cities near national parks

Top 10 cities near national parks

Many people love national parks. Nature manages always to provide beautiful places for you to see and explore. The beauty of national parks is that humans try to preserve the vegetation and wildlife that live there. It is a beautiful effort to preserve natural wonders, which is why it needs to be appreciated. By definition, a national park is a park for preservation purposes. There are about 100 countries in the world that have a national park that follows that definition, which means that you have many options. You cannot visit them all, but you can visit the most beautiful. Below you will find a list of ten cities that are near a national park.

10. Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Dushanbe is approximately 60 km away from Shirkent National Park, but you can find plenty of nature within the city. On of the most popular attractions is the Yagnob Valley. There is not much vegetation, but it is a nice experience to walk through the valley. You can see the mountains surrounding the area, which is a nice alternative to not climbing them. However, you have the option if you like. There are sheep and goat herders who roam the valley, but they are friendly, and some people like to interact with them and share a meal. The Vakhshskaya Valley is also a place you will like, but mostly at dawn or sunset. Just like the previous valley, it does not have much vegetation. You can get there by car and stay at one of the hotels in the area. Apart from the valleys, you can see the Karatag Gorge. It is ideal for a long walk. The river has strong currents most of the time, so you may want to stay away from it. The weather there is perfect or hiking, not too cold, but not too hot either.

9. Malaybalay, Philippines

The Philippines has 54 national parks, so chances are that no matter where you are, there is a national park nearby. Malaybalay does not lack wonders of nature. Mount Capistrano Natural Park is something that you must see at least once in your life. The climb is challenging, and you may have a few moments when you want to give up, especially as a beginner, but reaching the top is one of the most rewarding experiences. There is a saying among climbers that the best view comes after the hardest climb. And it is true. Once you reach the top of Mt. Capistrano, the entire Malaybalay will be at your feet. It is a stunning view. Another place worth visiting in Malaybalay is the Nasuli Spring. It is cold there, but the sights are superb. You can go there after Mt Capistrano to cool down. The water is not warm, but the place still deserves a visit. The Bukidnon Tree Park is a favorite for bikers or runners. Such a (bike) trail does not come often. The place is peaceful, quiet, and everywhere you look, nature surrounds you. It is a serene place that you cannot overlook while in Malaybalay.

8. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

In San Pedro Sula, the Angeli Gardens is by far the most beautiful restaurant you will ever see. Everything is in such an order that you may think it is surreal. You can go for a bite, enjoy a lovely walk and admire the vegetation. The food there is mouth-watering. What most people like is that the restaurant has no wi-fi, and the place encourages people to talk to each other. It is not much, but it is a nice touch. If you are interested in having a picnic with your children, you can go to Parque Infantil Presentacion Centeno. It is an ideal place for kids and well maintained. Nature is all around, and you can have a lovely time. When you are done with the city, you always have the option of walking through the CAMPISA Natural Park.

7. Hyderabad, India

There are three national parks in Hyderabad. The first one, KBR National Park is the most popular. People find it amazing that such a large park is right in the heart of the city, which is a fresh breath of air. People go there for a jog, and some like to ride their bikes. In the hot summer days, the park is a place to cool down. You can feel the cold breeze the minute you enter the area. That is because there is a lot of vegetation around. The second is Mrugavani National Park. Unlike the previous park, this one has more wildlife in it. You can mostly spot peacocks. It is true that the city could make some improvements and maintain it better, but it still worth visiting. Lastly, the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Park is the children’s favorite. You can spot a lot of deer in the area, and go on a safari.The place is simple, but it has its charm.

6. Gisenyi, Rwanda

Gisenyi - cities near national parks

Gisenyi is near Gishwati Forest National Park, and you can create some wonderful memories there. For example, the Kingfisher Journey provides the most amazing experiences. You can go kayaking or canoeing, and at night you can watch how the fishermen go out to the sea. The guides will take you to see all the interesting spots. If you do not want to experience Gisenyi by water, then you may want to do it by bike and join Rwanda Adventures. You can rent all the equipment and just disappear for two days. Accompanied by a guide, of course. It is a relaxing experience that you should not miss.

