Do you call yourself an adventure seeker? Have you reached a stage where jumping off a cliff or biking through treacherous stretches doesn't give you the adrenaline rush anymore? I, personally was at such a stage a few months back and that's when I did the unthinkable — I actually hiked up an active volcano! Apart from the fact that this was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, I was left with just one thought in my head — Why didn't I do this earlier in my life?
The constant threat of an explosion, stories of cities having being wiped out and visuals of glowing lava were some of the many things that were my company on this surreal hike. Right from the moment I first laid my eyes on the peak till the time I successfully reached its peak, it was all about the crazy adrenaline rush that I had been seeking all this while. While I personally have promised myself that I'll be planning my next few trips around climbing active volcanoes, I wholeheartedly urge fellow adventurers to try this out. Trust me, this changes everything.
Here are the world's ten best active volcanoes that you must visit at least once in your lifetime:
One of the most active and unpredictable volcanoes in the world, Eyjafjallajökull is a marvel in its own right. The extremely picturesque volcano stands at a massive 5,400 feet and attracts adventure seekers from different parts of the world. Eyjafjallajökull made headlines in 2010 when it last erupted, sending out thick clouds of ash which in turn grounded several flights across Europe for almost a week. However, Eyjafjallajökull is now completely safe, making for a top place you can plan an adventure trip to.
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and Keflavik, Iceland's most popular airport start at about ₹55,000.
Best time to visit: The months between June and September make for the best time to visit Iceland owing to slightly warmer temperatures. If you want to witness the famed Northern Lights as well, plan a trip in February, March, September or October.
Where to stay: Welcome Hotel Lambafell and Ásólfsskáli Cottage. For more options, click here.
With more than 3 million visitors in a year, Hawaii's Kīlauea is easily one of the most visited volcanoes in the world. The volcano has been almost regularly spewing out lava since 1983. However, since the lava comes out in comparatively smaller quantities, it doesn't pose a major threat and is in fact extremely accessible. Make sure you visit the viewing spot post sunset as the glowing lava illuminates the surroundings making it a sight to behold.
Flight cost: Round trips between New Delhi and Honolulu (the gateway airport to Hawaii) start at approximately ₹65,000.
Best time to visit: October to April is the perfect time period to plan a trip to Hawaii.
Where to stay: Kauai Shores Hotel and St. Regis Princeville. For more stay options, click here.
Even though the last significant eruption at Mount Sakurajima happened way back in 1914, it remains Japan's most active volcano. One can easily spot smoke coming out of the volcano most of the time while experts claim that a devastating explosion could be just round the corner. Tourists are allowed to be at a distance of 2km from the volcano but that is just enough to be awed by Sakurajima's beauty and capture it both on your cameras as well as memories.
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and Kagoshima start at ₹50,000.
Best time to visit: April to May and October to November are the best time periods to plan a trip to Kagoshima since the weather is pleasant.
Where to stay: Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Kinseicho and Hotel Fukiageso. For more options, click here.
Despite the fact that Mount Merapi is recognised for its frequent eruptions (with the most recent one being in 2010), it continues to be a favourite amongst hikers planning adventure trips to Indonesia. In the wake of the 2010 disaster which killed scores of people, the government now monitors all tourist activity involving the peak. Merapi is undoubtedly a stunning creation of nature but make sure you read up well on the conditions before you set off to explore the active stratovolcano.
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and Indonesia's Yogyakarta Airport start at ₹20,000.
Best time to visit: May to September is the best time to visit Indonesia as the weather is dry and sunny.
Where to stay: Otu Hostel by Ostic and Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta. For more stay options, click here.
Located on an uninhabited island believed to be 1.8 million years old, Barren Island's volcano is the only active volcano in India. Even though the last large scale eruption at Barren Island took place more than a 150 years ago, the volcano occasionally spews out smoke with the last such instance being recorded in 2017. Even though one can easily hop on boats for a tour of the island, stepping foot there is completely prohibited. However, the very fact that India has an active volcano that very few people even know of, makes this one an absolute must visit.
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and Port Blair start at ₹15,000.
