Enjoy a romantic ride with your loved one on Puffing Billy – a century old steam train chugging through Dandenongs National Park, Australia
Domesticity has its way with taking center stage in one’s life, especially when one is married. Soon, you start to wonder if your marriage has lost that ‘spark’; you feel so absorbed by your chores, you can’t help but wonder how you landed in this spot in the first place! However, thank God for vacations, the ones that make you leave the shackles of everyday life behind and just unwind with that one person you love the most. And if you’re one of those couples aching to explore the long suppressed adventurists inside you, we suggest you take a look at these five heavenly national parks from around the world.
1. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Monkey Creek in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand – Photo Courtesy: Edwin Lee
New Zealand is brimming with beautiful places, which on many occasions make you wonder if you’ve actually landed in paradise. Fiordland National Park is one such place. It’s the country’s largest national park and houses fourteen breathtaking fiords that were carved into existence almost 20,000 years ago. In addition, it has a few of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. The hills vary from the jagged and intimidating Mitre Peak to the rounded and chastened Doubtful Sound.
Of course, with a landscape as diverse and dramatic as this, it’s only obvious to have wildlife to match. In the fiords, you’ll find more than 150 different types of fish, in addition to endless sea cucumbers, starfish, sea-urchins, corals, glass sponges and the like. You’ll also spot fur seals and groups of bottlenose dolphins. You can also indulge in activities like bird-watching, hunting, jet boating, kayaking, diving, mountain-biking and hiking. And then, of course, there’s the forest that’s as ancient as time itself!
2. Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine, Chile, South America – Photo Courtesy: Phil Whitehouse
Chile has always been a fascinating country. And this national park just adds to that fascination. Torres del Paine is known as the most precious crown jewel of Chile. The landscape is as varied as it is breathtaking in its beauty. You have mountains with peaks that appear to be piercing through the sky, the pampas that look like a blanket of gold and ice fields that look like generously sprinkled icing sugar. The Torres Del Paine National Park is an absolute delight for every trekker, thanks to its W shaped terrain, and if you’re with your better half, there’s no other place you’d rather be sweating it out and getting the thrills at.
3. Banff and Jasper, Canada
Banff & Jasper, Alberta, Canada – Photo Courtesy: Graham Styles
Glorious is the word that defines the Banff National Park and its spectacular views. This is Canada’s oldest national park. You get to start the trek from an old ranching town, then wade through prairies, into the wild forest and deep mountain valleys. Adjoining Banff is the Jasper National Park, where you’re treated to a vast belt of peaks gorgeously capped by glaciers and endless ice fields, melt-waters and alpine lakes. In both parks, the landscapes are astonishing, the wildlife is abundant, and the experience is inspiring.
4. Guilin and Lijiang River National Park, China
Boats on the Li River (Chinese: 漓江; pinyin: Lí Jiāng) or Lijiang – Photo Courtesy: Dariusz Jemielniak
This national park is the kaleidoscope of dramatic landscapes, thanks to the vast array of karsts, limestone cones and cylinders. And if that wasn’t enough, each hill has a fascinating name. The best way to witness the marvels of this national park is from the quiet Li River under the vast open sky dotted with herons, and through the air heavily scented with the fragrance of Osmanthus flowers. You get rugged karsts mountains, hairpin-shaped hills, ancient little hamlets, caverns and lush greenery all packed into one frame. You could easily call it the world’s biggest and most beautiful art gallery!
5. Dandenong Ranges, Australia
A happy couple in the Dandenong Ranges, Australia – Photo Courtesy: Abir Anwar
You get to take a dip in the softly cascading Olivia falls, tucked away deep in the woods or enjoy local foods on the top of the mountains. Due to the bush fires, you also get to see the scarred trees seamlessly coexisting with the lush green ones, forming an interesting mix. Dandenong Ranges tours have something entertaining for everyone, so it’s perfect if you have a tiny tot involved.
6. Serengeti, Tanzania
Serengeti Plains, Tanzania – Photo Courtesy: Woodlouse
No list of beautiful national parks is complete without a mention of this one. Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest and one of world’s most popular national parks. The best part about Serengeti is that there’s the unbreakable promise of an amazing time for every type of tourist- the laidback, the luxury-bound, the adventurous. If you ever visit, do not- for any excuse whatsoever- miss the huge and most splendid migration of wildebeests. In addition, revel in the sights of topi, giraffes, elephants, gazelles, lions, leopards and so many other animals in their most natural habitat, against a backdrop of lush grasslands. And those looking for a bit of something romantic- Serengeti offers the most unforgettable sunsets. Ever.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase, grab your beloved and fly off into wilder-awesome-ness!
Karen Fernandes, is a fitness enthusiast who often writes about her ideas and experiences online. She is associated with Leadbeater Eco Tours, a renowned tour service in Melbourne. She enjoys dancing and working out in her free time. You can follow her on Twitter for more information.
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