All standard cruise liners  have a multitude of facilities and innumerable activities to suit  everyone – from pool deck to watersports, gym, spa, indoor and outdoor sports, fantastic theatre, hit shows and movies, onboard shopping , casino to innumerable restaurants serving your favorite cuisine and of course sightseeing on days when the ship halts at a port destination.  

Though there are different classes of cruises , here’s a detailed article about everything first timers would be eager to know and  what to expect on a standard cruise ship. 

Water activities and swimming pool – the pool deck is one of the most popular area for both kids and adults. You can choose from temperature controlled whirlpools, jacuzzi  to full sized plunge pools and separate Splashaway bay for the  little ones. Make sure that you are well equipped with swim gear, sunscreens and other swimming accessories! 

Relax in these water bodies, with a mocktail in hand, whilst soaking in great views of the endless blue ocean. This area morphs into an open air theater in the evenings, bright and well-lit, and screens a popular movie.  

Going one step ahead, cruises like Disney have the huge, meandering water slide –  the absolutely thrilling `Aquaduck’. Expect a queue on this paid ride though. 

Sports and games –  a plethora of complimentary things to do  – table tennis, mini golf course, mini go-karting, video games to choose from. Carry sports shoes and gear for a great experience! Some ships also have gaming zones for young adults, and play area for tiny tots. 

Most cruise ships have a freestyle approach – denotes that you are free to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Gorge on yummy food to your hearts content, take a shot in the mini-golf course, watch a live production show at the plush theatre – complete with singing, dancing and drama, or merely relax in your cool room, enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean from your balcony.   

There are different categories of rooms too, depending upon your preference – standard state-room or suite. Whatever their type – they are all comfortable, spick and span, with great ocean views. 

You’ll be astounded by the variety of unlimited, delicious food and drinks at your disposable on board. 

A lavish breakfast buffet in the mornings, to a  range of complimentary, specialty restaurants offering diverse menus for cruisers to choose for lunch. Or a formal seven course, elaborate  dinner served at one of the gourmet restaurants. Be awed by the most warm hospitality, and cheerful, courteous stewards.  For dinner time there is a mandatory formal dress code.  As such, it is imperative to have with you formal dresses and footwear too. 

And for that in-between food cravings,  snack and salad counters are open at fixed hours for guests to help themselves to. In the evenings you can head to the lounge for a variety of snacks and beverages. Tiny tots would be delighted to find a soft swirl machine counter that would instantly take them to a fairy land!! Simply press  a button and  get  yummy ice-cream in vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavors in a cone.  

 You can expect a lot of late night entertainment too – bars, free signature cocktails/ drinks, live music, band, access to lounges and often live games in which you can participate in.  

Undoubtedly, a cruise journey is an exclusive vacation which fulfills almost all requirements of our everyday life back home – featuring even  a jogging track, that would not let you miss out or disrupt your daily jogging schedule!! 

Cruise ships have a planned itinerary of sailing at sea and stop-overs at destinations en-route. Guests get an opportunity to dis-embark for sight-seeing and return to the ship at a designated time. There is also an option of organized group tours for which you need to prior book on board itself. Or you can even explore on your own, provided you’re back in time. 

Below is a list of necessary items  you need to pack for a cruise vacation 

1) Formal dinner outfits and footwear 

2) Swimwear – including swimming accessories (cap, goggles) 

3) Sunscreen lotion is a must, sunglasses, cap 

4) Water-proof bags to carry wet clothes  

5) Light woolens/ jacket, shrug – for chilly nights 

6) Sportswear, sneakers 

7) Casual wear, flip-flops 

8) Lightweight backpack – for day excursion on shore 

9) Medicines for sea sickness 

10) Passport, identity card and travel insurance  

 And in the eventuality of not having any item of clothing, there’s no need to be hassled. Shop from the line up of stores on the cruise – though it maybe a limited choice. 

Getting on board a cruise ship may not be the quickest process. Though that is an inevitable part of any journey – with thousands of passengers boarding, security check-ups and baggage drop off. Nevertheless, the fun and excitement far outweighs any of those ! 

