10 of the World's Most Beautiful Waterfalls

There are many, many waterfalls in the world. After all, the vast majority of our planet is covered in water. When land interrupts the flow of water across the landscape, it is here that waterfalls can form.

Interestingly enough there is no standard definition of a waterfall in the modern lexicon. By this we mean there is nothing to define what makes up a waterfall, how to measure a waterfall, and even whether or not a waterfall needs to exist the entire year round. To the objective tourist these debated ideas are mere semantics compared to standing in plain view of the water thundering over high cliff faces with enough force to pound the local geography into new shapes and forms. Many waterfalls are thought to be inspiration for many functional and decorative garden fountains.

According to world-of-waterfalls.com and I totally agree ,it's not easy to put together a Top 10 Best Waterfalls List because it's completely subjective and limited to each person's experience with the falls being named.

This is by no means a permanent list and it's sure to change as we continue to collect more falls from around the world. So without further adieu, here they are in reverse order...

Here's Top 10 of the World's Most Beautiful Waterfalls

10 - SUTHERLAND FALLS [Fiordland, New Zealand]

In a country that holds a special place in our hearts, this gorgeous 580m waterfall is easily New Zealand's most spectacular waterfall and makes our list. Given its remote location deep in the wild and beautiful Fiordland National Park (also a World Heritage Area), it's one of many highlights of the Milford Track - said to be one of the finest walks in the world.

9 - DETTIFOSS [Jökulsárgljúfur, Iceland]

It is Europe's most powerfull waterfall sending glacial meltwaters over its 44m precipice unchecked at a flow of around 500 cubic meters per second. It epitomizes the wild and raw Icelandic Nature and is a favorite amongst Icelandic Nature lovers. Its position at the head of the impressive Jökulsárgljúfur (the Icelandic version of the Grand Canyon) surrounded by three other major waterfalls on the same river makes it a no-brainer for this to make our Top 10 Waterfalls List.

8 - GULLFOSS [Haukadalur, Iceland]

One of the more unique waterfalls you'll ever see in the world, this wild and wide waterfall tumbling on the Hvítá River in two tiers at 90 degree angles to each other is one of Iceland's iconic natural attractions. Part of the Golden Circle of Iceland's main attractions in the Southwest, this is a must on anyone's itinerary. In addition to the falls' unique shape, you can see rainbows arcing over the falls when your timing's right and the weather cooperates.

7 - KAIETEUR FALLS [Potaro River, Guyana]

Said to be one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world, this rectangular-shaped monster (said to be 741ft tall 370ft wide) sits atop the ancient Guyana Shield amidst some of the most pristine rainforest left on earth! Indeed a visit to this world wonder can yield rare wildlife settings as well as the reassurance that there are still places on the planet where nature is still allowed to thrive. Thus, Julie and I had to make room for this waterfall on our Top 10 List!

6 - YOSEMITE FALLS [California, USA]

Even though this waterfall doesn't flow year round, it does flow for a good part of the year and it's one of the tallest in the world at 2425ft. It's the crown jewel of attractions in the incomparable Yosemite Valley and it's easily seen from a multitude of viewpoints and trails. So given its ease of access, scenery, and sheer size, this waterfall makes our Top 10 Waterfalls List.

5 - ANGEL FALLS (SALTO ÁNGEL) [Canaima, Venezuela]

Plunging uninterrupted for 807m (with total drop of 979m) from a mystical tabletop mountain (tepuy) deep in a Venezuelan equatorial rainforest, it is widely acknowledged as the tallest permanent waterfall in the world. Its existence defies logic as its source is nothing but the soggy cloud forest on the plateau of the tepuy. No doubt about it, there's nothing like this waterfall and the adventure to even get to this so-called Lost World (Mundo Perdido) for a chance to see this world wonder is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

4 - PLITVICE WATERFALLS [Northern Dalmatia, Croatia]

When it comes to the overall waterfalling experience, it's hard to beat this world famous attraction. While the rest of the waterfalls on our Top 10 List are primarily singular waterfall attractions, this one is really a network of countless waterfalls (some of which are impressive enough to stand out on their own). The waterfalls themselves segregate the many clear and colorful lakes that bring life to this lush and protected ecosystem. Plus, you have boardwalks that take you under, over, and around almost all of the notable waterfalls for some of the most intimate waterfalling experiences to be had. Add it all up, putting these waterfalls on this list was an absolute no-brainer as far as Julie and I were concerned.

