10 reasons to visit Ethiopia

Great connectivity Ethiopia is not so far away after all with double daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Once you are in Ethiopia, there are enough accommodation options available&mdashranging from budget lodges and inns to luxury hotels and resorts.

The landscape The Simien Mountains, Danakil Depressions and the Blue Nile Falls are just some of the examples of the incredible landscape that Ethiopia is blessed with.

The wildlife Explore and experience Ethiopia&rsquos rich flora and fauna at the country&rsquos famous national parks&mdashAwash National Park, Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park, Mago National Park, and more. Home to some rare species of birds and animals like the Mountain Nyala, the African antelope, the Walia Ibex, the mountain horned goats, and the Ethiopian wolf, these parks, along with the lakes of the Great Rift Valley, are some of the must-visit places.

Historical places The 12^th and 13^th century rock-cut churches of Lalibela, the 17^th century Castle of Fasilides are some of the evidences of Ethiopia&rsquos rich history. The Castle is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cuisine Ethiopian&rsquos best known dish&mdashinjera&mdasha large, spongy, pancake-like bread, on which portions of spicy meat and vegetables are served is something one must try when travelling to the country. The injera is kind of multipurpose&mdashit is food, a serving dish, and also something with which one can scoop up the sauces

Coffee Ethiopia is where coffee was first discovered. In the 9th Century a goat herder discovered the coffee beans and the whole world is still a fan of it. Yes, Ethiopia, where coffee was first discovered is also where you can experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Festivals Ethiopia takes festivals and celebrations very seriously. The Ethiopian culture and tradition is very well reflected in the celebrations like that of Enkutatash, Timket, Genna, Meskal, Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

Nightlife Ethiopia&rsquos capital, Addis Ababa, is a place with some of the best nightlife experiences. The many bars and clubs keep the city alive for the night revelers.

Rich culture Unspoilt by the colonisers, Ethiopia boasts of its culture that they have been able to keep alive. Each and every ethnic group has something unique to offer to very visitor to the country.

Trip to Danakil Depression Difficult to access but not impossible (with the help of organised tours), the Afar region is home to the remote and volcanically active Danakil Depression. Being one of the lowest-lying places in the planet, with many geographical challenges, the Danakil Depression is no doubt a tough tourist destination, but to the adventure and thrill seekers, it is the perfect place to explore. If you fancy volcanic calderas, bubbling red lava, hot springs and vast salt flats, then this is the place of choice.