Lonar Lake, India

Lonar is one of Maharashtra’s best-kept secrets. Lonar Lake is incredibly 50,000 years old lake. Lonar Lake is also called Lonar Crater is the youngest and best preserved impact crater formed in basalt rock and is the only of its kind on earth. The crater was formed fifty-two thousand years ago, when a gigantic meteor crashed into the earth at an estimated speed of 90,000 km per hour. Lonar Crater has a mean diameter of 3,900 ft and is about 449 ft below the crater rim, and meteor crater rim is about 1.8 KM in diameter.

The Lake is mainly fed by Dhara and Sita Nahani streams. The Lonar Crater is protected as a geological landmark and authorities have recognized the role of the historical and archaeological heritage in the lake. The lake water contains various salts or sodas, and during dry weather when evaporation lessens the water level, large quantities of soda are collected. The Lonar crater has an oval shape and its meteorite impact came from the east, at an angle of 35 to 40 degrees. The saline deposits obtained from the lake are rather of an exceptional nature.

The salts collected from this lake vary in their nature and composition and from their-appearance are effortlessly separated by men accustomed to handling them. The Lonar Lake is home to a horde of algae and plankton species that thrive in its unusual ecosystem and give the water its vibrant color. Most tourists come to nearby Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta and Ellora UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but never make it as far as Lonar.

Over time, the jungle took over the deep depression, and a perennial stream transformed the crater into a tranquil, emerald green lake. Today, the forest-fringed lake is located in the Buldhana District of Maharashtra. The lake was initially believed to be of volcanic origin, but now it is recognized as an impact crater created by the hypervelocity impact of either a comet or an asteroid.  The lake water is polluted by using of fertilizers, pesticides and toxic material in the agricultural field. 

The lake has wildlife sanctuary with a unique ecology that is vastly different from the surrounding flat landscape. Its water supports micro-organisms rarely found elsewhere on earth while its surroundings are peppered with fragments of unique minerals like maskelynite. The local peoples are destroying Lake Eco system, by bathing, washing clothes and drinking water by cattle’s and disposing detergents in them. Deforestation and excavation also carried out here and cattle grazing inside near him create fecal pollution cause environmental damage to nearby land.

Marauding pilgrims and increasing pollution is disturbing its substantial flora and fauna with about 100 resident and migratory birds. Furthermore lonar lake ecosystem is being damaged because of the sewage dump in the lake. Also commercial activities, including illegal construction, within the vicinity of lake has damaged the lake's natural topography. There is a small circular depression at a distance of around 700m from the main lake, believed to be caused by a splinter of the meteor that hit the ground to also make a crater.

The Lonar Lake is also home to thousands of peafowls, chinkara and gazelles. The natural lake is a heaven for a many species of plant and animal life. The migratory and resident birds such as black-winged stilts, grebes, shelducks, shovellers, teals, herons, red-wattled lapwings, blue jays, baya weavers, parakeet hoopoes, larks, tailorbirds, magpies, robins and swallows are found on the lake. Also among reptiles, the monitor lizard is reported to be the most prominent. Lonar Lake is one of the most exclusive landmarks on the world. Hence, it is slightly out of the way, but totally worth it.

Before you go there, keep in mind that March till May are the hottest months in Maharashtra, and temperatures can climb upwards of 40°C. Occasional. However monsoons normally starts in June and can go on up to September. The heavy rainfall took place in July. Hence, winter starts from Oct till Feb is mild, with clear skies, gentle breezes and average daytime temperatures that range between 12-25°C. The views of this stunning Crater Lake, the only one of its kind in the world, are bound to give wings to your imagination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aogashima! A Volcanic Japanese Island

Aogashima is a volcanic Japanese island in the Philippine Sea, administered by Tokyo. The island's area is 8.75 km2 and, its population is about 200.  Aogashima is a volcanic island 3.5 km in length with a maximum width of 2.5 km. Aogashima is also within the boundaries of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Aogashima is approximately 358 kilometres south of Tokyo and 64 KM south of Hachijō-jima. It is the southernmost and most isolated inhabited island of the Izu archipelago. The village of Aogashima administers the island under Hachijō Subprefecture of Tokyo Metropolis. In the center of the island lies a geothermal sauna, scuba diving is popular, and the alien landscape is something you will never forget.

