Saturday 12 January 2013

Champagne Ardenne Festivals - 10 Great Festivals In Champagne Ardenne France

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round the world this region is best known for its produce champagne, than its other numerous charms such as its excellent game, out of which many delicious meals have been thoroughly enjoyed. However as well as its appeal to the discerning palate, this region in France has a number of interesting and fun festivals throughout the year.
1. Elektricity Festival, Rue du Docteur Lemoine, Reims Cathedral, 20th to 24th March 2013
You could be forgiven for assuming that this festival had something to do with electricity; it is however the name of a music festival which combines urban and contemporary music. Taking place in front of the Reims Cathedral, you can expect to experience new types of electronic music however, as well as a promising line up, put together by the festival organisers.
A firm favourite in the Reim festival and cultural world, it has a good track record (excuse the pun) and visitors can expect to attend some good performances.
2. Europuces Fair in Reims, Reims Exhibition Centre, 2nd to 3rd March 2013
A massive amount of antique lovers attend the Europuces Fair in Reims. Whether you are a seasoned antique dealer, an enthusiast or a bargain hunter, this is the place to be!
European antique sellers have a range of treasures on sale, from furniture to fine art objects, to apparently ordinary every day items. Come to the treasure trove that is the Europuces Fair.
3. Méli'môme Festival, Place de l'Hotel de Ville, Reims, 22nd March to 8th April 2013
Move over Mummy and Daddy, this festival is all about the children! This festival has grown in popularity since its inception back in 1989, and it offers a colourful combination of fun and expressive genres which will be sure to engage your child or children.
From story telling to dance, from song and dance to puppet shows, the entertainment offers a range of magical and delightful shows for the younger family members.
4. Festival Bernard Dimey, May awaiting dates 2013 (10th to 13th May 2012)
A festival dedicated to the memory of Bernard Dimey, the Nogent poet. There are prizes awarded each year from a spring-board event, for the younger talented people.
Born on 16th July 1931 in what was then Nogent-en-Bassigny, and now Nogent, Bernard Dimey was a French poet and songwriter. The festival focuses on poetry and songs with the younger folk in mind. He died in Paris, on 1st July 1981.
5. Sedan Medieval Festival, 3rd week May, (19th to 20th May 2012)
The Sedan Castle Fort was built almost 6 centuries ago and is the largest in Europe, with a size of 35,000m2. Making it a splendid place to enjoy a medieval festival, it is located right in the heart of Sedan city.
The festival takes place both in the castle fortress as well as in the town, and each year the event planners come with a new themed surprise. In 2011 a full size dragon who spat fire was produced and in 2010 came the giants of the north.
Cast yourself back into medieval times and watch the medieval sports and activities take place, such as jousting, flag throwing and cavalry tournaments. Enjoy street theatre, soak up the medieval atmosphere, feast, drink and be merry!
You can also find plenty of beautiful medieval arts and crafts, plus watch medieval artisans at work.
6. Joan of Arc Festival, early June (2nd to 3rd June 2012)
Joan of Arc festival is one of the most historical events which takes place in France. The city of Reims celebrates its heroine.
It is a marvellous sight, as around 2000 people dress up in historical costumes to accompany Charles VII and Joan of Arc, in a parade.
The patron saint of the city, who freed it from the English in the 15th century, is celebrated by a range of shows. If you are British and visiting this festival, you can enjoy some fun French-English rivalry, given the occasion. So take local banter in the good spirits of the occasion!
Wander around the medieval market, enjoying the historical epics that are part and parcel of this festival, as well as the atmosphere and the surroundings.
7. Les Sacres du Folklore - The Rites of Folklore Festival - Reims, 21st to 25th June 2013
This folk festival takes place in the interests of friendship and peace in Reims. You can expect to hear some of world's best folk groups, and enjoy a folk-filled programme of events. More than three hundred musicans, singers, dancers and actors take part in this large folk festival.
8. Ay Champagne Festival (every 2nd year, 1st weekend July, next year 2014)
Also known as Henry IV Festival
Considered to be the best champagne village in the whole region, Ay is the home of the likes of Bollinger, Gosset and Ayala, as well as Deutz & Gelderman.
This festival combines lots of bubbly champagne and plenty of bubbly entertainment. Consider putting a few days apart in July 2014 for this marvellous event.
9. Clin d'œil Festival, Reims, 5th to 7th July 2013
Running since the European Year of People with Disabilities, 2003, this festival is a huge European deaf cultural event. In fact it actually started off as a one off event, but like a stone gathering moss, it has developed into a superb event that now continues to run.
Here is where you can enjoy experiencing the showcasing of the numerous exceptionally talented deaf people. It is a festival that bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing communities through the medium of artistic expression. A variety of forms of art and creative expression include painting, sculpture, design.
10. Fête des Sorcières - Witch Festival, Chalindrey, October
Whilst today there are many practices witches who live happily in various countries, a few centuries ago they would have been burnt at the stake. During the 16th century the Fort of Cognelot was the area of a witch hunt, and since then it was given the name Devil's Point. This, as well as the area's Celtic roots have combined to make it a location rich in supernatural heritage.
The Witch Festival has been running for around a century. Celebrations evoke this heritage and visitors can enjoy dances which are haunting, til the wee and more eerie hours. The festival includes exhibitions, movies of a fitting genre and face painting.
Listen to the local ghost stories, marvel at the beautiful scenery, learn about true roots of witches and of course have lots of fun!
More fun festivals in France, written by each French region can be found at the wonderful website Caravan Insurance Gurus, alongside many other in depth features, plus you can find caravan sites in France and campings in the UK. http://www.caravan-insurance-gurus.co.uk/


