Travel Trip Journey : June 2020

Sunday, 28 June 2020

Dar al-Hajar – Yemen

Yemen's Dar al-Hajar – or 'stone house' is a rock column behold one of the world's most spectacular constructions. The former royal residence grows out of the rock pinnacle upon which it’s perched. The Dar al-Hajar or “Rock Palace” is located in Wadi Dhar, around 15 km (9 miles) from the capital city of Sana, Yemen. It seems to grow out of the rocks on which it is constructed and it has the characteristic painting of its windows and edges. Yemen’s architecture Dar al-Hajar palace, built atop a tall natural rock spire is nevertheless fantastical.

The five-storey building looks incredible from every angle. So, it won’t be surprised to see Dar al-Hajar on a Yemeni currency note (the 500 rials one). In 1920’s Islamic spiritual leader named Yahya Muhammad Hamiddin (ruler of Yemen from 1904 to 1948) stayed here as a summer residence. This place didn’t leave good memories for Imam Muhammad Yahya as his grandson assassinated him during a coup in Yemen in 1948. Nevertheless, the palace did remain in the ownership of the Yemeni royal family until the Yemen 1962 revolution.

However, Islamic scholar Imam Mansoor Ali Bin Mehdi Abbas constructed atop of the structure on the rock column. This beautiful building has multiple facilities of kitchen, storage area, guest rooms, and sedate courtyard leading through the five-story structure. The main feature of this building is to look like a fortress with shooting emplacements to defend the place from attackers. Therefore, it’s indeed easy on the eye, though designed to withstand attack and its own water supply from deep below the rock', meaning it could 'easily have withstood a siege'.

Now it’s a popular example of Yemeni architecture for tourists, who can see the rooms and explore the labyrinth of staircases. Now Dar al-Hajar has a museum, and tourists paid a visit to the palace have sung its praises on the internet. Its a fantastic place and one of the best things you will see in Yemen. You will have a wonderful experience to see this old Yemeni palace and understand more about the local life and culture.' It is nothing like you have ever seen before to pay a must-visit and relish the exquisite view. The majestic five floors offer enough to relish, but walking around at its base is equally impressive and heightens your admiration.

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Wednesday, 24 June 2020

Aloba Arch - Chad

A Natural large Aloba Arch is located in the complex mountainous Ennedi Plateau of Chad. Large natural arches are somewhat rare outside the southern and western regions of China and the Colorado Plateau of the southwest United States. This natural wonder is built by water and wind over millions of years ago. Aloba Arch is located within the remote corner of Sahara Desert in the northeast part of Chad near Libya and Sudan.

This has similar geology to the Colorado Plateau and has produced a number of natural arches and related landforms. However, Only Aloba can claim to be on the top ten lists of the longest arches in the world. Its altitude reaches approximately 120 meters, making it one of the highest arch in the world. Central Africa, natural Aloba Arch is one of the most famous and least visited natural monuments on the planet earth. Some preliminary data showing, that sandy Aloba Arch was formed millions of years ago under the extreme influence of water, wind, and erosion.

Moreover, Aloba Arch's span is considered to be the eighth longest known natural arch and the longest outside of Utah and China. Due in part to its location as well as being only in recent times recognized for its size, estimates based on taking pictures yield an estimated span of 250 ft. China’s Fairy Bridge (Xianren Bridge) has a span of 400 ft which is the longest discovered and measured span to date.

Possibly more outstanding than the span, though, it is the sheer height of the arch. Aloba Arch is 394 ft tall towers over the more famous Rainbow Bridge and is one of the tallest known arches in the world. Many tourists hesitate to manage long journey through the boundless African expanses. The nearest city to this landmark is Fad. Due to remoteness, this stunning geological object hasn’t gone through in a proper way, and its age, feature, and formation are not cleared.

Therefore, it is not surprising only a few daredevil tourists visit the Aloba Arch, part of the mountain range that does not detract from its geological and visual merits. The Aloba Arch is extremely difficult to place to reach there, as Chad’s don’t have international tourism facilities that are virtually non-existent. Hence, this place is one of the rarest bucket list and most pristine natural places in the world.

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Monday, 22 June 2020

Rainbow Bridge National Monument – Utah, United States

Rainbow Bridge is often considered as the World’s Highest Natural Bridge in Southern Utah, United States. The span of Rainbow Bridge is approximately 290 ft tall, spans 275 ft and the top is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide. The Native American tribes regarded the bridge as cultural importance.

The two famous natural arches, Landscape Arch and Kolob Arch are longer than Rainbow Bridge in Southern Utah. However, they are arches, and the rainbow is a bridge. The Chad Aloba Arch has outdone with 394 feet. Finally, Xianren bridge (Fairy Bridge) in Guangxi Province has a span of about 295 feet and a height of 210 feet, appears to be the largest span natural bridge in the world. Therefore, the world’s tallest arch is Toshuk Tagh in China at an estimated 1,200 feet.

Rainbow Bridge is accessible by a two-hour boat ride on Lake Powell followed by a mile-long walk from the National Park wharf in Bridge Canyon, or by hiking several days overland from a trailhead on the south side of Lake Powell.

