Ardastra Gardens

The Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre is a quiet heaven situated across 4 acres of beautiful tropical gardens. Ardastra focuses on bird rescue and rehabilitation, education, historical preservation, and natural resource conservation. Many natural plant and animal species call Ardastra home, including the Bahamas National Bird, the magnificent and unique Caribbean Flamingo.

This is a one-of-a-kind attraction, located in the center of Nassau, and home to the world-famous dancing flamingos. Its little zoo contains over 200 animals, birds, and reptiles spread across four acres of beautiful tropical scenery.

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center: Introduction and History

The Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center became a wildlife sanctuary in the 1950s. It was founded in 1937 by Hedley Vivian Edwards, a renowned Jamaican florist, and expanded into a conservation facility when the Bahamas government sent flamingos for breeding. The flamingos were becoming scarce at the time, and the Bahamian government intended to safeguard the birds' survival on the island for many years to come.

Norman Solomon acquired the grounds in 1980, and his passion for wildlife and environmental education motivated him to add more animals into the gardens and build a boutique zoo. The gardens were brought in and built as another attraction for visitors in 1982.

Today, thousands of people come each year to amaze at the calm, restorative gardens, to interact with their collection of over 135 animals, and to appreciate the long-legged flamingo beauties dubbed "Ballerinas in Pink" by National Geographic. The chance to see this uncommon jewel will be a delight for people of all ages. Ardastra Gardens relies on public donations to pay its running costs and to achieve its educational and conservation purposes.

This 80-year-old sanctuary is home to Caribbean Flamingos, the Bahamas' native bird. Hand-feed South Pacific Lory Parrots and watch 'The Flamingo Experience,' which features the highlighted local birds.

Highlights about the Ardastra Zoo in Bahamas

While planning a trip to the Ardastra Zoo you might be thinking that what is special about this place and what can you see. Here, we will let you know the specialty of this Ardastra Zoo.

· The Animals

The Ardastra Zoo has a diverse range of foreign and native fauna. African servals and Bahamian hutias are among the creatures. The animals, like humans, have intriguing personalities and tales, particularly the rescue animals that arrived injured and/or orphaned but now call Ardastra home. You might say that the place is all about the birds, including peafowls, lory parrots, swans, and macaws - especially the famous Caribbean flamingos.

· The Gardens

Ardastra Gardens is home to a spectacular assortment of flowers and plants such as coconut palms, bromeliads, orchids, bougainvillea, and hibiscus blossoms of every hue, with temperatures that seldom rise over 90 or dip below 60 degrees. It's also a very peaceful area to see the magnificent canopy of mangos, sapodillas, and breadfruit, as well as explore the meandering pathways covered with vines and bordered with tropical trees.

· Programs & Events

Ardastra provides a wide range of activities and events that are sure to delight and educate, from parrots to pink flamingos. Hand-feeding chances for lively lory parrots are available every day at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Then, at 10:30 am, 2:15 pm, and 4:00 pm, Ardastra's legendary flamingos take center stage, marching in procession and doing "about faces" and 180-degree twists on order. Both events are for the young and the young at heart.

Way to proceed to the Ardastra Gardens, Bahamas

Here is how you can proceed during your trip to Ardastra Gardens:

1. Entrance to the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center

2. Admission, displays, and 'The Flamingo Experience' are all included.

3. Discover over 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of gorgeous tropical gardens.

4. Discover the native flora and animals of the Bahamas.

5. See the Caribbean Flamingo, the country's national bird.

The Best Way to Get to Ardastra Gardens, Bahamas

Visiting the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center, is quite easy as it is only a few minutes drive from downtown Nassau. Your entry ticket will be valid between 10 am and 4 pm every day.

Timings: Open 7 Days a Week (10 AM to 4 PM)

Entry Fee:

Non-Resident Adults: $20, Children (ages 4-12): $12

Resident Adults: $16, Children (ages 4-12): $9

Children Age 3 & Under: Free

Hours/Events Schedule:

10:00 AM – Park opening time

10:30 AM – Flamingo Show (Signature Showtimes)

11:00 AM – Keeper Talk

1:30 PM – Flamingo Show (Signature Showtimes)

2:00 PM – Keeper Talk

3:00 PM – Flamingo Show (Signature Showtimes)

3:00 PM – Last entry

4:00 PM – Park closing time

Conclusion

Ardastra Gardens Zoo & Conservation Centre is the Bahamas' first and only zoo, with more than four acres of beautiful tropical gardens populated by a spectacular array of animal species, including the Caribbean flamingo, the country's national bird. Hand-feed joyful parrots, see stunning Bahamian boa constrictors and don't miss the world-famous marching flamingos. So, add this Ardastra Gardens to your itinerary during your visit to the Bahamas.

