Natural borders

Several countries are highly stringent when it comes to their borders, but nature surely is oblivious to the concept. Here are six global attractions which are nestled along borders and offer an enriching travel experience…

UPPER WATERTON LAKE

Part of the world’s first international peace park, half of it is located in Alberta, Canada, and the other half in Montana, USA. Ferries with flags of both countries leave every hour from Waterton, Alberta, to Goat Haunt, Montana, where these stop for half an hour. Explore the visitor centre for the park’s history or pick a local souvenir. One can also rent private boats. As the lake is surrounded by mountains and forested land, there are many trekking routes, scenic points and options for riding horses. It’s a theatre for bird lovers, too. Calgary in Alberta is the nearest major city — 3 hours by road.

LAKE CONSTANCE

Also known as Bodensee in German, the grand lake is surrounded by three German-speaking countries: Switzerland, Germany and Austria. “As a flight steward, I have often visited it. I enjoy cycling around and within minutes one can enter a new country. I have also taken the public ferry, which is a great way to take in the scenic beauty,” says Sumit Malik. “Many flights before landing in Zurich pass over it. Some pilots make an announcement about Lake Constance,” he adds. There are direct hour-long trains from Zurich.

PEACE ARCH PARK

Overlooking the ocean, it sits in Douglas, British Columbia (Canada), and Blaine, Washington (USA), where many come for picnics, art exhibitions, festivals and concerts. Border pillars run through it but one can freely wander on any side. Many take pictures with pillars, with one foot in Canada and the other in USA. Peace Arch Gate is its cynosure, built in 1921 to mark a century of peace between the two nations. A highway also cuts through it. Vancouver and Seattle are the closest major cities.

DEAD SEA

It’s a huge desert lake on the lowest point of earth, between Israel and Jordan, where you can read a book while floating on your back, thanks to the high salt content. Its mud is known for rich minerals which attract wellness enthusiasts from almost everywhere. They smother their bodies with it and don’t mind taking it along too. There are several luxury hotels around. Day trips are possible, even if you are based in Amman in Jordan or Tel Aviv in Israel.

BOSPHORUS STRAIT

The famed strait where the continents of Europe and Asia meet in Turkey’s Istanbul, it is flanked by hotels and beautiful bridges. The best way to experience it is by taking the public ferry that has stops to introduce the visitors to the rich architecture, history and quaint neighbourhoods. It’s a tradition here to take bread along to feed the flying seagulls. Private yachts with guides can also be booked.

IGUAZU FALLS

It’s not just Niagara Falls that touch two countries: the US and Canada. Iguazu Falls in South America, spread across Brazil and Argentina, are also a grand show as the water comes roaring down from more than 200 points — visible from various platforms. When the US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited this wonder in 1944, she instantly echoed: “My poor Niagara.” As the falls are in the middle of two rainforest parks, there are many trails for walking, spotting exotic birds, besides taking boat trips. The nearest towns are about 15 km away.

— The writer is a freelance contributor