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Innsbruck was the last destination in our Austrian itinerary. It took us a little more than 2 hours to reach Innsbruck by train from Salzburg. Unlike Vienna and Salzburg, where we had spent 5 and 4 days respectively, we had a day less here but that did not deter me from having a whole list of must-see attractions, all of which had to be fitted in this tight 3-day schedule. We reached the train station in Innsbruck. Our rented apartment was within walking distance of the station, we checked in our luggage and immediately set out for our exploration. Since we had already seen so much of Austria by then, the comparison of these two cities with Innsbruck was inevitable. In my opinion, the capital city of Vienna with its baroque architecture is classy. Salzburg has an old-world charm that is the textbook definition of a touristy city. Innsbruck, on the other hand, is gloriously scenic. It's the closest to the Nordkette Range of Tirolean Alps and one gets unparalleled views of these peaks from here. The mountains that we had been seeing all the time from far away Salzburg were now close, really close. Stunning mountain ranges are visible from all over the city.... 5 things you should remember while visiting Innsbruck 1. The city lies on the river Inn. Owing to its proximity to the mountains, it's considered to be a winter paradise for skiers. If you're interested in skiing, then you're in luck! There are 8 skiing points around the city, all of them well connected by public transport or cable car. In summer, there are cable cars that take tourists to the top of these mountains for majestic views of the Alps. 2. Innsbruck is not very big, the entire Altstadt or Old Town can be covered on foot. There are a lot many things to see here, just wandering around the Altstadt with its narrow, cobbled streets is an attraction. You can just walk around to see the famous Golden Roof and the Triumphal Arch. If possible, stay around the Altstadt since this area is the heart of the city. 3. The best way to travel in Innsbruck is with an Innsbruck Card. Even if you visit just 2 or 3 attractions, the cost of your card will be covered. We bought a 3-Day Innsbruck Card the moment we got out of the train. That way all our travel, in all kinds of transport, plus a whole lot of attractions and museums was covered from the word go. The conducted tour bus, Sightseer Bus is also included in the card. 4. There are 52 museums in Innsbruck in all. So, anyone visiting the city should be sure of which ones they wish to see, depending on their personal choice and taste. Some research in advance will help. We saw four museums in our 3-day trip, each one more interesting than the other. Ambras Castle tops the list, followed by Hofburg Palace, the Folk Art Museum, and the absolutely riveting Tyrol Panorama. I will discuss these museums later in my post. 5. Apart from the museums, the two top attractions in Innsbruck are Swarovski Crystal World and the Top of Innsbruck. You will need half a day each to see both of these places but I would strongly recommend doing both of them on your trip to Innsbruck. Top 12 Attractions in Innsbruck for a 3-Day itinerary You can squeeze in more attractions, of course, but that would mean rushing through them. All the attractions mentioned below from Number 7 onwards, take about 2.5 to 3 hours each plus travel time. 1. Altstadt 2. St. Anne's Column 3. Goldenes Dach, Golden Roof 4. Triumphal Arch 5. Hofkirche or the Court Church 6. Stadtturm or City Tower 7. Top of Innsbruck 8. Swarovski Crystal World 9. Ambras Castle 10. Hofburg Palace 11. Tyrolean Folk Art Museum 12. Tyrol Panorama Museum Altstadt We started our tour of the city on Day 1 with the picturesque town square of Innsbruck. This is one of the most beautiful town squares I've ever seen. The old town with its gothic, baroque, and rococo-style buildings set in the backdrop of the Tirolean Alps is a sight to behold. The old town has some of the most famous attractions of Innsbruck - St. Anne's Column, Triumphal Arch, and the famous Golden Roof. My Tip - Spend at least half a day gaping at the stunning architecture strewn across the old town, each building has a history of its own to share. There are many cafes, roadside eateries, and souvenir shops as well as some malls like DEZ Einkaufszentrum and Rathaus Galerien that have good shopping options. St. Anne's Column The most famous pedestrian street in Innsbruck, Marie Theresia Strasse, runs through the old town. And right in the heart of this street, lies St. Anne's Column. The column was erected as a mark of gratitude for the withdrawal of Bavarian forces from Tyrol in the 18th century. My Tip - Look carefully at the column, on the top is a marvellous statue of Mary as the 'Woman of the Apocalypse,' rising 137 ft from the street. There are more statues of the Patron Saints of Tyrol around the column. If possible, see it during the day and also at night, when the column is lit up. Goldenes Dach, Golden Roof Walk from St. Anne's Column towards Hofkirche for about 4 minutes and you will reach Goldenes Dach or the Golden Roof. The Golden Roof is a balcony decorated with 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles that was made to commemorate the wedding of Maximilian I in the early 1500s. It's remarkable that the tiles have withstood the travails of time and still shine like new. My Tip - There is a museum inside the Golden Roof, it's included in the Innsbruck Card. We skipped the museum but the roof is worth watching. Great photo opportunity! Triumphal Arch The beautiful stone arch is located at the southern end of Maria Theresa Street. The arch was built to celebrate the wedding of Archduke Leopold to the