Seattle, WA, USA | May 25-27, 2013

We spent 3 days in Seattle and tried to visit as many places as possible. Seattle has so much to offer that even months would fall short to see it all but for most of people (like me), this guide to Seattle is what really matters. 

CITIPASS: To know more about it, visit this link.

1.     Pacific Science Center: 200 2nd Ave. N.Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 443-2001

CITIPASS

Hours Open 10am-5pm or 6pm. (6 pm for sat & sun)

2.     Experience Music Project: 325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 770-2700

(Rock and Roll museum)

CITIPASS 
www.empmuseum.org/

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3.     Chihuly Garden and Glass: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA (206) 753-4940

HOURS

Sunday - Thursday            11am  –  8pm     

Friday & Saturday             10am  –  8pm     

Regular                  Ages 13-64           $19
 

4.     Space needle: 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98102, (206) 905-2111

CITIPASS

M-Th 9:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 9AM-11:30PM, Su 9AM-11PM. A short monorail ride away from downtown is Seattle's most iconic landmark. While expensive to ride to the top, the Space Needle is a "must see" for visitors on a nice day. Adults $19, age 4-12 $12, under 4 free, over 65 $17, active military $16.

Website: http://www.spaceneedle.com/
 

5.     Olympic Sculpture Park: 2901 Western Ave Seattle, WA 98121‎ (206) 654-3100

I love this place. The art is so beautiful and the best part is the whole thing is free to vist. Views of the water and the Space Needle are breathtaking. This is one of my favorite places in the city to go and think.

http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/

Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

6.     Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour: 1101 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 623-1445

CITIPASS

Departs Pier 55.

Sat. March 16 – Fri May 31. Daily: 12:15pm, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm

7.     Waterfront Park: Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 684-4075

8.     Seattle Aquarium: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 682-3474

CITIPASS

Hours : 9:30am to 5pm daily

Last entry at 5pm, exhibits close at 6pm

Aquarium Only Adult (ages 13 & over)                                           $19.95

Aquarium plus Argosy Harbor Cruise* Adult (ages 13 & over)      $35.00

Cruise timing: Sat. March 16 – Fri May 31 Daily: 12:15pm, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, and 4:00pm

9.     Pike Place Market: 85 Pike Street, Seattle, Washington 98101, (206) 682-7453

In downtown, the market is Seattle's largest tourist area, and it's the oldest continually operating farmers' market in the United States. It is home to the famous fish market, original Starbucks Coffee shop, and a large indoor and outdoor market. Many other attractions in downtown are within walking distance of Seattle's biggest tourist area making it the perfect place to start any sightseeing trip of the city. The market is located along 2nd Ave & Pike. 

Website: ‎www.pikeplacemarket.org

M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Down Under level: 11AM-5PM daily.

While roaming in market, one can visit first ever start bucks at:

1912 Pike Place Seattle, WA 98101

10.  Seattle Art Museum: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Hours: Thursday hours 10:00 am–5:00 pm

11.  Columbia Center Observation Deck : 701 5th Ave 73rd Fl (between Lane St & Columbia St) Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 386-5564

Current Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week 10AM - 8PM

Last ticket will be sold at 7:45 PM.

Current Rates: Adults - $9

12.  Underworld Tour: 608 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, (206) 682-4646

The Underworld Tour is an adults-only stroll through the old red-light district of the abandoned, underground city that is Seattle’s birthplace. A big-brother version of the world-famous Underground Tour, it’s seamier, raunchier and laugh-out-loud ludicrous. Totally inappropriate! One alcoholic drink included. Valid picture ID required. 206 682 4646.

Tickets: http://undergroundtour.com/about/tickets.html

May-September Daily, 10 am-7 pm. Tours start on the hour. $16.00 Adults (18-59 yrs). 75 mins

13.  Kerry Park: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA (206) 684-4075

For one of the best views of Seattle 

Kerry Park on Highland Drive on Queen Anne Hill is the single most photographed view of Seattle, with a spectacular cityscape with the Space Needle, Safeco Field, Century Link Field, and Elliott Bay in front and Mt. Rainier visible behind the skyline. The best view is to go on a clear summer day around 9PM, the sun will have just dropped behind the Olympic range, the city lights will just be coming on, but there will be enough sunlight left that Rainier glows purple behind the city. The Sculpture "Changing Form" by Doris Chase is standing in the center of Kerry Park since 1977 and this park attracts many tourists and locals to enjoy their afternoon or night chillaxing.

Open 24 hours

14.  Everett Tour (Boeing Factory): 8415 Paine Field Blvd Mukilteo, WA 98275

The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour is located in Mukilteo, Wash., 25 miles north of Seattle. Public tours of Boeing's Everett factory are available seven days a week. The Everett, Wash., facility is home to the 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner production lines.

·       No personal items are allowed on the tour including: purses, backpacks, cameras, binoculars, cell phones, etc. Lockers are available on-site, for a small fee, at the Future of Flight.

·       There are restroom facilities and a café at the Future of Flight, but restrooms are not available during the tour.

