This river, located in the state of New York, USA, spans a length of 58 kilometers and is known for its vigorous and turbulent flow as it travels from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It is situated within the geographical boundaries of New York and the Mid-Atlantic region of Northwestern America, extending partially into Canada. The site is positioned 86 miles from New York City and serves as a boundary between Toronto and New York. Demographically, this area is white dominated non-Hispanic.
A minimum of half a day and an evening is required to visit Niagara Falls, as it is necessary to walk at least 10,000 steps. Paid parking ($10) and rest rooms are available.
It is important to note that there are 500 waterfalls around the globe that surpass Niagara fall height; however, many of the tallest waterfalls experience lesser water flow. Due to the wild and rapid current for Niagara, the rocks are eroding at a rate of approximately three feet per year, suggesting that the falls may cease to exist in about 50,000 years. The allure of Niagara Falls lies in the combination of its height and water volume. The river’s striking blue hue is attributed to the presence of lime. This water serves the needs of a population of one million in both the United States and Canada. Annually, approximately 40 million tourists visit this remarkable natural wonder.
Let’s start our journey now. The GPS indicates a travel time of approximately 6.5 hours from New York to Niagara; however, our journey extended by an additional 1.5 hours due to stops for tea and coffee, as well as traffic congestion on the roads surrounding New York. It is likely that this was a weekend, resulting in an increased number of travelers heading out for a weekend escape from the city or perhaps returning to their nearby villages.
As is customary, the journey was picturesque. I believe that visiting the Eastern coast of America from late September to October is preferable, as nature displays its grandeur during this time. This whole route is via New York State.
We had previously made an online reservation at the hotel ‘Niagara Riverside Resort’ and arrived at the hotel around 4 PM. The establishment was spacious and well-appointed, featuring a large compound with ample parking, a swimming pool, and a pleasant green lawn that offered views of the Niagara River, which flowed nearly adjacent to the hotel. The rates for accommodations fluctuate with the seasons.
Although we could have managed with a one-night stay, we opted for two nights due to the lengthy drive from New York. It is advisable to avoid late evening travel in the United States, as accidents can occur frequently and a single error can have dire consequences given the high speeds on the roads.
After an eight-hour journey, we checked into the hotel and took some time to rest. We had brought along aloo-paratha, pickles, yogurt, and fruits, and enjoyed complimentary tea and coffee for our dinner at the hotel.
Later in the evening, we explored downtown Niagara. I noticed numerous hotels, including the Indian establishment Aashram, which was visible from a distance. There was a significant presence of Indian and Nepali restaurants; however, I did not observe any Pakistani or Bangladeshi restaurants, possibly because
they operate under the guise of Indian cuisine. I refrained from inquiring about this, as it is not customary to ask about someone’s origins in this context. It is worth noting that many Bangladeshis and Nepalis migrated here illegally seeking refuge during the 1971 war.
The following morning, we enjoyed breakfast at a Nepali dhaba, which included dosa ($11.45), chaat ($7), aloo paratha ($7), and tea ($4). Numerous restaurants are located in close proximity to Niagara National Park. While the flavors were enjoyable, they did not quite replicate the joy of experiencing similar dishes in India. The authenticity of Indian cuisine is unparalleled. After our meal, we proceeded to Niagara National Park, where I observed rows of trees adorned with stunning hues of yellow, red, brown, and green. This location is truly a paradise for photography enthusiasts. It was already 12.30 PM now.
It is unnecessary to consult maps within this park, as a significant number of visitors can be observed congregating at a scenic viewpoint. This location, visible from the welcome center, is referred to as the ‘Observation Deck.’ It resembles a half-bridge. In the background, one can see the ‘Rainbow Bridge,’ which connects to Canada and features immigration counters for visa verification.
We retraced our steps approximately 0.5 kilometers to arrive at the ‘Pedestrian Bridge,’ which leads to the largest island in the park, known as Goat Island. Here we see a giant statue of Nikola Tesla.
Niagara also boasts a significant achievement in its history. In 1884, a 28-year-old Serbian named Nikola Tesla arrived in the United States with the ambition of developing alternating current (AC) electricity. He designed a two-mile tunnel to harness hydroelectric power for the generation of AC current. On November 15, 1896, the world witnessed the first successful long-distance transmission of alternating current, which was accomplished from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, a distance of 23 miles.
By following the crowd, you will reach an area near the ‘Cave of Winds’ where the magnificent ‘Horseshoe Falls’ can also be viewed. The force of the falls generates a substantial amount of mist, which can soak visitors. This offers a remarkable scene and experience, witnessing the Horseshoe Falls from Goat Island. While it is advisable to protect your camera from the water mist, you may find yourself reminiscing about childhood memories as the mist envelops you, evoking a sense of joy that makes you feel like dancing. True.
