Saifullah Lake - Swat, KPK Pakistan

Saifullah Lake is just behind famous Mahodand Lake is a mesmerizing lake located in the upper Usho Matiltan Valley about 41 km from Kalam, Swat District, KPK, Pakistan. Saifullah Jaheel is perched amidst the glacial alpine hills, emerald green water, attracts nature enthusiasts from across the country. 

The lake is accessible by a four-wheel drive vehicle, and is often utilized for fishing and boating. During the winter season, Saifullah Lake freezes and covered with heavy snow. However, the best time to go there is in June and July, when alpine flowers like geum, blue poppy, potentilla, and gentian blooms all part of the wild area.

The Saifullah Lake lies at the foothills of Hindu Kush Mountains at an elevation 9,400 ft. The lake is fed by melting glaciers and springs of the Hindu Kush Mountain and gives rise to Ushu Khwar, the major left tributary of the Swat River. The lake is famous for its freeing water and trout fish. That is one of most expensive fish in that area, selling around Rs. 4000 kg in nearby restaurant. The visitors feast their eyes with lush green sceneries, meadows, clumps of alpine and cedar trees and snow capped mountains.   

If you are nature lover, then this is the ideal place for camping for a night. The majestic water noise brooks gushing out of the small vale nearby Saifullah Lake. The area is more embellished by pink and yellow flowers. You would definitely enjoy the tranquility and wild beauty of the plants & birds sounds. It is one of most beautiful lake in the country. 

Moreover, one can also enjoy boating and horse rides at the lake. The Lake water are divided into a series of small and large streams, which once swarmed with brown and rainbow trout introduced by the former ruler of Swat State. But the most difficult part is to reach there. Hence, at Kalam valley, you have to hire a jeep or fielder (Japanese Car) to find your way to the bumpy and rough road. 

The drivers are normally extra charging for the full day tour with you. The tourism can boost by construction of proper road that suits to every car and vehicle. But so far, that area is neglected by government. Source: CP

Shifen Waterfall – The Little Niagara of Taiwan

In the Pingxi District, New Taipei City, a gorgeous 20 meters waterfall named Shifen Waterfall lies. The scenic waterfall is 130ft in width making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. The water flows in one direction and the rock is sloped in the other side. This is perhaps insanely beautiful and famous waterfall in Taiwan not tall nor as wide but incredibly powerful.

The waterfall name derived from the ten original families, who developed the area in Pingxi. It is also known as Little Niagara of Taiwan. Because the horseshoe shape mimics North America’s most famous waterfall.  Shifen Waterfall riverbed consists of many potholes causing uneven flow of the river. Therefore, this reason creating vortexes which trap passing rocks and reasoning hem to spin and carve holes.

Moreover, Shifen Waterfall accessible within walking distance of Shifen railway station. If you get bored from the constant flow of Taipei traffic. Then Shifen Waterfall is an excellent spot to relax in the beautiful nature. This is an electric place full of excitement? Walking on the two pedestrian suspension bridges make its real beauty, as turquoise river passing luscious green mountains. It’s really easy to get to Shifen from Jiufen and takes maybe 30-40 minutes or less as well as not being far from Keelung.

There are several places where you can take selfies and nature photographs. The Shifen Waterfall park has some shops and food stalls and a pond with lots of koi. Some tourists believe Shifen waterfall is much bigger and more magnificent as compared to the Golden waterfall. If you are lucky enough to have the full sunshine upon it, probably chance of rainbows hanging over the waterfall, perfect for photographers!

Your appetite may be whetted to see the scenic beauty of Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan. The waterfall retained much of its ataurique scenery as the Taipei government be able to control of the area. Moreover, some other waterfalls nearby to the loop trail’s exit called Yanjingdong Waterfall and Eyeglasses Waterfalls.

Shifen Waterfall attracts numerous tourists from Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, and Korea, and their sightseeing routes usually include Shifen Old Street. It is also suggested to tourists to pay the visit other charming small towns along the TRA Pingxi Branch Line, such as Jingtong, Pingxi, Lingjiao, and Houtong. So, visiting the Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street may be a great day trip out of Taipei city. Source: CP

Head Panjnad – Pakistan

Head Panjnad is an agricultural area close to Uchh, Bahawalpur. It is located in Punjab, and it is where all the five rivers of Punjab merge. Then the combined stream runs southwest for about 45 miles and joins Indus River at Mithankot. The Indus River continues and ran into the Arabian Sea. Panjnad is confluence of the five rivers of Punjab, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. Jhelum and Ravi join Chenab, Beas joins Sutlej, and then Sutlej and Chenab join to form Panjnad near Uch Sharif.

