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NATURAL TOURIST SRL in CAVRIGLIA

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NATURAL TOURIST SRL is a company registered in Italy. Info-clipper.com brings you a complete range of reports and documents featuring legal and financial data, facts, analysis and official information from Italian Registry.

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Partita IVA: 02062790510 - Codice Fiscale: 02062790510 - Ragione Sociale: NATURAL TOURIST S.R.L.

Codice Ateco: 553 - AREE DI CAMPEGGIO E AREE ATTREZZATE PER CAMPER E ROULOTTE

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SMU Economics Intelligence Club

• Jun 21, 2023
• 11 min read

Thriving with Nature: Exploring Ecotourism in Thailand

Written by Li Laiyi and Woon Shijie , with inputs from Ng Yu Kang

Executive Summary

The reopening of Thailand’s international borders in the post-pandemic era has heralded a new direction of tourism, one that is aligned with safe and sustainable travel. Overall, Thailand’s tourism industry has bounced back through the adoption of ecotourism. First, we seek to explore Thailand’s commitment to sustaining ecotourism under its Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model, along with its significant schemes. Given that Thailand’s tourism sector is a significant contributor to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we would then examine the positive economic impact brought about by Thailand’s move into ecotourism as well as its accompanying limitations.

Thailand is in a good position to take advantage of the move, given the intersections between a high reliance on tourism, as well as 21st century trends. Already, we are seeing success in job creation and growth. However, it is equally crucial for the Thai government to sustain its progress by acknowledging and addressing limitations that threaten its long-term prospects, such as those of overcrowding, ecotourism’s high vulnerability to disasters, and greenwashing. Moving forward, we have suggested standards and frameworks for Thailand to secure the profits of a sustainable eco-tourism sector in the long run.

Introduction to Ecotourism in Thailand

Ecotourism: What is it all about?

Ecotourism is a “form of tourism that attempts to take responsibility for its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, by looking at the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities”. Around the globe, ecotourism is rising in demand and popularity, with over 80% of global travellers believing that ecotourism is important to counter the adverse impacts of tourism. With the growing availability of eco-friendly tourist accommodations and activities, given its environmental sustainability and enhanced travel experiences, the global ecotourism market is expected to reach an astounding USD526.16bn by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.24%.

Ecotourism in Thailand and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model

Tourism is especially significant in Thailand, being one of the world’s leading travel destinations known for its rich historical sites, unique culture, and delectable local cuisines and landscapes. Accounting for a fifth of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 20% of national employment , as well as knock-on impacts on informal sectors, Thailand’s tourism industry is a major contributor to the country’s employment and economic wealth. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand received 39.8 million international visitors in 2019 alone and collected USD60.5bn in international tourism receipts. Tourist revenues were more than the likes of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. As seen in Figure 1, Thailand’s tourism industry only seems to be growing exponentially from 2017 to 2019 with the total value of tourism’s contribution to Thailand’s GDP amounting to THB3028.78b in 2019, up until the 2020 pandemic-fuelled economic downturn, when Thailand’s GDP fell by about -6.1% y/y in 2020.

Post-Pandemic Tourism Revival: Going Green

The Thai government in 2021 announced plans to revive its tourism industry creatively in line with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model , signalling Thailand’s commitment to furthering ecotourism in its national agenda following the COVID-19 pandemic. Spanning from 2021 to 2026, the BCG model seeks to aid in Thailand’s recovery post-pandemic while targeting global environmental concerns . Taking inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the BCG model capitalises on Thailand’s strengths in biological diversity and cultural richness to employ technology and innovation in promoting secondary cities and rural communities as tourism spots. They also target niche market segments such as wellness tourism and cultural tourism, in their bid to stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Being supported by both the abundance of natural resources and man-made infrastructure as important enablers, the Thai government has pushed for local tourism businesses to adopt the BCG model. In turn, businesses have generally responded positively .

Notable Schemes in Thailand

The UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge

In line with its existing ‘No Foam No Plastic’ initiative, Thailand has been the first country to implement the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge nationwide , with more than 500 hotels signing the pledge to eliminate single-use plastic and promote local culture. The changing nature of business needs also leads to a shift along the supply chain needed to sustain regular operations. This has resulted in a diverse range of support coming from local businesses, and profits as well. The growth of eco-tourism is important not just for greater tourism revenues, but also to support the growth of local businesses and productive labour.

Greater local conservation through activities in Nature

Thailand, being home to a myriad of natural attractions, provides ample opportunities for visitors to engage more in local conservation and activities that promote sustainability. This includes activities such as interactions with the mistreated national animals.

At the elephants of Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park, for example, visitors can learn more about the endangered species. Meanwhile, the new heaven reef conservation program ensures visitors can experience first-hand the range of marine conservation activities, including the maintenance of coral reefs to caring for baby turtle hatchling s.

Community-based tourism

More importantly, the BCG model has made a major impact through its greater promotion of community-based tourism, a type of excursion created for tourists to experience local communities. Community-based tourism is often concentrated in rural areas, extending the benefits of tourism to areas that historically had lower footfall and income streams as well.

Collaborative initiatives under the BCG model such as the joint effort between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai Organic Consumers Association (TOCA) seek to promote organic tourism. In Phuket, for example, tourists are able to learn more about organic farming first-hand and collect their own produce to cook - straight from farm to pot. Local restaurants and hotels in Thailand are also sourcing directly from organic farmers. These initiatives are in conjunction with TOCA’s current platform which allows businesses to order local produce and consumers to search for organic farms for farm tours and restaurants that source their ingredients from local farmers.

In the process, ‘Earth Points’ can be earned through greater eco-friendly contributions from both businesses and consumers in the formation and sustenance of an organic society while increasing tourism revenue. These ‘Earth Points’ can be fully redeemed for rewards and promotions on the TOCA platform, further incentivising sustainable practices through the TOCA platform.

This creates a gamified ecosystem that creates a greater appreciation for the environment and strengthens tourism sustainability. Overall, greater exposure of local communities to tourist and business traffic helps create more revenue streams for local farmers, and their communities.

Positive Economic Impact

Rise in GDP and job opportunities for Thais

Following Thailand’s committed move to ecotourism within its tourism sector, TAT hosted an “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023” on Dec 22 to celebrate its tourism achievements going into the new year. Mr Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor, commented that Thailand’s tourism sector has generated THB1.5tr in total tourism revenue, half of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.

Despite not being at pre-pandemic levels, Thailand’s revitalised tourism sector has boosted its GDP to reach a +4.5% y/y expansion in 3Q22, going against the odds of rising inflation and the global economic slowdown .

The Thai economy is now “growing at an accelerating rate” according to Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) which is predicting further growth of +3% to +4% in 2023 . With the revival of tourist arrivals in Thailand in accordance with its BCG model, tourism in Thailand is expected to be among the main sectors to contribute to overall GDP growth once again. This is as it continues to strengthen in supporting jobs and incomes in related sectors as well.

Improved quality of life and income for local farmers

More specifically, given the greater prevalence of community-based tourism, greater income and work opportunities are automatically granted to local communities. The additional effects should not be understated. Tourism infrastructure is often a chicken-and-egg problem, with insufficient tourist amenities in rural areas often being a problem in raising revenues. However, through branding and natural tourism pipelines, Thailand is able to increase the amount of exposure and tourism less affluent communities receive without them supplying much capital in the first place. From these tourist activities, naturally, more hotels and restaurants can be set up, and survive. These benefits are further entrenched into local communities, for example when local farmers sell their produce to these establishments.

Eco-Tourism: Limitations and Challenges

Tourism is considered to be one of the most essential drivers of Thailand’s economic progress and in alleviating unemployment. Overall, Thailand is fortunate enough to have multiple geographical and comparative advantages in terms of lifestyle, culture, and food agronomy to make the sustainable tourism market a sizable one. However, eco-tourism comes with its own sets of limitations which must be addressed or at least mitigated by the public sector for continuity.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding is one of the major concerns for Eco-tourism , as it can lead to undesired impacts on the wildlife, habitats, eco-system and even the indigenous community living in the area. Greater exposure to untouched areas leaves an environmental footprint the area might not be sufficiently well-equipped to handle.

One prominent example would be the closure of Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi in southern Thailand. It was a popular tourist destination for many years, known for its crystal-clear blue water, and towering limestone monoliths that have been worn by millions of years of seawater ebbing. Having this magnificent scene destroyed by tourists is considered by many to be heartbreaking. The effects are detrimental: in June 2000, 70-80% of the bay’s reef was intact. In 2018, less than 8% remained. Thai authorities had to resort to a closure of the bay in June 2018 for conservation efforts despite the large revenue it was generating for the country.

Fortunately, COVID-19 has allowed Thailand’s ecosystem to reset and recover in a more sustainable way. While COVID-19 has negative effects on Thailand’s tourism industry in terms of the economy, it provides plenty of opportunities for sustainability efforts in 2022, such as natural resource restoration. With the abundance of eco-tourism hotspots, the right question to ponder is not how natural resources can be recovered. But instead, how the recovered natural resources may be sustained in the long run.

The solution to sustained usage of natural resources to meet the demands of eco-tourists is through public sector strategy and action. Overcrowding is not the sole result of eco-tourism. Overcrowding is the result of unplanned and poor regulations, that prioritise maximising revenue over conservation. If organisations carry out their operations at the expense of the communities and indigenous people's way of living, Thailand can expect many recurrences of Maya Bay’s tragedy. Repeated offences might mean that rescue efforts may no longer suffice.

High Vulnerability to Natural and Human-Induced Hazards

Thailand is highly vulnerable to natural and human-induced hazards such as tsunamis, storms, droughts, landslides, forest fires and epidemics. The most recent trending disaster in Thailand is flooding. Despite the nature of the hazard, the number of casualties remains relatively high in the millions in regions since the 1990s. The areas being hit the hardest by the hazards are normally eco-tourist hot spots such as the Phuket Tsunami disaster in 2004.

While eco-tourism as a driver of growth is good news for the Thai economy, eco-tourism is highly prone to the effects of natural disasters. One event can lead to a loss of revenue lasting weeks or even months before tourists deem it safe to return. Thailand would also incur high costs to fund relief and restructuring efforts. Hence, it is crucial for the Thai government to consistently upgrade the country’s capital to dampen the effects of natural disasters on Thailand’s economic growth. Having strong industrial policy upgrades would also allow room for career mobility such that the employment rate does not take a sudden dip.

Some policy suggestions by the Asian Development Bank for Thailand include strengthening research and development to support technology absorption. While a reliance on tourism is not inherently wrong, the natural inherent risk means that aggressively diversifying through adopting high-growth sectors is important. With the increasing prevalence of natural disasters due to climate change, diversification becomes especially more pressing.

The Thai government can consider strategically positioning itself to promote the country as a high-tech centre and research base for global firms. This would entice more foreign direct investments which in turn generate more jobs and boost the Thai economy. However, climbing up the technological ladder also requires a simultaneous improvement in workers’ skill levels. It is crucial to increase availability and access to highly specialised vocational education and training and ensure that content is systematically aligned with industry needs. Nonetheless, over the past few decades, Thailand has established a robust manufacturing sector. The focus is on attracting investments for mid/high-tech manufacturing. One area that Thailand could exploit would be Electric Vehicles (EV) and other sustainable products, which align with the eco-tourism sector’s objective to better protect the environment. Already, there are plans to increase EV production to 30% of all cars by 2030. Thailand is also the world’s fifth-largest rare earth metals producer. As renewables become more widely produced due to the world’s quest for net-zero, and the West looking to diversify its renewable production sources outside of the Middle Kingdom, Thailand has a potential opportunity to increase its exports or move up the renewable supply chain with the abundance of these metals.

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is another prominent issue. Greenwashing is a practice in which businesses make false or misleading claims about their environmental practices to appeal to consumers. Unfortunately, greenwashing is a common practice in the tourism industry, including in Thailand's eco-tourism sector.