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7458752

Friday 11 January 2013

Wildlife Conservation - Turn a Year Off Into a Year On

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If you could take a year off, what would you do? The freedom that many students have open to them when they finish school, or the freedom to take a gap year later in life, often invites an escape from day-today stresses and a chance to unwind.
But what if you could change a break from life into a 'year on' - a time of enrichment and volunteerism? The intellectual, social and spiritual rewards of investing in volunteerism for a significant amount of time are only matched by the benefits you can bring to local communities and the environment.
Give back to the environment
We all love white sandy beaches, the crisp mountain air, rich teeming jungles and rarely seen animals; but, lets face it - while tourism reaps great joy from our natural habitat for the traveller, these locations need our care to maintain their wonder and thrall. This is the role of wildlife conservation volunteering. There is great satisfaction to be had caring for cheetah and lion in places such as South Africa's Kariega Game Reserve, while at the same time ensuring these beasts continue to survive.
Enjoy a safe but challenging trip
One of the reasons you might baulk at spending your possibly once in a lifetime gap year on a wildlife conservation project is the image of dirt, strain and hard slog. But it is more than feasible to be educated and challenged on a project while also ensuring your health and safety, and, above all, having a great holiday. For example, the Shamwari Reserve Experience in South Africa gives an in-depth educational experience while also providing top shelf services and the opportunity to enjoy a safari with Africa's 'Big Five' game animals.
Have a meaningful vacation
Sometimes, the most self-indulgent time off can seem vacuous and unfulfilling. One of the common rewards of community volunteering or working in wildlife conservation is that it can inject your travel with a sense of meaning and accomplishment. As the great boxer Mohammed Ali said, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." Strangely enough, paying this rent can intrinsically satisfy. You can finish your holiday knowing that you helped preserve the traditions of a local community or extend the life of an endangered species.
Create bonding experiences
Travel can be as much about the people you meet on your journey as it is about the locations you visit. Take a chance to make substantial new friendships on a wildlife conservation project. Imagine the bond that can be forged watching a previously injured wild cat take its first tentative steps back into the wild, or learning how to manage lions and forge links with local communities on the Amakhala reserve.
Come back a changed person
Speaking of the return home, volunteering on your gap year can change your perspective of your home lifestyle. The challenges and excitement of investing in a gap year helping the environment or local communities can reward you by fundamentally deepening your take on life.
Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Gap Africa Projects, an online tour operator which caters to interests such as wildlife conservation and offers other Gap Africa Projects adventure holidays for adults.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7457950

Thursday 10 January 2013

Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire - The Mountain That Stands Alone

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"In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period whatsoever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth."

