DRESDEN, GERMANY
With
a stunning location and a beautiful climate on the Elbe close to the Czech
border, coupled with Baroque style architecture, art collections and museums
galore, Dresden has been nick named ‘Elbflorenz’ aka Florence of the Elbe.
Since the German reunification in 1990, Dresden has re-emerged as a cultural,
educational, political and economic centre of Germany. Though the city still
bears many wounds from the bombing raids of 1945, today you can see a fairly
well rebuilt old city with its famous opera house, palace (it used to be the
royal residence of Saxony), castle and church and a thriving new city on the
northern bank.
VALAIS, SWITZERLAND
The
finest views of Europe’s longest glacier can be had via a spectacular walk from
the top of cable cars off the Goms valley, and a boat tour of Europe's largest
underground lake is one of the more unusual journeys in a canton full of
pleasant surprises. The Valais is a
well-kept secret, totally undisturbed, and a paradise for walkers. One can hardly
see another soul, just great herds of chamois and ibex, or shepherds in their
ancient transhumance chalets, still producing fresh milk and cheeses from their
cows. One can walk through fragrant, gentle pastures that sway with dozens of
rare wild flowers including alp roses, hairy daphnes and white asphodel, as
well as numerous unusual butterflies that inhabit the valley.
LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON REGION, FRANCE
Situated
just three hours from Paris by TGV (high speed train), with services to
Montpellier International Airport, the region boasts a wealth of different
landscapes, traditions and talents waiting to be discovered. It is filled with
breath-taking coastline, some of France’s best cuisine, rich medieval history
and amazing architecture like chateaux (castles) and cathedrals. Bordering
Provence, the Languedoc Roussillon is just as charming and beautiful, also
touches the Mediterranean, but is less tourist-ridden and less expensive. France’s
most up and coming wines are from this region. It is also a far cry from the
Provence or the Cote d’Azur vacation spots many tourists flock to.
LAMU, KENYA
Hidden
behind the plains of the Masai Mara, the beaches of Mombasa, and the peak of
Mt. Kenya , Lamu does not appear on package tours or safaris, hence seems to
have remained under the radar of most mainstream tourism. One would arrive on
this tropical island in sunshine, and witness the white sand beaches and
turquoise sea and will be mesmerised at once. The town has earned itself UNESCO
world heritage site status owing to its mysterious narrow pathways and
beautifully carved wood and traditional houses. It feels like being in another
world, in fact more like Islam than Africa.
BERRIMA, AUSTRALIA
Autumn
it’s arguably the best time to visit the region and feel the crunch of leaves
underfoot while one walks and in spring one can enjoy the famous Tulip time
festival. After a browse in the treasure cove of specialty shops, cafes and
galleries in beautiful historic Berrima one can stop by at “Whitehorse Inn” for
some English Tea and scones accompanied with blueberry and raspberry jam and
fresh cream. To stay, the “peppers Manor House” commands one of the prime
positions and all rooms reflect the ambience and character of an intimate
country retreat.
SIGIRIYA, SRILANKA
A
world heritage site in Sri Lanka, it is Asia’s best preserved city of the first
millennium. Showing complex urban planning around the base of a rock and sheer
bravado in the palace perched on the summit. The summit of this rock is 180 m
(600ft) above the surrounding jungle and was the location for a courtly
paradise of pavilions, gardens and pools. It’s a good approx. 1500 steps climb
to the top of the rock. Sigirya Village
is a beautiful concept hotel situated against the backdrop of the Sigiriya
Rock. Vast gardens and lotus pools are everywhere – a natural antidote to an
exhausting day spent sight-seeing.
LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM
With
56 number 1 singles hits, the first being 1953’s, Lita Roza’s, ‘How Much
is that Doggy in the Window’, Liverpool is also the Pop Capital of the World. It
was an extremely wealthy centre of shipping during the 19th century, and the
buildings downtown are magnificent. Down the main street there is some classic
architecture around such as St George Hall. The cathedral is massive, as are
the civic buildings and museums. They’re mostly built in neo-classical styles
so you have gigantic columns, grand entranceways and ornate exteriors. The
museums are world-class and the admission is, in most cases, free. And of
course there are all the Beatles sites and attractions.
