In today’s ajeeb sa world, bole toh acha hai, lekin complicated bhi hai… breaks thode se zyada zaruri ho gaye hain. It’s like, we want to go to a place jahan shaanti ho. I know we need party-n-merriment breaks too, but shaanti ka bhi mann karta hai kabhi kabhi! My mind is tired being in constant noise of people, ringing phones, honking horns and what not! My think tank will soon die if I don’t find a place where I can listen to myself.
So, today I was in a pure mood to find some place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday and take a walk where I can hear just natural sounds. I did find such a few places which might serve perfect to the idea. Hope me and you get a chance to visit one or two of these places soon…
1. The Hoh Valley– Washington
This incredibly beautiful forest looks truly intimidating with impeccably groomed trails. Known for being the largest area in US without any roads, it carries a wonderful silence along with breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a perfect place for backpackers where they’ll never stop discovering, walking, hiking, trekking, and exploring more with each step.
At the beginning you may be disappointed to find a number of tourists roaming the place, but as you go deeper, the crowds thin out dramatically. Experience the old-growth grandeur and pure wildness of this valley. The rainforests make up the Olympic National Park.
2. The Grand Canyon- Arizona
A very powerful and inspiring landscape, Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size, surreal beauty and amazingly surprising silence. It’s an intriguing trek in the state parks where the most audible sound is that of Colorado River running through the main canyon other than the sound of your own breath.
It seems as if this place has an intense psychological power. Grand Canyon is one of the quietest national parks; so much so that visitors plan a trip here specifically for contemplative recreation. Visit Grand Conyon to admire the immensity of total silence.
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most powerful places on earth being host to one of the most active volcanoes on earth. It is no less than a magical journey in the highly magnetic fields. Imagine standing on a lava rock besides a lava river, with an active volcano at a short distance! This primal energy serves as a powerful catalyst to access your inner awareness.
It’s a stark landscape with utter silence all around. Walk on Devastation Trail where there is nothing grown up, no creature, just the lava tree molds in the ‘once a forest’ area. The only sounds you’ll hear are that of the lava rumbling beneath your feet, umm… the surface actually. Don’t be scared! 😛 Travel this island for a personal renewal.
4. Cape Cod- Massachusetts
Close your eyes and listen. You’ll hear the intimidating sound of waves crashing along the shore… and that would be the only thing you’ll hear. Get wrapped up in the sound of ocean at Cape Cod, the easternmost portion of Massachusetts, a cape jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.
You may miss the whole aura if you do not visit the beach in the morning because the beach being a preferred tourist destination attracts large number of people in summers. So either take an early morning walk along the beach or visit the beauty in the winters to listen to the symphony of cold in sound.
5. Loch Lomond- Scotland
Good 39 kms long, Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater loch in Scotland. It is one of the greatest natural wonders of Britain providing tranquil walks on the wooded isle or boating opportunities in the most calm and silent waters. The Loch is protected from the worldly sounds (noises) by the mountains and forests that surround the whole area.
Listen out to the distinctive calls of birds flying overhead, the peaceful paddles of ducks, the sound of insects in the trees… enjoy the various colours around you and explore the diversity of landscapes.
6. Victoria Falls- Zambia
The awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of the Victoria Falls deserves to be witnessed by one and all. It’s not water that you see, it’s a thundering smoke that makes you wet! The magnificent sight of Zambezi River being transformed into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges is both eye-blinding and ear-deafening.
Stating the deafening noise of water, you must be surprised as to why am I including this place in the quietest places. Well, the reason is that this crashing sound of the huge waterfall makes it impossible to hear anything else other than its own sound. Scream and you won’t hear even your own voice. And this is how this tremendous spray of water will provide a unique peace to the soul.
Everyone needs and deserves and should take a little bit of peace and silence once in a while. So, take advantage of my hard work finding these places for you. Visit one of these attractions and experience the bliss of quiet and silence.
Latest posts by Manuj Mishra (see all)
- Top 10 Must Do Things in Darjeeling - 8 May 2020
- 6 Indian Art Forms You Should Travel to See - 10 April 2020
- 5 Best Places to Travel on a Budget - 30 March 2020
- Forts You Must Visit in India - 20 March 2020