Naturally, the booming sector allows eco-tourism operators to reap high revenue and accelerate expansion. Hence, firms are more likely to jump onto the trend hoping to get a fair share of the eco-tourism business. Rushing into the sector with profits as the main objective, while neglecting the essence of sustainability, would inevitably cause greenwashing.

Fortunately, the Thai government launched a few initiatives to tackle the issue of greenwashing. One of the notable ones is the ‘GSTC-Recognized Standard’ status launched by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Attaining the GSTC-Recognized status signifies that a sustainable tourism standard has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Accreditation Panel and deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. This prevents firms from fabricating results as the certificate can only be achieved after an in-depth and comprehensive check by the experts. The GSTC programs serve to recognise genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which in turn builds confidence and credibility with consumers.

However, GSTC has its limitations. The GSTC uses a compliance-based approach, meaning that businesses are expected to meet specific requirements in order to be certified. While this approach can be useful in ensuring that businesses meet minimum standards, it may not necessarily encourage innovation or continuous improvement beyond the requirements of the standard. One possible outcome could be that thriving firms may not see the need to transition to cleaner energy or better environmental practices so long they can continue generating profits.

Moving Forward

To sum it up, a healthy and sustainable eco-tourism practice should aim to have the following:

Ensure sustainability by limiting the number of tourists in an area. This prevents overcrowding which can lead to detrimental damage to the environment as mentioned above. It did lead to the closure of popular tourist hot spots, taking a toll on Thailand’s eco-tourism revenue.

Maximise local economic benefits by including residents in projects, encouraging local investments and regulating foreign ones. Not only would an inclusive eco-tourism sector generate more jobs for the locals, but the Thai government could also better control the extent of exploitation of natural reserves when the operators are local as compared to when it is foreign companies. This includes fair distribution of the eco-tourism revenue to locals whose spaces were used in the process.

Regular collaboration between government officials and conservation groups. It is crucial to tap into the environmental knowledge and advice of non-governmental groups in the space. In doing so, it allows for the better and timely protection of the natural reserves. It adds resources and capital to groups already doing good work while reducing the need for more costly government intervention. Enhancing these synergies could strike a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

While Thailand’s eco-tourism sector has its merits such as the abundance of guided environment tours, sustainable resorts and nature conservation, the country still has some ways to go. The introduction of Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model (BCG), which aims to use natural assets more efficiently with the least impact on the environment, is a good stepping stone moving forward for the eco-tourism sector. However, it is essential that the Thai government continues to ramp up efforts in protecting the country’s natural resources given the surge in tourists following China’s reopening. Moving forward, Thailand's sustainable tourism market size is estimated to grow tremendously at a 17.8% CAGR from 2022 to 2032, which represents nearly 3-4% of the share in the global tourism industry. Such a bright outlook for the eco-tourism market is not an opportunity to miss out on. With proper regulation and new initiatives, Thailand can anticipate many fruitful years ahead.

Li Laiyi is a Research Analyst covering Southeast Asia the SMU Economics Intelligence Club (SEIC) and a third-year social sciences undergraduate majoring in Politics, Law, and Economics.

Woon Shijie is a Research Analyst covering Southeast Asia at SEIC, and a second-year economics undergraduate.

Ng Yu Kang is the Director of the Southeast Asia desk at SEIC.

The views expressed are the authors’ own and do not represent the official position of the SMU Economics Intelligence Club. This article may not be reproduced without prior permission from SEIC and due credit to the author(s) and SEIC.

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Scaling Destination Regeneration through Nature-based Solutions in Tourism

Chloe King, Director of Conservation & Community Development, Solimar International

As the Director of Conservation and Community Development with Solimar International , I am currently leading research on a white paper publication series showcasing how sustainable tourism businesses are responding to the climate and biodiversity crises by regenerating destinations through investment and financing Nature-based solutions (NbS). Tourism, the second fastest growing industry in the world in 2019, is estimated to be responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, tourism is also a global industry with immense place-based impact and potential to positively regenerate destinations, bringing people together to serve a common purpose at the heart of tourism itself: people and nature.

With the support of international collaborating organizations such as Regenerative Travel , The Long Run , and the University of Edinburgh, and my co-author O’Shannon Burns, we published the first in the series last month on World Environment Day titled, “ Climate Action through Regeneration: Unlocking the Power of Communities and Nature through Tourism ” This report surveyed 30 tourism operators globally using the IUCN NbS Global Standard to assess how NbS are enabling destinations to take proactive climate action. The paper outlined 5 Principles for Effective Nature-based Solutions in the Tourism Sector (see below) with practical guidelines, action steps, and case studies highlighting action taken by industry leaders. With over 17 affiliate partners joining to amplify the important message behind the white paper, the research has been well-received by an industry that to date has little practical guidance for increasing investment in NbS at scale.

We have seen confusion and misuse around the term “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS)— defined as actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore nature while simultaneously addressing societal challenges—over the past few years. In some cases NbS have been grossly misused as carbon offsets, with grave consequences for local communities, from biofuel production triggering deforestation to tropical rainforests being cleared for carbon farms (Bettini, Nash and Gioli, 2017). NbS, however, are distinguished from Natural Climate Solutions— actions to conserve, restore, and modify natural and modified ecosystems to increase carbon storage or avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—by their focus on addressing societal challenges first and foremost, enabling more effective deliberation of tradeoffs between human and ecological wellbeing. In this paper we argue that NbS must do more by embracing a regenerative approach that sees tourism as a wider part of a living system—where humans are not seen as separate from and doing thing to nature, but rather as an intrinsic part of the natural world.

The report demonstrates how tourism businesses are already making an impact in this space, using NbS to respond to societal challenges first and foremost—with carbon sequestration just an added benefit. Six Senses Laamu Atoll, as one example featured in the research, was one of the first resorts in the Maldives to commit to protecting their seagrass beds, ecosystems that are critically important for supporting fisheries, biodiversity, livelihoods, and coastal protection (and yes, they store carbon too!). They have since seen these ecosystems flourish, engaging guests in weekly snorkel tours to float above hidden seahorses and green sea turtles munching on the meadows, while successfully getting other resorts across the Maldives to commit to halting seagrass destruction. The business is engaging with all 16 communities across Laamu Atoll to bring their guests outside of a traditionally closed-off resort environment to engage with communities and support mangrove protection efforts. I had the great privilege of visiting Six Senses while on assignment with our USAID Climate Adaptation Project in the Maldives and saw first-hand the impact their efforts were having. Through a coalition of NGO partners, Six Senses is truly embodying the principles outlined in this report by centering community needs, improving ecosystem integrity, and enhancing regenerative partnerships.

Following the success of the first white paper, we have identified an industry need to elucidate practical guidelines for both monitoring and financing of Nature-based Solutions interventions. The United Nations Environment Programme has identified that investment in NbS must triple by 2030, which represents US$8.1 trillion worth of total investment, or US$536 billion in funding each year. This will require an increase in private sector investment in NbS, from 14% in 2020 to 40% by 2030. The tourism industry—with both place-based and global impact—has an enormous opportunity to respond to this challenge and fill the finance gap needed to respond to both the causes and consequences of climate change. Key to this will be helping tourism businesses monitor their NbS interventions beyond financial metrics—understanding how investment in nature contributes to human well-being, cultural and social regeneration, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and recreation. 

Over the coming months, I will be working with our industry partners to lead research into a second white paper titled “ Destination Regeneration: Sustainable Tourism’s Role in Financing and Scaling Nature-based Solutions .” It will focus on community-based businesses and social enterprises, particularly focusing on small island developing states most vulnerable to climate impact, to document how sustainable tourism can be a catalyst for increasing private sector investment and finance in NbS by unlocking an understanding of pathways for businesses to invest in nature and monitor economic, environmental, and socio-cultural outcomes as a result. 

We are currently distributing a survey to potential businesses interested in being featured in upcoming publications. If you are interested, get in touch by filling out this survey today: https://tinyurl.com/enterprise-nbs-survey

What is nature tourism and why is it so popular?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Nature tourism is a fantastic type of tourism and it is on the rise! But what is it and why is it so popular? Read on to learn more…

What is nature tourism?

Why is nature tourism important, what is the difference between nature tourism and ecotourism, types of nature tourism, bird watching, scuba diving, scenic driving, bush walking, visiting parks, fishing , cycling , nature tours, nature tourism- further reading.

Nature tourism is all about visiting natural areas and is closed aligned with the concept of rural tourism . Places that nature tourists might visit include might include beaches, forests or national parks. Activities focus on the natural environment rather than visiting man-mad features; think stargazing and hiking, for example. There are locations right across the globe which are perfect for nature tourism.

The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) in the Netherlands define nature tourism as follows:

Nature tourism, also called nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area. It consists of responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.

Nature tourism is important as it allows people to see and appreciate the beauty of our natural environment. Through this kind of tourism, we are able to escape the pollution and pressures of city life – it is good for our physical and mental wellbeing to be out in nature, breathing in fresh air and seeing lush greenery or sparkly blue seas. Nature tourism also encourages visitors to take an interest in the natural environment, which may then translate to them making a more conscious effort where environmental issues are concerned. With climate change being an ever-present and ongoing issue, this is definitely a good thing.

Following on from this, nature tourism gives land owners, local communities and local governments more reason to preserve and take care of natural areas. If they know people will come to visit, it is in their best interest to look after these places and is a great incentive for developing their sustainable tourism provision. Visiting tourists can do wonders for local community pride this way.

As with all tourism, nature tourism brings in money . This economic boost trickles down through a whole community; people need places to stay, and food to eat, and they want to buy souvenirs. Hikers may need to buy replacement walking boots, and weary explorers will always need somewhere to rest their heads at night. Jobs are created and economies are boosted through natural tourism, in the surrounding areas of the specific locations too.

Is nature tourism different from ecotourism? Put simply, yes. They are very similar, but ecotourism is perhaps a more specialised branch of nature tourism if we were looking to clearly define the difference in some way. Nature tourism is about visiting an area – responsibly, yes – rather than actively aiming to learn about the environment and participating in its protection. A nature tourist might visit a beach and admire its beauty, while an ecotourist might join in with a beach clean-up. The lines are blurred, of course, as they so often are when we try to differentiate between types of tourism .

There are different types of nature tourism. This is where we will see similarities with another kind of tourism: adventure tourism. You can read all about adventure tourism here if you’re interested! However, the similarity is that both can be split into two ‘types’: hard and soft.

Soft nature tourism might involve bird watching, visiting a beach to sunbathe, gentle walks through country parks and so on. Hard nature tourism is a bit more tough going: mountain climbing, bush walking and scuba diving, for example. Below I’ll go into some of these specific examples, so you can see how diverse nature tourism is!

Nature tourism examples

There are many examples of nature tourism to be found. Keep reading to see what they are, and whether they fall into the hard or soft category.

Bird watching is an example of soft nature tourism. People of all ages and abilities can do this, with or without a guide. You just need some background knowledge of bird species (or a book explaining them) and perhaps some binoculars. the Gambia is a hotspot for bird watching!

This is more of an example of hard nature tourism. It’s much more adventurous, and requires specialist equipment and a guide or a lot of training/experience. Head under the water to see what kind of nature is on display down there: coral, fish, shells and so much more. It’s subjective, but Barracuda Point in Malaysia is apparently the most beautiful place in the world to scuba dive… and I am a big fan of diving in Dahab , Egypt too!

This is another ‘soft’ activity in that it is low-risk and doesn’t require physical exertion. The North Coast 500 in Scotland is an example of a famous scenic drive – this is a great way to experience nature. From rolling hills to winding rivers, there is so much to see out of the window from the comfort of your car. Another fantastic example is the Kings Highway in Jordan , where you will see endless desert, canyons and incredible rock formations.

Camping is, again, an example of soft nature tourism. While it’s a little more ‘involved’ than scenic driving, for example, it is still relatively low risk and most of us are able to participate. Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to camp, with its green landscapes and snowy mountain scenery. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro gives you some fantastic camping opportunities too- just make sure you buy the best wild camping tent !

