kilakarai tourist spot

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• About Kilakarai

Kilakarai is a region in Ramanathapuram region in the Indian province of Tamil Nadu. Starting at 2011, the town had a populace of 38,355. Kilakarai is one of the Taluka in Ramanathapuram District. It is likewise called as Kutti Singapore Kilakarai is a seaside town and a port, situated in the southern Tamil Nadu. It was a thriving ocean port and an entryway to places similar to Madurai until the mid twentieth century.

The acclaimed pearl belt known as the Gulf of Mannar in the Bay of Bengal is specked with little islands Appa Tivu, Nallathanni Theevu, Shuli Tivu, Uppu Tanni Tivu, Talari Tivu and Musal Tivu. The seaside line of Kilakarai is framed by arrangement of little inlets and best coral reefs protecting the town from the risks of the sea. It was likewise called as "Kelikkarai", "Ninathaan mudithaan pattinam", "Sembi Nadu", "lebbat pattan". The prime occupations of the general population were pearl, conch, ocean exchange and transport.

The mid-twentieth century saw a decrease in the occupations of the general population of Kilakarai, with the approach of the surface transport the Merchant Navies blurred away and Kilakarai otherwise known as Killikare stopped to be a harbor and port. The refined pearl industry and the thoughtless trawl angling that crushed the coral reefs, gagged the once strong pearl exchange or Muthu Salabam. The conch and coral ventures declined because of new controls and confinements. Vattalappam is a well known dish amid Eid and some uncommon events.

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Tamilnadu Tourism

This Blog gives vivid description about places of interest in Tamil Nadu to help the the tourists visiting this beautiful and enchanting State.

• Know them by District
• Hindu Temples
• Buddha and Jain Temples
• Churches and Mosques
• Historical Monuments
• Lakes, Dams and Reservoirs
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• Sanctuaries, Zoological and National Parks
• Other Places of interest
• Special Temples
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Thursday, August 11, 2016

Palaiya jumma palli, kilakarai, ramanathapuram.

Top Things to Do in Ramanathapuram District, India

Places to visit in ramanathapuram district, explore popular experiences, popular cities in ramanathapuram district.

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Places To Visit In Tuticorin

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• Church & Cathedral (3)
• Forts & Palaces (2)

1. Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary

91 km from city center 1 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

The Kalakkad Wildlife sanctuary is one of the few national parks in South India that house the Tiger. Lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, langur, Nilgiri tahr, sambar, sloth bear, gaur, elephant, flying squirrel, panther, wild dog and pangolin are some of the other animals found here.

2. Kalugumalai

64 km from city center 2 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

A tiny tranquil town in the district of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, Kalugumalai or Kazhugumalai is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and monolithic Jain beds. The city got its name from the hills surrounding it with the same name, which translates to "Hill of Vultures". The hills that surrounding the town gives a unique physical beauty to the whole place. They were earlier known as known as Araimalai or Thirumalai.

3. Tuticorin Port

3 km from city center 3 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

The Tuticorin Port is another very poplar site. Being the port hub of the state, the Tuticorin port is perhaps the busiest places in the city. For all those who are fascinated by the way a port functions, the port is all of it and much more.

4. Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

4 km from city center 4 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

One of the most revered temple of Tuticorin, this temple is dedicated to Lord Mruga. The temple is about 40 km away from the city, but is well worth the extra travelling.

Top Hotels In Tuticorin

8.7 (34 reviews)

₽ 6,659 onwards

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₽ 4,661 onwards

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₽ 3,662 onwards

8.0 (92 reviews)

₽ 2,247 onwards

7.7 (41 reviews)

₽ 2,941 onwards

7.5 (139 reviews)

₽ 1,496 onwards

5. Our Lady of Snows Basilica

5 km from city center 5 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

Our Lady of Snows Basilica is one of the most popular places of worship in Tamil Nadu. It is a shrine dedicated to St. Mary and is inspired from the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

6. The Beach

4 km from city center 6 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

Although Tuticorin has so much more to offer than just the beach, it still is a beach town and not going to the beach might make you miss out on the fun.