·       Boeing Tour Same-Day Ticketing: A limited quantity of same-day, non-reserved Boeing tour tickets are sold onsite through ticketing kiosks, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. Tickets tend to sell out rapidly June through September.To ensure admission, it is best to reserve your ticket and tour time in advance online or by phone.

Hours: The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time), closing only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Boeing reserves the right to cancel tours at any time for Boeing company business or emergencies.

Tickets: http://www.futureofflight.org/tickets/buy.html

Adult Reserved                                     18.00

15.  Fremont Troll: 3405 Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA  (206) 632-1500

16.  Snoqualmie falls: 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, Washington, 98024

The hiking trail is closed until the Fall of 2013. Two upper observation platforms are open!

Lights illuminate the Falls in the evening. Parking is free.

The park and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk.

17.  Alki Beach

18.  Museum of flight: 9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 764-5720

Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

19.  Take the Mukilteo ferry to Whidbey Island and drive highway 20 north until it swings around and joins I-5 (back south to Seattle)

http://www.ferrytravel.com/mukilteo.htm

Parking 

Here are a few parking options in Seattle downtown:
 

1.     Fisher Plaza Garage : 140 4th Ave N (between Broad St & John St) Seattle, WA 98109

2.     U-Park: 417 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98109

3.    U-Park: 551 Denny Way Seattle, WA 98109

4.     Sunday is free parking on street. Mon-Sat: $1 per hour on street from 8:00 AM : 6:00PM

May 27 is also free parking on street.

5.     Republic Parking Northwest, Century Square, 1501 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

6.     Republic Parking Northwest 1524 2nd Ave. Seattle, WA 98101

Food

1.     Breakfast: Portage Bay Café: 391 Terry Ave N (between Harrison St & Thomas St) Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 462-6400

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American (New), Cafes

Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30 am - 2:30 pm | Parking: Garage, Street | Attire: Casual | Takes Reservations: Yes | Good For: Breakfast, Brunch

http://www.portagebaycafe.com

2.     Breakfast: Bang Bang Café: 2460 Western Ave (between Battery St & Wall St) Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 448-2233

Neighborhood: Belltown

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Vegan, Cafes

Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am - 5 pm Sat 8 am - 5 pm Sun 8 am - 4 pm | Parking: Street | Attire:  Casual | Takes Reservations: No | Good For: Breakfast

3.     Lunch: Petra Mediterranean Bistro: 2501 4th Ave (between Wall St & Vine St) Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 728-5389

Categories: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Greek

Neighborhood: Belltown

Hours:  Mon-Fri 11 am - 3 pm Mon-Fri 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm Sat 11:30 am - 3 pm  Sat 4:30 pm - 10 pm | Parking:  Garage, Street | Attire:  Casual | Takes Reservations: Yes | Good For: Dinner

http://www.petrabistro.com/

4.     Dinner: Annapurna Café: 1833 Broadway (between Howell St & Denny Way) Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 320-7770

Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Categories: Indian, Himalayan/Nepalese

Hours: Mon-Thu 12 pm - 9:30 pm   Fri 12 pm - 10 pm   Sat 2:30 pm - 10 pm  Sun 4 pm - 9 pm |

Parking:  Street | Attire:  Casual |  Takes Reservations:  Yes | Good For: Dinner

http://www.annapurnacafe.com

5.     Breakfast: CJ's Eatery: 2619 1st Ave (between Vine St & Cedar St) Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 728-1648

Neighborhood: Belltown

Categories: American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch, Diners

Hours: Mon-Sun 7 am - 3 pm | Parking: Street | Attire: Casual | Takes Reservations: No | Good For: Breakfast

6.     Breakfast: Le Panier Very French Bakery:  1902 Pike Pl  Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 441-3669

Neighborhood: Downtown

Categories: Bakeries, French, Sandwiches

Hours: Mon-Sat 7 am - 6 pm | Sun 7 am - 5 pm | Attire:  Casual | Takes Reservations:  No | Good For: Breakfast

Highlights: Mini-pastries, apricot croissant

http://www.lepanier.com

7.     Lunch: Pike Place Chowder: 1530 Post Alley Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 267-2537

Neighborhood: Downtown

Categories: Seafood, American (Traditional), Soup

Hours:  Mon-Sun 11 am - 5 pm | Good For: Lunch | Takes Reservations: No

Highlights: Chicken corn chowder

http://www.pikeplacechowder.com

8.     Dinner: RN74: 1433 4th Ave, (between Union St & Pike St) Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 456-7474

Neighborhood: Downtown

Categories: American (New), French, Wine Bars

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 1 am | Sat 3 pm - 1 am | Takes Reservations:  Yes | Attire: Dressy | Good for lunch & dinner

http://www.michaelmina.net

9.     Dinner: Jai Thai: 3425 Fremont Ave N (between 35th St & 34th St) Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 632-7060

Neighborhood: Fremont

Category: Thai

Hours:  Mon-Fri 11 am - 12 am |  Sat-Sun 12 am - 12 am | Parking:  Street | Attire:  Casual |