While controversial, hunting tourism is an example of nature tourism as it takes place in natural spaces. It is definitely one for the hard category, as you need special equipment to do so and it can obviously be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It is also often a discussion point for ethical tourism .

For the most part, this is a very safe activity and therefore falls into the soft category again. Guided tours are available in all of the very best stargazing locations, such as El Teide National Park in Tenerife, and it has even spawned its own branch of tourism. This is known as dark sky tourism, and there are many examples of activities that fall within this. They include stargazing, of course, alongside seeing the Northern Lights, watching an eclipse, astronomy tours and staying in accommodations that offer a clear view of the night sky such as glass domes.

This can be dangerous in that it is all about going off the beaten track, and walking through bushes/on rough ground. Therefore we can categorise this as hard nature tourism; it is something you would do when hiking, and gives you a bit of an adrenaline kick!

One of the easiest and most common forms of nature tourism is simply visiting a park. Whether this is a UK national park or your local green space at home, visiting a park is a definite example of this type of tourism. You’ll see birds, insects, flowers, trees, grass and more. Have a leisurely stroll, cycle through or sit and eat a picnic surrounded by nature.

Fishing falls in the middle of the soft and hard categories. You do need specialist equipment, but with most types of fishing there is little to no risk to life involved. But you need to be in nature – by or even on a lake or river – to do it, so it definitely counts as a form of nature tourism. People have obviously been fishing for years as a source of food gathering, but it is also a recreational hobby enjoyed by many.

This is another middle of the road activity. Kayaking can be dangerous, although it usually isn’t – you’ll often have a guide with you, and of course specialist equipment (the kayak) is required. It’s a really fun activity that many people enjoy!

You can visit a beach and simply do… nothing! This is still an example of nature tourism, as beaches are natural environments. Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and tourists flock there to relax and soak up the sunshine. Beaches are also usually near to bars and restaurants, and you might find people doing beach yoga or watching the sunrise/sunset. Thailand even has all-night moonlight beach parties. They are versatile and beautiful locations!

Again, another activity that could be considered hard or soft. It depends where you go, really. A gentle bike ride along a specific cycle lane through a park is nothing like mountain biking in harsh terrains. It’s all about the level of ability you have and what risks you’re willing to take. But cycling is definitely a great way to get out and about in nature. It is also a low-cost and eco-friendly activity, which makes it a winner from many angles.

These tend to be a longer duration than many activities mentioned above, which you may do regularly but for a few hours at a time. Nature tours are days or even weeks-long trips, out into the wilderness with nature and wildlife experts. You might travel by air or train, or go on a cruise, and your guide will be on hand to point out every aspect of nature there is to see. These nature tours will take visitors to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth, such as trekking in Chiang Mai , Croatia, seeing the glaciers in Iceland and Alaska, and gazing at the best waterfalls in Finger Lakes . They’ll set you back a fair bit, but the memories you’ll make seeing bears and waterfalls and glorious sunsets will more than make up for it!

If you enjoyed this article, I am sure that you will love these too!

• Homestay tourism: What is a homestay?
• Cultural tourism explained: What, why and where
• Volunteer tourism: The reasons why people volunteer
• What is adventure tourism and why is it so big?
• Rural tourism explained: What, where and why

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45 Natural Tourist Attractions & Wonders of America

Discover more than the natural 40 wonders of America with our comprehensive guide. Visit unforgettable destinations, from stunning national parks to incredible historic sites.

• Diverse Natural Marvels:
• Embark on a journey across the United States as we unveil 45 natural wonders, ranging from majestic landscapes and geological formations to breathtaking national parks, showcasing the incredible diversity of America's natural beauty.
• Iconic National Parks:
• Explore renowned national parks, such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite, delving into the unique features that make each park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
• Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures:
• Shine a light on lesser-known but equally stunning attractions, revealing hidden gems that captivate with their beauty and offer a more secluded and intimate connection with nature.
• Outdoor Adventure Hotspots:
• Cater to outdoor enthusiasts by highlighting natural attractions that provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and other recreational activities, ensuring a thrilling experience for those seeking adventure.
• Conservation and Sustainability Focus:
• Discuss the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in preserving these natural wonders for future generations, encouraging readers to explore responsibly and contribute to protecting these precious environments.

More Than 40 Wonders of America

The USA is home to natural attractions worldwide; the  United States of America is surrounded by two oceans, bisected by the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, and is home to spectacular natural attractions like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. Thanks to the State and National Parks systems, beautiful natural attractions may be found in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. However, some natural attractions in the United States are worth going for and should be included on your bucket list.

These are among the best-known natural attractions in the USA. Aren't there any that you like? I can't even begin to name them all because there are so many. UNESCO has designated over a dozen national parks and natural wonders in the United States as World Heritage Sites, so you might also want to look at those.

In this travel guide, we will cover the top 45 natural attractions in the USA; every piece of content in this article is written by a travel expert who wants to share his passion for natural attractions, so prepare your coffee, and let's get started with:

• Yosemite National Park
• Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon - National Park Service
• Grand Canyon Village
• Redwood National and State Parks (U.S)
• The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
• Old Faithful, Yellowstone's Famous Geyser
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
• Hawaii Volcanoes
• Arches National Park (U.S)
• Acadia National Park (U.S)
• Crater Lake
• Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S)
• Rocky Mountain
• Columbia River Gorge
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Everglades National Park (U.S)
• Antelope Canyon
• Kilauea | U.S
• White Sands
• Devils Tower National Monument (U.S)
• Valley of Fire - Nevada State Parks
• Bryce Canyon
• Zion National Park (U.S)
• Niagara Falls State Park
• Carlsbad Caverns
• Luray Caverns
• Glacier National Park (U.S)
• Badlands National Park (U.S)
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• The Great Smoky Mountains
• Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S)
• Waimea Canyon State Park
• Mount Rainier
• Grand Teton - National Park
• Death Valley
• Mount Washington
• Hocking Hills State Park
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon
• Black Hills & Badlands
• Upper Falls - Powerful Waterfall on the Yellowstone River
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls
• Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids – Kansas
• Hells Canyon National Recreation Area USA

1-Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a national park in the United States, located in California. The Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest border east and west. The National Park Service manages the park, which covers an area of 759,620 acres (1,187 square miles: 3,074 km2) and is located in four counties: " Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono, and Madera ". Yosemite was designated a UNESCO World Legacy Site in 1984 for its sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, pure streams, enormous sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological variety. Almost 95% of the park has been declared wilderness. Yosemite is one of Sierra Nevada's most significant and least fragmented habitat blocks, and the park is home to a diverse array of flora and animals.

The park's height ranges from 2,127 to 13,114 feet (648 to 3,997 meters). It is home to five distinct ecological zones: chaparral and oak woodlands, minor montane forest, higher montane forest, subalpine zone, and the alpine. Around half of California's 7,000 plant species are found in the Sierra Nevada, and more than a quarter are found in Yosemite.

The park provides habitat for over 160 uncommon species, with peculiar local geologic formations and specific soils defining the restricted areas that many of these plants inhabit. Granite rocks and relics of earlier rocks characterize Yosemite's geology.

The Sierra Nevada was elevated and subsequently tilted approximately 10 million years ago, resulting in the mild western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes. As a result of the uplift, stream, and river banks became steeper, resulting in profound, slim canyons. Around one million years ago, snow and ice collected in the higher alpine meadows, generating glaciers that drifted down river valleys. During the early glacial event, There may have been ice as thick as 4,000 feet in Yosemite Valley. (1,200 meters).

The ice masses' downslope migration carved and molded the U-shaped valley that attracts many visitors today for its stunning panoramas.

2-The Grand Canyon

Visit the Grand Canyon's northern rim, home to one of its most breathtaking sights. The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim has been a part of this picturesque location since 1928 and offers a variety of cabin and motel room options for your next visit. When you visit us for your next holiday, take advantage of all that the canyon and lodge have to offer. The Grand Canyon's most popular section is the South Rim.

Read Also: Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon 2024

Compared to the North Rim's 8,500 feet, the South Rim's 7,000 feet of elevation makes for some exhilarating descents, and the opposing cliff's intricate red-rock stairs appear like an enormous orange IMAX in front of you. If you're up for the challenge, the South Rim's hiking trails will repay your time and energy. At the very least, check out the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails.

NORTH RIM allows you to enjoy a peaceful stroll. Only 10% of the park's approximately 5 million yearly visitors get it to this section of the Grand Canyon, making it less developed and more serene. Misanthropes will love this! If you want to combine a trip to Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Parks, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a great place to start. Hike the North Kaibab Trail or one of the short trails near the views. Most services at the North Rim shut down from mid-October to mid-May, but if the route hasn't been closed by snow, you might be able to travel there in the off-season.

Early spring through late October is the peak season for lodging, campgrounds, and guides. Be prepared.

3-The Grand Canyon - National Park

is the fifteenth national park established in the United States. The Grand Canyon is the park's centerpiece, a gorge formed by the Colorado River, sometimes called one of the World's Wonders. The park, which encompasses 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 square miles: 4,926.08 km2) of unorganized land in Coconino and Mohave counties, attracted more than six million recreational visitors in 2017, ranking it second among all American national parks behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In 1979, UNESCO proclaimed the Grand Canyon a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On February 26, 2019, the park will commemorate its centennial. After railroads were completed and pioneers developed infrastructure and early tourism, the Grand Canyon became well-known to Americans in the 1880s. 

4-The Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab National Forest Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument, Hualapai, Havasupai, and Navajo Nation encompass the canyon and its neighboring rim. President Theodore Roosevelt strongly supported the Grand Canyon area's preservation and visited it multiple times to hunt and enjoy the grandeur.

The Colorado River and its branches exposed over two billion years of Earth's geological history when they censored their channels over layer after layer of rock as the Colorado Plateau was raised. While geologists disagree on critical details of the canyon's formation, several recent studies support that the Colorado River carved its path through the area approximately 5 to 6 million years ago. Since then, the Colorado River has pushed the tributaries and cliffs down, simultaneously deepening and enlarging the canyon.

5-Redwood National State Parks (U.S)

Redwood National and State Parks are a collection of four parks in northern California, one of which is a national park and the other three jointly maintained. The United RNSP contains 139,000 acres (560 km2) of old-growth temperate rainforests, including Redwood National Park (created in 1968) and California State Parks: Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek (dating from the 1920s). At a total of 38,982 acres, in the four parks in Del Norte & Humboldt Counties forty-five percent of the remaining coast redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) (157.75 km2).

These trees are some of the largest and oldest on the planet. There are 37 miles (60 km) of pristine shoreline, various native plant and animal life, and grassland prairie. Social elements are also protected, as are sections of rivers and streams.

6-The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November through April and 5:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May through October. Here, the pinon-juniper forests of the American Southwest mix with Great Plains grasslands, and the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak – America's Mountain – rises above the landscape.

With its 300 million years of geological history, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers one of the most comprehensive portraits of Earth's past anywhere in the country. It's a natural wonder.

7-Old Faithful, Yellowstone's Famous Geyser

Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin is home to the park's most famous geyser, Old Faithful. To help visitors better understand the geyser's behavior, a ranger station monitors the eruption's start time, height, and duration to predict when the next one will occur. With a range of 100-180 feet, Old Faithful is typically around 130-140 feet tall. In the past, its height has been measured in this range.

Read Also: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone 2024

On average, eruptions commonly last between 1.5 and 5 minutes. Old Faithful in Yellowstone, the world's most famous geyser, erupts roughly 20 times daily.

Based on the preceding eruption's duration and height, these eruptions can be forecast with a 90% confidence level and a 10-minute variation. After hours, geyser forecasts and statistics are kept by the naturalist crew. Observation, timing with a stopwatch, and recording findings in a logbook are the best methods for accomplishing this.

8-Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

The 17-mile circular route has regenerated and now accepts only five automobiles per hour, under the NNDOH's 50% residence limit at all tribal park conveniences. With the Winter hours in force, we want to remind all tourists that all entrances are on a " First Come, First Served " basis. Due to the rocky terrain, watch for all low-level vehicles. We request that you anticipate longer wait times and harsh weather.