The island was the site of a series of earthquakes, known as an “earthquake swarm” in the 1780’s and a large eruption in 1785 that killed 130-140 people, nearly half of the island’s population. This island is formed by the overlapping remnants of at least four submarine calderas. The island is surrounded by very steep rugged cliffs of layered volcanic deposits. The southern coast also rises to a sharp ridge forming one edge of a caldera named Ikenosawa with a diameter of 1.5 km. The caldera is occupied by a secondary cone named Maruyama.

It is still considered a Class-C active volcano by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The locals don’t worry and not tries not to spend too much time worrying about the possibility of another eruption. After all, it’s been more than 230 years since the last one the odds are in his favor. During a massive eruption in 1785, some 130–140 of the population of 327 islanders perished. Aogashima has several roadways, with the majority zigzagging throughout the island’s center.

The last eruption of Aogashima was during a four-year period from 1781–1785 the deadliest event in island history. The history of human settlement on Aogashima is uncertain. Most of the people in Aogashima are Japanese. This remote island is truly a great place to relax.  The Island is blessed with hot springs and geothermal energy because of the volcano.  Despite the island’s small size, most of its residents travel by car rather than biking or walking and for good reason. People hesitate to travel by bike due to the strong winds and rainy climate.  The Tokyo city life is intimidated by the congestion there’s just too many people.

 However in Aogashima one can feel great nature that you cannot experience in big cities. This magnificent island is rich in nature and breathtaking views. Maruyama is perhaps the main attraction here to hike. This hike is short and you can expect to finish the full course in around 20 min depending on how many pictures you decide to take. You can see view seasonal flowers and trees. Wildlife is also present and birds as well as other small critters can be found here.

The natural saunas on the island are a great place to take a rest and loose yourself in the dazzling surroundings. Tourist here likes to Stargazing activity, which you won’t enjoy in any other part of the world. There are no houses or even streetlights up there, your only company will be a few cows and the stars in the sky. Not only is there an absence of light pollution, but there is no excess noise. The view from here is so beautiful that the Japanese call it “The Coliseum of the Stars”.

Access to Aogashima Island?

Aogashima is a difficult place to reach due to its extreme isolation. Only single helicopter goes to containing only 9 passengers. However the best way to go there is to take Airplane from Haneda airport to Hachijojima island and then transfer to a helicopter there. A boat journey could be risky and dangerous.

 

Hide and Seek Beach: The Miracles of Nature in Odisha

This world is full of so many places to discover, that even a lifetime of travelling will not be sufficient for it. An Indian strange Chandipur beach, located in the Balasore district of Odisha, is a place waiting to be discovered. This is called the Hide and Seek Beach, actually a miracle of nature. Hide and Seek beach always spellbound us by its lovely and unusual creations. Due to its rare and exclusive phenomenon, it is globally popularized as ‘vanishing sea’. Apart from this, there are other amazing features which add to its exceptionality.

One place which is every person would look at through his own perspective, and that's what discovery really means. A phenomenon that is rarely seen in any other part of the world, the sea here recedes by as much as 5KM every day.  Odisha, fondly called the “Soul of India”, is highly rich in its culture and heritage, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Also, every year in the month of February, a beach festival takes place here to setting folk dance, art, and culture of the State. The beach is also home to biodiversity and supports a wide variety of sea animals.

Well, believe us or not, the beach is not a constantly existing feature on the map. At least it doesn't look the same every time. Is it surprised? Hence, whenever you are at the Chandipur beach, you can actually see the sea disappear in front of your eyes, and come back again and see the area of sand dunes. So, when you are at the beach during the ebb, you can see the water receding massively from the beach and then coming back during the high tide in order to fill up the emptiness. This Hide and Seek of the sea comes to play with you twice a day. However, the locals are fully aware of the time of the high and low tides.

This is the reason why the beach is home to a host of unique species, i.e., horseshoe crab and the red crab. It’s a surreal experience to watch the sea disappear before your eyes and walked on the exposed sea bed. One can find pearls, seashells, crabs and tiny fish on the shore during the times of low tide. This is not something that every other beach offers. The sight of Casuarina trees and sand dunes also call for a visual treat. The ultimate golden colored sea beach has gorgeous casuarina trees and the solitary sand dunes which make the ambiance over there more peaceful and soothing.