7. Kattabomman Memorial Fort

22 km from city center 7 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

The Kattabomman Memorial Fort was built by the Tamil Nadu Government in memory of the Freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomma Karuthayya Nayakkar (also known as Kattabomman).

8. Ettaiyapuram Palace

45 km from city center 8 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

The Ettaiyapuram Palace is located about 35 km from the main city. The region has various tourist spots but the Palace is the most popular among them.

9. Ottapidaram

20 km from city center 9 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

Ottapidaram is a small Region inside of Tuticorin. It houses numerous places of historical importance. The house of the freedom fighter V.O Chidambaram being the most important among them. The Ulagamman Temple is another one of them.

10. Sri Vaikuntam Temple

29 km from city center 10 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

The stunning temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Srivaikuntam Temple is one of the nine sacred Vishnu Temples in India. The temple is covered with inscriptions of idols and elephants.

11. Holy Trinity Church

19 km from city center 11 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

The Holy Trinity Church is one of the lesser known churches in Tuticorin. The calm and peaceful church is beautiful and serene and very few tourist actually manage to go there.

12. St James Church

4 km from city center 12 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

St. James Church is another small, yet beautiful, church in Tuticorin. Built during the colonial rule, the church has survived all these years and is still in great condition.

13. Tiruchendur Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam

13 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

Tiruchendur Sri Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam is the most famous temple in Tuticorin. The temple is located near the beach. So after offering prayers you can also enjoy the sea for a while.

14. Manapad

14 out of 14 Places To Visit in Tuticorin

In a world full of popular tourist destinations that are being commercially exploited, there are still some truly serene and mesmerising locations. India is no exception to this altering tourism scenario and the quaint coastal village in the state of Tamil Nadu – Manapad – is proof for the existence of such relatively unexplored and untouched places. This small hamlet nestled between naturally formed dunes on one side and enclosed by clear blue seas on three sides stands still with all its beauty and majesty. Ingrained in history and bestowed with inimitable natural splendour, Manapad is a fantastic location for leisure activities and water sports as well. This pristine destination is surrounded by many places of great heritage, tourism and religious significance.

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Savaari Car Rentals Blog

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Madurai to Rameshwaram By Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information

The last point on the eastern border of India, Rameshwaram is located on Pamban Island, separated from mainland India by the Pamban Bridge. The place is of immense mythological significance as it’s one of the Char Dhams, regarded as one of the holiest sites for Hindus. Let’s explore the guide to get to Rameshwaram from Madurai by road, train and other means of travel.

Table of Contents

Why travel from madurai to rameshwaram.

• Traveling from Madurai to Rameshwaram?
• Best time to take a road trip by car

How to Reach Rameshwaram By Train

How to reach rameshwaram by flight, attractions in rameshwaram for sightseeing, savaari recommends – popular places to eat in rameshwaram.

• Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Rameshwaram

The religious town of Rameshwaram holds a huge significance in the epic Ramayana and has various Hindu temples and places of religious interest, most notably the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Additionally, there are some pristine beaches that make this town worth a visit. And by booking a cab with Savaari, you also get the chance to customize your whole trip, including the itinerary, so you can make it an incredible travel experience! By booking a cab from Madurai with Savaari , you also have the opportunity to customize your entire trip, including the itinerary, allowing you to create an incredible travel experience!

Travelling from Madurai to Rameshwaram by car

The road from Madurai to Rameshwaram is a popular route for road trips in Tamil Nadu. Avail a car rental from Madurai to Rameshwaram and enjoy the drive through temple towns, villages, and finally, through the famous Pamban Bridge. With our completely customizable Madurai to Rameshwaram trip packages, you can stop at any of these places and do some quick sightseeing. Avail a Madurai to Rameshwaram cab service and enjoy a ride through the changing landscape of the state.

Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram by Car

Rameshwaram is a coastal town with tropical weather. The winters are cool and pleasant, summers are hot and humid. Monsoons can be rough and the city experiences heavy rainfall from July to September. If you want to experience the best of Rameshwaram, plan your travel in the dry and colder months, which is also the time of the city’s biggest festivals.

Popular Routes from Madurai to Rameshwaram

Route 1: madurai to rameshwaram via nh87, madurai to rameshwaram distance via nh87.

The distance between Madurai and Rameshwaram on this route is around 176 KM and takes roughly 3 hours. Always check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Madurai to Rameshwaram road conditions.

This is the shortest route and the fastest way to travel between Madurai and Rameshwaram. The Madurai to Rameshwaram traffic on this route is regular and you can avoid road closures. Here’s the basic route map from Madurai to Rameshwaram

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route

• Alagar Kovil Temple, Manamadurai – A beautiful and large Hindu temple.
• Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Paramakudi – A famous and celebrated Hindu temple with a lot of history.
• Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Ramanathapuram – A major Hindu temple with connections to the Ramayana.
• Ramanathapuram Palace, Ramanathapuram – An ancient palace and an important historical site of the region.

Places to eat along this route

• Vikas Hotel, Thiruppachethi – A popular local restaurant, good for quick stopovers.
• Adam Non-Veg Hotel, Manamadurai – Family-friendly restaurant serving popular non-vegetarian dishes.
• Sivakami fast food, Manamadurai – Local restaurant serving fast food, a nice spot for snacks.
• Heaven’s Park, Ramanathapuram – Popular fast-food restaurant serving burgers and fried chicken as well as vegetarian options.

Madurai to Rameshwaram Road Condition via route 1:

The Madurai to Rameshwaram road condition via NH87 is excellent. It is the faster route, has tolls but no road closure.

Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Madurai to Rameshwaram via Aruppukottai – Valinokkam Rd

This is a longer route to travel from Madurai to Rameshwaram than the previous one and it takes more time. There is also a toll on this road. The distance from Madurai to Rameshwaram on this route is about 220 KM and takes around 4 hours. To avoid road closures, always check for the latest updates and follow a live map when travelling.

Here’s the basic route map from Madurai to Rameshwaram along this route:

• Kilakarai Lighthouse, Kilakarai – A popular tourist destination and a great spot for photography.
• Kushi Beach, Sattakkonvalasai – Beautiful and serene beach, good for families.
• Mandapam Mini Coral Beach, Maraikayar Pattinam – A peaceful spot without much crowding and beautiful views of the sea.

• Vee Yaar Restaurant, Mandhiri Odai – Popular local restaurant serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.
• Shanmuga Bhavan, Kariapatti – A bakery and tea stall with a wide variety of sweets and savories for snacking.
• Hotel Idris, Ervadi – Old and popular restaurant with affordable meals for travelers.
• NONBU KADAI, Ramanathapuram – Also known as Foodies Junction, this local restaurant is popular for its burgers.

Madurai to Rameshwaram Road Condition via route 2:

The Madurai to Rameshwaram road condition via Aruppukottai – Valinokkam Road is good. It is the longer route, has tolls but no road closure.

Madurai to Rameshwaram Best Route

Both the above routes are good for travelling from Madurai to Rameshwaram with both having interesting stopovers and ample food stops. Both roads have tolls but there is a big difference in the distance and time between them. If you want to save time and still have a comfortable drive, then route via NH87 is your best option.

Other means of travelling from Madurai to Rameshwaram

You can also travel from Madurai to Rameshwaram by train. There is no regular daily train service. Train distance from Madurai to Rameshwaram is roughly around 160 KM and could take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the train. The fastest train is CAPE RMM EXPRESS (22622). For all train bookings from Madurai to Rameshwaram, visit any online travel portal or Indian Railways’ website for the latest information.

There is no flight connectivity between Madurai and Rameshwaram. Madurai Airport is the only airport in the region and the best option for air travelers is to stop in Madurai and drive to Rameshwaram by car.

Rameshwaram is an important pilgrimage spot and a busy tourist destination believed to be the route travelled by Lord Rama and his entourage to save Sita in Lanka. There are a lot of interesting sights to see and things to do.