Follow all signage, remain on the approved route, and stay hydrated and safe. Our primary concern is for the protection of our citizens. It is one of the planet's most gorgeous – and photographed – locations.

This magnificent valley is home to sandstone marvels that soar to 400 to 1,000 feet and are framed by gorgeous clouds that send graceful shadows on the desert floor. The sun's perspective highlights these exquisite patterns, creating awe-inspiring vistas. The environment is overwhelming, not only in terms of beauty but also in terms of scale.

The fragile rock pinnacles are flanked by miles of mesas and buttes, plants and trees, and windblown sand, all contributing to the valley's beautiful colors. All of this combines to provide a genuinely spectacular experience at Monument Valley. Take advantage of this lovely land.

9-Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, may be found in the park. One of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions, and a sacred location, is the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park. From the top of Maunaloa to the ocean, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spans 335,259 acres, or nearly 523 square miles (by comparison, the island of Oahu is 597 square miles). A tourist center, petroglyphs, Maunaloa (which last erupted in 1984), and Kilauea (which last erupted in 2018) are among the highlights of the region's 150-mile network of hiking trails (1983-2018). Many people call Kilauea " The only drive-in volcano in the world ".

Read Also: Best Time To See The Lava in Hawaii 2024

On any day, this active volcano would spew out enough lava to cover the surface of a 20-mile two-lane road. More than 875 acres of land have been added to the island of Hawaii since January 1983. UNESCO declared the park a World Biosphere Site in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987 to recognize the region's exceptional ecological variety.

10-Arches National Park (U.S)

Arches National Park is a United States national park located in eastern Utah. The park is located just north of Moab, Utah, about 4 miles north of the river. Delicate Arch is just one of many natural sandstone arches that can be seen in the park, along with other unique geological features and structures. This park has more natural arches than any other in the world.

For more than three-and-a-half million square feet (76,680 acres), the park is located on the Colorado Plateau and spans 310.31 square kilometers. Elephant Butte, the park's highest point, rises to a height of 5,653 feet (1,723 meters) while the visitor center, at 4,085 feet (1,245 meters), is the park's lowest point. The average yearly rainfall is below the 10-inch mark (254 millimeters).

On April 12, 1929, the National Park Service designated the area a national monument, and on November 12, 1971, it was renamed a national park. In 2018, around 1.6 million people visited the park. 

11-Acadia National Park (U.S)

This national park preserves the natural grandeur of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coast of the United States, a plethora of habitats, and a rich cultural history. It is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with an average of 3.5 million visitors annually. There are 27 miles of historic motorways, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads for visitors to explore.

On the coast of Maine, the United States, there is a spectacular national treasure known as the Isle au Haut. Natural beauty abounds no matter which vantage point you choose. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most popular parks in North America and the United States. Located on Mount Desert Island's northeastern coast, the little seaside town of Bar Harbor enjoys a special bond with the nearby Acadia National Park.

12-Crater Lake

Located in Southern Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake National Park is home to the seventh-deepest lake in the world and the country's deepest lake. The caldera, or volcanic basin, where the 1,943-foot-depth lake is located, was shaped after the 12,000-foot-high Mount Mazama distorted 7,700 years ago after a massive eruption. To maintain its crystal-clear appearance, the lake relies on snowfall.

Mount Hood and Mount McKinley are the park's most prominent landmarks. The park's varying elevations provide various habitats for various creatures, making it an excellent outdoor classroom and laboratory.

13-Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S)

Denali National Park and Preserve, home to North America's tallest mountain, Denali, is a U.S. national park in Alaska's interior. More than the entire state of New Hampshire, the park and its neighboring preserve 6,045,153 acres (9,446 square miles; 24,464 square kilometers).

The 2,146,580-acre Denali Wilderness was established in the park on December 2, 1980. In the lower elevations of Denali, you'll find deciduous taiga, tundra, and glaciers; at the middle elevations, you'll find bare rock, snow, and glaciers. The Kahiltna Glacier is the longest in the world. Skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are popular winter pastimes. In 2018, the park welcomed 594,660 recreational guests.

14-Rocky Mountain

North America's largest and most prominent mountain ranges. In a straight line, the Rocky Mountains cover an area of 4,800 km2 and extend from northernmost British Columbia, Canada, to New Mexico, USA.

Its northern terminus can be found in the Terminal Range in northern British Columbia, south of the Liard River and east of the Trench, or in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range/British Mountains, which face the Beaufort Sea coasts between the Canning and Firth Rivers across the Alaska-Yukon border, depending on definitions differing between Canada and the United States.

New Mexico's Rio Grande Basin and the Sandia–Manzano Mountains are to the north of its southernmost point. The Rockies are unique from the tectonic activity newer the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada, which lie further to the west since they constitute the easternmost part of the North American Cordillera.

Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and Utah are home to most of the Rocky Mountains' tallest peaks with a 500-meter topographic prominence (78 of the 100, including the 30 highest). Mountaineering, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding are just a few activities in the area's public parks and forests.

15-Columbia River Gorge

It's an esoteric Columbia River gorge in the United States Pacific Northwest. The river cuts a 130-mile (240-kilometer) swath through the Cascade Mountains as it flows westward, providing a natural border between Washington and Oregon at a depth of up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet).

The only navigable path over the Cascade Mountains and access to the Pacific Ocean is provided by the water gap between the Columbia Plateau and the Pacific Ocean (approximately from the confluence of Columbia and Deschutes Rivers in the east to the eastern outskirts of Portland urban area in the west). Interstate 84, US Route 30, Washington State Route 14, and train tracks comprise this corridor.

The Columbia River Gorge Commission and the U.S. Forest Service jointly manage the gorge, a popular tourist destination designated as the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area by the federal government.

16-Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Incredible natural beauty may be seen in the Columbia Gorge. This diverse ecosystem, which includes everything from tropical rainforests to arid grasslands, has the largest concentration of waterfalls in North America and is home to innumerable bird, fish, and plant species, including 15 unique species of wildflowers.

Many people live in the Gorge because of its natural beauty and sensitive community-nature balance. However, this equilibrium has been and continues to be jeopardized by the development demands.

17-Everglades National Park (U.S)

The Everglades is a 1.5 million-acre wetland area in southern Florida. Planning is essential because the park spans a vast swath of southern Florida. Everglades National Park has three entrances, none connected; visitors must travel to separate parts of South Florida to reach each one. Every one of these locales has a vast choice of things to do! On the Anhinga Trail, you can see many species, including turtles, herons, and alligators! To get a bird's eye perspective of the glades, climb the 65-foot observation tower at Shark Valley. To see crocodiles, manatees, and dolphins in their natural habitat, take a boat or kayak tour of Florida Bay, Mainland Florida's southernmost point, Flamingo is the perfect place to catch the sunset.

The pinelands can be explored on a bike, the Nine-Mile Pond can be paddled through the mangroves, or the historic Nike Hercules missile facility can be visited. You'll have to slog through a cypress dome to get there. Camping along the Wilderness Waterway's 99-mile length is an excellent opportunity to escape it all for a week. The Everglades National Park in Florida protects the southern twenty percent of the original Everglades in Florida. Located east of the Mississippi River, it is the largest tropical forest in the United States and the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River. The park attracts an average of one million visitors each year.

In the contiguous United States, the Everglades National Park is third in size behind Death Valley and Yellowstone. The Ramsar Convention classified the park as a Wetlands of International Importance 1987. UNESCO established the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Only three places, including the Everglades, have made all three lists. Everglades National Park was the first to be established to save a particularly vulnerable ecosystem. Wetlands and woodlands are nourished by a river that flows out of Lake Okeechobee, southwest into Florida Bay, every day. The park's mangrove ecology is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, making it an important nesting place for tropical wading birds. In addition to the Florida panther and the American crocodile, there are 350 species of birds, 300 kinds of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles that call the park home. The Biscayne Aquifer, which holds most of South Florida's freshwater, is refilled at the park. 

18-Antelope Canyon

A slot canyon is located in the American Southwest, east of Lychee, Arizona. One of the Navajo Reservation's most popular tourist attractions, it consists of five unique, beautiful slot canyon portions, each of which is referred to as " The Crack " " Rattle Snake " " Owl " " Mountain " or " The Corkscrew ". It is the park's most famous feature with a trail leading to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Navajos refer to Upper Antelope Canyon as "the location where water is running through the ( Slot Canyon ) rocks," hence the name Tsé bighánln. The Navajo Parks and Recreation Division refers to the spiral rock arches' in Lower Antelope Canyon as " Hazdestwazi ." Only a Navajo guide can give you entrance to these two Navajo sites, which are located in the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

19-Kilauea U.S

Kilauea is a Hawaiian shield volcano still erupting lava into the atmosphere. The Big Island of Hawai'i comprises five volcanoes, the most active of which is Kilauea. About 100,000 years ago, a volcano erupted on the island's southeastern shore. The Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain's present eruptive center, is the second-youngest product of the Hawaiian hotspot.

Kilauea was initially believed to be a satellite of Mauna Loa due to its lack of topographic prominence and historical coincidences with its activity. One rift zone extends 125 kilometers (78 miles) east and the other 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of the top of Kilauea as an active fault that moves vertically an average of 2 to 20 millimeters per year. 

20-White Sands National Park

White Sands is a U.S. national park in New Mexico, bordered by the White Sands Missile Range on its entire eastern boundary. All of the Tularosa Basin's 145,762 acres (227.8 square miles, 589.9 square kilometers) of white dunes, which are constructed of crystals made of the mineral gypsum, are included in the park.

In all, the largest gypsum dune field in the world is 30 feet (9.1 meters) deep, has dunes up to 60 feet (18 meters) high, and contains around 4.5 billion short tonnes (4.1 billion metric tonnes) of the mineral. Tularosa Basin terrain was home to Ice Age mammals and vast lakes, streams, and grasslands 12,000 years ago.

Rain and snowfall from the neighboring mountains dissolved gypsum and brought it into the basin as the environment warmed. Selenite crystals formed due to further warming and drying of the lakes. The crystals, broken up by strong winds, were then carried eastward by the wind.

21-Devils Tower National Monument (U.S)

The first U.S. national monument was designated in 1906 in north-easterly Wyoming near the Belle Fourche River and was known as Grizzly Bear Lodge. An eroded volcanic intrusion has uncovered a natural rock tower, which is currently 2.1 square miles (5.4 square kilometers) in area. The tower's flat top and fluted sides cover 0.6 hectares of land.

With an elevation of 5,112 feet above sea level, it stands 867 feet (264 meters) above the ground and 1,267 feet (386 meters) over the river valley. The tower was most likely created when molten rock was pushed upward and forced to spread out by a hard rock layer. Light grey and buff are the primary colors of this item.

The top of the tower is covered in lichens, sage, moss, and grass. The tower's peak is home to chipmunks, birds, and a pine forest. A large prairie dog settlement may be found at the tower's base. 

22-Valley of Fire - Nevada State Parks

Park visitors can marvel at the Valley of Fire State Park's 40, 000 acres of vivid red Aztec sandstone outcrops hidden among grey and brown tan limestone. Exhibits on the park's geology, ecology, prehistory, and history can be found in the visitor center. Participants compete with reproductions of ancient spears in an annual Atlatl Competition held at the park.

In addition to multiple campsites with shaded tables, grills, and water, the park offers a variety of hiking routes that are sure to entice visitors. Creosote bush, burro bush, and brittlebush dominate the local plant community. These include beaver tail and cholla varieties, among others. Along park roads, desert marigolds, indigo bush, and desert mallow bloom in the spring, making for a magnificent sight.

23-Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park attracts more than two million tourists annually, most visiting between March and early October. Most people plan to stay for at least a full day when they come to visit. No matter how long you stay, developing a game plan in advance will help you make the most of your time here.