Takes Reservations:   Yes | Good For:  Dinner

http://www.jaithairestaurant.com/

10.  Breakfast: Patty’s Eggnest Turkey House in Everett: 303 128th Street SW Everett, WA 98204 425-355-0300

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hours: Monday to Saturday 6am – 9pm (Lunch & Dinner menu available after 12pm), Sunday 7am to 9pm (Dinner menu available after 3pm).

http://pattyseggnestrestaurant.net/

11.  Breakfast: Le Pichet: 1933 1st Ave (between Stewart St & Virginia St) Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 256-1499

Neighborhood: Downtown

Categories: French, Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes

Hours: Mon-Sun 8 am - 12 am | Attire: Casual | Takes Reservations: Yes | Good For:  Breakfast Lunch, Dinner.

http://www.lepichetseattle.com/

12.  Lunch: Maharaja Cuisine of India Lounge:  4542 California Ave SW (between Alaska St & Oregon St) Seattle, WA 98116 (206) 935-9443

Neighborhood: West Seattle

Categories: Indian, Ethnic Food

Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 2 am | Parking: Street | Attire: Casual | Takes Reservations: Yes | Good For: Lunch, Dinner

http://www.maharajawestseattle.com

13.  Lunch Dessert: Husky Deli: 4721 California Ave SW (between Alaska St & Edmunds St) Seattle, WA 98116 (206) 937-2810

Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches, Caterers  [Edit]

Neighborhood: West Seattle

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am - 9 pm  Sun 10 am - 7 pm | Parking: Street | Attire: Casual | Takes Reservations: No | Good For: Lunch, Dessert

http://www.huskydeli.com/

Death Valley, CA, USA | December 22-23, 2012

Disclaimer: This blog contains information about death valley and not my personal experience. However, I can vouch that this information is all one needs to know to get most out of death valley visit and more so because all this relevant information is aggregated from various sources. This is one stop guide to all information.

Temperature     December 3°C - 18°C 

Entrance Fee

Pay the park entrance fee at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Scotty’s CastleVisitor Center, Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station or at one of the automated fee machines placed throughout the park. 

7-day pass
Vehicle and passengers................ $20 

VISITOR CENTERS AND MUSEUMS 
Furnace Creek Visitor Center
Open Daily
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time
Phone (760) 786-3200 

Programs
A 20-minute-long park film is shown throughout the day. During the winter season, November to April, rangers present a wide variety of walks, talks, and slide presentations about Death Valley's cultural and natural history. Additional programs may be presented at other times. Inquire at the visitor center for current programs.

Scotty's Castle Visitor Center
Open Daily
Winter 8:45 am to 4:45 pm Pacific Time
Summer 9:30 am to 4:15 pm Pacific Time
(760) 786-2392 ext.231

Special Programs
The highlight of a visit to Scotty's Castle is the 50-55 minute long guided living history tour of the interior of the main house. Tour reservations can be made 24 hours in advance by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Same-day tour tickets may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at the Scotty's Castle Visitor Center. A self-guiding tour of the Castle grounds is also available. Check at the visitor center for more information and guide booklet.

Night Sky Program
Have you ever wondered what that cluster of stars in the western sky is? Or that bright spot just over the horizon at sunset? Are you interested in seeing a lunar eclipse of Jupiter? With several high powered telescopes, Death Valley National Park rangers are opening up the mystery of the dark night skies.

Death Valley has one of the darkest night skies in the nation. Periodically, night sky ranger star programs are offered in various areas of the park. In the past, the park has partnered with other organizations to bring telescopes of all shapes and sizes. From looking through a binoscope to seeing the colors of a nebula on a computer, there is something for everyone. You don’t have to be an aspiring Galileo to enjoy the wonder of the night sky! Come join us!

Tickets may be purchased at least one day in advance from www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. On the day of the tour, tickets may only be purchased in person at the Scotty’s Castle Visitor Center.

About
Death Valley is a desert valley located in Eastern California. Situated within the Mojave Desert, it is the lowest and driest area in North America. Death Valley has the highest recorded air temperature in the world.[2] Badwater Basin, located in Death Valley, is the point of the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level. This point is only 84.6 miles (136.2 km) ESE of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m). Death Valley holds the record for the highest reliably reported temperature in the world, 134 °F (56.7 °C) at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. The previously-claimed world record air temperature, 136 °F (57.8 °C) in 'Aziziya, Libya, on September 13, 1922, has been officially deemed invalid by the World Meteorological Organization.

Located near the border of California and Nevada, in the Great Basin, east of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Death Valley constitutes much of Death Valley National Park and is the principal feature of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Reserve. It is located mostly in Inyo County, California. It runs from north to south between the Amargosa Range on the east and the Panamint Range on the west; the Sylvania Mountains and the Owlshead Mountains form its northern and southern boundaries, respectively. It has an area of about 3,000 sq mi (7,800 km2). Death Valley shares many characteristics with other places below sea level.

