While a trip during the rainy season is calming, there are a lot of health challenges, particularly for pregnant women. Know how to stay safe with these tips.

Monsoon unveils a new side to familiar sceneries, whether it’s making nature look greener or giving the cityscape a fresh look. So, people feel tempted to go on trips during the rainy season to see these beautiful sights, including pregnant women. But monsoon also brings several challenges that demand extra caution for expectant mothers. From slippery roads to a higher risk of illnesses, pregnant women need to take due precautions to ensure a safe journey.

Dr Ritu Choudhary, Lead Consultant, Obs and Gyn, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital, Bangalore-Electronic City, told safety is essential, from maintaining hydration to eating clean foods. She said, “With some pro-activeness in choosing the right mode of transport, keeping oneself hydrated, eating clean food, and prioritising safety, expectant mothers can ensure a safe and pleasant journey in monsoons. ” Further, she cautioned that if the conditions worsen, then visit a doctor.

Dr Ritu Choudhary shared eight tips, including essentials ranging from what types of clothes to wear to the preferred seat type on transport:

1. Ask a doctor first

• Always consult the gynaecologist before arranging any travel, especially during the first or third trimester of pregnancy.
• Travel may be prohibited during high-risk pregnancy or at certain stages, depending on individual health conditions.
• Always carry reports and documents of medical history and emergency contact numbers.

2. Selecting proper transportation

• Trains and private vehicles are usually more comfortable and safer than buses or two-wheelers during the monsoon; thus, always prefer those if possible.
• When travelling via flight, always check the airline policies for pregnant women and avoid air travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

3. Check the weather and road conditions

• Always check the weather before and look at a weather app or website to get a clearer view of whether to venture out.
• Avoid going out when it is pouring rain, or there are storms or other warnings.
• Long road trips should be further considered by the prospect of wet roads, water pooling, and poor visibility.
• All of these situations drastically increase slipping and falling or getting into a car accident.

4. Prioritise comfort and safety

• Wear loose, cotton clothes and keep a spare set of clothes nearby. Carry waterproof jackets and strong umbrellas.
• Wear anti-slip, comfortable shoes to minimise the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

5. Maintain hygiene

• The risk of infections like UTIs and gastroenteritis is greater during the monsoon.
• Keep hand sanitisers, wipes, tissues, and a toilet seat disinfectant spray handy.
• Minimise the use of public toilets. Drink clean potable water.

6. Follow a balanced diet

• Pregnancy cravings are normal, but it’s advisable to avoid street food during the monsoon.
• Eating fruits, salads, that are already cut and food that is left uncovered can be risky.
• Oily, spicy, or very salty foods could also trigger heartburn or indigestion.
• Consume freshly cooked food only prepared under hygienic conditions.

7. Ensure protection from mosquitoes

• Dengue and malaria peak during the monsoon season so dress in long-sleeved shirts and apply pregnancy-safe insect repellents.
• Stay away from stagnant water and sleep under a mosquito net on your travels

8. Take breaks during travel

• Extended travel can cause leg cramps, back pain, or fatigue. Remember to take regular breaks from your travels to move and stretch.
• If you are travelling by car, be sure to stop every 1.5–2 hours.
• When booking a train ticket, it is best to book a lower berth for the convenience and safety of getting on and off the train.

Rivers that flow backward defy conventional flow due to geological shifts, tidal forces, earthquakes, or sea level changes. This document explores seven such rivers, including the Amazon and Chicago Rivers, each with a unique story of reversal. These phenomena highlight Earth’s dynamic and unpredictable nature, showcasing how natural forces and human engineering can alter river courses, offering fascinating insights into geographical and environmental processes.

When we think of rivers, we think of water generally flowing, in a linear fashion, from high ground to the sea. Did you know there are some rivers on Earth that actually flow in reverse from their source to the sea? Rivers that defy the normal flow of water can do so because of a geological shift, tidal forces, earthquakes, or changes in sea levels.

Although it seems hard to believe, these rivers have baffled the scientific community and explorers for hundreds of years. From the Amazon River to the odd Chicago River, they each have a unique story regarding their reversal. Let’s dive into the seven fascinating rivers that go against nature and flow upriver in a unique way, it is very interesting that the rivers themselves do not follow the rules of geography. This list has been curated based on data by Mekong River Commission.

