TRAVEL SPECIAL .... Feel the healing power of nature

 Feel the healing power of nature

Enrol for a luxury camping time in a forest and come back totally rejuvenated

ONE WITH UNIVERSE

Forest Bathing. What’s that, you may ask. It is a Japanese technique that promotes the practice of taking a short, leisurely visit to a forest for health benefits. The practice originated in Japan where it is called shinrin-yoku.

Today, an entire industry has cropped up around the practice of forest bathing or nature healing, ranging from high-end spas eager to lure guests with eco-therapy offerings to training sessions around the globe for the next generation of forest bathing instructors.

Here are leading locales for nature’s healing touch: 

Yosemite National Park:

For beginners, part from hiking, rafting is a big attraction with visitors. The Merced River in Yosemite National Park can be a good spot to test the waters. There are two main locations for river rafting – in Yosemite Valley where the ride is smoother, and outside the park on the Merced River from Redbud to Lake Briceburg where the runs can be Level 2 to 4 depending on the water conditions and time of year. This is a seasonal activity. If you would like it have an extended session then The Merced River is apt for those who would like to combine their rafting adventure with a visit to the park for camping. During Winters, activities such as skiing are also possible here at some sites of the park.

COUPLE ZONE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Region: South America

The Amazon Rainforest compasses 7,000,000 square kilometres (Yes! that huge). The entire region includes territories that belong to nine nations (interesting, isn’t it). Hidden beneath the thick rainforest canopy is an ecosystem of rare biodiversity. This also serves as home to an array of flora and fauna. The majority of the rainforest is in Brazil, with Manaus acting as the main entry point,a journey into the rainforest is toured along the Amazon River. A motor canoe will take visitors to one of the excellent Amazon Lodges in the area or you can visit distinct parts of the rainforest on a riverboat called the ‘Tucano’. In Brazil, during the flooded months of the rainforrest, it is possible to take canoe trips through the labyrinth of trees, which is an experience on its own.

BAMBOO FOREST WALK

TAKE A REFRESHING WALK IN BAMBOO FOREST

Region: Arashiyama, outskirts of Kyoto

In the western outskirts of Kyoto in Japan, a tourist district called Arashiyama is steadily gaining popularity. Interestingly, this area has been a preferred spot right since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles used to enjoy its natural settings. Arashiyama comes into news during the cherry blossom season. Within this area lies the famous bamboo forest of Sagano. There is a walking path, which is where many photography sessions take place that cut through the bamboo grove making for a pleasant yet easy trek. During the summer months, traditional cormorant fishing is practiced on the Hozu River for tourists to watch.

Another good time to visit is during December’s Hanatoro illumination, when lanterns line the streets and bamboo groves. You must also take some time out to visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, which is Arashiyama’s central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple.

ETTR30NOV17