History
The first non-Native Americans arrived in Death Valley in 1849 looking for a shortcut to the California gold fields. Although only one member of their party died, the name Death Valley was given to the area. Various mining operations used the valley afterwards, most notably for borax mining. When mining prospects went sour, the Pacific Coast Borax Company lobbied for federal protection of Death Valley, in order to develop tourism. President Hoover declared about two million acres of the area a national monument in 1933. In 1994 the monument was expanded by 1.3 million acres and declared a national park.

Landscape
Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in North America and one of the hottest places in the world. It is also a vast geological museum, containing examples of most of the earth's geological eras. Death Valley National Park includes all of Death Valley, a 130-mile-long north/south-trending trough that formed between two major block-faulted mountain ranges: the Amargosa Range on the east and the Panamint Range on the west. Telescope Peak, the highest peak in the Park and in the Panamint Mountains, rises 11,049 feet above sea level and lies only 15 miles from the lowest point in the United States in the Badwater Basin salt pan, 282 feet below sea level. The California Desert Protection Act added most of the Saline, Eureka, northern Panamint, and Greenwater valleys to the Park.

Death Valley Recognized as Holding World’s Hottest Temperature
Long known as the hottest, lowest, and driest place in the United States, Death Valley has now been officially recognized as the hottest spot on the planet. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that the official highest recorded surface temperature of 134°F (56.7°C) was measured on July 10, 1913 at Greenland Ranch, now known as Furnace Creek Ranch.

Scotty’s Castle
Walter “Death Valley Scotty” Scott could be seen as either an entertainer or conman–or both. Scotty left his family’s Kentucky home at a very young age to work as a cowboy in the American West. As a teenager he worked numerous jobs out west, including in Death Valley. A talent scout for William “Buffalo Bill” Cody discovered Scotty in 1890 and hired him to work as a stunt performer in Buffalo Bill’s world famous Wild West show. It was as an actor with the Wild West show that Scotty learned showmanship skills that would later serve him in his next career. In 1902, Scotty began a new profession that would bring him even more fame and riches: talking people out of their money. Scotty convinced several wealthy businessmen that he had a fabulous gold mine claim in Death Valley and agreed to split the profits, provided they first forward investment money to Scotty. One of these investors was Albert Johnson, an insurance executive from Chicago, Illinois.

Hoping to gain full control of Scotty’s mining interests, Johnson traveled to Death Valley in 1906 to see Scotty’s fabled mine. Of course, Scotty never showed Johnson the gold mine. Instead, he took Johnson on an adventure grander than anything the wealthy businessman probably ever expected.

They camped in the desert, and were even involved in a gunfight! Johnson began to make regular trips to Death Valley with Scotty. By 1915, Albert and his wife, Bessie, began acquiring land within Grapevine Canyon, in the northern part of Death Valley. The surprising Spanish-style castlein-the-desert served as the Johnsons’ vacation home. However, Scotty was quick to pretend ownership, and it became known as Scotty’s Castle. Soon the Johnsons and Scotty were enjoying a good laugh at the expense of Death Valley’s early tourists, some of whom actually believed Scotty’s legendary gold mine was located in the tunnels beneath the Castle. 

What to See

Furnace Creek Area 

• Golden Canyon: Hikers entering the narrows of this canyon are greeted by golden badlands within. An interpretive pamphlet is available. Hiking options include either a two-mile round-trip in Golden Canyon, or a four mile loop that returns via Gower Gulch. Trailhead located on Badwater Road.

• Artist’s Drive: Scenic loop drive through multi-hued volcanic and sedimentary hills. Artist’s Palette is especially photogenic in late afternoon light. The 9-mile paved road is one-way and is only drivable with vehicles less than 25 feet in length. Drive starts from Badwater Road.

• Devil’s Golf Course: Immense area of rock salt eroded by wind and rain into jagged spires. So incredibly serrated that “only the devil could play golf on such rough links.” The unpaved road starts on Badwater Road and is often closed after rain.

• Natural Bridge: Massive rock span across interesting desert canyon. From the trailhead, the natural bridge is a ½ mile walk. The spur road is gravel and often rough. Located off Badwater Road.

• Badwater: Lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is a surreal landscape of vast salt flats. A temporary lake may form here after heavy rainstorms. Do not walk on the salt flats in hot weather.

• Zabriskie Point: Surrounded by a maze of wildly eroded and vibrantly colored badlands, this spectacular view is one of the park’s most famous. Zabriskie Point is a popular sunrise and sunset viewing location. The viewpoint is a short walk uphill from the parking area. Located east of Furnace Creek on Hwy 190.

• Dante’s View: The most breathtaking viewpoint in the park, this mountain-top overlook is more than 5000 feet above the inferno of Death Valley. The paved access road is open to all vehicles less than 25 feet in length and starts east of Furnace Creek on Hwy 190.

• Twenty Mule Team Canyon: Winding through otherworldly badlands, this 2.7 mile, one-way loop drive is unpaved, but accessable to all standard vehicles other than buses, RVs, and trailers. Located off Hwy 190, east of Furnace Creek.