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Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. Every year, millions of people visit Niagara Falls to see the amazing sights and experience the natural wonders of this world-famous destination.

The History of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has been a tourist destination for centuries. The first person to visit Niagara Falls was Father Louis Hennepin, a French missionary, in 1678. He wrote about the beauty of the falls, which attracted other European explorers and settlers to the area.

In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls became a popular honeymoon destination for American couples. The popularity of the falls as a tourist destination grew throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Different Views of Niagara Falls

There are three different ways to view Niagara Falls: from the Canadian side, from the American side, and from above.

· The Canadian side offers the best views of Niagara Falls. There are several observation decks, viewing areas, and a boardwalk that takes you right to the edge of the falls. You can also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which gets you up close and personal with the falls.

· The American side offers different views of Niagara Falls than what you will see from the Canadian side. The most popular spot to view Niagara Falls on the American side is Goat Island, where you can walk out to the edge of Horseshoe Falls. Another great spot for views is Prospect Point Park, where you can get a bird’s eye view of all three waterfalls.

· For something truly unique, take a trip aboard the Niagara Gorge Railway and enjoy panoramic views of Niagara Falls from above. It is a great way to see all three waterfalls at once and get an idea of how massive they are.

The Edge of the Niagara Falls

The edge of the falls is the best place to see the power of the water as it tumbles over the precipice. Several observation decks along the Niagara Gorge offer breathtaking views of the falls. The Rainbow Bridge, which spans the gorge just upstream from the falls, is a popular spot for picture-taking and boasts an up-close view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Daredevils of Niagara Falls

Since the early days of Niagara Falls, people have been drawn to its raw power and beauty. Over the years, many have attempted to conquer the falls, often with tragic results. Here are some of the most famous (or infamous) daredevils who have taken on Niagara Falls:

· Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She did it on her 63rd birthday in 1901 to achieve fame and fortune. Thankfully, she survived the stunt and lived to tell the tale.

· Bobby Leach was the second person to went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. He did it in 1911 and also survived. Later he performed other stunts, including walking across a tightrope stretched over the falls.

· Charles Stephens attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1920 but died during the attempt. His body is still missing.

· Red Hill Sr., along with his son Red Hill Jr., became the first (and only) father and son duet, who went over Niagara Falls together in a barrel. They did it in 1951, and both survived.

· Nik Wallenda became the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 2012. He completed the stunt, which was televised live around the world.

How to get to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are located on the border between the United States and Canada, so there are a few different ways to reach them depending on your location.

If you are coming from the United States, the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is by car. Several highways lead right to the falls, and once you cross the border into Canada, signs will point you in the right direction.

If you are coming from Toronto or another Canadian city, you can take a bus or train to Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the falls.

· You can walk along the edges of the waterfall.

· You can ride an elevator to the top of one of the falls for an incredible view.

· You can also take a boat tour that takes you right into the spray of the falls.

Travel Guide for Niagara Falls

While planning a trip to Niagara Falls, there are a few things to know before visiting. Here is a travel guide for sightseers that will help you make the most of your trip:

When to Visit: The best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the summer season when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that June through August are also the busiest months at Niagara Falls, so expect large crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for September or October when the weather is still pleasant.

What to See: There is more to see at Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves. Be sure to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an up-close look at the powerful falls, and do not forget to visit Goat Island for some fantastic views. For something truly unique, check out 'Journey Behind the Falls', where you can stand inside a cave behind the raging waters of Horseshoe Falls.

What to Do: Other than sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Niagara Falls. Take a walk along one of the many scenic trails, go whitewater rafting or tubing down the rapids, or take a helicopter.

Where to stay when visiting Niagara Falls

The first question you need to ask when trying to find accommodation in Niagara Falls is, how close to the Falls do you want to be?

If your priority is to walk out of your door and see the Falls, then you can stay in hotels like the Niagara Falls Marriott or the Sheraton on the Falls. Both of these come with a high price tag, so if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of other hotels located a little further away from the Falls. These hotels will still give you easy access to all the main attractions.

If you are hoping to do some wine touring, then it might be worth considering staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quaint town, situated right in the middle of Ontario's wine country, offers visitors plenty of options for day trips and activities. There are also several good restaurants and cafes, as well as several bed and breakfasts if you are looking for a more intimate accommodation option.

No matter where you choose to stay, there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is an incredible destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for any traveler. With its three massive waterfalls, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world to be visited once in a lifetime. This travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to Niagara Falls, from where to stay and what to do, to how to best experience this natural wonder. So start planning your trip to Niagara Falls today.