7 Rivers That Flow Backward in the World

Here are the top 7 rivers that flow backwards along with their location and the reason for their backward flow:

1. Amazon River (South America)

The Amazon River at one time flowed westward, but the uplift of the Andes Mountains about 10 million years ago reversed the river’s direction toward the Atlantic Ocean.

This tectonic and geological activity created the largest river basin in the world. The Amazon River carries more water than any river has ever carried, and it is proof of the power of Earth’s natural forces to even make rivers flow backward.

2. Chicago River (United States)

As a man-made river, the Chicago River flows backward by design. In 1900, engineers reversed the flow of the river to prevent sewage from being dumped into Lake Michigan, which provided drinking water to the city.

By building canals and locks, the engineers successfully redirected the river toward the Mississippi basin. It was a monumental historic solution to an environmental problem as well as one of the greatest engineering feats in American history.

3. Mississippi River (United States)

The Mississippi River has flowed backward on multiple occasions, such as in the 1812 New Madrid Earthquake and Hurricane Katrina. Because of violent seismic activity and storms, the river, for short periods of time, reversed during the shaking and stranding the river’s waves upstream.

These moments, though brief, were a powerful lesson about nature and even one of the world’s strongest rivers being detoured from its original course.

4. Fraser River (Canada)

The Fraser River runs through British Columbia and experiences occasional backward flow, influenced by significant ocean tides from the Pacific. In certain conditions, usually involving exceptionally high tides, seawater progresses against the river’s flow, causing some short-term backward flow energy near the mouth of the river.

This fascinating natural occurrence captures the attention of scientists and travelers, and it demonstrates the ways that tidal actions can influence the behavior of even the largest rivers in unexpected ways.

5. Tonle Sap River (Cambodia)

The Tonle Sap River in Cambodia reverses flow direction in a unique way each year. During the monsoon season rain, floodwaters from the Mekong River push the river backward, greatly increasing the size of the Tonle Sap Lake.

However, when the dry season returns and water levels drop, the Tonle Sap River returns to normal forward flow. This predictable, yet extraordinary, natural cycle feeds millions of people by replenishing fish stocks and nourishing Cambodia’s rich agricultural ecosystem.

6. Humber River (Canada)

The Humber River in Canada is sometimes talked about because it will sometime flow backwards in some spots during major storms and winds.

Winds can be so intense that, rather than the river flowing downstream out to Lake Ontario, the water is pushed upstream into the river lake out and reversed its flow.

It runs through Toronto and is an important part of local ecology and history; a natural heritage river and example of the power of nature at work.

7. Orinoco River (South America)

The Orinoco River is among the longest rivers in South America and runs through the countries of Venezuela and Colombia. Interestingly, you will see parts of the river flowing “backwards” during times of rain because of all the water from its tributaries and from the Amazon River through the Casiquiare Canal.

This natural occurrence creates currents that flow temporally in reverse order. The river system is an example of the dynamic power in nature and complex hydrology associated with a river system such as the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.

Conclusion

Rivers that flow in reverse teach us how dynamic and unpredictable the Earth is. Whether caused by the moon, tectonic shifts, or engineering decisions, rivers flowing backward are the epitome of change and dynamism in nature. Whether the Amazon River or the Tonle Sap, these remarkable rivers represent an incredible story of nature’s dynamism and unpredictable reality.

Not all countries demand week-long itineraries or complex travel planning. Scattered across Europe, there are nations so compact that a single day is enough to experience their essence. These small countries may be tiny in size, but they are packed with culture, history, natural beauty, and architectural charm. Exploring them in a day isn’t about rushing, it’s about discovering places where distances are short, attractions sit close together, and the pace of travel feels surprisingly relaxed. You can wander from medieval castles to modern boulevards, or from pristine beaches to colourful old towns, all in the span of a few hours.

These destinations prove that travel magic often comes in small packages. Here are 6 countries where you can truly make the most of just one day.

1. Vatican City

A little stroll is all you need to go for in the Vatican City. The smallest country in the world can easily be walked from end to end in under an hour. That’s what happens when your destination is just half a kilometre wide. But don’t go after the size because the Vatican City is far more than that. In a single day, you can step into St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most magnificent churches ever built, admire Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel, and explore vast rooms filled with art, sculpture, and ancient treasures in the Vatican Museums. Despite its compact footprint, few countries can match the Vatican’s artistic and spiritual significance.