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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Travel aficionados are in quest of  all-encompassing travel experiences, that would be etched in their memories for posterity. Considering, the countless destinations that are worth seeing on this planet, and the likelihood of visiting each is once. Holidaymakers are opting for the best and most luxurious hotels for their stay. Comfort, warm hospitality, perks and a stylish ambience are features that tops the list. Statistics  over the past three months show nearly 52% people prefer luxury getaways and 30% are for budget.

Palazzo Versace

This world-class hotel is an epitome of luxury and sophistication,  in   an idyllic setting of the   Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.  The circular shaped, palazzo like building has interiors and furnishings from the house of  renowned fashion designer Gianni Versace. Consisting of rooms, suites and condominiums, the cream hued exteriors stands out for its unique architecture. The condominiums are two bedroom ultra-luxurious apartments with a huge drawing room, attached balconies and a well equipped kitchen cum dining area for a complete home like experience. These condominiums can be used for residential purposes as well.  

Ritz Carlton Singapore 

This five star property  is a swanky  high rise, towering up to thirty floors. Guests can reach the top-most floor from the ground level within magical few seconds. Centrally located in the Marina Bay area, the hotel offers sweeping views  of Singapore. Rooms are contemporary, with a combination of fine leather and wood interiors.

If you really want to enjoy a great experience here , don’t  skip the evening high tea arranged at the  top floor club lounge. It’s almost as if you are perched amongst the clouds and the skies !! Not just for the  gastronomical range of confectionary, cakes, sandwiches and beverages but  breathtaking views around – of the Singapore flyer wheel and Marina Bay Sands across. And if peering down 30 floors doesn’t make you feel tizzy – go ahead and do that to find minuscule version of people, cars and buildings. 

The award winning chain of  Taj hotels are recognized for maintaining their high standards of hospitality. 

 Pierre New York 

Is one of the best places to stay when  in New York. Situated in Manhattan, this property from the Taj group of hotels is a heritage building , just next door to the lush Central Park. As you enter into the magnificent marble lobby, the warm hospitality meted out to the guests, is  incomparable. Suites (comprising of a hall and plush bedroom) and rooms done up in shades of white, beige or grey set off by classy furniture are absolutely resplendent. Leaving no stone unturned for utmost guest care and comfort.  

Luxury Travel vs Budget Travel

St. James Court, London 

 Another gem from the Taj Group, is the charm of the British capital. Having the benefit of being at a walking distance from the green cover of  St. James Park, this hotel offers guests an experience of a home away from home! Promptly gifting children with cuddly soft toys on arrival or surprising guests with  token gifts on check out, not just creates a personal rapport, makes them feel so special too. 

Services like being served a lavish break-fast spread of your choice (English or Indian) brought in an immaculately set cart, served in your room, are so convenient. Saving guests from scuttling down to the restaurant before the closing hours! 

Taj Vivanta, Langkawi, Malaysia 

Tucked away on the serene Rebak island in Langkawi, this resort is certainly a paradise, every traveler dreams of. The Taj group know how to take hospitality to a whole new level. A joyful half hour speed boat journey brings you  to this one of a kind paradise. Surrounded by aquamarine waters and soothing greenery, the spacious waterfront villas have access to a private beach, where the sea is gentle and calm. Plenty of nooks and spots to be explored  – an organic garden,  wellness center, pool and outdoor activities to indulge in! Of course,  an authentic Malaysian cuisine for a totally wholesome trip experience. 

Lake Palace Udaipur, India

Lying in the midst of a lake, this is  one of the most prestigious of  all Taj properties. Formerly the Maharaja’s summer palace, it has retained its past glory, was later converted into a luxurious five star hotel. A fine blend of the modern and traditional, its  interiors are truly mesmerizing. Most of the ornate design of the structure, the artefacts, furniture and décor are in the typical Rajasthani style.  

