Bucket list of places I want to go to

I have many lists but I think the list I keep going back to is my bucket list of places I want to see. Some are in India, most abroad. It's a small list; just 25 and I hope I keep adding to it.

1. Greece 

I am pretty eager to go to Greece. It is after all my dream country. There was a time when I wanted to live there for atleast 6 months. I looked up ways to earn, job opening and even made travel plans.  I still would love to do do that, but don't know if it will be possible. But Greece is a place I would like to visit again and again, through out my lifetime. ( And I don't know what started first, my obsession with Greek myths or my desire to go to Greece.)

2. Coorg

 

Coorg is not that popular as a tourist destination but I still want to visit. We were supposed to visit for a wedding but our plans got cancelled at the last minute. Coorg has forts, and ruins; and also coffee and elaichi plantations.

3. Silvassa

I didn't know much about Silvassa until a saw someone's fb cover pic a year back. It's a small town Dadra and Nagar Haveli which is wedged between Maharashtra and Gujarat. It's a few hours drive from Mumbai. It's known for it's scenic beauty. beaches and water sports (One site mentioned Jet skiing I would so love to try that!). There you have it-just say the word 'beach' and I am in. 

and the  capital of the Indian Union Territory of

 

4. Kerela: 

It's supposed to be "God's own country and I there are so many reasons to agree. I mean, just google Kerela! It's beautiful; coconut trees, beaches and rivers. Can't think of a reason no to go.

   

 

 

5. Italy

What can I say about Italy? So much has been already said. I can just utter a few words. Pizza. Italian men and their accents *drool*. Tuscany. Eat, Pray, Love

 

 

 

 

6. Andaman (white beach)

I love beaches and it's one of my goals to see all kinds of beaches-red, white, black. Andaman has white beaches and I lust after that place. A has been there and a cousin of mine lived there for a year. 
I have seen pictures and they are absolutely mesmerizing. 36 inhabited emerald islands, scuba diving, crocodiles; I cant wait to get there.

 

 

 

 

7. Banks of Congo river( Africa)

 I want to walk along the banks of The Congo river. Ok, this is inspired by this piece I read long ago in one of the chicken soup books about this guy who made a bucket list and one of the things he wanted to do was walk along the banks of River Nile. This one may be a little difficult because a.) it's a river and it's overall length is over 4000 kms! b.) It flows through two countries- Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo. Yes, these are two different countries. I can't explain why I want to do this; can't tell you about the beauty. But just imagine, how the terrain will change, the weather will change, the people will change, names of the river will change. It still will be the same river.

8.  Niagara falls (Ontario, Canada/ State of New York)

I used to think that the Niagara Falls was just one waterfall; infact it's the collective name for three waterfalls on the borders of USA and Canada- Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lie on the Canadian side and the American Falls and  Bridal Veil Falls on the American side. These falls  attract thousands of tourists on a daily basis. They are also valuable source of hydroelectric power. I have never actually seen a waterfall and I am sure I will be in awe of the gigantic falls.

9. Avignon  (France)

Everyone wants to go to Paris! But for me Paris is not the only attraction In France. Few people have heard of Avignon and it's not exactly a touristy destination. But it does have it's appeal. Avignon is is a French commune in southeastern France and is often called the "City of Popes." The Avignon bridge and the Pope's palace are two of the most visited places in the city. I would also love to tour thee beautiful lavender fields and wine yards.

10. The Vatican city

Also known as The Holy See. The seat of the pope. St Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.

 

11. Venice

A city build entirely on water. It's romantic and a new experience. Though it's in Italy, it has it's own identity. The entire city is listed as a world Heritage site. The buildings of Venice are constructed on closely spaced wooden piles. Most of these piles are still intact after centuries of submersion. How
cool is that?

 

 

12. Zimbabwe

Low lying semi deserts and lush highlands. Victoria Falls, National Parks, Lion Spotting, Fishing are among the huge list of attractions in the Southern Africa country. It is also home to the renowned big seven – buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, hippo and crocodile. So many reasons to visit!

