Page 171 - Off the Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 1 of 2)

167

NATURAL WONDERS

MAIN IMAGE Cherry blossoms by Takada Castle in Takada Park,
Jōetsu city BELOW (left to right) Sweets at a shrine served during
hanami; colorful lanterns adorning the streets in spring

4 MORE FLORAL LANDSCAPES
TO RIVAL NEW ENGLAND

THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS,
SOUTH AFRICA The South African summer sees a carpet of
rare flora burst forth from the earth all around this sumptuous
and highly distinctive mountain range (see also pp252–3).
SPRING FLOWERS, CRETE Anemones, crocuses, and over 100
endemic species of orchids can be seen during Crete’s
magnificent flower season, at its peak in April and May.
WILD RHODODENDRONS IN THE HIMALAYAS Nepal’s
jagged, roof-of-the-world ambience is given a pink,
photogenic booster shot each April thanks to the arrival of
its colorful national flower.
ORCHIDS IN MOYOBAMBA, PERU There are few better
places to savor the delights of one of the world’s most
venerated flowers than in Moyobamba, also known as the
City of Orchids. It is home to over 3,000 species of the plant.

US166-167_NAT_Cherry.indd 167 14/4/09 12:59:01
166-167_NAT_Cherry.indd 167
16/4/09 11:06:32