2. Monaco

Monaco is a small but glittering jewel on the French Riviera. Everything here is walkable: the marina filled with superyachts, the famous Monte Carlo Casino, the luxurious shopping streets, and the winding lanes of the old town perched on a rock. With a bit of planning, you can visit the Prince’s Palace, admire panoramic views of the Mediterranean, stop by the Oceanographic Museum, and stroll along the Formula 1 circuit, all in one day.

3. Liechtenstein

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a hidden alpine kingdom. Its tiny size makes it ideal for a one-day road trip. You can explore Vaduz Castle (from the outside), visit the National Museum, wander through Vaduz’s compact city center, and then head into alpine villages such as Triesenberg or Malbun for postcard-worthy mountain views. The entire country is dotted with hiking trails and vineyards, giving you a taste of both nature and culture in just a few hours.

4. San Marino

San Marino offers one of Europe’s most scenic old towns. Its hilltop historic center, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is compact enough to explore in half a day. You can walk through medieval alleys, visit the famous Three Towers on Monte Titano, and soak in breathtaking views that stretch across the Adriatic coastline. Charming cafés, small museums, and panoramic viewpoints make San Marino a delightfully easy one-day trip. And yes, San Marino is a country.

5. Andorra

Though larger than the typical microstate, Andorra still fits comfortably within a day trip for travellers exploring the Pyrenees. A typical one-day itinerary includes a stroll around Andorra la Vella, the charming capital known for tax-free shopping, followed by a drive to the mountain passes for sweeping views. You can also drop by picturesque villages like Ordino or La Massana. Between its natural beauty and compact layout, Andorra is perfect for travellers who don’t have many days to spare in Andorra.

6. Malta

Malta’s compactness allows travellers to taste its rich history and stunning landscapes in just one day. Start in Valletta, the fortified capital filled with baroque architecture, and then head to Mdina, the “Silent City,” for its medieval charm. In Malta, the distances are short, visitors can squeeze in a coastal viewpoint, a harbour cruise, or even a beach stop, all before sunset.

The United States is a bucket-list nation for wildlife lovers and animal photographers. The country is home to some of the most incredible national parks in the world which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites with stunning landscapes. These parks have canyons, ancient forests and geothermal ponds. While there are 63 designated national parks in the USA, a select few hold global importance, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These protected areas are home to the planet’s most unique animals.Let’s have a look at 5 must-visit U.S. national parks which are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

UNESCO Inscription: 1979
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is among the most gorgeous and otherworldly erosional landscapes on the planet! It was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River and is also among the most-visited attractions in the USA. Thelayered bands of red, orange, and purple rock create a breathtaking panorama that draws millions of visitors worldwide.

Yellowstone National Park (Arizona)

UNESCO Inscription: 1978
Not many must be aware of the fact that Yellowstone is also the world’s first designated national park and a geological wonder. This is an iconic park which is globally recognised for sitting on top of a humongous volcanic hotspot. The park is home to geysers, hot springs which are colourful beyond imagination. There are some gorgeous waterfalls, and unique wildlife roaming across its vast wilderness.

Yosemite National Park (California)

UNESCO Inscription: 1984
Yosemite is all about dramatic granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and glacial valleys. It has long been celebrated for its towering granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. It is a UNESCO recognized site for its stunning glacially carved scenery and diverse habitats. Yosemite is also a spiritual home for rock climbers worldwide. Whether blanketed in snow or in the sunshine of summer, Yosemite is an awe-inspiring site in every season.

Everglades National Park (Florida)

UNESCO Inscription: 1979
The Everglades preserve one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet which is a slow-moving “river of grass”. This UNESCO park is important for the survival of the Florida panther and American crocodile, among others.

Visitors can explore mangrove tunnels, marshes, and freshwater sloughs by boat, kayak, or boardwalk trails. The park’s beautiful yet wild landscapes offer a peaceful contrast to bustling Miami just a short drive away.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)

UNESCO Inscription: 1983
The most biodiverse national park in the USA, Great Smoky is noted for its misty peaks, dark forests, and rich cultural heritage. The park attracts the highest number of visitors of any U.S. national park as it is home to over 19,000 documented species. But scientists believe there are tens of thousands more that remain hidden.