Stovepipe Wells Area

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Tawny dunes smoothly rising nearly 100 feet from Mesquite Flat. Late afternoon light accentuates the ripples and patterns while morning is a good time to view tracks of nocturnal wildlife. Moonlight on the dunes can be magical, yet night explorers should be alert for sidewinder rattlesnakes during the warm season.

• Mosaic Canyon: Polished marble walls and odd mosaic patterns of breccia make this small canyon a favorite. The twisting lower canyon is so narrow hikers must walk through it single-file. Some rock scrambling is required. The canyon opens up after ½ mile to reveal the heights of Tucki Mountain, but hikers can continue another 1½ miles. more...

• Salt Creek: This stream of salty water is the only home to a rare pupfish, Cyprinodon salinus. Springtime is best for viewing pupfish; in summer the lower stream dries up and in winter the fish are dormant. The wooden boardwalk loops ½ mile through stands of pickleweed and past pools reflecting badland hills. Wheelchair accessible.

• Titus Canyon: One of the largest and most scenically diverse canyons in the park. Within its lofty walls visitors can find multi-colored volcanic deposits, a ghost town, petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and deep, winding narrows. Titus Canyon is accessible to high-clearance vehicles via a one-way dirt road beginning outside the park. Standard vehicles may reach the canyon’s mouth from the west. more...

Scotty's Castle Area 

• Scotty’s Castle: Prospector “Death Valley Scotty” claimed this elaborate Spanish-style mansion was built by gold from his fictitious mine. In reality, it was the 1920s vacation home of his wealthy friends. Today, living history tours of the castle’s richly furnished interior are given by costumed park rangers.

• Scotty’s Castle Tours. Tours of the home of an eccentric resident of Death Valley are offered daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, departing at least once an hour and lasting for fifty minutes. Costs are $11 per person (discounts for seniors and children) and there may be a wait for tickets, so try to purchase them several hours in advance of your preferred tour time. Note that tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Ubehebe Crater: More than 300 years ago the desert silence was shattered by a massive volcanic explosion caused by the violent release of underground steam pressure. When the cinders and dust settled, this 600 feet deep crater remained. Although easily visible from the paved road, hikers may want to circle the crater rim to see smaller craters. more...

• Eureka Dunes: Rising majestically nearly 700 feet, these are the highest dunes in California. Isolated from other dunes, they are an evolutionary island, home to rare and endangered species of plants and animals. To give them extra protection, the dunes are off limits to sandboarding and horseback riding.

Panamint Springs Area

• Darwin Falls: A miracle in the desert, this spring-fed waterfall flows year-round in a narrow gorge. Its lush streamside thickets of wilows ring with the song of migrating birds in springtime. Located just west of Panamint Springs via a 2.5 mile unpaved road. Although there is no formal trail, the mostly level, one-mile walk to the falls involves some rock scrambling and several stream crossings.

• Father Crowley Vista: A landscape of dark lava flows and volcanic cinders abruptly gives way to the gash of Rainbow Canyon below this viewpoint. Walk the dirt track east of the parking lot for a grand overlook of northern Panamint Valley. Vista located west of Panamint Springs on Hwy 190.

• Wildrose Charcoal Kilns: These ten beehive-shaped structures are among the best preserved in the west. Built in 1876 to provide fuel to process silver/lead ore, they still smell of smoke today. The last 2 miles of gravel road to the kilns are passable to most vehicles. Located in upper Wildrose Canyon in the Panamint Mountains.

• Aguereberry Point: 1000 feet higher than Dante’s View, this viewpoint gives a perspective over Death Valley from the west. Along the gravel road is the remains of Pete Aguereberry’s camp and his Eureka Mine. The last climb to the point may require a high-clearance vehicle. Located in the Panamint Mountains off Emigrant Canyon Road. 

Gas 
Although you can get gas in the park it typically costs up to a dollar more per gallon than outside the park. It is recommended to fuel up right outside the park before coming in. But once in the park, don't try to squeak out with just enough gas as the results can be fatal if you are stuck in the wilderness or just plain costly if you need to get gas brought to you by a tow truck.

Furnace Creek Gas Station, 8AM-6PM (24 hours a day by credit card) on SR 190

Stovepipe Wells Gas Station, 7AM-9PM only! On SR 190 (regular gas only, usually cheapest in Death Valley proper)

Scotty's Castle Gas Station, 7AM-6PM on SR 267 (Currently Closed, Call NPS for More Information)

Eat 
Furnace Creek Inn Dining Room. The only upscale restaurant in Death Valley, very elegant, with a somewhat laid back dress code. Closed for summer season. Reservations are required for dinner and Sunday brunch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. Call 760-786-2345 for reservations.

49'er Cafe. Located in Furnace Creek Ranch, this restaurant is less upscale than the Furnace Creek Inn or the Wrangler Steakhouse, but offers decent food with dinner entrees starting around $10.

Wrangler Buffet. Located in Furnace Creek Ranch at the ranch, the buffet is served daily for breakfast and lunch and offers a variety of hot and cold items.