7 Best Luxury Hotels in the World

There’s a beautiful garden with swings, lotus-filled ponds, a court-yard where local artisans, musicians and dancers enthrall guests with their performance in the evenings. And above all a huge, open terrace where yoga classes are held every morning. Be prepared for an authentic royal treatment right from arrival till your departure! From marigold flowers showered upon you as you walk through the entrance, to the traditional Indian welcome of a `tilak’ on the forehead and garland offered to you. The rooms are just as extravagant and luxurious, giving a feeling of staying in a beautiful palace from a bygone era, though with all modern amenities.  

Sheraton, Sydney 

Occupies a prime location in the heart of Sydney.  Sheraton has all the qualities of a star hotel. The pent-house suite consisting of a huge master bedroom, drawing cum dining room and a broad, open, airy balcony almost like a terrace.  Excellent views of the Hyde Park in front, façade of skyscrapers as you turn to gaze around, and the iconic Sydney Tower above resembling a mammoth lantern hanging in the night sky. Additionally, the swish bath-room stacked with luxury toiletries and fragrant lotions, for guests to freshen up and feel rejuvenated.

These are the 7 of the best luxury hotels in the world, worth a stay.

Another luxury travel blog : https://travelsimplygo.com/first-time-on-a-cruise-what-to-expect/

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

travelsimplygo.com

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Picture yourself waking up to the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves and gurgling waterfalls! A clear blue sky and warm rays of the sun pouring into your soft, comfortable bed, touching your skin, through delicate, fragrant trees. Where soothing views of verdant hills, makes you forget all stress of work, filling your heart with happiness!  If this is not an epitome of a luxurious experience then what is? One which rejuvenates all of your five senses and evokes an array of emotions – joy, laughter and contentment. 

WHERE IS IT? 

 If you have a deep connect with nature, and being close to the bounties of nature – hills, natural vegetation, waterfalls, gives you happiness and solace, miles away from the stress and hustle of a weary urban living, then this is the perfect spot. All of these and much more can be experienced at the Serai resort in Chikmaglur, Karnataka India. Set at the foothills of the lush Mullayanagiri range in the western ghats, a perfect place for a short sojourn. The opulent resort is an epitome of luxury and comfort, set within coffee, spice plantations, and surrounded by rolling hills. Bringing back the emotional nostalgia of the carefree, childhood days.

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES 

Few things travelers like me really appreciate, which transforms a stay into a memorable one, is the personal touch and care such premier hotels offer. These for me are nothing less than luxurious experiences and give  immense happiness. Being greeted with cold coffee from their own coffee plantations by the courteous staff on arrival, along with fragrant flowers and freshening towels is a gesture that may seem trivial but does does makes a difference! Guests are instantly refreshed and feel at ease.  

WEEKEND LUXURY RETREAT – SERAI RESORT CHIKMAGLUR

Or the hassle-free check-in, where you are immediately ushered to your plush villa, understanding that you would be weary after a long journey. Unlike in other hotels where you’re made to wait and complete formalities.  These are the things which make your stay a top class one, where you don’t have to be bothered about anything, and your mind is completely free. A bowl of fruits, chocolates, and tea/coffee machine in rooms add that feel good element too. Their authentic hospitality and empathy for visitors is an ultimate luxury experience. 

Here’s how to get the most from your stay!

DAY 1  

Wake up at leisure…. soaking in the tranquility of the glorious nature, without a care in the world. Breathe in the unpolluted, fresh air and pristine views. After finishing the lavish breakfast, stroll around the resort…admiring the beautiful fountains and astounding architecture. This is the time to check out the activities offered at the resort. Later, head back to your beautiful villa with a private pool to chill. The semi-open villa with full length sliding glass doors, provides great views of the outdoors, inviting nature in!  You have so many options for relaxation – swim in the privacy of your pool, sun-bathe doing nothing or soak in the bath tub using all the exotic aroma oils, gels and fragrant soaps stacked in the chic bathroom.  

NATURE WALK 

A must do activity here is a guided walking tour of the coffee/ spice plantations, at their estate within the resort premises. On this outdoor tour guests get an opportunity to come in close communion with nature, discover variegated, aromatic plants and trees and absorb the serene environment. Wind up your eventful day with delicious dinner at their multi-cuisine restaurant. 