KYOTO, JAPAN
Beautiful,
tranquil, mesmerizing with its historical flair and traditional sensibilities
Kyoto’s status as the cultural capital of Japan is well deserved. Grab a 500
yen all day bus pass which gives access to all the major historical sites and areas.
‘Kinkakuji’, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is a must see where each floor
represents a different style of architecture. The gilded pagoda is itself
beautiful, and one would enjoy walking the path as the garden utilises the
sight of a local mountain with selected rocks placed in the pond coupled with a
lookout area along it. A visit here is incomplete without a tofu meal. Fresh
tofu in Japan is far better than it is anywhere else, and Kyoto is deemed the
place in the country to eat quality tofu, so don’t miss that either.
CORK,IRELAND
Most of the shops are around little waterways and greenery
is all around, it wasn’t a wonder why Cork has an ‘Irish’ feel to it. It’s a
city with some character that’s for sure, and a much more recent history and
greatly rewards the visitor who grabs a map-not that you can ever really get
lost in the ordered grid of roads.
A small entrance housed in a large, brick-and-cast-iron Victorian building, is
huge and a mecca for foodies. The official name being Princes Street Market, though
locally known as the English Market is a must visit and yes there’s lot more to
explore like the ‘Blarney Castle’ and history of the famed ‘Claddah Ring’
BANDUNG, INDONESIA
Take a walk through the quaint town surrounded by
misty mountain landscape and lush green tea plantations to familiarize you with
the layout. Interestingly this capital of West Java province, in ancient times
was known as Parijs van Java (Dutch) or “Paris of Java”, needless to add you
can spend the entire day browsing the different Factory Outlets of expensive
brands (read Louis Vuitton, Burberry etc.) starting off with Cascade and moving
on to the best one in the evening which is Rumah Moda, for the best designs and
prices. Do not forget to down
thirty kilometres north to the fabled crater of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu
(translates into upturned boat in Sundanese), which happens to be the only
‘drive-up’ volcano on the island.
BUTCHART GARDENS, CANADA
Spread
over an area of 50 acres, near Victoria on Vancouver Island, the Butchart
Gardens Keep it vibrating all throughout the year from the summers to the
chilly winters. It is hard to put into words just how beautiful the gardens are
and the brochure doesn’t exaggerate when it says, ‘ravishing floral splendour
greets you at every turn.’ If you happen to visit Vancouver Island I would
highly recommend this especially if you appreciate a lazy afternoon strolling
the paths, enjoying the scenery, and simply relaxing! The Butchart Gardens has been recognized by The
Gardens being named as a National Historic Site of Canada on the occasion of
its Centennial Year in 2004.
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UNIQUELY SINGAPORE- THE HOLIDAY YOU
TAKE HOME WITH YOU
I
have realized that Singapore is an ideal destination if you enjoy bonding with
your family with all the cultural diversity and impressive bigness you would
expect, and there is something new to do in each visit. The country offers the
promise of a deeper and more engaging experience beyond a usual holiday;
through experiential and shared learning activities, which can get one drawn to
an emotional connection between you and the destination. You would return home
enriched, as you get to explore an ‘experiential touch-do-and-engage holiday’
instead of the mere ‘checklist holiday’.
FORTWORTH, U.S.A
Howdy!
If you're planning a holiday to Dallas & Fort Worth area I highly suggest
you go to the Stockyards in Fort Worth to get a real Texas (aka Tejas) experience.
The Stockyards which is about 125 acres was of one of the biggest sale yards in
America at one time. Now it’s a small town with businesses, houses and in the
centre of it all they have kept the heart of the old time alive. I would say that while so many destinations
let you play cowboy for a few days, a visit to Fort Worth gives you a chance to
see the “Cowboy Way of Life” up close and personal.
published in fnl
