New Delhi: Antarctica is the world's southernmost and least populated continent. Situated almost entirely to the south of the Antarctic circle, it is supposed to be the coldest, driest, and windiest of continents. Considered mainly a polar desert, Antarctica is a place that is free of anything man-made.
So, a trip to Antarctica must be on the bucket list of travel enthusiasts for its gorgeous frozen wilderness, species that will astound you with their casual interactions with humans, and most of all - the cleanest environment. Antarctica is the mother of all unique tourist destinations on the planet. Therefore, before its precious polar ecosystem and wildlife are endangered and lost forever, a visit to Antarctica will give you one of the best experiences you can think of. The Antarctic encompasses the whole area south of 60°, which is comprised of islands, sea, and ice shelves. A journey to the South Pole promises a land of extremes, only the most adaptive travellers can handle.
Here are the 7 reasons why you should visit Antarctica:
1. To watch penguins in real life: These charming creatures are linked with Antarctica, and the opportunity to stroll among them is a major reason to visit Antarctica. These penguins are said to be absolutely unafraid of humans, so you'll be able to get a close look at these amazing creatures. The Emperor Penguins and the Adelie Penguins are two of the 17 kinds of penguins that only live on the White Continent, and like their royal name, these tuxedoed gentlemen govern the land with their crazy mating rituals and funny behaviours. There are up to 250,000 of them in one breeding location, so there are plenty of non-feathered buddies to witness.
2. To experience the thrill of whale Watching: The Antarctic Ocean has been home to at least 10 whale species, six seal species, and three dolphin breeds. Humpback (the most frequent), minke, right, blue, sei, finback, orca, pilot, sperm, and southern bottle-nosed whales are among these whales. These gorgeous animals are caught by the world's biggest mammals as they migrate alone or in pods. Glimpses of these whales are regular throughout the season. With the distinctive sound of their blowhole alerting you can always get to know their presence.
3. To experience what the underwater world looks like: The underwater ecology of Antarctica is often underestimated, although it is a world unto itself. Oceanographers describe the Antarctic Ocean as a "riot of life," with species found nowhere else on the planet. New crab species, an albino octopus, and alien fish species were identified by researchers.
4. To experience the beauty of giant blocks of ice: The ice in the Arctic and Antarctic is thicker, taller, heavier, and older than anyplace else on the planet, and the billowing sculptures change so rapidly that you will never see the same pattern twice. The diversity and magnificence of Antarctica's icebergs will have you reaching for your camera every five minutes, while gigantic hanging glaciers cling to the mountains or cutting their way to the water's edge on land.
5. To meet the seals: Seals are another attraction of a journey to Antarctica, among many specialties calling the Antarctic Peninsula and subantarctic islands home. In South Georgia, you'll see millions of fur and elephant seals packed onto beaches, with fierce male elephant seals fighting to preserve their harem of females. Again, around the Antarctic Peninsula, you may observe nature at its most ferocious, as leopard seals chase penguins in the shallows and the charming Weddell and crabeater seals sun themselves on the ice.
6. To feel the chill while going skiing: Dive into the exhilaration of trail-less skiing- the old-fashioned way! With no Nordic tracks to guide you, discover how skiing was done in the past as a means of transportation from point A to point B. You can navigate the elements as you traverse fresh snow, and inclines; routes that will put your sense of direction to the test.
7. To meet some extraordinary birds:
A trip to Antarctica is one of the best ways to see the gorgeous wandering albatross, an elegant white bird with black-tipped wings. It possesses the world's greatest wingspan, at 11 feet. It's a fascinating sight to witness them floating low over the lake and dipping over the waves, occasionally diving for fish.
Other species to look out for are the black-browed albatross, petrels, shearwaters, and fulmars, which hunt for krill in large groups. Whales may be present where you observe them eating on krill.