Natural amphitheaters or bowls formed into the side of a high plateau make up Bryce Canyon. The Bryce Amphitheater is the most well-known, with its hoodoos, or unevenly eroded rock spires. Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunrise Point are all located within a few miles of each other in the park's initial few miles of exploration.

A shuttle service that runs from April to October alleviates congestion in this area. Other sights may be discovered on the 18-mile main route, which runs from its northernmost entrance along the plateau rim to its southernmost, highest altitudes (over 9,003 feet/2,743 meters). Hiking routes traverse the plateau's woodlands, connect overlooks along the Bryce Amphitheater's rim, and meander among the hoodoos below.

24-Zion National Park (U.S)

Zion National Park is a U.S. national park in the state of Utah, close to the city of Springdale. One of the park's most notable features is Zion Canyon, a 15-mile (24-kilometer) long and up to 2,640-foot (800-meter) deep canyon.

The North Fork of the Virgin River has eroded reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone off the canyon walls. Coalpits Wash is the park's lowest point at 3,666 feet (1,117 m), while Horse Ranch Mountain is the highest at 8,726 feet (2,660 m). The park's unique location at the nexus of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert, as well as its diverse range of life zones, allow for a surprising range of plant and animal life.

The park's four life zones (desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest) are home to 289 species of birds, 75 animals (including 19 bats), and 32 reptiles. Mountain ranges, canyons, mesas, monolithic sandstone cliff faces, rivers and gorges, and natural arches abound in Zion National Park.

25-Niagara Falls State Park

It is located in Niagara Falls, New York, United States, in Niagara Falls. American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of Horseshoe Falls are all part of this park, the nation's oldest state park (also known as the Canadian Falls). A flight restriction in the Niagara Falls State Park region amounts to a no-fly zone by FAA rule 14 CFR 93 Sub E. Niagara Falls State Park does not allow unmanned aerial systems (UAS) since all flights below 3,500 feet are forbidden. There will be no permit issued.

26-Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico. This park's centerpiece is the Carlsbad Caverns exhibit cave. The natural entrance to the cave is accessible only by foot, although an elevator is also available at the cave visitor center for those who prefer that option. About 18 miles (29 kilometers) southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico is the park's main entrance on US Highway 62/180. This national park participates in the Junior Ranger Program; the Rattlesnake Springs Historic District and the Caverns Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park has been divided into approximately two-thirds of wilderness areas to ensure that no future changes are made to the habitat. The Big Room in Carlsbad Cavern is a massive limestone chamber with a circumference of 625 feet (191 meters), a width of 625 feet (191 meters), and a height of 255 feet (78 meters) at its highest point. The Big Room is the third-biggest chamber in the world and the largest in North America. 

27-Luray Caverns

Since its discovery in 1878, it has been a popular tourist attraction in Virginia, United States. There are numerous speleothems in the cavern system, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, columns, mudflows, and mirrored pools.

With its lithophone created from solenoid-fired strikers that tap various-sized stalagmites to produce tones akin to those of xylophones, tuning forks, or bellows, the cavern is arguably most known for its Great Stalacpipe Organ. An 1880 investigation by the Smithsonian Institution found, " It is safe to declare that there has been possibly neither any cave in the world more entirely and richly ornamented with stalagmite and stalagmite adornment than Luray. "

28-Glacier National Park (U.S)

Glacier National Park is in northeastern Montana and borders Alberta and British Columbia. Over 130 named lakes, over 1,000 distinct species of vegetation, and hundreds of different species of animals can be found inside the park's 4,000 square kilometers (1 million acres). The " Crown of the Continent Environment " which encompasses 16,000 square miles of protected territory, is the centerpiece of this immense pristine ecosystem (41,000 km2). Native Americans were the first to settle in the area that would become Glacier National Park. The Blackfeet ruled it in the east and the Flathead in the west when European explorers arrived.

In 1895, the Blackfeet were forced to give up the mountainous portions of their treaty territory to the federal government, which were ultimately included in the park. Several hotels and chalets were built by the Great Northern Railway soon after the park opened on May 11, 1910. 350 historic hotels and chalets, including these National Historic Landmarks, are on the National Register of Historic Places. Going-to-the-Sun Road, later declared a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, was constructed in 1932, allowing for broader access to the park's interior by automobile for the first time.

29-Badlands National Park (U.S)

Badlands National Park is a national park in South Dakota in the United States. The park protects highly eroded buttes and pinnacles covering 242,756 acres (379,3 sq mi, 982,4 km2) and the country's largest intact mixed-grass prairie. The South Unit of the park is co-managed by the Oglala Lakota tribe and the National Park Service. 64,144 acres (100.2 sq mi, 259.6 km2) of the Badlands Wilderness are designated wilderness areas, and one of the most endangered creatures on Earth was reintroduced at this location.

Located in the Stronghold District, the park's South Unit is home to the historic Ghost Dances site, a former US Air Force bomb and gunnery range, and the 3,340-foot-high Red Shirt Table (1,020 m). It was not until 25 January 1939 that the Badlands National Monument was officially formed, despite being authorized as such on March 4, 1929.

On November 10th, 1978, Badlands became a national park. During the construction of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in 1957–58, the Mission 66 plan was implemented for the monument. As a bonus, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is under the auspices of the park. Badlands National Park was used as a location for the films Dances with Wolves and Thunderheart.

30-John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

On Florida's Key Largo, there's a Florida State Park named Fort Jefferson. Around 70 nautical square miles of nearby Atlantic Ocean seas comprise this area. At a distance of 3 miles from land, the park is around 25 miles long, it was the country's first and only underwater theme park. As of April 14, 1972, the National Park Service officially recognized the park as a historic landmark.

The park's coral reefs such as "The Molasses Reef" and the marine life are the principal draw of the area. The park attracted over a million visitors in the Fiscal Year 2004, making it the most popular state park in Florida. In the continental United States, there are just two live coral reefs: in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas and in the Florida Keys.

31-The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, the most popular national park in the United States, is a beautiful vacation spot. Explore one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States while hiking and camping. On the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is built of ridges upon ridges of dense woodland.

Due to the constant morning fog, this mountain range has been dubbed the " Smoky Mountains " and is known for its richness of plant and animal life, the majesty of its ancient mountains, and the history of southern Appalachian mountain culture. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has many attractions, including more than 80 historic buildings, stunning wildflower displays, and abundant wildlife.

The Tennessee-North Carolina line divides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region in half. Over the state line, separated by many miles of deciduous woodland, two visitor centers stand to mirror images of one another, Sugarlands and Oconaluftee. More than 200,000 people visit Grotto Falls in Yosemite National Park each year because it is one of the park's most popular attractions.

Lie in the Southeast United States, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, is the highest point in that region. The Blue Ridge Physiographic Province encompasses the Appalachian Mountains and their tributaries. The Smoky Mountains and the Smokies are common names for the mountain range. In addition to being home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains are also noted for their rugged beauty. Over 11 million people visit it each year, making it the most visited national park in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a designated International Biosphere Reserve.

The range is home to an estimated 187,000 acres of old-growth forest, making it the most prominent stand east of the Mississippi River. Among North America's most biodiverse ecosystems are the range's lower-elevation cove hardwood forests, while its higher-elevation Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest is the largest in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains are also home to the Eastern United States' densest black bear population and the world's most diversified salamander outside the tropics, found nowhere else. 

32-Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S)

A total of 2,425 feet (739 meters) falls from the upper to the lower fall in Yosemite National Park's Yosemite Valley. When the water flow is at its highest in late spring, it is a significant draw for visitors to the Sierra Nevada National Park in California. Thousands of waterfalls may be found in Yosemite National Park, ranging from massive waterfalls with a half-mile cascading water to little streams of white water that fall only a few feet.

The ideal time to see Yosemite's waterfalls is in the spring when the tremendous snowfall of the previous winter has melted and flowed into the Pacific. The best time to visit waterfalls is in May and June when they peak. Many are down to a trickle or dry up entirely by the end of summer.

33-Waimea Canyon State Park

The " Grand Canyon of the Pacific " is Waimea Canyon near Waimea, Hawaii. After American explorer John Wesley Powell visited the island of Kauai in 1869, the name erroneously credited to literalist Mark Twain became well-known.

A river carving its way through the lava and basalt structures of the area created Waimea Canyon. Ten million years ago, a central volcano on the canyon's surface collapsed, significantly impacting the canyon's formation. The Waimea Canyon is one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders, thanks to Mother Nature. The Waimea Canyon is a naturalist's dream: its lush vegetation, towering cliffs, pink and green hues, tumbling waterfalls, and stunning rainbows.

34-Saguaro US

Embodies the spirit of the American West. As a representation of the American Southwest, we are often exposed to images of the cholla cactus. Visiting the Sonoran desert isn't complete without seeing one of these florae. Most people have been awestruck by these enormous green columnar cacti. The saguaro cactus is much more significant to the indigenous Tohono O'odham people living there.

To the Tohono O'odham, these massive cacti aren't just plants; they represent an entirely new species of human being, and as such, they are highly revered members of the tribe. Succulent saguaro cacti can grow up to 40 feet tall in the United States and are the tallest cacti found in the country. 78 feet was the record for the tallest saguaro cactus.

The saguaro cactus's growth occurs at the tip, or very top, of the cactus' column. A saguaro cactus can take up to ten years to grow one inch tall. A saguaro cactus can reach a height of six and a half feet when it is 70 years old, and it will begin to bloom at that point. With maturity, a Saguaro Cactus can grow as tall as 15-16 feet and develop its first limb. During its 200th year, the saguaro cactus reaches its maximum height of 45 feet. 

35-Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier (14,410 ft [4,392 m]) is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range in Washington. It is located within Mount Rainier National Park, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Tacoma. The mountain is only a million years old, having been sculpted by a series of lava flows that began about that time. Approximately 150 years ago, a dormant volcano erupted.

Rainier is encircled by the most extensive single-mountain glacier system in the United States outside Alaska, spanning 100 square miles (260 square kilometers). In addition to the more than two dozen named glaciers, the broad summit is also home to numerous smaller patches of permanent ice and snow. One such patch is the Nisqually Glacier, which has retreated and advanced over the last 150 years, providing scientists with valuable information about global climate change patterns and trends.

Liberty Cap, Point Success, and Columbia Crest are the three most prominent summits on the mountain ( the latter is the summit on the caldera's rim ). With dense groves of evergreen forests on its lower slopes, stunning subalpine, and altitude meadows, waterfalls, and lakes, Rainier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Cascade Range's Mount Rainier is a vast, active stratovolcano located about 59 miles (95 kilometers) south-southeast of Seattle. The Cascade Volcanic Arc's tallest peak is Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet (4,392 m), making it the highest mountain in the contiguous United States and the highest in the Cascade Range.

Mt. Rainier is among the most destructive volcanoes in the world, and it is included in the Decade Volcano list because of the high chance of an eruption in the near future. Because of Mount Rainier's huge glacial ice cap, significant lahars are possible, posing a hazard to the Puyallup River Valley. According to the US Geological Survey, around 80,000 people and their homelands are at risk in Mount Rainier's lahar-hazard zones.

36-The Grand Teton - National Park

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a magnificent national park just ten miles from Yellowstone National Park. It was designated as a national park in 1929 to prevent the land around the Grand Teton mountain range and its lakes from being exploited commercially. In 1950, the protected area's boundaries were expanded towards the valley below. With its 310,000 acres of topography ranging from summery wildflower meadows to roaring whitewater streams, this genuinely unique federal park is one of a kind. The oldest rocks in the National Park Service can be found in these ancient mountains, which date back over 2.7 billion years.

There are also several tranquil lakes with deep blue pools, mimicking the calm and hue of the glaciers that formed them. As the Snake River slithers through the park, lush woods coat the mountainsides, providing habitat for various fauna and vegetation, some of which date back to the prehistoric age. In northwestern Wyoming, there is a United States national park. The park's 1,300 km2 (110,000 acres) comprises the Teton Range's critical peaks and most of the northern Jackson Hole Valley.