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Nature and Selected Essays
Climbed an amazing mountain the other day, Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. Cruised up Route 2A out of Boston and in short order found myself at the trailhead at the base of the Mountain. This mountain is a State Park and it costs $5.00 to enter but that is a paltry sum in exchange for a chance to climb this mountain.
The trailhead area is well maintained complete with a small park store where you can buy necessities, a nice parking area, restrooms and a small interpretive center in a shack. Due to time constraints, I decided to tackle the most direct route to the summit which is the "White Dot Trail" at a distance of 2.5 miles one way to the top.
It so happens that Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were both very fond of Monadnock and according to literature at the park, Thoreau climbed Monadnock four times. It is said that Monadnock is the 3rd most climbed mountain in the world behind Taishan in China and Mount Fuji in Japan with over 125,000 hikers reaching its summit every year. Monadnock or "Grand Monadnock" as it is sometimes called, is 3,165 feet in elevation, rising 2,150 feet above the surrounding plain.
The Mountain is located in Jaffrey and Dublin towns in Cheshire County, New Hampshire. It is an amazing thing to drive for an hour and a half from the Boston area through dense trees and then all of a sudden catch a glimpse of the rise and bald, grey summit of Monadnock which is made up of schist and quartzite, a remnant mound of rock left behind after the glaciers carved it out over the millennia and during their retreat.
There is some debate as to what "Monadnock" means - several definitions I have found, both of which originate from the Abnacki Indian Language are "Mountain that Stands Alone" or "Unique and Special Mountain". What ever the definition, both descriptions are true as Monadnock rises 1,000 feet higher than any other peak within 30 miles and it stands all alone.
It was hot on the June day I climbed Monadnock. I started off on the White Dot Trail at a brisk pace thinking to myself that "hey, I'm from the Rocky Mountains and this Mtn. ain't nothing". I soon ran smack dab into the "boulder incline" as I call it where the trail is a literal jumble of boulders in the trees and it does not mess around... it goes nearly straight up for a good respectable distance.
My heart was darn near pounding out of my chest when I topped this boulder stair case and got my first panoramas of the surrounding terrain... for miles and miles! The trail up was an enjoyable one through a very green forest. I learned at the interpretive center that some of the trees I saw were Mountain Ash, Red Spruce, Striped Maple, Beech, Yellow Birch and Red Oak.
As always, my camera was blasting away and I took tons of photos of a forest that was completely foreign to me. Once you bust out of the tree line you have another 300 feet of elevation gain to the summit over bare granite slabs and slick rock. Monadnock is very interesting because it has 3 distinct ecological zones -Forest, Scrub and the treeless zone.
In the visitor's center is stated that every 1,000 feet of elevation gain on a mountain is like driving north several hundred miles which makes the summit area of Monadnock a very interesting place where there are even some alpine type plants. The summit area of this mountain was outstanding. Slick, Bare, Grey rock with vistas out in the distance in every direction.
It is a large summit area that falls away precipitously on all sides with some 50 foot cliffs on the south side. There are some historical names and messages chiseled into the rock on the summit. It is said that on a clear day you can see over 100 miles making it possible to see all 6 New England States from this solitary summit. Apparently, the summit area used to be covered by an old growth forest of very large Red Spruce but early settlers in 1820 set fire to the mountain believing that deadfalls were harboring wolves and the fire got out of hand and burned for weeks, forever denuding Monadnock.
After eating the customary grub on the summit, I decided to descend the mountain via the "White Cross Trail" to change up the scenery. I noticed more interesting foliage, deep woods and some challenging steep rock areas that required all fours to negotiate.
Took some pictures of a few furry critters - squirrels and chipmunks to be exact, and saw an ugly, large Turkey Vulture near the summit. There were a few small trickling streams and one thing I decided was that if you are going to climb Monadnock, you are probably going to get your feet muddy and wet so just get over it because it is worth it.
Make sure that you stay on the trails which in many areas are mere jumbled boulder rivers in the trees marked by white dots or white crosses. There is in fact a whole trail system consisting of the White Dot, White Cross, Red Spot, Cascade Link and Lost Farm to Bald Rock trails totaling over 40 miles of trails on the mountain. Staying on the trail helps to prevent destructive erosion that cannot be reversed in many instances and it also protects delicate and rare plants from being trampled.
Other advice that I gleaned from signs here was the fact that weather on the summit changes without warning and the changes can be drastic so go prepared with whatever you might need to face the elements on any given day. Sunscreen and PLENTY of water are advisable because you WILL sweat attaining the summit of Monadnock and you will need to re-hydrate. Lastly, it was relatively dry when I climbed but my feet did still get wet. I can't imagine being on all that rock when it is raining or covered with ice and snow... would be downright treacherous so be prepared and watch the weather forecast.
All in all, this was an outstanding hike which is quite close to the Boston metro area. It is a hike that changed my perceptions of mountains back east. I will always remember fondly my hike up this very rocky, grey quartzite knob that pierces the horizon out of the green from a distance in southern New Hampshire.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7389061

