It has been more than 6 months since we last stepped out. I mean really stepped out. Contrast it with the fact that over the past 3 years, we got visited 3 beautiful countries - Cambodia, Thailand, and Costa Rica. Each interesting and beautiful in its own unique way. So with the kind of wanderlust we have, staying in has been extremely difficult. But yes we have managed to cope so far. Virtual socials, music, long phone calls with friends have kept us going. But what to do about the itching feet? That is what I was searching for when I stumbled upon the following Virtual Tours that you can undertake to escape your home, at least for some moments.
African Wildlife Cameras
If you are a wildlife enthusiast like me and enjoy the thrill of waiting patiently for an animal to arrive at a waterhole, this one is for you. While most of the times you find yourself waiting endlessly, sometimes you are lucky to witness the entrance of royalty, such as a solitary tusker, or a herd of wild elephants with babies and juveniles and the protective matriarchs. If you are extremely lucky, you may see a predator, but chances are very slim. In the end, odds are very much like a real safari minus the risk of being devoured or of being a nuisance to wildlife. However, the thrill factor is much lower as well. Following site has some of the best wildcams if you are interested - African Wildcams. I was lucky enough to catch the sight of a magnificent male elephant on this site.
Great Pyramids in Egypt
Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the concept of the Pyramids, and of course all the lore surrounding them. The pharaohs, the mummies, the scarabs, all the magic, and the supernatural stuff, naturally. I have read up about Tutankhamun, and the curse and stuff. The mysteries of Egypt have inspired countless movies and stories, which is not surprising. I bet all travelers would want to visit the pyramids some day or the other and also pay homage to the mystical sphinx. Well, in the current situation, while that may be beyond our reach, this virtual tour can help to a certain extent - Great Pyramids of Giza. There are beautiful 360 degree shots of the Pyramids and the Sphinx from all angles, at sunset and in the morning and of the surrounding landscape. Go ahead and explore - the sights would definitely make up for some travel that you have had to postpone.
Courtesy of www.AirPano.ru
To be honest, I feel that this virtual tour is really the best way to visit the frozen continent of Antarctica - Virtual Tour. Any other way is simply destructive. Humans should stay away from certain places - they were not meant for them to visit or tour or plunder. Some of the elements here are quite interesting as well. You should explore the abandoned explorer's huts and also Falkland Islands and various whaling stations. You will be happy to encounter penguins of various kinds and also elephant seals. It was indeed exciting for me. I wish there was a webcam here as well, but let's not get greedy.
Machu Picchu
Let's be honest - how many of us are actually going to be able to visit Peru in a year or even in two. But that should not stop us from visiting Machu Picchu. And that too without putting in any effort for the hike and without battling mountain sickness. This delightful virtual tour not only presents some extraordinary 360 degree panoramas, but also a bearable commentary to go with it. This is definitely one of the most gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Machu Picchu. So definitely pay a visit. Virtually at least for now.
Vatican City
It took a pandemic to get me to visit the Vatican, even if it is only virtually, even though it fascinates me enough because of all the The Da Vinci Code and the Angels and Demons references. Of course, fascinating architecture and centuries-old art is definitely worth seeing as well. Now, when the world is in the lockdown, a virtual tour to the Vatican would be the best quest to start on. May be you will be able to decipher some hidden codes somewhere - Vatican Virtual Tours.
These were some of the Virtual Tours that we have explored recently. I for one am constantly hooked to the African Wildcams. If there is a virtual travel that has managed to impress you, please do share. We would like to explore it too.
.jpg)