The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park, which is only 10 miles (16 kilometers) away. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the world's most extensive intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems, including almost 18 million acres (73,000 square kilometers). Grand Teton National Park visitors enjoy mountaineering, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Backcountry camping locations can be reached by more than 1,000 drive-in campsites and more than 200 miles (320 km) of hiking paths. One of the few spots in the world to capture Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout can be found in the park. Privately owned motels, lodges, petrol stations, and marinas can all be found in Grand Teton National Park, managed by the National Park Service. 

37-Death Valley

In eastern California's Mojave Desert, on the Great Basin Desert's eastern boundary. Few places on Earth are hotter than this desert during the summer months. The Badwater Basin in Death Valley has a depth of 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, making it the lowest in North America. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet, is 84.6 miles (136.2 kilometers) east-southeast of this location (4,421 m).

Death Valley's Furnace Creek recorded a peak temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) on July 10, 1913, making it the planet's record-holder for the warmest air temperature ever measured at its surface. Some modern scholars, however, question this reading and others made during that period, more than a century ago.

38-Mount Washington

At 6,288.2 ft (1,916.6 m), it is the highest point in the northeastern United States and the most visible mountain east of the Mississippi River. The mountain's unpredictable weather has earned it a bad reputation. The Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour (372 kilometers per hour) at the summit on the afternoon of April 12, 1934, the world record from 1934 to 1996. Mount Washington holds the record for the highest observed wind speed in the absence of a tornado or tropical cyclone. The peak can be found in Coös County, New Hampshire, as part of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains.

The mountain's peak is in the township of Sargent's Purchase, part of many unincorporated townships. Mount Washington State Park occupies an area of 60.3 acres (24.4 hectares) surrounding and includes the summit, while practically the entire mountain is under the White Mountain National Forest. It is possible to get to the peak of Mount Washington through the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Mount Washington Auto Road. Hikers flock to the peak, which the Appalachian Trail crosses. Annual cycling and running races like the Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb & Road Race are popular hobbies.

39-Hocking Hills State Park

It is located in the Hocking Hills region of the United States state of Ohio. Hocking State Forest borders parts of the park. Over 25 miles (40 kilometers) of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and underground caverns may be found within the parks.

Attractions include Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliff, Cedar Falls, the Conkle Hollow Nature Preserve, Rock House, the Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave, and Cantwell Cliff. Most of the park's 200 campsites are powered, making it easy for campers to be comfortable. In addition to the nearby hiking trails, the campground includes flush toilets and hot water showers, vending machines, a camp store, and a swimming pool. Many cottages and hotels may also be found in this area.

40-Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Southern Sierra Nevada east of Visalia, California, is an American national park. On September 25, 1890, the park was created to save 404,064 acres (631 square miles; 163,519 hectares; 1,635 square kilometers) of forested mountain terrain. Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level, is the highest point in the contiguous United States, with a vertical relief of approximately 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

The area has two national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which the National Park Service administers as one entity. In 1976, the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve was established by UNESCO.

Sequoias, including the most giant tree on Earth by volume, may be found throughout this park. Big trees abound in this area, including five of the world's top ten tallest, where the General Sherman tree thrives.

Located in Kings Canyon National Park's General Grant Grove, the Gigantic Forest is accessible via the General's Highway, which connects it to the General Grant Grove and other giant sequoias. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks share 202,430 acres (316 sq miles; 81,921 hectares; 819 km2) of old-growth woods. There is a resemblance to the pre-European occupation of the southern Sierra Nevada terrain in the parks.

41-Black Hills & Badlands

Black Hills destinations include Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave, as well as the otherworldly Badlands, Devil's Tower, and otherworldly Badlands in the east and west, respectively. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Black Hills, an oasis in a sea of grassland, are home to nearly five million acres of forest and mountain terrain, a rich Western heritage, stunning natural beauty, and significant adventure.

On Dec. 20, 1939, the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association (BH&B) set out on a quest to make the Black Hills and Badlands region a must-visit destination.

42-Upper Falls - Powerful Waterfall on the Yellowstone River

The Upper Falls, 200 feet wide and 50 feet high, is Michigan's tallest and widest waterfall. Take a stroll along the paved quarter-mile path to the observation locations. Take the 93 steps to the brink viewing platform to get a close-up glimpse and feel the spray on your skin. If you've got the stamina, take the paved walk to the river's edge and descend the 112 stairs there.

43-Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls

Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls is a beautiful natural wonder in Michigan. The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and scenic beauty. The Lower Falls is one of the main attractions within the park. It consists of cascades and rapids along the Tahquamenon River, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing sight. The water of the falls is notable for its amber color, caused by tannins leached from the cedar swamps the river drains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, and scenic overlooks, and even take boat tours to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls.

44-Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids – Kansas

A collection of rock outcroppings along US-83 in western Kansas goes by the names of these two places. Signs are posted at the 6-mile gravel road turn-off from both directions. If you gaze in the right direction from US-83, you can see Monument Rocks off in the distance.

When a seabed was eroded during the Cretaceous Period, the 70-foot-tall sedimentary formations of Niobrara Chalk formed. A vast seabed covered much of what is now North America about 80 million years ago. From year to year, the margins of the rock formations in this limestone alter. Keep an eye out for rocks that may be damaged.

Monument Rocks, like the Castle Rock Badlands, are located on privately owned rangeland but are open to the public during daylight hours as a courtesy to the owners. It is strictly forbidden to enter the Chalk Pyramids after dark. Drones are also banned from flying over chalk formations. Please take care of your rubbish and dispose of any you discover.

National Natural Landmark status for Monument Rocks was granted by the US Ministry of the Interior in 1968. Since then, Big Basin Preserve, Baker University Wetlands, Baldwin Woods, and Rock City have all been declared National Landmarks in Kansas.

45-Hells Canyon National Recreation Area USA

It is a national recreation area in the United States of America located on the Oregon-Idaho border. The recreation area, which the US Forest Service manages as part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, was established by Congress and signed into law by President Gerald Ford in late 1975 to protect the Hells Canyon area and the Snake River corridor between Hells Canyon Dam and the Oregon–Washington border.

The Hells Canyon Wilderness covers approximately 215,000 acres (335 square miles; 870 square kilometers) of the recreation area. The recreation area contains roughly 900 miles (1,400 kilometers) of hiking trails. The area is primarily located in eastern Wallowa County, Oregon. There are smaller sections in southern Idaho County, Idaho, northern Adams County, Idaho, and northeastern Baker County, Oregon.

Conclusion:

The United States of America is a vast continent with a wide variety of natural attractions to explore, and we hope that our article covers all that you need. If you have any notes regarding our website content, kindly don't hesitate to contact us and send all your notes with feedback to [email protected] as we always care about our readers to make them reach what they are searching for.

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Nature Worldwide

Sri Lanka’s Natural Marvels: Top 10 Natural Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Teardrop of India,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. This island nation, nestled in the Indian Ocean, boasts a remarkable diversity of natural landscapes. From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to misty mountains and vibrant wildlife, Sri Lanka has it all. In this extensive blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey to explore the Top 10 Natural Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

List of Top 10 Natural Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja forest reserve: a biodiversity hotspot, ella: the enchanted hill country, yala national park: the realm of the leopard, horton plains national park: world’s end and beyond, mirissa: beach bliss and whale-watching, knuckles mountain range: trekking through paradise, hikkaduwa coral sanctuary: dive into underwater splendor, udawalawe national park: a haven for elephants, pidurangala rock: a different perspective of sigiriya, bentota: tranquil beach paradise, natural tourist attractions in sri lanka.

Our journey begins in the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tropical rainforest is a haven for biodiversity. Spanning over 8,800 hectares, Sinharaja is home to countless endemic species of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for eco-enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The trek through this lush green forest will introduce you to the mesmerizing world of towering trees, numerous species of birds, and pristine water streams.

Read More: Top 11 Natural Places to Visit in Indonesia

Next on our list is Ella, a picturesque village nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Ella is renowned for its breathtaking views, lush tea plantations, and cool climate.

The Ella Rock hike offers stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, while the Nine Arch Bridge is a testament to Sri Lanka’s architectural marvels. Ella is the perfect destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility amidst verdant landscapes.

Read More: Top 10 Natural Places to Visit in Vietnam

Yala National Park, located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. This park is celebrated for its impressive leopard population, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive big cats.

Apart from leopards, Yala is home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species. Safaris through Yala’s rugged terrain offers an opportunity to witness the wonders of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.

Read More: 10 Unique Natural Places to Visit in India

Horton Plains National Park, situated in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is a unique and otherworldly destination. The park is known for its iconic viewpoint called “World’s End,” where the cliff edge drops dramatically, revealing a panoramic view of the plains below.

Visitors can also explore Baker’s Falls and traverse through the misty forests, which are home to distinct plant species and a variety of wildlife.

Read More: Top 11 Best Natural Places to Visit in Malaysia

Moving towards Sri Lanka’s stunning coastline, we arrive at Mirissa, a coastal town known for its captivating beaches.

Besides lounging on the sandy shores and enjoying the warm sun, Mirissa offers the opportunity to embark on thrilling whale-watching tours. Here, you might witness the majesty of blue whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Read More: Top Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Knuckles Mountain Range, named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, is a hiker’s paradise. Located in the central province of Sri Lanka, this rugged terrain is dotted with lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Trekkers can explore a network of trails, each offering a unique experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of this region.

Read More: Top 11 Natural Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Located off the coast of Hikkaduwa, this protected area showcases vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Explore the underwater world and swim alongside colorful fish, turtles, and other captivating sea creatures. It’s an opportunity to witness the underwater wonders of Sri Lanka up close.

Read More: Top Natural Places to Visit in Cambodia

Udawalawe National Park, located in the southern part of the island, is renowned for its large population of elephants.

Safaris in this park offers a chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Besides elephants, Udawalawe is also home to various other wildlife, including water buffaloes, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species.

Read More: Best Natural Places to Travel in Russia

While Sigiriya’s Lion Rock is well-known, Pidurangala Rock offers a unique perspective of this iconic site. The hike to Pidurangala Rock is rewarding, with panoramic views of Sigiriya and the surrounding countryside. This vantage point provides a different angle to appreciate the historic and natural beauty of the area.

Read More: Top Natural Tourist Attractions in Uttarakhand

Our final destination is Bentota, a coastal town that epitomizes tranquility. With its pristine beaches, serene lagoons, and calm waters, Bentota is the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like jet skiing and windsurfing, while those seeking serenity can relax by the beach and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.

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Journey With Purpose

Genuine Differences Between Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, and Nature Tourism that you need to Know

• June 29, 2023

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

Understanding the distinctions between ecotourism, sustainable tourism , and nature tourism is crucial in today’s world where sustainable and responsible travel practices are gaining increasing importance. However, these terms are often used interchangeably, leading to misconceptions and confusion.

The importance of understanding the differences lies in the fact that each of these forms of tourism has unique objectives and focuses on different aspects of travel.

By comprehending these distinctions, you can align your travel preferences and goals with the appropriate form of tourism, contributing to the preservation of the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainability.

What is the confusion:

Misconceptions and confusion arise due to the overlapping nature of ecotourism , sustainable tourism, and nature tourism and the widespread presence of “greenwashing” in the core tourism industry.

Greenwashing refers to the practice of misleadingly promoting a product, service, or business as environmentally friendly or sustainable when it may not be the case.

Such practices further contribute to the intermingling of these terms and create ambiguity. This article will define and explain ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and nature tourism individually, highlighting their key principles, objectives, and areas of focus. 

By exploring the distinctions between ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and nature tourism, you can make informed choices that align with your values, minimize your environmental impact, and contribute positively to local communities and cultures.

Let’s dive into each concept to clear up its unique characteristics and benefits.

II. Ecotourism

A. definition and principles of ecotourism:.

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines ecotourism as “the business of organizing holidays to places of natural beauty in a way that benefits local people and doesn’t damage the environment.”