• Ramanathaswamy Temple – The highlight of Rameshwaram, this is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and enshrines one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The 12th-century temple is also known for its ornate architecture, huge holy ponds (Kund), and the longest temple corridor in India.
• Pamban Bridge – This 3 km long bridge is the longest in India, connecting the island of Rameshwaram-Dhanuskodi to mainland India.
• Adam’s Bridge or Rama Setu – A historic bridge of limestone shoals, connecting the Rameshwaram, through Dhanushkodi, to Sri Lanka.
• Gandamadana Parvatham – These rolling hills are a mythological site, offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. It is said to have an imprint of Lord Rama’s feet.
• Bird Sanctuary – Houses exotic species of water birds.

As a vibrant coastal temple town, Rameshwaram’s food culture is known both for its vegetarian cuisine and its seafood. These are some of the best places you can go to explore the food of Rameshwaram.

• Sri Murugan Mess, #32 Tourism Hotel, N Car St, Rameswaram
• Vitamin R (Sea view), C/O Hotel Ragavendra 21/26-A1, Agasthiyar Theertham St, near Agni Theertham
• APS Seafood & Fast Food Restaurant, 18/592, Pathrakali Amman Kovil street
• The Hotel Shree Nellai Madura, Middle St, Rameswaram
• Lootel Smart Restroom Cafe, V. O. C. Nagar, Agneetheertham, Rameswaram

Hotels and Resorts in Rameshwaram

Things to keep in mind.

• Some temples and religious sites may have strict dress codes and rules, so make sure to dress accordingly and follow the temple policies.   
• If you are renting a car, keep the vehicle with you throughout the trip as local transportation may not be as developed or frequent as in cities.
• Pandemic rules may affect visiting hours of tourist sites and restaurants. Check online or call before you visit.  

Savaari Safety Tips for Road Trips from Madurai to Rameshwaram

• Carry all hygiene-related items – sanitizer, masks, disinfectant sprays, and a bed sheet to cover the seat with, while traveling.
• Use a hand sanitizer before and after your ride.
• Install the Aarogya Setu app before your trip.
• Running the AC continuously during the trip is not recommended. If you were to use the AC, please ensure that it is run in the recirculated mode and the windows are lowered at frequent intervals.
• Dispose of any tissues or pieces of cloth that you may have used outside the car.
• If you have opted for a car rental service, try to load your luggage in the boot of the car yourself to ensure a zero-contact ride. 
• Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the driver.
• Download our savaari car rental app for a smooth and pleasant journey.

Download our Savaari car booking app  for a smooth and pleasant journey from Madurai to Rameshwaram.

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6 Wild Swimming Spots in California, Beyond the Coast

The beach may beckon, but these freshwater swimming holes and hot springs show another side of the state: Granite canyons, emerald pools and ancient redwood groves.

By Dillon Seitchik-Reardon

The best of California is not its famous cities or coastline. The most authentic version of the state is its freshwater, in its many wild forms. At least, for my family.

My partner Caroline Clements and I write about water and wilderness and have spent much of the last 10 years documenting swimming around the world. Most recently, we returned to California to explore the state more deeply, piling into an old motor home with our toddler, and spending six months traversing the state in search of the best places to swim.

The variety of California’s environments continue to amaze us. Mountain lakes and redwood groves. Granite canyons and emerald pools. Volcanic peaks and thermal springs. The many long, slow river miles that nourish the state. It’s these wild, inland swims that stir us the most.

Below are six freshwater places that exemplify the best of the state. It’s by no means comprehensive but a starting point for your own adventures. Be safe and use good judgment. Drink them in with joy and share them with the people you love. Most importantly, treat them with respect so that others may enjoy them in the future.