DAY 2 

For spa aficionados, Serai has a decent spa offering a range of therapeutic massages and treatments. Their signature massage treatments are a must do indulgence for people working long hours in offices to get rid of all stiffness and soreness from the body and replenish the mind, body and soul. Being environment conscious, they use plenty of locally grown natural and organic products. 

WEEKEND LUXURY RETREAT – SERAI RESORT CHIKMAGLUR

EXPLORING AROUND 

Though the stay at the retreat is in itself a wholesome experience. For those who don’t want to miss sightseeing around the region, there are some nice places to explore including waterfalls. The surrounding hills have excellent trekking and hiking sites frequented by the adventurous. Also popular are the nature walks in the coffee and pepper plantations. 

Tea/coffee are beverages which are a favorite of the majority of us. If served with delicious snacks, there’s nothing more pleasing than that. High tea is a complimentary service offered at the grand foyer of the Serai every evening…..Embrace the enthralling views of forests and hills while enjoying your cup of tea, it surely uplifts the mood. 

We as humanity cannot thank God enough for his wonderful creations. To contribute our bit would be by preserving the flora and fauna of mother earth, and an effort to promote eco-tourism for future generations. It was a  luxurious trip at the Serai resort Chikmaglur – we came back feeling energetic, our hearts flowing with happiness and senses rejuvenated. 

You may want to read blog on Pondicherry, link is given below :

https://travelsimplygo.com/places-to-visit-in-pondicherry-in-a-day/

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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This blog post is a detailed tour guide to Kumarakom in KerAla.

Waterways as roads, a huge luxurious resort and a relaxed holiday, it was my second visit to Kumarakom! This vacation with family was a laidback one, wherein we chose the Zuri Resort for our 4 day stay.  We were fully rejuvenated and satisfied at the end of the trip.

WHEN TO GO AND HOW

Kumarakom has a mild to moderate weather throughout the year, as such it is a destination that can be visited any time of the year. The distance from Bangalore is approximately 610 kms and it  takes about 3 and a half hours to reach by flight. This infact is  the best travel option, by train it takes about 12 hours.

ABOUT OUR STAY

The  resort is a huge property, having it’s own lake. As such guests need not venture out of the property,  there is plenty to do within this resort itself !!

The opulent Presidential villa where we were staying had a beautiful veranda with a swimming pool. Black Illis is the name of the villa we stayed in, named after a bird found in this region. The weather was perfect by my standard – warm, with a light wind blowing. The sight from the portico where I sat at eight in the morning is worth describing – the clear blue water of the pool with its whirlpool and waves is so relaxing.

The rooms were wonderful as far as comfort and cleanliness was concerned. The king sized squeaky clean beds were a delight to rest on and the wash-rooms were very neat and tidy. Especially since we had gone with kids, we found the resort to be quite child friendly.

The green, well-maintained lawns, with the swaying coconut trees and the immense greenery with blooming flowers was a sight to behold. This faces the gorgeous Vembanand lake which is the second largest in India. It is like a vast expanse of water with waves, the feeling is that of being on the sea.

There is so much variety of flora and different types of birds chirping around, not to speak of the man-made lake inside the resort where you could do boating or fishing. It is simply amazing.

All types of boats can be seen zipping on the waters – huge house-boats with luxury rooms, small fishing boats which can accommodate only two fishermen at the most, then there are speed boats and ferries.

SUNSET BOAT TOUR ON VEMBANAND LAKE

Any tourism guide to Kumarakom would definitely include a boat ride (popularly known as shikara). The sunset safari on the Hotel Shikara was a pleasurable experience. The small boat which could accommodate at the most 5-6 people started from the hotel lake and joined the Vembanand lake from the huge tunnel-like entrance.

After travelling for 1.5 kms on the lake, it entered one of the canals and took us along it. There was land on both sides where people stay and use this canal water to do all their household chores. So instead of roads there are these water bodies and people use boats instead of motor vehicles to travel from one place to the next. No wonder this place is known as Venice of the east.

