While the coronavirus is engulfing several regions of the world, most of us are quarantined at home and are bound to run out of things to do. So how about going on a virtual tour to a few national parks around the world, from the comfort of your home? Sounds interesting? Then take a break from that Netflix show and hop on!
Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with five national parks in the United States so people can enjoy the beauty of nature while sitting safely on their couch. These parks vary greatly in their features and environments and are a visual treat to watch.
Tip: Use your headphones for an enchanting experience!
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
This virtual tour through Kenai Fjords National Park is surreal. It transports you to a land where the ice age still lingers. You can descend into an icy crevasse, explore around, kayak through the icebergs, listen to the sound of those icebergs underwater and even watch how glaciers melt. Watch it here.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
This National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. It encompasses summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. This virtual tour lets you explore the Nahuku Lava Tube, visit volcanic coastal cliffs, fly over an active volcano, and see the effects of a volcanic eruption from 1959.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, this popular park has over 100 caves. These were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. On this virtual tour, you can take a walk or even trek through the fascinating caverns, discover secret rooms, and examine cave textures. And guess what, you can even experience life as a bat. We’re not kidding, check it out here.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
This national park is made up of long irregular columns of red rocks, called hoodos. Learn how these hoodos are formed, enjoy a star-filled night sky, and identify constellations. Get up close and personal with the park’s unique rock formations, and horseback through the canyon. It is an experience you’ll never forget. Take the tour here.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
The Dry Tortugas National Park lies almost 70 miles west of Key West. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with 7 small islands, which are accessible only by boat or seaplane. In this virtual tour, visit the 19th Century Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, swim through the coral reef and even take an exploratory dive into a shipwreck from 1907.
This tiny adventure, while you’re locked down at home, is going to refresh your mind and let you marvel at this beauty that is nature! So, go, do something different. We’re sure you’ll love it.
Also Read: Around 80% Women Are Now Choosing To Travel Solo: Study Suggests