 Head Panjnad is an awsome picnic point. The people go there and enjoy the fresh fish. Almost there is 1 KM south east is Nalka Adda, a market is available here.  The Dam “Panjnad Headworks” has three beautiful canals known as Panjnad canal, Abbassia canal, and Abbassia link canal. These canals mainly use for to irrigate Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan Areas and the northern Sindh area.

The Punjab mega rehabilitation project works at the Panjnad Headworks for the first time since its construction in 1929. The rehabilitation project consist of three new spillways would be built at the headwork’s, in addition construction of another road for the vehicular traffic. The Panjnad head badly damaged during the heavy floods, particularly in 1974. Punjab government had also planned a tourist resort at the site of the headworks.

In the history pages, it is confluence of Indus and Panjnad rivers, the Indus river was also known as Satnad meaning (Sat = seven) carrying the waters of seven rivers including Indus river. Moreover it is also believed to be in earlier times the Saraswati/Ghaggar/Hakra river which sooner or later dried and became a seasonal river due to seismic shifts in the glacial region of Himachal Pradesh where it begin and later on Kabul river and the five rivers of Punjab.

Panjnand is an amazing picnic place among locals, attracts thousands of tourists from many other cities of Punjab. Also, a basic outdoor seating close to the river located to have a fresh meal and enjoy the picnic. Moreover, boating facility is also available here to relish boat rides. In 2012, a tragic incident took place here when at least 17 people were drowned when a boat capsized here due to overloading. Source: CP

Rose Canyon Lake Tucson, Arizona

The magnificent Rose Canyon Lake is situated 48 kilometers northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The six-acre lake is tucked away in a scenic stand of mature ponderosa pines forest high on the slope of Santa Catalina Mountains near Mt Lemmon. Rose Canyon Lake is small ecologically fragile reservoir, but it is famous for trout fishing lake. 

The lake’s altitude is about 7,000 ft much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The lake soothes the human spirit. The lake is filled up by rain and snowmelt.  However, during drought, the water level may be low. But when the water is abundant, it spills out of the lake and travels downstream. A charming natural point attracts thousands of peoples to be here with your family and friends to spend a day/ or night between tall trees and rocky slopes lined up the shore reflected in the lake’s sheltered waters. 

It is only one hour from Tucson drive up to the Rose Canyon Campground. It is perfect spot in the summer to escape the heat and bustle of the city. It could be blown away from the entire area the Campground is wide spread full on weekends. But reward is so awesome. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. 

The Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in twelve widely scattered mountain ranges, that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supportive biologically diverse plant communities. A beautiful paved road along the Rose Canyon Campground leads to a small parking area, a little walk from the water. Moreover, the rainbow trout is large enough to catch and take home usually released in the lake about once a month from April through the end of August. Because the water temperatures are bit too warm for these cold-water fish. 

Make sure, you must have a valid fishing license. It is not allowed to swim, boating or camping at the lake. Although 43 sites are already available for camping on a first come first service basis. However, your dogs are should be kept in a leash. All stocking and fishing regulations for Rose Canyon lake, are managed by Arizona Game and Fish, which publishes the current stocking schedule. 

Trail of Rose Canyon Lake

The Lake Trail #37 leads around the sedate water’s edge offer an excellent opportunity for nature photography, birds watching, wildlife, and strolling. A one-mile trail around the lake is convenient for anglers, hikers, and mountain biking trails. If you’re nature lover, then it is an ideal place to sit on the downed logs close to the lake water to sit and relish the moments with snack and relaxing meditation.  The Rose Canyon Lake is sheltered by amazing pine trees provides a pleasant setting for a stroll in the woods, relaxing on the shore or spending an afternoon fishing for stocked trout. 

Don’t forget to bring your basic fishing gears. No matter if you forget, because the nearby store carries bait, tackle, fishing poles, fishing licenses, camp supplies, firewood, rain ponchos, cold drinks, sundry grocery, ice creams, chocolates, ice creams and candies. Rose Canyon Lake offers many recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, bird-watching, botanizing and fishing in a lovely forest setting. Source - CP

Patagonia Lake – Arizona

Patagonia Lake is a 2.4-mile-long man-made reservoir in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, United States. The lake is located southwest of the town of Patagonia, Arizona and northeast of Nogales. The Lake is popular spot for fishing, camping, picnicking (table and grills), hiking, beach relaxing, bird watching, water skiing, and boating, created by damming Sonoita Creek.