TOUR GUIDE TO KUMARAKOM

There were schools, parks, churches and shops as our boat glided by. The boatman anchored the boat at one point to allow us to do our shopping and then the journey was resumed. On the outskirts of the town we passed through paddy fields and plantations before the shikara joined the lake again to return to the hotel. On the way back the water of the lake became quite choppy with huge waves forming. It was a bit scary when the boat was tossed from side to side, but all’s well that ends well! The sight of the setting sun made us forget all our woes. The reddish sky and the rays of the sun falling on the shimmering water looked lovely indeed. 

It is sheer luxury to stay in such a resort, with its own private pool and a lawn along with a drawing room. The staff at the hotel were very amiable and helpful . Especially children were taken good care of. They made our visit as comfortable as possible. Hope this detailed tour guide to Kumarakom motivates you to visit this marvelous place.

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA  – One Of The Most Beautiful Beaches In The World

A trip to the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is like experiencing the joys of life in all its glory. Sun, sand, scenic beach, combined with the glitz and glamour of a swanky metro! As the plane descended onto our destination, the incredible view of the glimmering ocean below and the silhouette of the towering skyscrapers in the backdrop was awe-inspiring.

Gold Coast is quite a compact place, as such easy to get
around. It also has the privilege of having one of the longest and
cleanest beaches in the entire continent. A popular escape for tourists
who flock here from around the world, reveling in the soothing views,
as the frothy waves ebb and flow on the smooth white sand.

City Vibes

A late-night stroll in the area adjacent to the beach, which is the heart
of the city, is refreshing and worth a visit. It transforms into a lively,
happening, brightly illuminated place in the night, where people freely
frolic around eating, drinking in gay abandonment, and merrily singing
and dancing.

A must-visit spot in Gold Coast is its topmost structure – the Skydeck.
Get great views of the breathtaking coastline from here, whilst taking a
coffee break at the lounge!

GOA – One Of The Most Beautiful Beaches Of India

Goa, the land of sand, surf, and serenity, is a holiday destination in
India, that appeals much to all age groups. As we headed to this most beautiful beach, on a monsoon get-away, the enchanting moments captured for eternity.

Lush greenery, languorous sea waves lapping against the hill-side. Or as
you turn down-hill, the breath-taking view of a vast, green field with a
neat, white-washed church in the midst of it is soul-stirring. As we traversed the smooth, winding roads of the city,   beautiful  Portuguese style villa-like cottages, in vibrant colors on both sides of the tree-lined roads look so elegant.

Famous Beaches

 Spending ample time on the beaches of Goa is the best way to enjoy the place and feel its vibe. Numerous, colorfully decorated shacks(restaurants) dot the marvelous Calangute beach (one of the cleanest beaches), reverberating with music and hordes of Indian and foreign tourists. These shacks even provide beach chairs with a canopy to weary travelers, accompanied by a piping hot, sumptuous meal that ensures a  relaxed, rejuvenating holiday. Before you realize it the gentle murmur of the waves and the subtle blowing wind may surely lull you to sleep!

Must Try Goanese Cuisine

A trip to any place is incomplete without a taste of their local food. One specialty of Goanese cuisine is the `vindaloo’, which is a type of spicy curry in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. This dish is quite popular here and in the surrounding Konkan region. Another local favorite is the delicious prawn curry cooked in coconut milk and other spices, this goes well with rice. Goa being a coastal town, a wide variety of exotic fish is available here –including crab and lobster. So for sea-food connoisseurs, this is an ideal holiday destination.

Langkawi, Malaysia – The Most Beautiful Beach In South East Asia

A half-hour flight from the capital Kuala Lumpur, the main beach of Langkawi is quite a happening,  lively spot, teeming with joyful tourists. engaged in watersports, beach volleyball, boat rides, and a bunch of other activities. Foliage covered jade hillocks, rising from the sun-kissed pristine waters of the Andaman sea is a unique sight to behold.