Budd Lake, Yosemite National Park

Budd Lake embodies the best of Yosemite’s High Sierra, the vast granite sea of high-elevation mountains, meadows and lakes that is bisected by Tioga Road , a continuation of Highway 120. This little blue jewel is nestled in the Cathedral Range, a tiny sub-range of the Sierra Nevada entirely contained within Yosemite National Park . It’s a pocket-size playground of water and stone with endless combinations of backcountry hikes, swims and climbs. While many first-time visitors are rightfully drawn to the spectacular Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra still feels mercifully untouched by the modern world.

This is a backcountry hike, so stop at Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center to pick up a map and discuss the route. It is around five miles round trip to Budd Lake, starting from Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. After about a mile, turn left onto an unmaintained backcountry trail used by climbers to reach Cathedral Peak, marked by a signpost with an illustration of a carabiner clip. Follow the rough trail along Budd Creek. As long as you keep following Budd Creek upstream you will get there.

Budd Lake sits in a perfect glacial cirque at the base of Echo Peaks and Cockscomb, two nearby summits. Polished granite slabs form gently sloping beaches into the clear, cold water. It’s easy to spend a whole day lounging in the sun with a book, lost in the elastic permanence of geologic time. It would have been exactly the same here 5,000 years ago (20,000 years ago, however, you would have been under 1,000 feet of ice). The only sign of the outside world is carried on the breeze from Cathedral Peak — the indistinct voices of climbers. It’s the perfect Yosemite experience, without the crowds (standard vehicle fee is $35 and a park entry reservation is required during summer months).

Gualala River, Mendocino County

The Gualala River pronounced (“wa-LAL-la”) marks the border between Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. Its sinuous form cuts a lazy path through ancient redwood groves to ultimately form an estuary beneath windswept coastal bluffs. Just inland, the river is breathlessly still, wrapping itself around Gualala River Redwood Park to form one of the best campground and swimming hole combinations in the state. A lacquered boom gate divides this sleepy campground from the outside world. There is no day use allowed, so you must be a registered camper or their guest to enter. Beneath the dense canopy, much of the property sits in a permanent twilight. The forest trails are dusted with soft redwood branchlets and needles, campsites are divided by wild sorrel and ferns. The silence here is so complete that it becomes addictive. It spreads across the forest like freshly fallen snow, distorting our sense of time. For once, my wife and I sleep like two people who are not living in an RV with a toddler.

The most coveted spots overlook the river, whose current carves deep green pools as it arcs around the pebble beach (a river-view campsite is $90 a night). As the fog retreats, sunlight pierces the impossibly clear water and warms the dark sand below. People dive in with whoops of delight. Native coho salmon and steelhead trout glide in the shadowy depths, seemingly unfazed by the commotion. Lost among the trees, Gualala feels like an outlier, setting its own rhythms and casting a spell on all who visit.

Purdon Crossing, Yuba River South Fork

The South Fork of the Yuba River carves a deep canyon from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the Sacramento Valley. For much of the year it roils with white water, surging across the bedrock and cartwheeling into gorges. By late June or July, just as the summer heat becomes unbearable and cicadas reach their electric crescendo, the river drops to reveal placid, emerald pools and sandy beaches. Smooth granite slabs sparkle in the sun. It’s worth the wait.

For the nearby towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, the South Yuba is the de facto public pool. People swim in almost every beautiful inch of this river, but Purdon Crossing, a historic steel bridge, has become our preferred access point. The bridge sits squarely in our swimming Goldilocks zone — just far enough from major roads to reduce would-be visitors, yet beaches are abundant and easily accessible from the parking area .

The South Yuba Trail traces the riverbank upstream. After about a quarter mile, a path drops down to Mother’s Beach. This wide, slow-moving section of the river has a gentle, sandy entrance, and is where families often gather. There’s plenty of space and you could happily spend the entire day here. But we like to go farther upstream one mile to China Dam, where the remnants of a mining diversion dam mark an exquisite pool flanked by high rocks. The cold, clear water is irresistible. Swims like this are the epitome of summer in California’s Gold Country. We immediately strip down and leap from the rocks. Clothing is optional here, but swimming is not.