Rainbow Bridge is made from sandstone firstly deposited by wind as sand dunes, during the Jurassic times. The severe fluctuations in climate were alternately a sea and desert on par with the Sahara—produced layers of sandstone with different levels of hardness. However, by the end of the Jurassic, the sea returned to cover these layers of sandstone and compressed them so tightly that they would persist until the present day.

Rainbow Bridge is located in the rugged, isolated canyons at the feet of the Navajo Mountain. Native Americans knew the bridge as scared for many centuries as a symbol of deities responsible for creating clouds, rainbows, and rain. Many Native American families are still living here. In the early 18the century, cowboys, prospectors, and wandering trappers saw the Rainbow Bridge and did not notice too much. In 1909, Rainbow Bridge's existence came to know by the outside world. In the 1930’s former U.S. President William Howard Taft declared Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

In 1924 a road was built from Red Lake to the West side of the Navajo Mountain. Also, construct a rustic stone building and facilities for mules and tourists, named it Rainbow Lodge. Zane Grey and Teddy Roosevelt was the first tourist to make the trek by foot and horseback from Oljetor to Navajo Mountain. Then they established a trail till Cliff Canyon, then over Redbud Pass to Bridge Canyon. One can make 14 miles trip in one day by horse or mule.

In the 1930s tourists use the jet boat from Lee’s Ferry to reach the Rainbow Bridge. However higher water made motorboat access to Rainbow Bridge is a little easier bringing thousands of visitors each year. Whenever you go there, be respectful of its significance. Tourist approach and walk under the bridge from one side to the other above the creek bed. The average temperature at the bridge during the summer 37.7 degrees Celsius, and in the spring and fall are moderate, 23.8 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument is April, May-early June, September, and October.

Saturday, 20 June 2020

The Iceland Svartifoss Waterfall

The Black Falls “Svartifoss” is a breathtaking waterfall in Skaftafell in Iceland. It is one of the most incredible and gorgeous sightseeing spots in the Vatnajökull National Park. The glacier area is surrounded by volcanic dark lava columns, which gave rise to its name. Further, the distinguished similar columnar jointing formations are seen at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, Devil's Tower in Wyoming, United States, and on the island of Staffa in Scotland.

There are also similar formations throughout Iceland, including a small cave on the beach of Reynisdrangar. The base of black falls is striking for its sharp rocks. The new hexagonal column sections break off faster than the falling water wears down the edges. These basalt columns have offered insight for Icelandic architects, most evidently in the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík, and also the National Theatre.

The Black Falls is so stunning and tempted to step in for a short dip. Tourists came here to hike through a lush green park to the falls. The Black Falls are situated along a wonderful marked track just a few kilometers into the park. The lava flow cooled at a languid pace with frosty air, turned to a beautiful black color over its creation.

Ice-cold melting water from the Svinafellsjokull glacier feeds the Svartifoss waterfall. This wonder of nature fall tumbles down 80ft over a cliff which is bordered on both sides by tall black basalt columns, similar to pipes of a giant organ. Moreover, the cliffs contrast with the lush green flora & fauna and cascading falls and provide the site with its name.

Svartifoss Hike

The hike to Svartifoss is about one and a half kilometers takes 45 minutes to one way. The most beautiful and interesting part of this hike to come across three more waterfalls in the way. The other three waterfalls are Thieves’ Fall, Dog’s Fall, and Falls of Magnus. A small bridge nearby Svartifoss Waterfall allows you to get a closer view and takes photographs. The trail is a bit uphill along paved/gravel paths, so it does require an extra effort to reach the destination. So, if you are not physically fit, and then shape your body to familiar the climate & uphill task. Overall it is a fairly easy trail.

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Friday, 19 June 2020

Devils Postpile California USA

Devils Postpile National Monument located near Mammoth Mountain in eastern California. Devils Postpile (the name refers to a dark cliff of columnar basalt) is a strange rock formation of columnar basalt, encompasses 798 acres. The area includes two main tourist attractions:

•Devils Postpile formation

•Rainbow Falls - A stunning waterfall in the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River

Furthermore, the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail merge into one trail and pass through the National Monument lies within the borders of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada of California, USA. The Ansel Adams wilderness spans in an elevation from 3,500 to 13,157 feet, forming the northern end of the High Sierra.

Devils Postpile in Early 19th Century

The monument was once the part of Yosemite National Park California. However, the Devil Postile National Monument was created in 1911 and is widely and officially referred as plural without the apostrophe since the 1930s. Moreover, when the gold was discovered near mammoth Lakes actually left the Postpile monument a public land, and later on, built a hydroelectric dam blasting the Postpile into the river. John Muir, the president of Taft who was an influential Californian, persuaded the federal government to stop the demolition. There his voice was listening carefully, and President William Howard declared the area as a National Monument in 1911.

Animals, Birds and Flora and Fauna

The Devils Postpile area contains different animal species, i.e., pine martens, black bears, coyotes, mule deer, black cottonwood, quaking aspen, willows, and alder. There are numerous types of wildflowers such as alpine shooting star and cinquefoil are commonly seen. In the summer season, the white-crowned sparrows and Dark-eyed juncos are common.