Spanish Princess Maria Luisa. Archduke Leopold was the second son of Maria Theresa, the famous Archduchess of Austria whose stunning monument Maria Theresa Platz in Vienna is one of the not-to-miss attractions in Vienna. You can learn more about this in my blog on Vienna here - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/destination-vienna-the-quintessential-austrian-experience We learnt on the Hop on Hop off tour that just a few days after the wedding of her son, Leopold, Marie Theresa lost her husband Francis Stephan. So, when you go to see this monument, you will realise that this monument commemorates two major life events in the life of the Archduchess. On the south side are stone motifs depicting the wedding of her son and on the north side are motifs that pay homage to her departed husband. My Tip - These names from history might not mean much to any of us but after having spent so many days in Austria, visiting museums and looking at so many historical monuments, these historical figures started to fall into a timeline and make sense. Watching this monument, I felt really sad for Queen Maria Theresa, who has commanded so much respect in the archives of history. For me, this monument is a symbol of the transience of life, of life and death literally being on opposite sides and yet so close to each other. St. Anne's Column, Golden Roof and Triumphal Arch Hofkirche or the Court Church Walk back to St. Anne's Column on Marie Theresa Street and from there walk another 5 minutes to reach the Court Church or Hofkirche. The 16th-century church is free to enter. This stunning gothic church is a cenotaph, a burial site of Emperor Maximilian although his actual remains are elsewhere. All around the cenotaph, there are 28 massive bronze statues of his ancestors, relatives and some historical figures, the micro-detailing on each one of them is exemplary. The faces, costumes, weapons and postures of each statue are worth a watch. My Tip - Seeing this church is a visual delight. There is so much detailing in each statue, even in the wrought iron casing around the cenotaph. There is an interesting audio-visual presentation before you enter the church. It gives an insight into who Maximilian was in a very interesting way. It's available in many languages, so choose the language of your choice. It's a small church but awe-inspiring. Don't miss it! Stadtturm or City Tower Barely a 2 to 3-minute walk away from the Hofkirche is the City Tower. I wouldn't call this structure really striking from the outside but the views from it, of the entire city and the Nordketten Range of mountains are resplendent. My Tip - If you're around the old town, then you should plan to go up to the top of the tower which is about 150-odd steps to get very beautiful views of Innsbruck from above. We had an Innsbruck Card, so the climb was included in it. Even if you don't have the card, you should do this one. I think the ticket was only 3 euros if I am not mistaken. Top of Innsbruck Day Two turned out to be bright and sunny. It was a perfect day to plan a trip to the Top of Innsbruck. This is a must-do attraction in Innsbruck, offering glorious views of the Alps all around. I have written about this in more detail in a separate blog. Please click on the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-cable-car-ride-to-the-top-of-innsbruck-the-jewel-of-the-alps Swarovski Crystal World The crystal world made by Swarovski is a treat for anyone visiting this facility. After Top of Innsbruck, we came back to the train station to catch a bus to Swarovski Crystal World. There are lots of things to talk about Swarovski Crystal World. Please click on the link below to learn more about this wonderland - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-swarovski-crystal-world-in-innsbruck Ambras Castle This was our last day in Innsbruck. There was still lots left to cover. So, we started our day early with Ambras Castle by taking the Sightseer Bus. The castle is located on a hill around Innsbruck, a little away from the main city of Innsbruck, so taking a tour is the simpler way to reach it. Although, there is a bus stop quite close to the entrance of the castle in case you plan to take public transport. Fun fact - The castle is the first and the oldest museum complex in the world, still existing at the very site where it was first made almost 450 years ago! I was quite surprised to learn that this museum is treated as a part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna (Museum of Fine Arts). You can read more about Kunsthistorisches Museum by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-kunsthistorisches-museum-museum-of-fine-arts-in-vienna About the castle - This Renaissance castle was built in the 16th century by Archduke Ferdinand II at the site of an old medieval castle, for his wife Phillippine, whom he had married in secret. He got this beautiful romantic castle made, with its vast array of collectables from all over the world, as a gift for his beautiful wife. The Upper Castle served as the residence of the Archduke while the Lower Castle was made into a museum. It contains Armouries spanning many eras and the Spanish Hall with its intricate wooden ceiling which is very impressive. The Chamber of Arts and Wonders is the only one of its kind to have been preserved at its original location. My Tip - You should plan to spend about 2 to 2.5 hours at the castle. As I've mentioned earlier, the palace houses intriguing collections from all over the world. The armoury is a must-watch. There are many different things to see, art objects, murals, huge wall portraits, idols and the not-to-miss Plate of Fools. The Chamber of Arts and Wonders has so many intriguing objects that will