 

 

 

13. Aurora Borealis

Or in simpler terms Northern lights. Aurora is s a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude. They are known as 'Aurora borealis' in the north and 'Aurora australis' in the south..
Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.

The best places to watch the lights (in North America) are in the northwestern parts of Canada, particularly the Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Alaska. Auroral displays can also be seen over the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland, the northern coast of Norway and over the coastal waters north of Siberia. So I do have loads of options.

The first time I heard of this phenomenon I was around 10, and I have wanted to see it from that moment onwards. I know, one day I will. 

14. Benares

A makes fun of me because I want to visit Benares and according to him there is nothing much to see. And it probably would make more sense if I was even a tiny bit religious. But it's not the ghats and the noise that interests me that much. (Although it would be interesting to observe the rituals from afar) My aunt once told me that there is this place in Benares where you can find records of your ancestors. I want to go and see if it's indeed true. It will be an interesting experience; to know more about where I came from; to know my roots. And what if my ancestors were some rich or famous dudes! You never know until you try.

 

 

 

15. Dharamshalla

Because it will be peaceful. Because it will be spiritual. Because I may get to meet The Dalai Lama.

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Costa Rica

Officially the Republic of Costa Rica, the country is located in Central America. You may be tired of my obsession with beaches but I am not! And there is so much to see and do. Tropical reefs, mountain biking, kayaking, sports fishing. The list is endless.

 

 

 

17. Alaska

It will be cold; very very cold. Alaska is mainly about hiking ( and a bit of fishing thrown in) Alaska also has ice sculpture parks and, dog mushing and aurora viewing.So many new experiences. Much excitement.

 

 

 

 

18. Egypt.

Five  words. Pyramids. Deserts. Cleopatra. Nile. Red Sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. Red beach

I adore beaches. And like I said, I want to go and visit all types of beaches. (Are there more than what I know of? Do let me know.)

I am spoiled for choices when it comes to red beaches, though. Kaihalulu in Hawai and  Akotirin in Santorini, Greece are my top picks. 

I could also choose from this list, which includes places like Bahamas, Maui and Malta.

20. Japan

I feel that Japan should be on everyone's bucket list. I  particularly want to visit (among other things) the one person hotels, experience  the bullet train ride, eat authentic sushi ( on 2nd thoughts, maybe not!)  see a geisha dance, click pictures of volcanoes and who can I forget Tokyo Disneyland!

 

21. Madagascar

I admit, I only want to go coz of the movie, Jokes apart, it's a stunning island country off the coast of southeast Africa. It is the world's fourth largest island and is tourists visit it for it's natural history. It is also home to the world's  most bizarre animals. Definitely makes me curious.

 

 

22. Macau

Macau sounds like fun. It's Famous for it's Historic Centre of Macau, Macau tower, ruins of St Paul's and their Grand Prix.  The mixing of the Chinese and Portuguese cultures and religious traditions for more than four centuries has left Macau with an inimitable collection of holidays, festivals and events. That means that something or the other is happening all year round.

23. Coal mines

They can be situated anywhere. I just want to experience what it's like. . Go inside coal mines and explore. Maybe have a look at how coal is extracted. I don't even know if tourists can visit coal mines. The world's largest coal mine currently (based on production) is the Black
Thunder Mine in Northeast Wyoming.I don't know if I will go there but will probably visit Sengarini in India.

24. Australia

Australia is another destination I desperately want to see. I can blame Masterchef Australia for that. i would definitely visit Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Then there coastal reefs to explore, cruises, local sights and sanctuaries and most importantly Kangaroos ( As a child I used to think that Australian streets are over flowing with Kangaroos. )

 

 

25. Rain forests

Last but not the least- rain forests. Again, I could choose any location. I can choose from Sinharaja Forest reserve in Sri Lanka, Tongass in Alaska or even Daintree in Queensland, Australia. Check this list of biggest rainforests of the world.

 

 

Wow, that was a pretty long post. It took me two hours to write it Congrats if you stuck till the end.

Do you have a travel bucket list? Do share yours and maybe I can get some ideas!