Red Rock Pools, Santa Ynez River

The best wild swimming holes are a perfect expression of the environment and, by extension, the local culture. In the case of the Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, the same conditions that make it an excellent wine region are what define it as a great place to swim. It’s hot and sunny, yet there is far more water than you would expect. Down in the valley, along the Santa Ynez River, is where the best swimming can be found.

To get there, drive along Paradise Road until it crosses the Santa Ynez River at First Crossing Kiosk ($10 day use fee). When water levels get high, in spring and early summer, rangers are quick to close the road to vehicles but still allow access on foot and bicycle. Over the next five miles the canyon walls grow higher and the swimming holes get deeper until the road dead ends at Red Rock Trailhead .

Even if it looks dry at the trailhead, there is always a place to swim at Red Rock Pools, which are fed by perennial springs. It’s an easy half-mile walk along the Gibraltar Trail to the largest and most reliable swimming hole. The singular Red Rock looms high over the water, with deep, cool pools at its base. It’s the kind of place you can spend all day luxuriating.

Big Sur River Gorge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

For about 90 miles along the Pacific Coast, California’s Highway 1 bravely navigates the steep slopes of the Santa Lucia Range. People are often so preoccupied with driving the famed Big Sur region that they forget about stopping. But hiding among the many inland ridges and creeks are trails, campgrounds and swimming holes — the best of them is Big Sur River Gorge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ($10 day use fee). It’s not a secret spot, yet many people drive past.

The park’s 11-acre campground sits under a canopy of redwood trees as it straddles the Big Sur River in a sunny, alluvial valley. Day use visitors can park at lot No. 3 to reach the Gorge Trail, which starts between campsites 111 and 112; an unmaintained path follows the river upstream for about a mile of wading and rock-hopping.

On our first visit, we asked a park ranger for directions. He said, “keep hiking until you get to the most beautiful pool you’ve ever seen.” He wasn’t far-off. The river abruptly spills into a huge, natural amphitheater where the water is shockingly clear and deceptively deep. One after another, people arrive and stand for a moment of stunned reverence before huge smiles bloom across their faces. Like much of Big Sur, the phone service is thankfully terrible, so there is nothing to do but jump in and enjoy the day. (Portions of Highway 1 have been closed because of rock slides; access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park from the north is currently unaffected.)

Tecopa Hot Springs

Our search for natural hot springs took us to luxury spas, silent meditation centers, nudist colonies and, of course, pristine wilderness areas. California has it all. And yet, Tecopa, an unassuming township near the Nevada border, just south of Death Valley National Park, remains one of the most memorable places we’ve ever visited. This, unlike the others, is one to bookmark for winter, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 112 degrees.

Set in the badlands of the Mojave Desert, the town has a surprising bounty of hot springs along with scattered palms, rusted cars and sun-bleached ranch homes.

Mineral-rich hot water bursts from the ground to create a ribbon of natural wetlands and supply four (at last count) small resorts and bathhouses. Delights Hot Spring Resort ($25 day pass) has the best views of the Nopah mountain range from its large communal outdoor pool, while Tecopa’s austere public bathhouse ($10 day pass) has the hottest water in town. The latter is single-sex nude bathing only, like a Japanese communal bathhouse.

For a town of 100 or so, there is a surprisingly varied culinary offering — barbecue, breweries, a five-seater steakhouse (reservations required), a cafe and the nearby China Ranch Date Farm — all operating different hours to avoid too much competition. We even heard a rumor about a nightclub. It’s the kind of place that will keep surprising you, which is what always brings us back.

Dillon Seitchik-Reardon is the photographer and co-author with Caroline Clements of “Places We Swim California” published by Hardie Grant USA.

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52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

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Can you spot a fake? Find out at this plagiarism museum in Germany

Ming E. Wong

COLOGNE, Germany – About 86 million counterfeit goods with an estimated net worth of €2 billion (S$2.9 billion) were seized in the European Union alone in 2022, according to the European Union Intellectual Property Office and the European Commission.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in the worldwide counterfeit trade. Far more items circulate, unseized.

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• Travel and leisure
• Counterfeits/Forgery

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