Indulge In Shopping

As with most beach destinations, the entrance to this beach too has hordes of shops selling local stuff, souvenirs, and trinkets at reasonable prices. Do engage in some retail therapy; worth buying is the hand-made, tie-dye colorful t-shirts/apparels, which is a special craft of this region. Malaysia is well known as a shopping hub too. It’s huge malls are quite popular with tourists. Clothes, footwear, electronic items, variety of chocolates, handicrafts and souvenirs at reasonable prices are worth buying.

As true of destinations having a tropical climate, the weather quickly transformed from clear blue skies to one overcast with dark clouds and strong winds. Caught unaware in the sudden downpour and without umbrellas or raincoats, we were completely drenched. A word of advice to travelers planning a trip to this part of the planet is to always carry rain gears, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Beaches are my all-time favorite holiday destination, bolstering physical and mental well-being. And If it is to the most beautiful beaches in the world the experience is definitely enhanced.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

travelsimplygo.com

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Maldives are a group of more than thousand small and big  breathtakingly beautiful atolls (a group of islands formed by coral reefs)  in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives archipelago is nothing less than a  wonder of the world. The total land surface is  merely 298 sq km – equivalent to a medium sized city. !  A slice of heaven on earth, MALDIVES IS THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY that bolsters the mind, body and soul.

To begin with it  was  the  shortest international trip (in terms of travel time) I have taken till now  – a cool two and a half hours flight from Bangalore. Landing on the shortest runway and then spending the next 3 days on the most exotic  haven was enamouring!!  Tourism is one of the main source of livelihood in Maldives . As such number of these  isles have been transformed into  high end resorts,  making every tourists dream come true.

On arriving into Maldives, as the plane descends  the sole  view  mid air  is  the infinite  expanse of the aquamarine  ocean dotted with these  emerald isles. Each of these islands are  encircled by the `halo’ of the  silky  smooth,  white sand.

MALDIVES THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY – 3 DAYS AT CORAL REEF

Situated in the middle of the Indian ocean, my  abode for the next three days was  the luxurious Coral Reef Resort.  The hotel provides  a  complimentary  motor  boat facility for picking up and seeing off guests.   This 45 minute  journey  turned out to be a fun, roller coaster ride .Everywhere you looked the water was bathed in varied  shades of blue ,  with verdant  palm tree covered islands strewn all over. The speed at which the boat  zipped  treacherously on the  waves,  my heart skipped a beat.  I heaved a sigh of relief on finally reaching my destination.  The entire resort occupies an exclusive island within a  radius of 6 km .

My posh sea facing villa had stunning vistas, and was built bang on top of the sea. Wooden stairs from the veranda, leading down into the crystal clear, green waters of the sea  was truly inviting !

TO DO ACTIVITIES

Scuba diving and snorkelling equipments  were  provided by the hotel. Without much ado,  I changed and plunged  into the  ocean. The cool water was therapeutic in the hot sun. This was the most incredible  experience – the  views  underwater just blew my mind. There were so   many different species  of rainbow hued  fish  darting about. Though the coral reefs were not what I expected, they were a dull grey color.

Do you cherish the idea of spending your holiday in the midst of the serene ocean ? Being lulled to sleep with the gentle ebb and flow of the waves , and waking up to an intoxicating breath of fresh air.  If spending a leisurly  day in the turquoise, refreshing water,  amidst  marine creatures is inticing ,  then this resort  island in the Maldives  is   the number one holiday destination.

Spend the evening, merely sitting  in the lap of nature, on the pristine beach.  Or on the  slanting branch of a palm tree ( bent sideways  with the action of wind and waves),  as  the fiery sun disappears  into  the horizon……where time stands still!

There’s lots more to do in Maldives,  apart from water activities. You can even  enjoy  an amazing submarine ride, that takes you  20 feet underwater inside the ocean . It is fun admiring  the myriad colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures . 

