Dambulla, situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is best known for its rock temple complex that has been in use for over two thousand years. The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is made up of five caves carved into a granite outcrop, filled with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings. These caves were first used by King Valagamba in the 1st century BCE as a refuge during exile, and later transformed into a sacred site.
Hudson Valley is a broad region of southeastern New York State centered on the Hudson River and extending from the New York City area north toward the Capital Region. The river forms the region’s main geographical feature, flowing between the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Taconic Mountains to the east. Towns and cities including Beacon, Newburgh, Kingston, Hudson, Poughkeepsie, and Rhinebeck occupy the river corridor, while farmland, forests, and smaller communities spread into the surr
Located off the coast of Ecuador, Floreana Island is one of the Galápagos Islands and a popular stop for gazing at a variety of wildlife, including Galápagos tortoises and flamingoes. Post Office Bay is home to the island chain's first post office site, originally established by visiting whalers in the 18th century. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, Floreana is well worth the trip!
Sullivan Bay, located on the eastern shore of Santiago Island in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago, offers a landscape that feels almost otherworldly at first glance. Instead of lush greenery, visitors are greeted by wide stretches of hardened lava. These black, rippled fields tell a story written in fire, where molten rock once flowed freely before cooling into intricate patterns that can still be traced today.
Nestled along Oregon's rugged coast, Yachats is a picturesque town known for its dramatic ocean views and tranquil atmosphere. This charming coastal haven, often referred to as "The Gem of the Oregon Coast," offers an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts and tranquility seekers alike. Yachats' most notable feature is its dramatic coastline, characterized by rock formations, tidal pools, and the iconic Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, which provides breathtaking vantage points and a network of hiking
Lake Malawi - The Lake of Stars - is an immense inland sea of fresh, crystal clear water in which tropical fish abound. Its shores and the deserted islands which dot its surface are home to a variety of game and an abundance of exotic birdlife. Local fishermen leisurely paddle their traditional "mokoros", or dugouts, across its expanse, and the sun drenched serenity is but enhanced by the shriek of a Fish Eagle or the grunting of distant hippo.
Lake Malawi is one of a series of lakes in Africa's Rift Valley. It is the ninth largest lake in the world, with a surface area of about 30,000 square km, a length of about 580 km, and is approximately 704 meters deep. Lake Malawi has a very diverse bottom, ranging from rocky, to sandy, to heavily planted areas. As with Lake Tanganyika, the lower layers of the lake are completely devoid of oxygen and uninhabitable by fish. It was reported in "African Cichlids of Lakes Malawi and
Tanganyika-12th Ed." that there are 225 known species of cichlids in the lake, with 40+ species of non-cichlids. Lake Malawi's fish population is a prime food source for many Malawi inhabitants. Lake Malawi National Park, opened in 1980 near Monkey Bay, was put in place to protect the many cichlid species of the lake from extinction due to over-fishing and
collection for export.
Other Popular Destinations in Malawi
Lilongwe
Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, blends modern development with a laid-back atmosphere, offering visitors an introduction to the country’s culture and daily life. Markets are at the heart of Lilongwe’s character, with the bustling Old Town Market standing out as a must-visit. Here, traders sell everything from fresh produce and local crafts to colorful fabrics and handmade goods.
Zomba
Zomba is a city in southern Malawi situated at the foot of the Zomba Plateau, a large mountain massif rising above the surrounding Shire Highlands. The city is known for its tree-lined streets, cooler climate, and access to forested mountain landscapes. Zomba Plateau dominates the local scenery, with steep slopes, streams, waterfalls, and broad viewpoints overlooking the plains below.