When visiting a country like Croatia with miles of beach and tonnes of islands adorning it’s coastlines like pearls on a bride’s necklace, the temptation is to beach bum, with glass of your favorite mojito on hand, as you soak in the sun’s rays.
This is a luxury I didn’t have because I was visiting Croatia in April.
But I still managed to snitch something more histrionic – The Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Through the uncharacteristic ten-minute walk to the lake’s trail-head, my head is spinning.
As we pace down the trail, I wonder if this was a mistake. What if this is some overrated tourist trap?
As soon as soon as we get to the tarmac, I get a little bit settled. I probably made the right decision. In the distance from afar, I start to see glimpses of small waterfalls nestled beneath the green vegetation.
Then the first signs of the turquoise waters with their inhabitants – the fish and the ducks. I hope onto one of the electric boats that ply these waters. It’s kinda chilly in here, but thank goodness in less that 5 minutes, we’re on the other side.
I step out of the boat, rather hurriedly but carefully.
I am greeted by little rapids crashing from one side to the other in a stampede underneath the wistfully winding boardwalk, as if rushing to get to safety from the giant moss-covered trees.
At this point,I’m already in a stupor. I am more than certain this wasn’t a mistake.
A pinkish hue glinted off the horizon as the sun coyly crept above it. I woke up to the most beautiful sunrise.
“Yes! I get to go to the lakes.”
The tour van left the bus stop right opposite Konzum Supermarket on the main street of Zadar city.
It nestled its way along the Adriatic coastline, through lesser known towns treating us to some amazing views.
I planned my Plitvice Lake (pronounced Plit-vi-tchka) trip with Viator.
The guide gave us a brief background of the lakes and of Croatia in general.
Upon arrival at the tourist information office, we bought tickets, took our breakfast and headed straight to the park entrance.
And with every following step along the boardwalks that curvaceously snake their way around, I see this postcard that I had stepped into, transform itself, as if performing a symphony for all of creation.
Cascading waterfalls tucked among lush green vegetation and moss-engulfed rocks blissfully feed the 16 dazzling sapphire lakes that spill into each other.
At some points, the fast flowing crystal clear waterfalls, like a deadly puff adder, slithers sneakily passed the algae-crusted knobbly stones, as they reach for the calm lakes that await down below.
At other points, the waters, like boulders, rapidly bounce off the rocks, racing to the bottom, giggling excitedly as they upset the calm lake below.
Pltivice is a leafy paradise with trees mostly frozen in silence, with an elegance that comforts the soul.
Sparkling as the spotlight sun shines upon them.
Unfettered by all this drama, except for an occasional bending together to whisper secrets with fellow trees.
I inhale the woodsy aroma and move on.
The snaking walkways ultimately lead to the “big lake.”
At its banks, we get onto another boat that leads us to the Lower Lakes in about ten to fifteen minutes.
As I slowly sip into the arresting beauty of Plitvice, my thoughts are interrupted.
The tour guide informs us that the first gun shots of the Croatian war were fire right here in this park, claiming the war’s first casualties. But because of the existence of travertine limestone -the lakes and waterfalls are assured of existence for the long haul.
Stepping out of the boat, I’m hit with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tantalizing fast foods.
After a short break of about an hour, we were on to the second and last leg of the 8km trek – the Lower Lakes.
Unlike the deep waters of the Upper Lakes, the Lower Lakes are smaller and shallower, gracefully parading their beauty to all and sundry. You can clearly see the limestone beds.
With all their flora and fauna.
As little bushes and shrubs take the place of the bigger trees.
Vikeli Slap, the tallest of the waterfalls, was my highlight of the tour of the Lower Lakes.
It drops an impressive 70 meters draped in a misty veil with a cheering greenest of greenery as a backdrop.
As I make my way to he final chapter of this adventure, the trail opens to an empty cream-colored limestone carved into the shape of a seat fit for a king and queen.
The tour guide asks each of us to check out Park entry tickets in case we are lucky to be the one millionth visitor to the park.
Apparently, this seat is reserved for the one millionth visitor to Plitvice in any given year and there’s an award that comes with in, a tour package to Croatia that involves lots of freebies.
Verdict:
None of the bits of research I’d done on the lakes or the guide’s description prepared me for the real thing.
No picture or video could ever do this place justice.
Even though my King James Bible Version categorically states in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him;
I couldn’t help but imagine that if there is a little heaven on earth, then maybe, just maybe, its located right here at this park. I was completely blown away by this masterpiece.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the perfect place for celebrating, discovering or and being at one with creation.
The mystique potential of this park and the diversity of attractions together will reorder your definition of a perfect vacation.
That is if it currently doesn’t involve dazzling turquoise water tucked among lush green vegetation and engulfed between mountains.
It’s also perfect for those who believe in luck.
Somewhere in Plitvice Lakes National Park is Abraham Lincoln’s statue above whose nose is believed to bring good luck for those who rub it.