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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The charms of Paris is mesmerizing indeed, the extraordinary weather playing cupid – mornings being pleasant and evenings chilly! The French architecture and structures from the Medieval era are a marvel in themselves and speak volumes of a rich past and history.
Stepping out from my hotel to the streets of Paris, the magic and beauty of Paris unfolded. The meticulously planned city has symmetrical, cream colored buildings ( not higher than 4 to 5 floors ) with the trademark French windows . No sky scrapers in Paris came as a pleasant surprise. The exteriors of the buildings have retained the style of the Renaissance period and interior s modern and slick, having all amenities.

WHAT IS PARIS FAMOUS FOR  – RIVER SEINE

Fascinated by the few rickshaws on the wayside. I opted to take a half hour ride of the city on these unique mode of transportation. Though bit heavier on the pocket, it was a great experience. The cool, fresh breeze and views of the city around uplifted my mood. The friendly driver briefing me about the key attractions on the way. Finally, by the end of the trip, dropping us off at one of the numerous bridges over the splendid river Seine.

What Paris is Famous For – Top Sites

Louvre Museum – this famous museum is the largest in the world. Has an incredible collection of art, paintings , masterpieces and sculptures. Keep aside a full day to see this one of a kind museum, it’s worth it ! Being one of the most visited places in the world, tourists are awestruck by the exquisite huge tapestries and artwork of legends like Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Louvre also showcases the well known Venus de Milo statue.

Eiffel Tower – adorning the landscape of Paris needs no introduction ! Visitors are allowed to go upto the second floor of this gigantic structure to soak fantastic aerial views of the surroundings. Views of the Eiffel Tower can also be had from key vantage points in the city.

Champs Elysees is an upmarket area of Paris. Lined with all luxury brand stores, restaurants, plenty of activities keep happening here. It is an apt place to unwind.

Arche De Tromp – located within the precincts of the beautiful Champs Elysees Avenue. The fifty feet high Arche De Tromp caught my fancy not just for its arch shaped design , it has excellent views of the fine layout of Paris from its open terrace top.

Notre Dame Cathedral – this famous, five hundred year old church from the Medieval ages is worth a visit . The interiors have exquisite Gothic architecture.

Paris is the perfect juxtaposition of a serene, beautifully laid out place, with a modern, trendy culture; an epitome of fashion, beauty and romance. What I loved immensely about Paris was the river Seine flowing through its midst.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

One of the best ways to enjoy and the one that Paris is famous for is to take a guided boat trip on the enchanting river Seine, flowing through the center of Paris . Along it’s course, on both sides of the river are fantastic views of major iconic buildings including the Parliament house and other government structures. Boating not just for leisure but as a means of transport within the city is quite popular, as it connects all the major points. The river having well defined, grassy, tree lined banks running parallelly on both sides – is a haven for people(families, children , friends, couples) to relax .

Some find benches or carefree youngsters simply sit on the ground , with their legs dangling down into the serene river munching a croissant! Alternatively , like me, choose a cosy nook in one of the pretty cafés on the boulevard , done up in delicate wrought iron or cane furniture. Must try is the delicious croissant, variety of breads and pastries, and other gourmet delicacies of the region.

TOP TIPS
Be careful of your belongings at all public places. Check the prices before undertaking any local tours.
In some of the restaurants , serving staff may be rude and take you off-guard. Avoid any altercation. Apart from these Paris is a pretty safe place for tourists.

A highly recommended tourist hub, plan a trip to know what Paris is famous for .

https://10-top-rated-tourists-attractions-in-rome/

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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Excitement,  anticipation and an incredible feeling of am I really there ?  marked my first visit with family  to Switzerland.  Heading from Paris to Interlaken (the most beautiful town in Switzerland)  on the hi-tech , super fast euro-rail ,  was exciting. The spick and span luxurious train zipped with hurricane speed. The view of the countryside from the window  was breath-taking.

A wholesome  lunch of fish, potato and apple pie along with white wine was delicious and lifted our spirits. As we entered the swiss territory, leaving Paris behind, the scenery magically changed  into the picture perfect lake district. The water body  seemed  like a huge, glistening  piece of emerald embedded between mountains and forests. The entire countryside with its rolling hills, symmetrical cottages ,greenery, woods replenished my soul. The air out here is absolutely fresh and pure !