3 - NIAGARA FALLS [Ontario, Canada/New York, USA]

Easily the most famous waterfall in North America, this powerful waterfall also ranks as the biggest one by volume with a whopping average of about 750,000 gallons per second (2.8 million Liters per second)! In addition to its raw power, the falls is easily one of the easiest to access and view from all sorts of angles. While its surroundings are a bit less naturesque for many, it clearly makes the upper tier of our list of Top 10 Waterfalls.

2 - VICTORIA FALLS (MOSI-OA-TUNYA) [Livingstone, Zambia/Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe]

Easily deserving of the top spot on this list (though it finished a very close second), it's the largest singular waterfall in the world spanning a width of 1.7km, a height of 108m, and an average flow of 1 million liters per second! It's no wonder this "smoke that thunders" is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Indeed, it's got power, beauty, and it will make you humble and awestruck.

1 - IGUAZU FALLS (IGUASSU FALLS) [Puerto Iguazú, Argentina/Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil]

With its brink spanning a distance of an incredible 2km in its average flow of 1.3 million liters per second, this falls tops our list of favorites. The falls actually consists of some 275 individual waterfalls and cascades. Catwalks make it easy to get closeup and intimate views and the rainforest surroundings make the scenery feel right for a natural attraction such as this. Put it all together and Julie and I believe this falls is heads and shoulders above the rest (except Victoria Falls) that we've seen!

• Reference/Source: World-of-waterfalls.com

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Top 10: World's Popular and Best Hiking Trails

Adventure tourism is becoming popular day by day. And of these the most common form is hiking. So there is always a lookout for the best hiking trails that one can go on.
Here is a list of the top ten popular trails.

But these are not all and everybody has their personal favorites.

1. Inca Trail, Peru

Undoubtedly, the most talked after trail in the adventure tourism world is the Inca Trail of Peru. In fact there are many trails in the Andes which are called Inca Trails. But the most famous of all these is the trail that leads one to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city. The trail, the ‘Classic’ version of the many, starts from Cuzco. The trail wanders through the ruins of Patallacta, Runkuraqay and gives a view of Sayaqmarka. The trail is lined with rivers, lakes and thick jungle at some places. It will lead one through an Inca tunnel and there are number of drop offs all along. The longest of the trails takes several days and there is also a single day trek.

2. Monte Fitzroy, Argentina

Monte Fitzroy trail is a trail in Patagonia, the unique geographical region of South America where the flat plains rises in steps till the Andes rises abruptly. The trail is located in the Los Glaciares National Park of Argentina. The distance traveled in the trek may vary because one has the choice of various different trek routes. But on an average any of the trails is around 40 miles long and can take about a week to complete. Apart from having a look at the jagged ice-capped peaks of the Andes one may have glimpses of the condor, guanaco or the rhea.

3. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres Del Paine is the most popular and famous hiking trail in Chile and one of the best routes to trek along in the whole of South America. The most famous sight is the view of the iconic Torres Del Paine, the monumental granite spires rising dramatically like towers over the Patagonian steppe. All along the trail one will be served with beautiful panoramas of mountains, valleys and glaciers. There are also a number of lakes and reflection of the glowing ice capped mountains on the lakes at the sunset is a view to die for.