However, travelers can visit this dramatic beach anytime. The best time according to the locals is from November to March. Hide and Seek Beach is in depth feel of magic of nature, to feel the wet soft sand under your feet and live up the unforgettable experience. A trip to Hide and Seek Beach will leave you mesmerized on how beautiful and interesting place in India. If you’re visiting beach in the afternoon, then don't miss the spectacular sunset here. Source: CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Alien Beauty of Socotra Island

Socotra is an isolated island, situated around 250 miles off the coast of Yemen. It is a small archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean. The exclusive characteristic of Socotra Island is to home of some of weirdest looking plants that are found nowhere else on planet earth. The largest member of the archipelago also called Socotra. The Socotra is also spelled Sokotra, Arabic Suquṭrā, Island. Actually, Socotra Island is an archipelago formed of four islands, near the Gulf of Aden. It is very isolated, and has a harsh, hot, and dry climate, used to be part of Africa six million years ago. The trees are out of Land of the Lost and the feeling you have is like nowhere else.

Socotra Island is swarming more than 800 rare species of plants of which more than a third are endemic. The extremely high levels of endemism also take place in Socotra’s reptiles. Also 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else on the earth. In recognition of its distinct plant and animal life, the archipelago was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The Socotra Island has a rich fauna, including several endemic species of birds, i.e., Socotra starling, the Socotra sunbird, Socotra bunting, Socotra cisticola, Socotra sparrow, Socotra golden-winged grosbeak and a species in a monotypic genus, the Socotra warbler.

Socotra Island marine life is very diverse with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crab, lobster and shrimp, and well represented in the property’s marine areas. The Socotra Island is considerably inhabited, and has been for more than 2,000 years. Almost 50,000 people now live on the main island of the archipelago, engaged with fishing, animal husbandry, and the cultivation of dates are the primary occupations of the indigenous population. In 2010 a Russian archaeological team discovered the ruins of a city on Socotra dating to the second century. The island is also held by some to be the location of the original Garden of Eden, due to its isolation, biological diversity, and the fact that it is located on the edge of Yemen’s Gulf of Aden, which many connect with the ancient Sumerian tales of a paradise called Dilmun.

More than 250 million years ago, Socotra Island stood apart, when all planets were joined and most main life forms roamed freely. Socotra has been breeding many species of plants, birds and animals. The most famous plant is secular Cinnabar or Dragon’s Blood Tree “Dracaena cinnabari”, which is an umbrella shaped tree. Locals have different superstitions about this tree, believed this tree has red sap thought to be dragon’s blood of the ancient. However, this plant is used in medicine, dye, paint & varnish, various endemic aloes, and for cosmetics. Socotra isolation from other land masses meant whatever evolutionary process the flora and fauna underwent never spread to the mainland.

Another great plant is Desert Rose Tree (Adenium obesium), which appears to have some captivating forms that are trying to penetrate the rocky soil. It also produces striking massive pink flowers in April. Its trunk is a precious reservoir of water for this area with a nearly desert climate and it can reach five meters in height and three meters in diameter. Other endemic plants includes the massive succulent tree Dorstenia gigas, the cucumber treem Moraceae, Dendrosicyos socotranus, the rare Socotran pomegranate (Punica protopunica), Aloe perryi and Boswellia socotrana. In the interior, nomads keep cattle and other animals and raise some crops. Socotra Island main exports are ghee (clarified butter), fish, and frankincense.

On the other hand, the only mammals native to Socotra are bats. However, on the island there are many cats and dogs, which are much bigger than the European ones, reaching up to 27 pounds. Socotra has unbelievable Alien beauty and natural habitat, mesmerizing place and welcoming, simple people. Socotra Island has airport facility. The best time to visit Island from October till April. The other months have heavy monsoon rainfall, making it difficult for tourist survival and flights often cancelled. Moreover, keep in mind Socotra Island doesn’t have any well-established hotels, only few guest houses for travelers to stay.