Some unique places to visit in Switzerland  are : –

INTERLAKEN

Interlaken in Switzerland  is  a charming, fairy tale hill station, with lakes, a gurgling  turquoise  river flowing through the town and surrounded by  snow capped mountains .The winding roads have very sparse traffic . Being  far away from the pollution and chaos of  city life and hence a perfect place to rejuvenate the weary traveler. Interlaken is one of the most calm and peaceful places , a perfect destination to unwind. On the hind side  though one thing lacking  here is that cabs, specially at the railway station,  are not easily available, though buses run at fixed intervals. Rides on  horse driven carriages are popular with tourists. And one can see  majestic horses trotting on the cobbled streets  with delighted  passengers taking a ride on these  magnificent  carriages.

A trip to the Harder Klum peak  was a great  experience and is one of the unique places to visit in Switzerland. Traveling by the cog wheel train on the steep mountain slope – is  indeed an engineering marvel. One can get  pleasant  aerial views from the summit of Harder, of the snow capped peaks  in the horizon and the beautiful  town of Interlaken, the lakes and greenery below .

Any trip to Switzerland is incomplete without a boat ride on its huge, pristine lakes. Our boat trip of two and a half hours  was from Interlaken to a small town in the interiors called  Thun.  The experience of having wood fire baked pizza in an Italian restaurant with the  gushing rivulet flowing close by was fabulous.

JUNGFRAU

One of the highest and famous mountain peaks in the Swiss Alps a is Jungfrau. The summit being  at a height of 13,500 feet above sea level, temperature below sub zero level throughout the year. Our trip to this place  was full of excitement and adventure. Amazingly, even at such a height, these mighty mountain range is connected with the rail system (built in 1912),  covering most of the distance inside the mountain itself .  Intermediate stations with panoramic windows provide splendid outside  views of the alpine region.  The eurorail system is absolutely top class – sleek, well maintained and super fast.

When the train climbed onto a steep mountain , my heart skipped a beat …… as it  moved further up,  intriguing  snow clad mountains all around came into view. After going through a series of tunnels, we finally reached the icy cold, water dripping station which was our destination. The viewing deck for tourists had full length glass windows for an out of the world sight of the massive, pure white  mountain range. Truely, seemed like paradise. Though icy cold and chilly till the bones, me and my family did venture out in the slippery, cream like snow. Children had fun playing in the snow here. A blizzard  negated all  visibility and numbed by the  extreme cold , we had to hurry back inside the ice museum.

LUCERNE

From Interlaken we again took the very convenient luxurious train to Lucerne, which was our next destination.! Explore Lucerne by taking a boat ride on the lake, stroll on the centuries old wooden bridge or simply stroll around the charming  place. This pedestrian friendly town also has the exquisite Lion monument, carved out of a single stone.

MOUNT TITLIS

Lucerne has proximity to two of the most famous mountain ranges in Switzerland – Titlis and Pilatus. It is   a premier tourist  base in the heart of Switzerland. To reach Mt. Titlis, take the train till Engelberg, from where cable cars are available. Going on top of these high snow capped mountains on the glass rotoair is an exhilarating  experience .  I felt jittery as we glided upwards, nevertheless it  was  thrilling . Visibilty may not be great depending on the weather conditions, we encountered dense fog. A  must do here is the air flyer ride – which gives a real experience of the icy cold, windy and  wet weather which is a hallmark of the Swiss Alps. Going full speed on the mist covered mountain glacier, we could’nt even see one metre ahead on this ride.

PILATUS

A thumbs up for Mount Pilatus! Though it is neither snow covered nor that high compared to Jungfrou or Titlis. Yet the top of the mountain peak have wonderful, far away, picture postcard  views due to the clear skies and crisp air.  It is quite popular with hikers as the terrain is  non slippery. Must say it’s a unique places to visit in Switzerland.

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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