Best time to visit: The period between October and March is the best time to explore and unwind at the sun-kissed beaches of Andamans.
Where to stay: The Port Vista and Fortune Resort Bay Island. For more stay options, click here.
Undoubtedly the most historically important volcano in the world, Mount Vesuvius is infamous for wiping out the entire city of Pompeii in 79 AD following a massive explosion. Centuries down the line, Vesuvius continues to erupt once in about 20 years on an average. But since the last major incident at Vesuvius happened in 1944, experts say that a big one could well be round the corner. That, however hasn't stopped tourists and hikers from visiting Vesuvius in huge numbers and the dangerous volcano is one of the most popular ones in the world.
Flight cost: Return airfares between New Delhi and Naples (nearest airport to Mount Vesuvius) cost about ₹40,000.
Best time to visit: The months between March to May and October to December are the best time to visit Mount Vesuvius as the weather is suitable.
Where to stay: Hotel del Sole and Resort Bosco De Medici. For more options, click here.
Rising out of an island sitting in the heart of a pristine lake, Villarrica is an adventure lover's paradise. The 9,400 feet high peak is best known for its challenging slopes which attract trekkers, skiers and snowboarders alike. Villarrica's frequent eruptions only add to the thrill factor making it a great place to plan a memorable adventure trip. The local inhabitants of the region, on the other hand still regard Villarrica as a constantly looming threat, referring to it as Rucapillán, a Mapuche word meaning "devil's house".
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and Puerto Montt (nearest airport to Villarrica volcano) start at approximately 1,10,000.
Best time to visit: December to March is the ideal time period to plan a trip to Chile.
Where to stay: Hostal O'Higgins Pucón and Enjoy Park Lake. For more options, click here.
Located at a distance of just 30km from Guatemala City, Pacaya is one of the very few volcanoes in the world erupting just about continuously. The mighty peak looks over the Pacaya National Park and gets it name from the date palm flower which grows in the surrounding lowlands. Hikers visit Pacaya in big numbers, scaling the peak after a two hour climb and treating themselves to a stunning panoramic view of glowing lava and thick clouds of ash.
Flight cost: New Delhi is connected to Guatemala City Airport with return flights starting at ₹1,05,000.
Best time to visit: Guatemala, on the whole experiences an extreme monsoon. Therefore, it is advisable to plan a trip between November to April which is relatively dry period.
Where to stay: San Gregorio Hotel & Spa and Casa Zarathustra. For more options, click here.
If you thought Costa Rica was all about beaches, Arenal volcano guarantees to open up a whole new world! The picturesque volcano is a photographers' paradise owing to the fact that it is surrounded by lush green tropical rainforests on all four sides. Travellers planning a trip to Arenal should also make a point to visit Tabacon, a small hamlet best known for its birding spots, natural hot water springs and thermal baths.
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and San Jose Juan Santamaria start at ₹1,00,000.
Best time to visit: Alajuela has a tropical climate pretty much throughout the year, making it a truly year round destination.
Where to stay: Hotel Arenal Lodge and Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs. For more options, click here.
With its major part being submerged in the waters of Bay of Plenty, Whakaari (also known as White Island) is probably the world's most mysterious volcano. While only 1000 ft of Whakaari is above the surface of water, expert claims that Whakaari rises to a massive height of 5250 feet from base. Despite being an active marine volcano, Whakaari is easily accessible through guided boat tours giving travellers a chance to witness acid pools, craters, natural springs and the constantly bubbling mud.
Flight cost: Return flights between New Delhi and Tauranga (nearest airport to White Island) start at approximately ₹90,000.
Best time to visit: Bay of Plenty happens to be one of New Zealand's most sunny regions. Therefore, planning a trip in summer (December to February) is the best way to go about exploring Whakaari.
Where to stay: Jet Park Hotel Rotorua and Kings On Peace. For more options, click here.
Ever witnessed an active volcano up close? Where was this and what was the experience like? Click here and get down to sharing your stories with the Tripoto Community right away! Make sure you also check out Tripoto's YouTube channel for some kickass travel videos that will fill you up with wanderlust.
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