Devils Postpile

Geologists believe, the area was come into being by a lave flow somewhere 100,000 years ago. Devils Postpile formational thickness estimated between 400 feet to 600 feet. Due to large thickness, the much of mass pooled lave cooled sluggishly and columns are shaped into long and so symmetrical. The columnar jotted in a certain shape due to types of lava contracts in the cooling process. After that, a glacier removed the mass of rock and polished the surface on top of the columns with visible glacial striations and glacial polish.

An average Postpile column is two feet in diameter, however, few are more than thick to around 3.5 feet and 60 feet long. Simultaneously they look like tall posts stacked in a pile. If the lava flow had cooled in a perfect way, then the columns would have been hexagonal. But, many columns have varied polygonal cross-sections due to variations in cooling. Moreover, another feature that the Devils Postpile in a special category is the lack of horizontal jointing.

Similar Structure

Hence, the basaltic columns are not unique, but indeed are impressive. Basalt columns are a common volcanic feature and occur on several scales. The most popular similar structure is Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland, Fingal’s Cave in Scotland, Titan’s Piazza in Armenia, Prismas Basálticos in Huasca de Ocampo, Mexico, Sheepeater Cliff at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, "Organ Pipes" in New Zealand, Gilbert Hill in Mumbai, India, Oran Pipes National Park in Australia, and "Column Cape" in Chile. These days the Devils Postpile offers an active hiking and camping locations and wonderful view including that of the 100 feet Rainbow Falls.

Know before you go

During all winter, the Devils Postpile National Monument is closed and reopens in the summer. The Devils Postpile is an amazing place but worth the hike to the top. However, the hike to Rainbow Falls is a bit moderate. Also, it's a great hike from Devil's Postpile to Minaret Falls, easy walk but beautiful.

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Thursday, 18 June 2020

Gilbert Hill - Mumbai, India

Gilbert Hill is a 200 ft (61 m) monolith column of black basalt rock in the middle of Andheri, in Mumbai, the state of Maharashtra, India. The rock has a sheer vertical face and was formed when molten lava was squeezed out of the Earth's clefts somewhere around 65 million years ago. During that era, molten lava had spread around most of the Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, covering an area of 19,000 sq mi. Gilbert is made entirely of black basalt made during the volcanic lave spread during the Mesozoic era. Gilbert Hill is a well-kept secret in the middle of urban sprawl, surrounded by trees and vegetation.

The volcanic eruptions were also responsible for the destruction of plant and animal life during that era. Geologist believes, this unique geological occurrence was the remnant of a ridge and had clusters of vertical columns in nearby Jogeshwari which were quarried off two decades ago. These vertical columns are akin to the Devils Tower in Wyoming, and the Devils Postpile in eastern California, the USA due to similarities in its sheer rock face and basalt-rock composition.

In 192, the Central Government declared Gilbert Hill a National Park under the Forest Act. In 2007, after years of lobbying by geologists, the hill was declared a Grade II heritage structure by the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai), and all quarrying and other activities around the monument were prohibited. Gilbert Hill has faced severe erosion problems too in recent times.

The Hindu Temples are set at the atop of the rock column, and a small garden. You can access by a steep staircase carved into the rock. Gilbert hill offers a panoramic 360-degree view of suburban Mumbai. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is doing efforts to make the Gilbert Hill into a tourist attraction and include it as a stop on a tour of Mumbai and protected it from quarrying and housing development.

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Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Bronson Caves – California

The remote looking craggy setting of Bronson Canyon, or Bronson Caves, is a section of Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The area is very popular among filmmakers and television directors to shoot their films and television series. The low budget films prefer this rugged wilderness to shoot their scenes at this easily accessible location from Hollywood. This popular location is located near Los Angeles, California feature a cave that is good for all skill levels.

The 0.6 miles the heavily trafficked trail has a number of activities options all year round. You can take your dogs on this trail as well. The Bronson Canyon Caves are one of the most off-beat, interesting, and unique attractions in California. Bronson Caves is still a unique versatility scenic spot with myriad opportunities to portray an array of climates and rugged landscapes. The Bronson cave became a go-to sci-fi and western location very early on in Hollywood history.

In 1903, the Union Rock Company took the excavation of crushed rock for construction work, leaving behind the Bronson Canyon Caves. The cave name was being derived from the stage actor Charles Bronson, who selects the name of Bronson Gate at Hollywood’s Paramount Studios. The popular Batman television series of 1966-68 It was filmed at Bronson Canyon Caves.a

The three blazed unmarked trails easily recognizable from the cavern site. The two trails are a little bit dangerous however the third one is a favorite trail among the kids due to easy access. Nice quick and cool cave walkthrough that the kids loved and the back shows a great view of the Hollywood sign. Trails are wide so you felt safe.

For those who want a longer hike, walk back down the trail and pick from 2 trails that are less then 2 miles long. A great little gem! It is really peaceful, and the structure really blocks out all the sound from the city and it’s a very easy short hole but definitely, worth primitive and hard inclines checking out!