Ecotourism is described by the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as “responsible travel to the natural environment that protects the environment, maintains the lives of locals, and educates travelers about nature.”

B. Three pillars of ecotourism:

1. Conservation of nature:

Ecotourism aims to promote the conservation of nature and biodiversity. It involves visiting natural reserves, protected areas, and other natural landscapes while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

2. Generating financial benefits for local communities:

Ecotourism seeks to benefit local communities by supporting their economic development.

This can be achieved by the following:

involving local people in the tourism industry,

providing employment opportunities,

encouraging the consumption of locally-made products and services.

3. Providing a learning experience for travelers:

Ecotourism emphasizes educating and raising awareness among travelers about the natural environment, local cultures, and sustainability.

It gives opportunities for visitors to learn about the importance of conservation efforts and the essence of preserving natural resources.

Overall, ecotourism focuses on the ecological aspects of tourism, promoting environmental education, and contributing to the well-being of local communities.

C. Benefits and impact of ecotourism:

Ecotourism offers various benefits and has a positive impact on hosts, visitors, and the local community. Here are some key points regarding the benefits and impact of ecotourism:

1. Positive experiences for hosts and visitors:

Ecotourism aims to provide positive and meaningful experiences for both the hosts (local communities and nature) and the visitors.

It offers opportunities for cultural exchange, learning about local traditions and customs, and engaging with the natural environment.

2. Leaving destinations in a better condition:

One of the fundamental principles of ecotourism is to leave a destination in a good or better condition than it was found.

Ecotourism promotes responsible travel practices that minimize negative environmental impacts.

Minimizing negative This includes respecting wildlife and ecosystems, minimizing waste and pollution, and conserving natural resources.

By adopting sustainable behaviors, ecotourists contribute to the preservation and protection of the visited destinations.

3. Contribution to local community development and sustainability:

Ecotourism emphasizes the importance of benefiting local communities and supporting their sustainable development.

It provides economic opportunities for local residents by promoting community-based tourism initiatives.

By engaging in ecotourism, visitors often contribute directly to the local economy.

This is possible through the purchase of locally made handicrafts, use of local services, or staying at community-owned accommodations or homestays with locals.

This helps generate income, employment, and investments at the local level, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the community.

Thus, ecotourism offers positive experiences for both hosts and visitors, encourages responsible travel practices to preserve destinations, and contributes to the development and sustainability of local communities.

III. Sustainable Tourism

A. definition and principles of sustainable tourism:.

1. Definition:

Sustainable tourism, as defined by the U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

2. The principles of sustainable tourism:

These are based on the concept of sustainability, which means being able to sustain an activity or maintain it at the same level over time.

These principles guide the development and implementation of sustainable tourism practices. According to UNWTO, there are five pillars of sustainable tourism:

B. Five pillars of sustainable tourism according to UNWTO:

1. Tourism policy and governance:

This pillar focuses on establishing effective policies and governance structures at various levels to promote sustainable tourism practices. It involves creating regulations, frameworks, and strategies that support sustainable tourism development.

2. Trade/investment/data and competitiveness:

This pillar emphasizes the importance of sustainable trade and investment practices in the tourism industry.

It includes promoting fair and responsible tourism business practices, encouraging investments that align with sustainability goals, and utilizing data and research to make informed decisions.

3. Employment  / decent work and capacity building:

Sustainable tourism aims to create employment opportunities and foster decent work conditions for local communities.

It emphasizes the development of human resources, capacity building, and training programs

This enhances the skills and livelihoods of those working in the tourism sector.

4. Poverty reduction and social inclusion:

Sustainable tourism seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and social inclusion.

It focuses on ensuring that tourism benefits all members of society, including marginalized communities and vulnerable groups.

This pillar involves promoting the equitable distribution of tourism benefits and enhancing social well-being.

5. Sustainability of the natural and cultural environment:

This pillar highlights the importance of preserving and conserving natural and cultural heritage in tourism destinations.

It involves sustainable management of resources, protection of ecosystems, promotion of biodiversity, and preservation of cultural traditions and heritage sites.

These five pillars provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism development.

C. Focus and activities of sustainable tourism:

The activities associated with sustainable tourism aim to achieve reducing the environmental impact of tourism and support local employment and cultural conservation and encourage authentic tourism experiences and conserve heritage.

Here are some examples of the focus and activities in sustainable tourism:

1. Reducing the environmental impact of tourism:

Sustainable tourism strives to minimize the negative effects of tourism on the environment. This can be achieved through various measures such as:

Implementing sustainable practices in accommodation, transportation, and tour operations to reduce energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions.

Promoting responsible use of natural resources, such as water and energy conservation, and promoting recycling and waste management.

Protecting and preserving sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity by promoting responsible behavior among tourists, such as respecting wildlife and natural habitats.

2. Supporting local employment and cultural conservation:

Sustainable tourism recognizes the importance of supporting local communities and preserving their cultural heritage.

3. Some activities in this regard include:

Encouraging tourists to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and support local artisans and businesses.

Providing economic opportunities for local residents through tourism-related jobs, such as local guides, craft producers, and service providers.

 Supporting cultural conservation efforts, such as the preservation of historical sites, traditions, and indigenous knowledge.

4. Encouraging authentic tourism experiences and heritage conservation:

Sustainable tourism promotes meaningful and authentic experiences for tourists while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.

This involves:

Encouraging tourists to engage in respectful and immersive experiences that foster a deeper understanding of local cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Promoting the preservation of historical sites, landmarks, and cultural traditions by raising awareness among tourists and implementing conservation measures.

Collaborating with local communities to develop sustainable tourism activities that showcase the unique cultural and natural heritage of a destination.

D. Benefits and impact of sustainable tourism:

1. Sustainable tourism

This encompasses various benefits and impacts that contribute to the long-term viability of tourism activities while empowering local communities and preserving natural and cultural assets for future generations.

Here are the key points regarding the benefits and impact of sustainable tourism:

2. Ensuring long-term viability of tourism activities:

Sustainable tourism aims to promote tourism practices that can be sustained over time without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment.

By adopting sustainable practices, tourism activities can continue to thrive while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems, natural resources, and local communities.

3. Empowering local communities and promoting economic growth:  

Sustainable tourism emphasizes the involvement and empowerment of local communities.

It strives to generate economic benefits that directly support local livelihoods, improve socio-economic conditions, and foster community development.

This can be achieved through initiatives such as community-based tourism, where local residents actively participate in and benefit from tourism activities.

4. Preserving natural and cultural assets for future generations:

 Sustainable tourism recognizes the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

It promotes the conservation and protection of ecosystems, biodiversity, historical sites, and cultural traditions.

 By valuing and preserving these assets, sustainable tourism aims to maintain their integrity and ensure they can be enjoyed by both present and future generations.

IV. Nature Tourism

A. definition and characteristics of nature tourism.

1. Nature tourism, as defined by Ecotourism Australia, is a form of leisure travel that is primarily focused on enjoying natural attractions and engaging in various nature-based activities.

It involves visiting and experiencing the beauty of natural environments.

2. Some characteristics of nature tourism:

Leisure travel focused on natural attractions:

Nature tourism involves traveling to destinations that offer natural beauty, such as national parks, nature reserves, and other areas known for their scenic landscapes and wildlife.

B. Engagement in nature-based activities:

Nature tourism offers opportunities to participate in activities that allow individuals to immerse themselves in nature.

Examples of nature tourism activities include

1. trekking or hiking in nature parks and preserves,

2. bird watching to observe different bird species in their natural habitats,

 3. and stargazing to enjoy the night sky and celestial phenomena.

Nature tourism is often driven by a desire to connect with nature and appreciate its wonders.

It provides a chance to experience the tranquility, biodiversity, and unique ecosystems that exist in natural environments.

However, it is important to note that nature tourism may not necessarily encompass the same level of environmental conservation and community involvement as ecotourism or sustainable tourism.

C. Focus and activities of nature tourism:

In nature tourism, the focus is on promoting nature-based experiences and recreation.

It involves activities that allow individuals to connect with the natural environment and appreciate its wonders.

Some key aspects of nature tourism include:

1. Promoting nature-based experiences:

Nature tourism aims to highlight and promote activities that allow individuals to engage with and enjoy the natural environment. This can include activities such as hiking, trekking, camping, wildlife observation, nature photography, and exploring natural landscapes.

2. Recreation in nature:

Nature tourism often emphasizes recreational activities that take place in natural settings.

This can involve various outdoor pursuits like bird watching, stargazing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply immersing oneself in the serenity of natural surroundings.

3. Connecting with the natural environment:

Nature tourism provides opportunities for individuals to establish a connection with the natural world. It allows people to appreciate the beauty, tranquility, and biodiversity of natural attractions.

By engaging in nature-based activities, tourists can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.

The primary objective of nature tourism is to provide enjoyable and fulfilling experiences in natural settings.

It allows individuals to escape the urban environment and immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of nature.

However, it’s important to note that nature tourism may not necessarily encompass the same level of environmental conservation and community involvement as ecotourism or sustainable tourism.

D. Differentiation between nature tourism and ecotourism and sustainable tourism:

In comparison to ecotourism and sustainable tourism, nature tourism has some distinct differences in terms of its focus and scope:

1. Limited focus on preservation and local benefits:

Nature tourism

This primarily concentrates on providing nature-based experiences and activities. While it promotes the enjoyment of natural attractions, it may not have the same level of emphasis on conservation and environmental preservation as ecotourism.

Similarly, nature tourism might not prioritize generating direct benefits for local communities to the same extent as sustainable tourism.

2. Exclusion of broader sustainability aspects:

Nature tourism is often centered around recreational activities and connecting with the natural environment.

It may not encompass the broader sustainability aspects that are integral to both ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

This includes considerations such as reducing the environmental impact of tourism, addressing social and economic needs, and preserving local cultures and heritage.

While nature tourism offers opportunities for individuals to appreciate and engage with nature, it may not necessarily align with the broader goals of sustainability and holistic impact that are central to ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

It’s important to note that these distinctions are not meant to diminish the value or enjoyment of nature tourism.

Instead, they highlight the specific characteristics and objectives of each type of tourism, allowing travelers to make informed choices based on their preferences and the desired impact of their tourism activities.

V. Recommendations and Conclusion

A. choosing impactful tourism options:.

When it comes to choosing impactful tourism options, it is recommended to emphasize ecotourism and sustainable tourism for a meaningful impact. These forms of tourism prioritize the well-being of local communities and the environment.

By engaging in ecotourism , which focuses on nature conservation, local culture, and benefiting the community, you can contribute to the preservation of natural resources and support the livelihoods of local people.

Sustainable tourism , on the other hand, aims to reduce the negative impacts of tourism while considering the economic, social, and environmental aspects.

It involves gaining authentic experiences, conserving local heritage and culture, and contributing to the sustainability of communities.

By selecting options that fall under the categories of ecotourism and sustainable tourism, you can ensure that your tourism choices have a positive impact.

These forms of tourism align with the principles of responsible travel, promoting the welfare of local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural assets for future generations.

Keep in mind that nature tourism , while enjoyable for spending time in nature, may not necessarily include preservation or locally beneficial activities.

B. Encouraging responsible and conscious tourism choices:

1. In order to encourage responsible and conscious tourism choices: 

It is important to support initiatives that align with the principles of ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

Look for tour operators, accommodations, and activities that prioritize environmental conservation, support local communities, and promote sustainable practices.

This can include choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in community-based tourism projects, and opting for tours and activities that minimize negative impacts on the environment.

2. Additionally, being mindful of the positive influence travelers can have on destinations is crucial.

 Respect the local culture, traditions, and way of life when visiting a place. Be conscious of your actions and their potential impact on the environment and the local community.

Minimize waste, conserve resources, and engage in responsible behavior during your travels. Support local businesses, artisans, and farmers by purchasing locally made products and supporting fair trade practices.

By making responsible and conscious tourism choices, you can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, support local economies, and foster a positive relationship between travelers and the destinations they visit.