Wrangler Steakhouse. Located in Furnace Creek Ranch, this upscale restaurant offers steaks and other entrees starting around $25. Open for dinner only.

Stovepipe Wells. Restaurant and convenience store.

Drink 
Corkscrew Saloon. Located in Furnace Creek Ranch and providing a cowboy atmosphere, the drink prices are reasonable ($5 for a beer) and the crowd combines retired tourists with Death Valley locals, creating an interesting mix. 

Lodging 

Within the park
There are 4 in-park lodging facilities in Death Valley National Park.

Furnace Creek Inn. This inn advertises itself as a first class, AAA Four Diamond historic resort with 66 rooms and full amenities. Rates range from $250-$370 per room with $20 per each additional person. Closed during summer season. 760-786-2345

Furnace Creek Ranch. Located in Furnace Creek, this establishment is the ranch style family oriented version of the above Inn with 224 rooms and rates ranging from $105 to $174 depending on the season and type of room. 760-786-2345

Panamint Springs Resort. Located just inside the west entrance, this resort is the most economical lodging option. The rooms are small and very out dated. Rates range from $79 to $149. 775-482-7680

Stovepipe Wells Village. Motel-style lodging in Stovepipe Wells. The rooms are not fancy, and the running water in some rooms is not potable, but it is a perfectly comfortable and convenient place to stay. Rates tend to be cheaper than at Furnace Creek ($111 for a Deluxe room). Beware of the restaurant at Stovepipe Wells, though; it tends to be wannabe fancy and overpriced. Call early for reservations at the lodge. 760-786-2387 

Outside of the park 
Death Valley Junction is the closest town outside of Death Valley, about thirty minutes away from the visitor's center it has one hotel, and a theatre.

Beatty is a town outside (northeast) of Death Valley. It's a very cheap option.

Lone Pine is two hours west of the park in California.

Shoshone is an hour southeast of the park in California.

Stay safe 
Follow Desert Survival guidelines. The name of the park says it all. Unprepared tourists die each year within the borders of the park. Make sure you have plenty of water (at least a gallon (4 liters) per day, per person) for your activities, whether it be on a backcountry trail, or on the main highway. Should you become stranded while driving, stay with your vehicle as it is likely to provide the only shade in the area. Pack plenty of water for your car in case of overheating, especially in summer! Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders are present in the park. Never place your hands or feet where you cannot see first!

If you are going a significant distance on any of the unpaved roads, phone a friend and tell them where you are going, when you will be back, when you will phone them again to tell them you are safe, and give them an emergency number to call (760-786-2342) if you don't get back in touch with them by a chosen deadline. Some of the unimproved roads eat tires for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you could lose your spare tire too. In addition, make sure you have more than enough fuel; roads may be impassable and can require unforeseen detours. Don't rely on a GPS routing alone. Figure out where you're going on the official national park map first, then make sure the GPS device precisely follows the same route.

Cell phone service does not exist in most of the park, don't count on being able to use it in an emergency.

Contact
Free Wi-Fi internet access is available at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, but only when it is open.

There is no mobile phone access for most phones. Analog reception for Verizon Wireless customers is available close to Furnace Creek, but most modern phones are not capable of using the old analog system.

As of January, 2012, decent coverage was found near Furnace Creek for T-Mobile phones, for text and phone (no data coverage)

Vaishno Devi, Katra, India | July 30th, 2011

I along with my beautiful wife (Aarti) planned to visit Vaishno Devi as a part of our trip to the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Indian goddess. Nearest town to Vaishno Devi is Katra which is roughly 50 km from Jammu (winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir). Jammu is well connected with rest of India by railway network as well as by air.

We boarded Jammu Rajdhani train from New Delhi at 8:40 PM. Dinner served onboard wasn’t that good and the condition of seats was also way below good standards. To say, Rajdhani trains are supposed to be the best train with Indian railways but at least the one plying on this route is significantly below standard. We reached Jammu Tavi, main station in Jammu, at around 6:15 AM.

Right at the gate of Jammu Tavi station, one could see huge crowd, most of them just disembarked from the Jammu Rajdhani, waiting to be taken to Katra from where Journey starts. Like everyone else, we hired a prepaid A/c taxi to Katra. It took us 2 hours and cost us INR 1200 to reach Katra. I had already booked hotel Saraswati (Tourist Bungalow, JKTDC) in Katra. We checked-in our hotel room around 9:00 AM. It took us some time to freshen up and be ready for holly pilgrimage. We left our hotel at 10:45 AM for Katra helipad which was approximately 2 KM from our hotel. We hired an Auto (3-wheeled vehicle quite commonly available in India) to reach helipad. Auto-driver charged us INR 90 for this ride which was really expensive as the same journey would have cost merely INR 30 in New Delhi. We planned to go up the hill using helicopter and come back walking down. The helicopter booking can be done here . One would require creating login at this website before making a reservation. Booking opens up 1 month in advance and cost INR 699 plus taxes. This service is generally completely booked within 1 or 2 days of booking opening. We had helicopter booking to ferry us up the hill at 12:07 PM. Due to bad weather, staff informed us that there were very less chances of any flight taking place. In fact, there were lots of people in queue before us who were waiting for their turn to come. Finally, we decided to cancel our reservation and move on to do both side (Up and down the hill) on our own. Helicopter staff was really polite and refunded our money. We again hired an Auto to Banganga (place from where the pedestrian start their journey). One needs a slip (sort of free registration for Journey) to embark on Journey. This registration is done at an office which is located just next to Katra bus stand. We didn’t require these slips as we had priority passes (which serves the same purpose as slips but with priority) arranged for us.

