rashmi Henriques DRAKENSBERG
REGION: South Africa They are tall, majestic, wide and warm — Drakensberg, meaning ‘Dragon Mountains’ stretch 1,000 km from the eastern cape to the south. Some of the most popular peaks in the range are Thabana Ntlenyana, at 11,424 ft, Mafadi at 11,319 ft, Giant’s Castle at 10,876 ft, Catheral Peak at 9,856 ft amongst others. Explore the high altitude wetlands and hike across untouched streams of the park. The Drakensberg separates Lesotho (a small country landlocked by South Africa) from South Africa. The Drakensberg Park spans parts of both South Africa, in its KwaZulu-Natal province, and Lesotho and is a world heritage site. The status is earned because of its unique environmental diversity and priceless legacy of Rock Art preserved in sandstone rock shelters, which offer us a glimpse into the enigmatic lives and rituals the San people who once lived in these mountains.
    VISA REQUIREMENTS:
    Indians visiting South Africa need a tourist visa. The processing time for the visa to be granted is 5 working days in Mumbai and 10 working days if you apply from Delhi. Visit www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/india