You may linger here for as long as you wish. However, by 2:30 PM, we decided to return along a trail that leads to the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. This area provides some of the most stunning photography opportunities on Earth. You can capture numerous photos to commemorate the unforgettable moments of your life.
By 3:30 PM, we aimed to board a boat to the Maid of the Mist. We returned to the observation tower, where we purchased our boat tickets for $28 for the Maid of the Mist boat.
This excursion lasts approximately 30 minutes and brings you close to the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Prior to boarding the vessel, all guests are provided with red plastic ponchos (plastic raincoats). We chose to sit on the upper deck of the spacious two-level boat. The experience is truly remarkable. A stunning panorama unfolds before us, showcasing the natural beauty of the blue waters of the Niagara River beneath the boat and the grandeur of the American Falls.
To elaborate, the three waterfalls are in close proximity, with the Horseshoe Falls being the largest, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls situated slightly to the side. As the boat nears the main waterfall, the power of the river becomes palpable; mist envelops us, and the Maid of the Mist’s engines roar to counter the strong current. It is somewhat intimidating, especially since I am not a swimmer, with the spray of water and the fierce winds, yet the sight of the majestic waterfall is breathtaking. The collective gasps of tourists from around the globe resonate as we experience the jolts of the boat. My mobile device slipped from my grasp amidst the splashes, wind, and the boat’s movements.
The Horseshoe Falls, the most formidable of the trio, is just a few meters away. This entire journey encompassing the three waterfalls is known as “The Maid of the Mist.” Indeed, the Maid refers to the boat itself, which takes you in close proximity to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls.
I believe that a significant portion of this river excursion takes place on the Canadian side, and it is likely that our boat will briefly cross the water border. After a while, the boat returned, and we arrived back at our hotel at 5 PM.
There exists an additional appealing trail that we chose not to explore, as we opted for the boat ride on the “Maid of the Mist.” However, we observed numerous individuals embarking on this trail. Access requires a ticket priced at $28, followed by an elevator ride to the wooden plank pathway. This route enables visitors to approach the base of the Bridal Veil Falls, where water cascades directly upon them and flows beneath the decking. I believe this must be an extraordinary experience. This is a slightly tough exercise.
We returned to the hotel at 5 PM and rested for a while. However, we considered making the most of our time and opted to take a drive to the outskirts of Buffalo, which is located only 30 kilometers from our hotel.
Our trip to Buffalo suburban area lasted three hours, and we returned to Niagara State Park by 8 PM to witness the light show. The colorful floodlights illuminate the American and Bridal Veil Falls from a distance, creating a breathtaking nighttime spectacle. A large crowd gathered to enjoy the display, and I observed many people strolling through the park, engaging in conversation, and likely a number of locals relishing their evening. Once we were satisfied with the experience, we visited the restroom and proceeded to an Indian restaurant to order our dinner to go. We selected naan, chicken chili, tandoori, samosas, and rasgulla, which totaled approximately $30.
Next morning, we decided to visit downtown Buffalo again on our way back to our home in New York. Buffalo is located just 30 kilometers from Niagara. The town exudes a tranquil atmosphere and evokes the essence of a 16th-century Roman settlement, characterized by its sparse population and imposing white stone buildings, offices, a few monuments, and an old church. All of these structures date back to the late 18th century or later.
As it was Sunday, there were very few people on the streets. We took a leisurely stroll through a few streets to immerse ourselves in the ambiance. It was delightful to observe local residents enjoying drinks at restaurants and a small group of individuals engaged in conversation on the sidewalk, perhaps sharing camaraderie.
Further, after 2 hours for Buffalo, we visited Cayuga Lake and the Taughannock Gorge waterfall, nestled among the mountains. There is 40 minute trail here to take us near the fall. The area is particularly popular for activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and running. We just saw this fall from the visitor pint and did not take the trail. Notably, the waterfall is 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls, although its water volume is considerably less.
There are eleven lakes in New York State known as the Finger Lakes. They are referred to as such because their shape resembles fingers when viewed from above.
Epilogue
Niagara, so small a river of 58 KM, attracts 14 million visitors who spend $1000 million every year? The natural marvel for which the eastern region of America is renowned is believed to have formed approximately 12,500 years ago and is projected to disappear within the next 50,000 years as a result of erosion from turbulent, massive, and unpredictable water flow. With a boat fee of $28 and a similar charge for entry to the Cave of the Winds trail, one can easily surmise the substantial revenue generated for the United States from this waterfall.
The drive from New York City to this destination was delightful, featuring picturesque autumnal roads that were visible throughout the journey. The area is notably tranquil and evokes memories of the town of Pisa, Italy, particularly when I stepped out of my hotel the following morning for a leisurely walk.
Upon our return to New York, we visited Buffalo City, Cayuga Lake, and the Taughannock Gorge waterfall, nestled among the mountains.
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