surely catch your fancy. I read on one of the placards here that this chamber was an exhaustive collection that attempted to reflect the entire knowledge of that time by Archduke Ferdinand II who is considered to be the most important collector of the Habsburg Dynasty of Austria. I would say that seeing Ambras Castle is a collector's dream and should be a must-see on your itinerary. Hofburg Palace The stunning Hofburg Palace lies in the heart of the old town of Innsbruck. You can see it so many times while passing it, it looks splendid at night when it's lit up. The palace is quite massive, Giant's Hall is impressive, and there are living rooms of Maria Theresa and Elizabeth or 'Sisi'. You will have to read my blog on Vienna to learn more about Sisi by clicking the link mentioned above. The palace is a living example of the sheer opulence of the Austrian monarchy. The costumes, decor, chandeliers, furniture, artwork... all of it is breathtaking. My Tip - The Hofburg Palace in Innsbruck is interesting but rather small, if you have seen the Hofburg Palace in Vienna already, then you can give this one a miss especially if you do not have an Innsbruck Card. With the Innsbruck Card, entry to the palace is included. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace complex. We did not opt for any audio guide and I am honestly not sure if there was one available. Finding the entrance was a bit difficult, we kept following the dome. If you're going from the Golden Roof, then walk for about a minute on Hofgasse and your destination will be on the left. Tyrolean Folk Art Museum This is a must-see attraction. I didn't know that folk art could be so mesmerizing till I saw this museum. The museum is located right in the heart of the old town very close to the Hofburg Palace. Entry is included in the Innsbruck Card. My Tip - There is much to see in this adorable museum. Right at the starting point of the staircase leading to the museum, is a painting of The Last Supper. This iconic painting has been adapted to modern times most creatively. This should set the tone for the rest of your tour of the museum. Audio guides are not required since all the detailed information is written on placards around the exhibits that comprise many intriguing artefacts and stunning idols and statues. Lifesize models of kitchens with medieval tools, combs made from horns, coins, furniture, masks, and bells from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries....you name it and you will find it in this museum. There is an entire floor dedicated to 'Trachten' or the traditional garments worn in German-speaking countries displayed on lifesize marionettes that are very interesting to watch. You will not tire of watching the amazing collection of this museum and can easily spend about 2 hours or more inside the museum. Tyrol Panorama Museum This splendid museum depicts the history of the state of Tyrol in a novel way using a 360-degree Giant Panorama painting on a circular wall with a viewing balcony in front of it. The painting shows events from the battle that took place between the Napoleonic army and the Tyrolean rebels in 1809. The interesting aspect of the museum is that it is situated in the same spot where this battle took place. Apart from this giant painting, the exhibits under the name 'Showcase Tyrol' are worth a watch. They are quite an eloquent statement on the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Tirol region. From the museum, goes an underground passage to the Kaiserjaeger Museum (Museum of Tyrolean Imperial Infantry) which is located right opposite the Tyrol Panorama. This museum also has an amazing collection of artefacts. My Tip - It's not just the painting but rather its setting that is very interesting. Sightseer Bus will drop you right in front of the museum. There are lots of escalators to navigate through to get to the inside of the museum though. We had read some pretty bad reviews about the management or rather the mismanagement of the museum before our visit on some online forums. The museum, I believe, is not equipped to accommodate people with mobility issues, that is a real problem, hence the bad reviews. Otherwise, it's a great place to see the history of Tyrol unfold in front of your eyes in such an artistic way. There are lockers available to keep your bag packs at the entrance. There is a nice restaurant outside the museum offering great views of the scenery all around. Starting at Tirol Panorama, a panoramic loop trail goes around Bergisel Mountain. We were short on time, so had to skip it. If you have extra time, then I believe the trail offers scenic views of Innsbruck. Apart from the attractions that I've mentioned above, there are 3 more that I would not have missed if we had more time. They are Bergisel Ski Jump, Bell Foundry and Museum and Audioversum, Science Centre. All these 3 attractions are fully covered in the Innsbruck Card. The Bergisel Ski jump has a funicular, a tower lift and a viewing terrace. Bell Foundry is a 400-year-old museum of bell-making, run by a single family. I've read so many good things about this museum. Go for it and tell me about your visit. I would love to hear a first-hand account of the same. Audioversum is quite a fascinating museum I believe. Don't miss it especially if you're travelling with kids. So, that is Innsbruck for you in a nutshell. As they say, save the best for the last....and so was the case with Innsbruck. It was our last stop in the beautiful country of Austria. From there, we went to Munich, Germany by bus through the spectacular Alpine scenery. Munich serves as a gateway to a trip to the Disney Castle of Neu Schwanstein, that has been on my bucket list for the last 20 years or so. Finally, we made it there. Read on for my visit to the fairy tale castle by clicking on the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps And if you're interested in getting some practical, hands-on tips for travel, click here

