What is the Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Located on the cusp of central Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, there is a kingdom of waters called Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. It covers a Brobdingnagian territory of 296.85 sq.km., where 16 interconnected lakes, each a confluence of small rivers, cascade down to create a train of waterfalls in a thickly forested national park.
What is its uniqueness?
In 1979, it made its way into UNESCO World Heritage list on account of its exceptionality. It is home to an umpteen number of flora and fauna of the quirkiest sort. Within this densely wooded environs, as you leg it desultorily on the walkway of the park, you will be greeted by a flora constituting of Mediterranean and Alpine exotics. Besides, the lake is endowed with species of flora and fauna that evolved prior to humanity. It is one of the reasons a to why the Plitvice Lake will be a one-of-its-kind experience for everyone.
Why must you consider this destination?
1.There are more than hundreds of birds species here and most of them are difficult to spot in other parts of the world - White-backed Woodpecker, Ural Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl, Honey Buzzard, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Stork, Peregrine Falcon, Montagu’s Harrier, Hazel Grouse, Capercailie, Corncrake, and Golden Eagle.
2.The tallest of all is 70 meters and is known as the Great Waterfall.
3.During the winter season, all the lakes freeze and the place becomes a world of white. It seems as if time in Plitvice lakes has stopped.
4.Its diverse fauna will immediately attract and awe you. Some of the beasts, which you will easily come across are wolves, lynx, bears, wild boar, deer, pine martens, hedgehogs, otters, and wildcats.
5.The tallest of waterfalls with the maximum current is mostly located within the lower lakes such as the Milanovac Jezero. It is just around 8 meters tall.
6.Visitors are not permitted to swim in the lakes.
7.Accommodation is feasible as there are places to put up in the surrounding hamlets. It will allow you glimpses of local customs and habits that are entirely exclusive in this place.
8.There are about 90 waterfalls here.
9.The colour of the lakes are not akin as the shades vary from bright emerald green to a deep blue to a faded grey to an azure.
10.The place receives more than 1 million visitors every year.
11.There are more than 300 varieties of butterflies.
12.On account of the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, the park became endangered. Later the place was cleaned thoroughly to weed out all the land mines recovering the inherent beauty of the place as well as making it safe again.
13. The European brown bear is the logo of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Remember, you are just a flight ticket away!
Author : Satarupa Hajra