Remember that your actions as a traveler can have a lasting impact, so strive to leave a positive footprint wherever you go.

C. Recap of key points and summary of the distinctions:

1. Recapitulating the characteristics of ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and nature tourism:

Ecotourism:

Focuses on organizing holidays to places of natural beauty in a way that helps local people and does not damage the environment.

Involves the conservation of nature, generating financial benefits for the local community, and offering a learning experience for visitors.

Emphasizes the ecology aspect of tourism, education, and contributing to the local community.

Sustainable Tourism:

Takes full account of current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

Centers around sustainability, aiming to sustain activities at the same level.

Includes pillars such as tourism policy and governance, trade/investment/data and competitiveness, employment/decent work and capacity building, poverty reduction and social inclusion, and the sustainability of the natural and cultural environment.

Focuses on reducing the impact of tourism, providing employment opportunities for locals, and conserving cultures.

Nature Tourism

Kayaking activity tourists love in nature tourism

Involves leisure travel undertaken primarily for the purpose of enjoying natural attractions and engaging in nature-based activities.

Focuses on nature and activities in nature, often including recreational programs like trekking, bird watching, and stargazing.

2. Reinforcing the need for transformation towards more earth-friendly and community-focused forms of tourism:

Both ecotourism and sustainable tourism share a focus on the environment and nature, and promoting tourism that benefits local communities. This highlights the urgency for traditional tourism to transition into more earth-friendly and community-focused forms of tourism.

By embracing ecotourism and sustainable tourism principles, such as conserving nature, supporting local communities, and reducing the negative impact of tourism, we can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.

While nature tourism can be enjoyable for a day spent in nature, it may not necessarily include preservation or locally beneficial activities, making it a less impactful option.

In a nutshell, it is recommended to prioritize options that fall under the categories of ecotourism and sustainable tourism if you want your tourism choices to have a positive impact.

By making conscious choices and supporting earth-friendly and community-focused tourism, we can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and create positive experiences for both travelers and local communities.

D. Final thoughts on the importance of informed decision-making in tourism:

1. What is required:

Overall, it is crucial to promote awareness and understanding of ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and nature tourism to make informed decisions in the domain of tourism.

Many people tend to use these terms interchangeably, which leads to confusion and hinders the progress toward sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

By clearly defining and differentiating these terms, we can empower travelers to become knowledgeable tourists who actively research and choose tourism options that have a positive impact. 

Ecotourism focuses on organizing holidays to places of natural beauty in a way that helps local people and does not harm the environment.

It is centered around three pillars: the conservation of nature, generating financial benefits for the local community, and providing educational experiences for visitors.

Ecotourism places a strong emphasis on ecology, education, and contributing to the local community.

Sustainable tourism , on the other hand, takes into account the current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism.

It addresses the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

The five pillars of sustainable tourism include

Tourism policy and governance,

Trade/investment/data and competitiveness,

Employment/decent work and capacity building,

Poverty reduction and social inclusion,

The sustainability of the natural and cultural environment.

Sustainable tourism aims to reduce the negative impact of tourism, promote employment for locals, and conserve cultures.

Nature tourism is primarily focused on leisure travel undertaken for the purpose of enjoying natural attractions and engaging in nature-based activities.

It revolves around experiencing and appreciating nature, often including recreational programs such as trekking, bird watching, and stargazing.

2. Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism:

While there are common points between ecotourism and sustainable tourism, both have a focus on the environment, nature, and the welfare of local communities.

There are distinct differences that set them apart.

Ecotourism is more focused on nature conservation, the environment, and the local culture, with the aim of benefiting the local community.

Sustainable tourism, on the other hand, has a broader scope and can be applied to various forms of tourism. It encompasses sustainability, reducing the impact of tourism, cultural conservation, and making tourism activities sustainable in the long term.

Nature tourism can be enjoyable but may not necessarily include preservation or locally beneficial activities, making it less impactful as a tourism option.

Considering various points regarding ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and nature tourism mentioned in this article, travelers can plan their trips based on their intentions of travel.

It is crucial to consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism and strive to support tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of local communities and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Through informed decision-making , tourists can play an active role in creating a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.

Sunil Kirloskar

Hi, I am Dr. Sunil. My present blog travelsavvyHQ.com mainly focuses on various aspects of travel and tourism and also holds the the cord of environment protection at its core. The blog consists of subtopics like ecotourism, solo travel, sustainable travel and so many. The articles on fundamentals of environmental will surely help the travelers.

[…] on the environment, such as carbon emissions, habitat destruction, and pollution. By adopting ecotourism practices, travelers can minimize their impact and contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and […]

[…] implementation of regulations in ecotourism can undermine its core principles and lead to negative impacts on the environment and local […]

[…] Ecotourism often involves partnerships with local communities, providing economic benefits and empowering them to take an active role in conservation efforts. Local people are frequently involved in guiding, hosting, and managing eco-lodges. […]

[…] is crucial to provide top priority to sustainable tourism initiatives that concentrate on preservation and reduce harmful environmental […]

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How to create a natural garden at a free lecture

Tallinn botanic garden’s annual orchid exhibition opens tomorrow, estonia has shrunk by 4 km2, but gained 95 new islands, enjoy valentine’s day in estonia, voting is open for european tree of the year 2024, estonian environment agency issues heavy snow warning for this evening and overnight, pumpkin festival begins at tallinn botanical garden, biodiverse cities are a must for the future of humanity.

• The Matsalu International Nature Film Festival will present more than 50 nature films
• Annual Mushroom Exhibition open at the Estonian Museum of Natural History
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• 10 Free Things to do in Tallinn
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• Saaremaa Peony Festival underway

Estonia’s seven natural wonders

1. The rugged cliffs and beaches

The limestone cliffs rise majestically from the sea. Storms breaking off huge chunks that rest on the beaches below. Beautiful views of the Gulf of Finland open up from Pakri beach cliff near Paldiski, which is one of the most beautiful in Estonia.

At the Pakri cliff, you can marvel at the rugged landscape, and how different it is compared to the rocky beaches on the other side of the Gulf of Finland.  

In addition to Pakri, there are also impressive limestone cliffs elsewhere along Esonia’s north coast. The highest cliff can be found in Ontika in Ida-Virumaa. There it rises more than 50 meters above the sea. Nearer to Tallinn, Türisalu cliff is a great day trip destination.

In Saaremaa, you should visit the beautiful Panga cliff, which rises more than 20 meters above sea level.

2. Picturesque waterfalls

Most of Estonia’s waterfalls are located in Northern Estonia. The most famous of these being Keila and Jägala, which are also the most popular natural attractions in Estonia, with up to a hundred thousand people coming to admire them each year.

About eight meters high and 50 meters wide, Jägala is Estonia’s largest natural waterfall. The waterfall, called the Niagara of Estonia, turns into a wonderful icy piece of art in winter.

The highest waterfall in Estonia is in Valaste in Ida-Virumaa. The waterfall, which is over 30 meters high, was created as a result of human work at the mouth of field drainage canals. The roaring waterfall can be safely admired from the staircase that was opened a few years ago, which leads to the foot of the cliff.

When visiting Valaste, you should keep in mind that the waterfall usually has the most water in the spring. By the end of summer, the water level may already be quite low. Fortunately, there is much more to see in Valaste. On the wall of the cliff, hundreds of millions of years of deposits from different eras are magnificently visible.

The Valaste nature trail leads the walker to the forest growing at the foot of the cliff, which has also been called Pohjola’s jungle. The name is not a whim, because the handsome maples, lindens, elms and other deciduous trees form a unique little ecosystem. The forest has been allowed to grow at the foot of the cliff in complete peace because forest machines cannot get there.

When walking along the shores of the Gulf of Finland, you should pay careful attention, because the Ontika region is especially rich in fossils. There are also several other beautiful waterfalls in Ida-Virumaa.

3. The mysterious caves of Piusa

Piusa’s sandstone caves are amazing. Kilometers of vault-like corridors meander underground. The light sand glows magically in the torch light. The atmosphere is like an underground temple.

The origin story of the caves is more mundane. They were created between 1922 and 1966, when sand was dug in Piusa to make glass.

Today, the Piusa caves are one of Estonia’s most exciting natural attractions. Although due to the danger of collapse, you can no longer go deep into the depths of the caves, viewing the caves is a great experience even from the platform at the mouth.

What also makes the cave special is that Piusa is one of the most important wintering places for bats in Eastern Europe. Underground caves are perfect for bats in terms of temperature and humidity. Up to three thousand bats of seven different species spend their winters in the caves.

There is a visitor center in Piusa where you can get to know not only the history of the caves, but also the bats that hibernate there.

4. Taevaskoda’s – nature’s sanctuary

A pale brown sandstone wall rises twenty meters towards the sky from the shores of the dark Ahja river. From above it is bordered by a row of evergreen trees. The view is impressive.

According to local belief, Taevaskoda is the place where the sky touches the earth, the name literally translating as heaven or sky home. It has also been called a sanctuary of nature. Looking at the colourful cliffs and walking in the enchanting forests, you come to quickly agree with the locals.

It has been said about Taevaskoda that every Estonian must go and see it at least once in their life. It is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Estonia.

Taevaskoda actually has two handsome sandstone cliffs. Both can be explored on the nature trail, which meanders along both sides of the Ahja river.

Estonia’s highest sandstone cliff, Härma Mäemine müur (43 m), is located further south in the Piusa river valley.

5. Soomaa’s famous fifth season

Floods in Soomaa National Park are known locally as the fifth season. Traditionally, there were floods in spring when the snow melted, but nowadays they sometimes also occur in summer and autumn. When Soomaa’s rivers break their banks the water takes over large areas of the national park, creating a unique watery landscape.

The residents of the area are used to the fact that water may rise significantly in the spring. Canoes carved from a single aspen tree, have traditionally been used by locals during the floods. With the canoes being used to go to church, school and the store. The whole family could fit in the boats.

The tradition has been nurtured in Soomaa and the skills of the old masters have been passed down to younger generations. As a result of long-term work, the traditions of Soomaa made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Today, Soomaa’s fifth Season is an event that attracts a large number of tourists to the national park. Tourism entrepreneurs in the area offer guided kayaking trips during the floods, which allow you to paddle through flooded meadows and forests.

6. Giant old oaks

In Estonia, you can see fine, large oaks all over the country: in the middle of fields, in parks and in courtyards. The oak tree is a sacred tree that is allowed to grow, even if it is in the middle of a soccer field, like in Orissaare in Saaremaa – which was crowned European Tree of the Year in 2015.

There are many impressive old oak trees in Estonia. The strongest oak tree in the country grows in Urvaste, in Võrumaa. The approximately 700-year-old old tree has a circumference of no less than eight meters. The giant oak has seen many eras from the Middle Ages to the present day. The tree named the   Tamme-Lauri oak was also on the Estonian ten krone banknote.

Other famous oaks include the Viiralt oak in Viljandi, the Puhtu oak near Virtsu, and the Sõja oak in Pühajärve. They are all about 400 years old.

7. Kaali meteorite crater

The Kaali meteorite crater is a must-see for all tourists visiting Saaremaa for the first time. The birth story of the round crater lake is fascinating and contains many riddles.

There has been a long debate in Estonia about how old the Kaali crater is. According to one estimate, the meteorite hit the earth about 7,500 years ago. The parts that fell to the ground caused eight smaller craters in addition to the main crater with a diameter of more than a hundred meters.

In his work Hopeanvalkea, Estonia’s first President Lennart Meri reflected that the story of Kalevala tells of the explosion of the Kaali meteorite. Who knows, maybe the burning pain mentioned in the national epic was actually a meteorite that fell on Saaremaa.

There are many other craters in Estonia. The largest of them is the Neugrund crater, located on the seabed in northwestern Estonia, with a diameter of no less than nine kilometers.

To learn more about this and similar topics Caves Cliffs Estonian Naural Wonders Kaali Crater Nature Pakri Piusa Caves Tamme-Lauri Oak

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