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Diving Vacations in Israel - A Water Lover's Delight!

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Let's face it, for a country that's no bigger than the state of New Jersey it sure has a lot of stuff to do. For real, it's got history (thousands of years of it, no less); mountains; spas; great food; and on top of it all--diving.
Oh, you didn't know that Israel is a diving paradise? Ha, this is one of the world's most premier diving locations. And consider it just another reason to love Israel (as if the other reasons above weren't enough).
So what if you don't dive, you can still experience the wonders of the water anyway. So, let me go on record saying if you don't dive, you can still surf and water-ski until the cows come home.
Some of Israel's best diving is done in the southern part of the country in Eilat, in the warm waters and dive sites of the Red Sea. Whether you're an experienced diver, or just a novice, you can see the Eel Garden or The Caves. Sorry, only experienced divers get to do Paradise Reef.
No diving necessary at Eilat's Underwater Observatory; nor is it necessary if you just plan on snorkeling in the constant 21-25ºC water. Ooh, Snorkelers, you can still get to see Dolphin Reef like your SCUBA buddies, too.
Some diving locations in Israel are for the seriously experienced divers only. If you want to see the Japanese Garden in the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, you'd better have logged at least 17 previous dives. And to see Yatush, at a depth of 30 meters, you must be an "Advanced Open Water" diver.
Gives you something to strive for, doesn't it? Now, can someone explain to me what that means?
I joke, but diving in Israel is no laughing matter. It's serious business; and the sport isn't limited to the Red Sea only. The Mediterranean (of course) is in on the action, too. Lots of wrecks and shallow reefs await, just so you know. To the south of Jaffa in Bat Yam, you'll find an excellent diving spot beloved by both novice and experienced divers.
Head to the north, and you'll be treated to an entire port underwater. The Old Port of Caesarea, originally built by King Herod, is now an entire eco-system for all sorts of fish species. Hmm, would you look at that, history and sport all rolled into one neat package.
Along the entire coastline of the Mediterranean in Israel you'll get more than just the stuff Herod built. Underneath the water there are all kinds of caves and canyons waiting to be explored by you and your SCUBA gear.
Here all this time I thought my love for Israel was just for its food, culture, and history. Who knew you could fall in love with it for its diving...
I'm a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information, tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel. Please contact me to help you in planning your travel adventure.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7403799

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Your Visitor's Guide To Cuicuilco, Mexico City