5. Miri, Malaysia

In the Miri area, there are three national parks. The first is the Lambir Hills National Park. It may be the only place where getting lost is not such a tragedy. You have plenty of things with which you can occupy your time. The entire time, you will feel like walking through a jungle. The sights are memorable, and the waterfalls are true wonders of nature. You can stop to eat and admire the view. The park is a must-see. The Niah National Park is just as beautiful as the last one. It is a piece of paradise for nature lovers. You can walk through the park, see the sights, and do not forget about the Niah Caves. Just make sure to wear the proper equipment. The cave may be slick. Bird lovers also love this place because it is ideal for bird-watching. Last but not least, the Loagan Bunut National Park looks like a place taken out of a fairytale. You can walk through the wild, or you can take a boat ride and explore the surrounding areas of the lake. It is true that the place needs some improvement, but as far as nature goes, it is perfect.

4. Kuching, Malaysia

The Kuching area has, in fact, two national parks nearby. The first is Bako National Park. It will give you great pleasure to walk through the wild. It requires some effort, as you have to walk for a while and the trails are not the easiest, but you will have a lovely experience. The sights are remarkable, and you get to see macaque monkeys, bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys, and much more. The wildlife is abundant, which will only enrich your experience. The second national park is Kubah. Again, you need to make an effort. The most beautiful attraction in the park is the waterfall, but you have a 2-hour trek ahead of you. However, the fall is worth it. The place is magical, and you can take amazing photographs. You can choose from many trails. After all, that is why you choose a national park as a destination for your vacation. Apart from the two national parks, you should also visit the Matang Wildlife Center to see the Great Orangutan Project. That is a place for rehab, a sanctuary for the lovely creatures. There are not many of them, about ten, but you can interact and observe them for a while. It is an unforgettable experience.

3. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Johor Bahru is located near the Pulau Kukup National Park. People who go there are interested in seeing the mangroves. However, the place is very beautiful. You can walk for hours and admire the sights. The wooden pavement is a magnificent idea. It was built so people would not have to worry about the mud when it rains. It is relaxing; the vegetation is superb, but it needs some maintenance. If nature is what you are interested in, Johor Bahru also hosts Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary. It is a small piece of heaven where horses roam freely. However, what you will love even more is that this is a sanctuary for approximately 700 dogs and 600 cats. There is no place in this world where you will be welcomed with so much love. The dogs are the welcoming committee, which is something amazing. There are disputes sometimes, but it is only natural. The place is definitely worth a visit. Once you are done petting all the dogs and cats, which will take a while, you can go and see the Pulai Waterfall. It is stunning, and the surroundings are simply breathtaking. It is not a big waterfall, but it has a particular charm that will make you love it. Also, the walk will do you some good.

2. Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi has the most beautiful national parks, which is why you have to go there. Nature throws the most amazing shows. The Nairobi National Park can provide a fantastic experience. You can see lions, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes. If you want, you can hire a guide. It is, in fact, recommended because he will know best where all the animals are. The African wildlife is spectacular, and the Nairobi National Park is the perfect depiction of it. While in the park, you can also see the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. You can come face to face with an elephant, which is an unbelievably beautiful experience. The trust saves baby elephants, so you also get to see them, and how they are fed. There are no words to describe the good the people who work there are doing. If you want you can help by donating or adopting a baby elephant. It teaches children to respect and preserve natural wonders. The Karura Forest provides stunning sights. A walk in the forest will make you forget about everything. It is relaxing, peaceful, and if you walk for a while, you can see the waterfall. It is also a great opportunity to escape the heat. The forest is in the city, so you do not have to drive anywhere. It is a must see.

1. Iringa, Tanzania

Tanzania is a beautiful country overall, so it comes as no surprise that its natural parks gather tourists from all over the world. The city of Iringa is located near Ruaha National Park, which one of the most beautiful natural parks you will ever see. There are so many animals that you will not believe your eyes. Going on a safari in the park is one of the most exciting experiences a person can have. You can see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and much more. The park contains most of the animals you find in children’s books. The Ruaha National Park is the first point of interest you need to see when you go to Iringa. After Ruaha, you can go and see the Isimila Stone Age Site. There you can find interesting rock formations. You can take a nice walk and admire the most amazing sights. It is worth the trip there. Also, you have the option of joining Tatanca Safari&Tours. You will still go to Ruaha National Park, but you get to do it in a more organized fashion, which will help you manage your time better and see more interesting landmarks in the area.

Conclusion

Nature will always provide the best experiences. No matter how many man-made wonders there are, nature will always exceed any expectations. People live in blocks of cement and deal with urban areas most of their lives. It is a breath of fresh air to return to nature once in a while, which is why the list above exists. So you can take a moment and explore as many natural wonders as you can.

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