Travel ...OVER THE MOON
With its lunar landscape, secret tunnels, windswept rock formations and underground cities, this place is as outlandish as it gets
The Cappadocia experience’, as I call it, is
different in summer and different in winter. Sprawled across Central Turkey,
Cappadocia, with its tall, unusual and interesting cone-shaped rock formations,
honeycombed hills and fairy chimneys is truly picturesque and feels like a
different world altogether. There are caves everywhere, most of which are
camouflaged by oddly beautiful rock formations. Some of these underground caves
served as colonies that could effectively house a large number of people. Many
caves have been converted into hotels, and it’s an experience staying in them.
The hotel I usually check into is actually built inside caves, with traditional
furnishings. It is very atmospheric and provides an authentic feel of what it
is like to live in ancient caves. The views from the private balconies are
beautiful and the ‘City viewing spot’ located above the hotel gives a
spectacular view of the city.
UNDERGROUND GLORY
Some of the cave churches and houses carved in the
rocks are testimony to how advanced and punctilious people were back in the 4th
century. Cappadocia’s ‘Underground Cities’, some of which are over 9 levels
deep, are fantastic and an eye-opener to how intelligently and meticulously
they’ve been planned, with attention given to every detail. Some of the cities
are connected to each other through secret tunnels. Derinkuyu underground city,
the deepest underground city in Cappadocia reaches 200 feet below ground and is
simply mind-blowing. It can accommodate up to 20,000 people, has an effective
drainage system, enough space to stock food supplies and even cellars and
chapels. There is also the Kaymakli underground city, the largest underground
city in Cappadocia.
GETTING AROUND
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of
Cappadocia’s moonscape is by flying over it. A hot air balloon ride is a must
for a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape. These rides happen around
sunrise; the experience is simply mesmerising. Amongst many other things,
Cappadocia is also known as the “Land of beautiful horses” and is therefore an
ideal place to explore on horseback. The unique landscapes around Goreme are
perfect for exploring on a native Anatolian or Arabic horse. For an adrenaline
rush, you could opt for quad tours that explore sections of the region which
are otherwise not easily accessible.
BYZANTINE BEAUTY
What one must not miss in Cappadocia is paying a
visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
it is fascinating with its old churches with beautiful frescoes. One marvels at
how the frescoes, even after 100 years, continue to retain their original charm.
First an important Byzantine monastic settlement that housed some 20 monks,
then a pilgrimage site from the 17th century, this splendid cluster of monastic
Byzantine artistry with its rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries is 1km
uphill from Göreme’s centre.
The Zelve Open Air Museum, Pasabag (Monks Valley),
Devrent Valley with its lunar landscape and the Ihlara Valley are also worth
visiting. There are also a few caravanserais (inns located along the ‘silk
route’ that were used by traders in ancient times) in the region. Since we have
all read about them in our history books in school, to actually visit these
so-called 13th century hotels along the Silk Route is quite an experience. Most
tourists think of Cappadocia as a summer destination, but I am of the opinion
that Cappadocia is far more beautiful and breathtaking in the winter. I suggest
that while visiting Turkey, one should reserve a week, at least, for this rocky
haven alone
Vicram Sharma
TL 18NOV18
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