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If you are the type of person that loves to mix your travel when you go on a vacation so you can get fun and culture all in one then Mexico City is for you. This city is great for all types of travel as it has all the advantages of a big modern city and some of the most impressive cultural sites in the world. One of the archaeological sites which does not get as much fame as others in the country is Cuicuilco, but one visit will have you asking why. You do not even have to leave Mexico City to visit Cuicuilco and that is not the only reason you should visit. You and your family are bound to learn a lot when you get to this amazing site.
What Is Cuicuilco?
Cuicuilco is one of the oldest sites in the region and an archaeological site like no other. While researchers are still studying the site, its importance is not challenged by anyone. Cuicuilco was the very first religious and civic center in the area. It is believed that the residents of the site were the same as those in the city of Altepetl of Mesoamerica. The city was eventually destroyed when the volcano by the name of Xitle erupted. The population is believed to have moved to the north eventually ending in the Teotihuacan area which is about 30 miles north of Mexico City. It is also believed that this site was the first time that a pyramid's location was made to link with cosmic events.
Why Is It Different?
The first thing that you will notice when you get to Cuicuilco is that it is very different to other archaeological sites that you will visit. The first thing that will jump out at you is that it is a round pyramid and not the traditional type. You can go to the top of the pyramid as it is still allowed at the moment. The fact that it is located right in Mexico City makes the view from the top a little strange as you will see cars passing by, tall buildings and billboards. A walk through the hiking area of Cuicuilco will also give you hints as to its volcanic destruction. There are large boulders which were made of lava much taller than the average person.
Information On Cuicuilco
Cuicuilco is located in Mexico City, but getting there is not as easy as it is to get to Templo Mayor. There is no Metro line to take you there; however you can get there by taking the modern Metro Bus Line 1 to Perisur. You can also take a smaller "pecero" bus from either the CU station of the Metro or from Estadio Azteca by the Tren Ligero (light rail), but the Metro Bus is your best option. You will not have to pay to get into Cuicuilco as it is free for visitors. Cameras without flash can be used and the site is open every day of the week so make sure you visit when you travel to Mexico City.
For more information on Mexico City and the many things to do here, visit http://guiadeldf.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7415506

Monday 7 January 2013

Plan A Beach Camping Holiday And Get Closer To Nature

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Life in the city may have everything a person could want: modern architecture, access to popular commercial centres, work in professional business districts, and recreation in the form of movies, musical and theatrical performances, and art galleries are just some of typical aspects of modern city life that appeal to individuals who have grown accustomed to its fast pace and modern technologies. Friends and family get together over good food and wine at home or in classy restaurants, stay in touch through high-technology gadgets, and come home to a house filled with appliances and fittings that provide convenience in every use.
There are times, however, when a person would long to drop all of these modern conveniences for a while and immerse himself in more natural surroundings-places with fresh air, stately trees, gorgeous bodies of water, and an abundance of natural wildlife. When the urge to escape to such a place arises, it's best to make arrangements to say goodbye to the city for a while and take the entire family to more natural locations. A beach camping trip would be just the thing to help adults and children alike keep their hands free of mobile devices for a brief or extended period and bask in the glorious beauty of a holiday park instead.
Holiday parks offer cabin and cottage accommodations for urban dwellers to choose from. They can also opt to set up their own campsite in bushland or beach camping grounds for an even more authentic outdoor experience. On a holiday like this, parents and their children can spend their days swimming, fishing, surfing, kayaking, or just walking, playing, or relaxing on the beach. Camping activities like toasting marshmallows around a campfire would easily get all visitors in a special camping holiday mood.
Of course, nothing gives a person a feeling of being extremely close to nature than the presence of abundant wildlife. This tourist destination guarantees visitors of multiple kangaroo sightings-a real treat for people of all ages. Aside from kangaroos, guests will also delight in the presence of other animals such as parrots, possums, kookaburras, dolphins, and a lot more.
Most holiday attractions such as hotels and resorts would offer accommodations, activities, and services that fully enable guests to relax. However, if a family is seeking to break away from the fast pace of city life and the luxurious trappings of popular holiday destinations, then a back-to-basics experience from a camping trip can be a healthy and welcome change to the daily grind.
Click here to discover more fun activities.
Outdoors must be experienced by your little kids because as you all know, lots of kids today are into gadgets like video games and they neglect to experience the things that kids should be experiencing like beach and camping.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7407276