We embarked on the holy journey to Vaishno Devi at around 12:10 PM. There were few security checks done before we were free to travel up to holy temple. The total journey up to Bhawan (Devotee calls holy temple with this hindi word) is 12 KM. There were plenty of ponies available which could be hired to climb up the hill.

1. Baanganga(Base camp) to Ardhkuari – 6KM

    a. 3 hours by walking

    b. 1 hour by pony costing around INR 400.

2. Ardhkuari (Base camp) to Bhawan – 6KM

    a. 3 hours by walking

    b. 1 hour by pony costing around INR 400.

    c. Battery operated vehicles - Only for handicap or elderly people for INR 100

We could see a lot of shops of T-series music, food, juice, water etc on the way. From time to time, one could hear hymn addressed to Maa Vaishno Devi. There were lots of devotees marching up to the holy temple. Slogan likes ‘Jai Mata Di’ (Hail Viashno Goddess) could be heard everywhere on the route. At 1:30 PM, after walking 3 km up the hill, we stopped by CCD (Café Coffee Day) for having lunch. Just for information, this CCD is the only Air Conditioned joint until Ardhkuari. We had usual at CCD and move on with the journey after 45 minutes break. It was close to 3:20 PM when we reached a junction just before Ardhkuari where right side turn would go towards Ardhkuari and left side one would proceed to Bhawan via Himkoti. This junction was approximately the midway to Bhawan, so roughly we have ascended 6 KM and yes, another 6 KM to go. The route through Himkoti was little shorter than other and we decided to take this route. From this point onwards, walkway is far more comfortable as ponies were not allowed on this route.

With the progress in journey, I noticed that the frequency of breaks was increasing. There was coffee, biscuits, water, ice cream etc available on this part of the journey. There were plenty of toilets as well. We were enjoying the whole trekking cum holy journey to Maa Vaishno Devi when it started to downpour heavily. There were shelters made on the way where most of the pilgrims stopped to take a breath and save themselves from getting wet. There were a few people offering service of quick leg massage for as low as INR 20. I was feeling a lot more relaxed after leg massage but alas it only made the rest of the journey even more difficult. Believe me; it was even more difficult to climb up after massage.

At 6:35 PM, we had the first glimpse of the holy temple. There was a security check before entering the temple area. In fact, I forgot to tell you that there was one more frisking earlier at Himkoti. There were lots of shops from where one could by offerings to God. But as suggested by other people, we bought it from shrine board shops where the prices were very reasonable. It’s a usual practice at Vaishno Devi to have prayer said by caretaker of temple everyday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. In other words, we had around 2 hours to explore the temple complex, eat some food and relax ourselves.

Although, all the facilities such as boarding, lockers, eating joint, washroom etc. were available at the complex but they were very badly maintained. There was lot of smell and untidiness in underground boarding available. We sat right behind the sanctum sanctorum to spend some time. We had some refreshment here and enjoyed the evening time in the hills. We could notice change in Sky’s hue and color while sun set over the hills.

Before proceeding for Darsan, We quickly store our belongings in the locker which was available next to boarding rooms and came back to the spot from where the queue start for priority pass holder. It was not before 8:45 pm that the temple was open for devotees. We followed the queue and it took us 20 mins to reach the sanctum sanctorum. On the way to sanctum sanctorum, we passed by a small cave which served the purpose to enter the sanctum sanctorum years ago. There was a small 20 meters marble stone tunnel which led us to main area of temple. We paid our respect to goddess Vaishno Devi and came out of the holy temple.

As the legend goes, a trip to Vaishno Devi is not over until Bhairon temple is paid a visit as well. Hence we moved on the way to Bhairon temple which is roughly 2km from Bhawan. As soon we came out of Bhawan complex, we hired a horse for ferrying my wife who was feeling exhausted after day’s long ascent. Moreover she started to develop blisters in her right foot so walking was even more difficult. Anyway, we were on our way to Bhairon Temple around 10:15 PM in the night.

It was much easier to walk in night then in day time under sun. The way to this temple was not as crowded but definitely more steeper. We reached around 11:15 PM and paid our respect at this temple. There were few shops here where we bought some refreshment and water bottles.

It was close to midnight when we started our journey back to base camp i.e. Baanganga. We hired horse for both of us for descent. If one is not used to horse riding, it hurts badly in lower back riding horse especially on descent. We took only a 5 mins break after Ardhkuari and were at base camp by 2:20 PM. We were happy for completing our journey to holy hills although we were dead tired. Since we booked our hotel quite close to Baanganga, we walked back to hotel room. At that time, streets were pitch dark and silent. We felt little uncomfortable walking back since it was very late but were too tired to care a lot about it.

