Your cue for indulgent active holidays
Nature trails,
daring acts and harvesting floral blooms this season can add much fun to your
trip
TIME TO CHILL
BEAT THE HEAT BY GETTING CLOSER
TO THE ALPS
Region: Austria
On your European trip this summer, include Innsbruck
in Austria. Also called Capital of the Alps for being closest to the mountain
range is popular for its spectacular views, impressive imperial and modern
architecture, multiple festivals, activities and to top it all with
such pleasant weather. It is at least worth a 3 night stay that can be clubbed
with other destinations in Austria or nearby areas of Germany and Italy.
Hike through the alpine landscape or take a mountain
bike tour on the Nordkette range. Whatever you choose, the reward is
undoubtedly going to be a mesmerising view. Fore more adventurous souls, there
are rock climbing and horse riding options too. Kids will love the cable car
ride to Hafelekar up the mountains. Even the shell shaped stations,
inspired by natural ice formations, command a look with their unique futuristic
design blended well into a traditional city. Soak the view of Inn River flowing
through the town.
The 15th century Hofburg Imperial Palace is
one of the three most significant cultural buildings in Austria. Every nook and
corner inside is drenched in opulence giving an insight into the luxurious
lifestyle of the royals. It is also a must-visit for its hall with family
portraits and ceiling fresco. Twelfth century Hofkirche, houses the
nearly 400 years old tomb of Emperor Maxmillian. There are 28 larger than life
bronze statues representing his ancestors. Nearby, there is a historical
foundry, run by Grassmayr family since 1599, if you want to see casting of
bells.
Another attraction is Ski Jump Tower on
Historical Bergisel hill. The place has a olympic stadium with 28,000 capacity
and a Gondola ride takes you up to the panoramic viewing platform and
restaurant, a place with amazing views.
In downtown, Rathausgalerie shopping center offers
some retail therapy. You can go on the terrace bar and unwind watching the sun
go down as a mild breeze hits you. Also a great place to see aeroplane taking
off with a beautiful backdrop. A stroll in the town center will leave you
gazing its Medieval Gothic buildings with beautiful artwork on
doors and windows. Climb on top of 450 years old majestic City Tower and recap
your visit with amazing views of downtown Innsbruck, the gorgeous rooftops,
river Inn, Nordkette mountains and Bergisel Ski Jump.
(Contributed by Naveen Soni)
CULTURAL DELIGHT
DARE YOU TO EAT ‘FRIED
TARANTULA’
Region: Cambodia
There is so much more to witness and indulge in than
sunset and sunrise watching spree at the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia. On top
of the list is an experience that we dare you to try. How about gobbling down
a new-age super food that is deep-fried and is considered
an excellent snack in Cambodia? We pique your palate to eat fried
tarantulas, which are basically fried spiders. To make it more palatable, they
are often rolled in sugar or garlic and then eaten by the handful out of street
vendors’ carts. The residents find this routine but for the adventurous
tourists who visit here, this act is one that goes down memory lane.
Another indulgence is to witness a traditional
Cambodian performance at the Bayon Temple complex. The Bayon is a wellknown
and richly decorated Khmer Temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Some
trivia for you: Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the official
state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at
the centre of Jayavarman’s capital, Angkor Thom. Historians state that Bayon’s
distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on
the many towers, which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its
central peak.
WITNESS HARVESTING OF
WORLD-FAMOUS ROSES
Region: Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Jabal Akhdar is famous for its pleasant weather and
the whiff of rose blooms during the summers. In fact, the mercury levels fall
below zero on some of the days in winter. This also helps in making the
environment suitable for multiple agricultural products and increases their
yield. As Jabal Akhdar roses are considered of superior quality and are
available in abundance, the rose water industry has become a profession for the
locals as they see a huge demand for Omani rose water. Becoming
a tourist attraction now, the season of harvesting roses in Jabal Akhdar has
become a major attraction, of late.Visitors are free to walk in some of the
agricultural areas, watch the locals pluck roses and explore the blooming rose
terraces. You can also visit some of the traditional factories to see the
traditional method of manufacturing rose water. Along with this, adventure
enthusiasts can trek the mountains and relax with a special rose petals bath.
Compiled by Nimisha Tiwari TNN
ETTR 26APR18
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