One Day Trip to Niagara Falls in 2024

If you are an Indian and you have been to the US, it would be very surprising if you have never been to Niagara Falls. That is the first impression you get when you reach there. You can see countless Indians in addition to people from all over the World, all coming here to see this famous natural wonder.

Well many people may wonder why it is so famous then. Even though many people wrongly believe it to be the largest, highest or the widest waterfall, it is neither of them. That credit goes to Victoria Falls, Angel Falls and the Iguazo falls respectively. But there is no doubt that Niagara Falls is the most popular one. It is easily accessible and this definitely adds to its popularity.

There may be countless posts about Niagara Falls already. But everyone has a different experience and hence wanted to jot down about our visit there.
By the time we left Corning, it was quite late. It is around 2 hours’ drive from Corning and by the time we got to Niagara, it was around 11 AM. It was not my first visit to the falls but we were all very excited to see the falls. In summer when we visited, it can be quite difficult to find parking in spite of huge parking lots.

The first thing we did was head over to the visitor center to get information about where all to go to. We first headed to catch our first glimpse of the falls from the lookout point. To get to this lookout point you have to buy tickets since this is also the entry to the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boats.

Even if it is not the largest or the tallest or the widest, it is still breathtaking. From the US side, you can see only parts of the Niagara Falls. Actually you can see the Bridal Veil and American Falls from this angle. Yes did you know that Niagara Falls is actually a combination of 3 falls? You can see only parts of the Horseshoe falls from this angle. Next we proceeded to catch a ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat.

You have to wait for a while since the queue is quite long and soon we were on the elevator down to the boats. So ‘Maid of Mist’ is a boat which will take you to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. This is usually open between May to November and remains closed for the rest of the year. All of us are given raincoats to protect us from the spray.

Soon we were on ‘Maid of the mist’ boat wearing our blue raincoats. This starts from the rainbow bridge and takes us to the Horseshoe Falls past the Bridal Veil and American falls. Everyone were enthusiastic and you could just feel it. The boat is quite rocky due to the strength of the Horseshoe Falls. So better hang on to your valuables.

Despite the crowded boat, you really enjoy this mini adventure and the view is spectacular. The spray is quite intense and it feels quite nice against the heat. Best thing is that it is suitable for all ages. Soon after our view of the majestic falls we were soon our way back. Always try to get to the front to get a better view.

Next destination was the ‘Cave of Winds’. This is on the other end. You can either walk there or you can take a trolley there. Since we were short of time, we took a trolley.

You have to buy additional tickets if you want to go here. They give you special footwear and another yellow raincoat to avoid getting wet. Once you get there, you have to again wait a while to go below to the ‘Cave of Winds’. You take an elevator finally and then you can take the red colored railings to walk to the falls. You are a mere 20 feet away from the Bridal Veil Falls at one point. This is not handicap friendly and only the lower deck is accessible for disabled people.

Cave of Winds, Bridal Veil Falls, Niagara Falls

At one point, you are directly below the falls and you can feel the might of the falls on your back. This is pretty amazing and this is something you cannot do from the Canadian side which I did the last time I was there. The platforms and the railings are taken apart and rebuilt every year.

We were already quite late by the time we were finished. When we realized that the trolley would take a longer route back to the parking lot, we decided to walk back. Again you have an opportunity to walk over the river leading to the falls and again you feel ecstatic. Soon we were on our way back to Buffalo airport which is around 30 minutes by car.

It was a good day and the memories of that day will remain with us for a while. If you do have more time, do try to visit the Aquarium as well and watch the fireworks show in the evening.

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