Sunday 6 January 2013

The Top 5 Indian Bird Sanctuaries

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Tweeting and chirping of birds is the most fascinating part of India's wildlife sanctuaries. India being one of the most explicit and wonderful destinations for the wild species and being thoughtfully called as ornithologists' paradise owing to the presence of almost 1250 different varieties of avi-faunas; different wild sanctuaries offer a fantastic visit to all of them. If you are on a majestic voyage to wildlife tour in India to catch the glimpses of all these impressive creatures; and interestingly if you are a bird lover or an ornithologist, the presence of different bird sanctuaries in India is of much significant value.
The list of top 5 Indian bird sanctuaries will definitely compel you to make a must visit program to catch these hopping creatures n the dense jungles of India. Have a look and get ready with your camera to catch them with all their excitements and movements.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
46 kms from Delhi at Delhi-Jaipur highway, the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is the most preferred locale for the leisure beings and ornithologists to find the haven for both the local and migratory species of avi-faunas. The sanctuary is being located around the famous Sultanpur Lake where local people enjoy their picnic moods. Established in 1972 and spreading across an area of 44.5 hectares, the sanctuary brings tropical climate and the best time to visit the place is during October to March. Delhi Airport is the perfect point to get access to the Sultanpur Sanctuary.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
One of the most fascinated and admired bird sanctuaries in Ernakulam district of Kochi, Kerala, the Mangalavanam Sanctuary is also termed as the "green lung of Kerala" as the land is enriched with floras like mangroves. Both the resident and migratory ones can find the perfect space at Mangalavanam Sanctuary out of which the Little Cormorant and Black Crowned Night Heron are the richest species in the sanctuary. During the months of May and July the ornithologists can find the best nestlings of the avifauna here, although the best timings for their visit are Mid-January to Early-March. The nearest airport for this sanctuary is the Kochi Airport.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Popularly known as Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, it is one of the ancient bird sanctuaries of India, established almost 250 years ago; a perfect host of around 250 bird species with the special glimpses of Siberian Cranes, Ruddy Shelducks, Gulls, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Coots, Garganey, Tufted Ducks and Common Pochard. Declared as a protected sanctuary in the year 1971, Bharatpur Sanctuary is a world heritage site. The sanctuary resides at the fantastic location of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi catch many attentions throughout the year and is mostly thronged with enthusiastic ornithologists and the bird lovers. Besides the bird lovers can find great stays at its different attractive resorts and lodges like Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Chandra Mahal Haveli, Laxmi Vilas Palace and The Bagh Resort.
Kumarakoram Bird Sanctuary
Also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary located in Kottayam district, Kerala, is the ultimate ornithologists' paradise in Kerala backwaters. The amazing natural landscape and thrilling backwater environments compels the migratory birds to make a comfort haunting zone. By spreading across 14 acres of land on the southern bank of the Kavaner River, Kumarakoram Sanctuary gains the major attraction of birds including waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite and the duck, as well as the migratory Siberian crane. Parrot, teal, lark, flycatcher and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from far away as Siberia. The sanctuary is 14 kms away from Kottayam and 106 kms away from Kochi International Airport.
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary
33 kms south from Tirunelevli of Nanguneri Taluk, the Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is the major attraction spot at the famous south city of Tamil Nadu. During the months of January and April, thousands of birds migrate here from the countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia and U.S. Some of the migrant species are Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Chipmunks, Doves, Babblers, Quails, Partridges, Kingfishers, Flycatchers, Minivets, Herons, Egrets, White Ibis, Spot-bill Ducks, Cormorants, Pelicans and Painted Storks and so on. The best time to visit this sanctuary is during January to April.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7419667