The tracks of the Arizona-New Mexico railroad lie beneath the lake and leftovers of the old historic line may be found at the Nature Conservancy in Patagonia. Patagonia Lake never disappoint anyone who love nature.

The natural scenery is spectacular, that will provide you cool refreshing break from the heat. It is highly recommended to go early to avoid from evening rush. Also, some areas have beautiful shade coverage and lake front access. The 250-acre lake located inside the Patagonia Lake State Park established Sonoita Creek State Natural Area in 1975.

Moreover, an exclusive event includes an annual mariachi festival in March and bird tours and interpretive programs on request. Many Mexican Mariachi bands perform, and there is a variety of food vendors and arts and crafts booths. The Lake Patagonia is located on State Route 82, 7 miles south of Patagonia, tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona.

It is an ideal place to lookout whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the shoreline. The hikers love to stroll along the creek trail, enjoying sight views, birds watching. The most common birds are Inca dove, black vulture, vermilion flycatcher, canyon towhee, green kingfisher, gray hawk, thick-billed kingbird, cardinals and tangiers are plentiful as well as orioles, and several types of hummingbirds. If you have forgotten anything with you, then there is a small marketplace in the premises.

The lots of fishing spots and a beautiful bridge overlooking a beautiful marina. Without any doubt, Patagonia Lake is prettiest desert Lake ringed with trees and desert vegetation. Summer temperatures range from 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the day it is somewhere 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Patagonia Lake Fishing

There are several kind of fish species reproducing in Patagonia Lake are black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, flathead catfish, redear sunfish, black bullhead, red shiner, mosquitofish, crayfish, Gila topminnows, speckled dace, longfin dace, Sonora suckers, desert suckers, threadfin shad, American bullfrogs, and channel catfish. Moreover, rainbow trout are stocked for every three weeks from October to March. Source: - CP

Bear Canyon, Arizona

Bear Canyon is a stream fed drainage steep sided basalt cliffs, located in the Sabino Canyon recreation area of the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona, offers views of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north of Arizona. The canyon is accessible by tram or foot. Bear Canyon contains majestic attractions of the seasonal Seven Falls and Thimble Peak. The nearby area runs seasonal refuge within the Oak Creek Wildlife Area for different large mammals, i.e. deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, cougar, and black bear. Moreover, rattlesnakes are encountered often in the canyon during the warmer months.

Bear Canyon is a great route, handful of rappels that leads to a lovely section of Clear Creek where one can unwind and relish meal while watching the trout swim around. The water is extremely cold to relax at the edge of clear creek. The good thing is that, most of the area are well shaded by canyon and trees on the hike.

Bear Canyon Trail

Don't misjudge this inspiring trail! Though it is just under two miles in length, it packs quit the punch, The trail of Bear Canyon follows Bear Creak up, the lush, shady, and eventually to Bear Lakes. The trail stays near to cascading waters of the creek, gaining relatively elevation and making it a lovely hike. The trail climbs 1,400 feet to the Bear Lakes on the path to Chesnut Mountain Trail veers off to the east.

Only pedestrian are allowed to tracked from April 1^st to 16 July. After that, bikes can enter on the trail. Keep in mind, during spring and mid-summer the trail could be muddy in shades areas and quite buggy during wet months. The Bear Canyon trail is rocky, can navigate able in snow, difficult but doable. So, Bear Canyon Trail offers neighborhood views, straight ahead, trail-goers will face the scenic Sandia Mountains.

Santa Rosa Blue Hole, New Mexico

The Santa Rosa Blue Hole of New Mexico is circular bell-shaped pool for scuba diving and training. It is one of most popular diving destinations, is an artesian once used as a fish hatchery.

The crystal-clear water with constant 62 °F (17 °C) temperature and constant inflow of 3,000 US gallons per minute (11 m3/min; 2,500 imp gal/min). However, Santa Rosa surface is only 24 meters (80ft) in diameter and 40 meters at the bottom.  Due to its high elevation, (1,407 meters), divers must use high altitude dive tablets to compute the dive profile and decompression stops.

These are the above Blue Holes in the world, where you would feel to swim into the earth forever. These geological phenomenon sinkhole fills with crystal clear water and becomes vertical void in the landscape. The fantastic marine life such as parrot fish, Schools of Bream, Moray Eel, Lobster, Octopus and much more for all level of divers as there are several depths and routes to choose from.