It was one of the most exhausting days of our lives but how would we know that in this trip only we would have even more tiring day when we would pay homage to Lord Amarnath within 7 day’s time.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi, India | July 2nd, 2011

How to reach:

Get on to Delhi Metro from anywhere in Delhi and get down at Akshardham Metro station (blue line). This station is approximately 100 meters away from the entry to Akshardham temple.

One can always hire a taxi or an Auto (3-wheel open air vehicle) to get to this place. Approximate fare from Connaught palace (a much known, center place in Delhi) to temple would cost around INR 300-400 by taxi and INR 100-150 by Auto respectively.

Information:

All the information regarding the timings, various exhibition, musical fountain, food court etc can be found at following location:

http://www.akshardham.com/visitorinfo/index.htm

How we saw Akshardham:

This is the way I, along with my wife, have planned our trip to temple. I found out that it was one of the best way to visit this place.

We reached Akshardham temple at 4:00 PM on Sunday evening. It took us around 15 minutes to park our car. There is nominal fee of INR 20 for parking a car. Two-wheeler parking would cost INR 10.

Mobile phones, umbrella, ladies handheld purse etc are strictly prohibited in temple complex. Although, there are cloak rooms available to deposit these items but I feel it would be just waste of time as there are long queues for using cloak room services. It is advisable to leave these items in car or at home before starting. One can carry water bottle into the temple complex.

There are separate queues for male and female to enter into temple complex. Just before entering the complex there would be through checking of personal belongings by temple authorities. Generally, one needs to empty their pocket into a tray, take off belt, cap, and sunglasses. After security checks, one is free to roam around in complex.

It took us around 15-20 minutes to clear the security checks and enter the complex. As we walked a few steps inside premises, we passed by Ten Gates, Bhakti Dwar, Mayur Dwar & Footprints. Each of these sites has beautiful carving. We spent around 10 minutes each at these sites.

As we were at Footprints, we could see Akshardham main monument on our right hand side. It is very beautiful to look at. Sculpture work is breath-taking. Before we made our way to main complex, we went on to see exhibitions available at Akshardham. While walking from Footprints to main complex, exhibitions comes on left hand side. They have three exhibition halls:

1. Hall-1: Sahajanand Darshan Hall of values Time: 50 mins

2. Hall-2: Neelkanth Darshan Giant Screen Theater Time: 40 mins

3. Hall-3: Sanskruti Vihar Boat Ride Time: 15 mins

There is INR 170 fee for the entire three exhibitions combined which can be purchased on-the-spot from the counter easily visible while at Footprints. Just for information, tickets for musical fountain, that is not a part of exhibitions, can also be purchased from the same counter with INR 30. It is advisable to pay INR 200 (INR 170 + INR 30) for exhibition as well as musical fountain at one time only. It saves time as well as energy.

There was waiting-time for 45 minutes at Hall-1 and one has to be in queue till the turn comes. We were in queue by 5:10 PM. There is nice sitting arrangement while one is in queue. The best way to utilize this time is by buying some refreshment and relaxing which was what we did.

For all these exhibitions, language used was Hindi hence individual not familiar with this language might not fully enjoy these exhibitions. Nonetheless, these exhibitions are worth visiting once as they are visually very appealing.

It was close to 7:30 PM, when we were done all the three exhibitions. It was a very good experience indeed. We munched on some snacks before proceeding to musical fountain arena. The timing for first show of musical fountain was 8:00 PM when we visited. Musical fountain was preceded with Aarti (Aarti is a Hindi language word meaning Hindu religious ritual of worship, a form of puja (Prayer), in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Incidentally, my beautiful wife’s name is also Aarti).

The lights at the arena were dimmed and there began musical fountain which was also very pleasing as the rest of the experience at the temple.

By 8:30 PM, we were done with musical fountain and proceed to main complex. It was good idea to postpone the visit to main complex till the end as it was little hot and was very crowded during the day time. Around 9:00 PM, when we entered the main complex, there were few people around. One can have some peaceful time inside the main complex around this time. We took a round around the temple. There were huge doors, beautiful carvings, idols sculpted on the walls and a box containing few things belonging to Swaminarayan in whose remembrance this temple is built.

I forgot to mention that while we were done with musical fountain and walking towards the main complex, we passed by the only photographer in the complex. We had our photograph taken at this place by paying INR 130. They charge a little more for a framed photograph. I would recommend having a photograph clicked as this would be the only remembrance that one would take back home.

Afterwards, we decided to call it a day. On the way out, we passed by cafeteria full with people enjoying their dinner. Right next to cafeteria is the Souvenir shop. One can put aside some time to visit this shop. Some books, ayurvedic medicine, incense/joss sticks etc are available at the shop.

Everything inside the temple is at reasonable price. Water bottles can be carried everywhere inside the complex.

It was really wonderful being there at the temple. It had a very soothing effect on us.