Most people relate Vegas to the glittering Neon-lit Strip and the downtown Freemont experience. However, I discovered an entirely new dimension to Vegas on my last visit to this surreal paradise. Vegas caters not just to the desires of the party-freak but also the whims of a laid-back adventure buff.

I have always enjoyed an intimate relation with nature and wildlife. And when I visited Vegas, I had least expected this city to offer me anything natural, a contrast to its superficial lights and glitter. Nevertheless, I was delectably surprised when I paid a visit to The Mirage/Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden. This place is Eden amid concrete jungle, and a fantasy come alive. With a tropical ambience, replete with palm groves and dense foliage, you get transported to the seventh heaven.

The stand-out feature of the Mirage is the White Tiger. This place is a natural habitat to the mutated cousin to the world’s largest cat – the majestic Tiger. Extremely rare, the white tigers add an exotic feel to this wonderful place. It is not just the tiger that makes this place special. You will be greeted with a 53 foot long aquarium at the reception that houses some of the most exquisite marine creatures on earth. A near-perfect replication of the Coral Reefs, this aquarium will hold you spell-bound. In addition to this, you will be treated to a truly adventurous experience in the tropical rain forest that is home to some of the most beautiful birds on this planet, including the graceful Bird of Paradise. The beauty of this forest is accentuated by the brilliantly recreated lagoon and the enchanting Orchids and Bromeliads.

Contradicting the saying ‘good things don’t come for free,’ the Shark Reef is a dream come true for wildlife enthusiasts. You come face to face with the deadliest and the largest predator on earth – The Great White Shark. Although enclosed in a sealed glass aquarium, these sharks can be truly intimidating. For the first time in my life, I realized man has never been the hunter. Encounters with these deadly predators can send a chill down your spine for sure. If you’re not content with just the sharks, you can watch other aquatic species housed in the same Mandalay Bay aquarium. In addition to the 12 shark species, there are 100 other aquatic species inside the aquarium, including reptiles and turtles.

People who think Las Vegas is only for the boisterous, you must pay a visit to these exotic attractions. You will be truly overwhelmed.

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