4. John Muir Trail, USA

The John Muir Trail, named after John Muir, the naturalist and author who was instrumental in saving the Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Park, is one the most popular trails of USA. This 215 mile trail begins from the Yosemite National Park and ends at Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in continental United States. The trail takes one through the breathtaking landscapes of Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park and the King’s Canyon National Park. Covering the whole trail in one go will take about a week.

5. The Appalachian Trail, USA

If anyone is interested in the longest trail, the Appalachian Trail can easily compete for the top spot. The trail is 3505 km long and covers 14 states of the United States. So if one has the time and energy to take over 5 million steps over a period of half a year then one should hike the Appalachian Trail. The trail covers 8 national forest and 8 national parks and covers one the most picturesque part of the United States. The southernmost part of the trail is in Georgia and climbs to an altitude of about 6,600 feet before going down near the Pennsylvania to New York region before ending at Maine in the north. The whole trail is full of wildlife from snakes to moose.

6. West Coast Trail, Canada

Staying on in North America, one can travel further north to another of the top rated trails in the world, the West Cost trail in Vancouver, Canada. The trail is about 121 km long and is part of the Pacific Rim National Park. This hiking trail starts from Bamfield and ends at Port Renfrew. The trail will take one through different ecosystems ranging from bogs and beaches to waterfall and forests. Interestingly, one will have to cross various points of the trail on boats apart from regular or log bridges. The lucky ones may catch a glimpse of the sea lions or the orca along the route.

7. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy and Switzerland

Tour du Mont Blanc takes one around the Mont Blanc Massif and is about 170 km long. This tour is considered a classic long distance hiking trail and is covered in around 7 to 10 days. Normally the tour is made in an anti-clockwise direction and can be started from Les Houches or Les Contamines in France, Courmayeur in Italy or Cahampex in Switzerland. One will pass seven valleys around the massif. To get to the better viewpoints one may have to make some short diversions but that can take greater physical ability.

8. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and is an inactive volcano. This snow capped mountain can be accessed from Shira, Unbwe, Lemosho, Rongai, Marangu and Machame. Each of these routes varies in distance and level of difficulty. The most scenic of these 6 routes is the one from Machame but it is also a bit difficult than the others. But the most adventurous is the Lemosho route where one may encounter elephants and other big game animals.

9. Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal

One of the best ways to go nearest to the highest peak in the world is to visit the base camp. The trek to the Mount Everst base camp starts at Lukla and can take a couple of weeks to complete. The highest point of the hiking trail is around 18500 feet or 5640 meters at Lobuche. However one can go not further than the Everest base Camp at 17650 feet. The area offers some breathtaking views of the highest mountain in the world on a clear day.

10. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Annapurna is the 10th highest peak in the world and the trail takes one along four regions, Lamjung, Manag, Mustang and Myagdi. Of these the Manang and Mustang regions are high altitude, cold climate regions while the other two are subtropical valleys. The trail will also take one along the deepest gorge of the world and a number of Buddhist and Hindu villages and holy sites. The complete journey can take almost 3 weeks.

HUMOR Me...
One day in the forest, 3 guys were just hiking along a trail when all of a sudden, a huge pack of indians attaked them and knocked them out.

When they woke up, they were at the leader of the tribe’s throne.

The chief then said “All of your lives may be spared if you can find ten of one fruit and bring them back to me.”

So after a while the first man returned with 10 apples. The cheif then ordered him to stick all ten of them up his butt without making any expression at all on his face. He had a little bit of trouble with the first one and started crying while trying to put the next one in. He was soon killed.

Later, the next guy came in with 10 grapes. The cheif soon ordered him to do the same as the first guy. After to the 9th grape, the man started laughing so hard for no apperant reason, and was killed.

The first two guys soon met in heaven and the first guy ask the second, “Why did you start laughing? You only needed one more grape and you’d have gotten away!”

The second guy answered while still laughing, “I couldn’t help it. I saw the third guy walking in with pineapples.”

• Reference/Source: ayushveda.com by aditi(April 22, 2011)

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