A day trip to the famous Columbia Ice Field and the Athabasca Glacier was the last outing on our road trip around Alberta. Before we visited the Columbia Icefield, I did not know the difference between an icefield and a glacier. So, let me start there. An icefield, as the name suggests, is a large mass or field of ice made up of multiple glaciers. Columbia Icefield, spread over 325 square kilometres, is the largest icefield in North America. Whew!! It straddles the boundaries of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and comprises of 6 major glaciers. Out of these 6, Athabasca Glacier, a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's most accessible glaciers, hence every bit touristy. View of the Athabasca Glacier flowing from the icefield between the two mountain cliffs as seen from the terrace of Columbia Icefield Glacier   Discovery Centre..... What makes an outing to this glacier really thrilling is the entire experience of reaching it on an all-terrain Ice Explorer! The Ice Explorer is a huge vehicle with massive tyres designed specifically for travel on the fragile surface of the glacier. It can carry up to 56 passengers at one time. Let me give you a few handy tips before you plan this outing... The entire province of Alberta is beautiful but the road leading to the Columbia Ice Fields needs a special mention as it winds its way through breathtaking scenery. The Canadian Rockies that were visible from afar throughout the journey are now up and close as we drove past them here. So, keep extra time for this drive as you'll be tempted to halt at every turn to click a picture. En route the Columbia Icefield....I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss this, would you? The tour starts from Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre located on Icefields Parkway Highway 93 N. You must plan to reach the centre at least 30 minutes before the departure time that you wish to avail. There is a tour every 15 minutes and your ticket is valid for the entire day. You will need 2.5 to 3 hours at the icefield. The best time to visit the icefield is in the morning before 11 am or after 3 pm when the crowds are thin. We booked a tour after 3 pm and got a discount. You should check their website for any additional discounts on your day of travel before making the booking. The Columbia Icefield Adventure is heavily booked. You must plan this trip in advance to ensure that you don't miss it. There are 2 tour options available. Option 1 is Glacier Adventure which includes the Skywalk. Option 2 is Ice Odyssey where you are taken in a smaller group higher up the glacier. For Glacier Adventure, park on the lower Jasper-side parking lot. A very wide open stairway will lead you directly into the Discovery Centre. Carry proper woollen clothing in summer too. It can get very cold on the glacier with icy winds blowing all around you. Just about a 10-minute walk away and at a slightly steep incline from the parking lot is the stunning Peyto Lake. Don't miss it! And now getting to the glacier..... The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is a very well-organised facility. There are signages everywhere to guide you to the correct queue.....oh yes! there are queues everywhere. We arrived right on time for our tour. We were led to an open waiting area and from there onto a shuttle. The shuttle drove us to the point where the Ice Explorers were parked. This gigantic bus drives at a snail's pace through the paved road near the icefield, making deep ridges on the ice as it passes... This 10 to 15-minute drive up the glacier is accompanied by a very interesting commentary about the icefield and the glacier. I was happy to learn that despite the heavy inflow of tourists, the fragile ecosystem of the icefield is preserved vigilantly. So much so, that before the ice explorer hits the glacier, it is made to pass through a small natural pool of meltwater called the 'tyre wash'. This is done to ensure that the debris from the surroundings is not carried onto the glacier and soil it. As the ice explorer rumbles on, the beauty of the ice field starts unfolding in front of our eyes. Upon reaching the glacier, we de-board the ice explorer and this is what we see... We are greeted by huge mammoths of snow, icy cold winds and a rapidly thawing snow floor willing to give away the moment we step on it! There is a lot of mirthful shrieking all around as people's feet dip into the icy chasms of the glacier. A 15-minute window is allocated to each ice explorer, tourists are expected to return to the vehicle within that time slot. The ice explorer brings us back to the bus stand, we board the bus again and are driven in the shuttle to the riveting Skywalk. Skywalk is a one-kilometre-long glass-bottom walkway built over the Sunwapta Valley. The glass platform is 280 metres high and offers beautiful views of the valley. The entire skywalk is lined with signages and displays with interesting information about this ecosystem. We spent about 45 minutes here and then took the connecting free shuttle back to the Discovery Centre. Path to the Skywalk, scenic views all around and the trees that look like specks of green through the glass of the Skywalk.... A visit to the Athabasca Glacier is a journey back in time. And the receding glaciers too have a story to tell! Don't miss this amazing experience on your trip through Alberta.

Making a day trip to Neu Schwanstein castle has been on my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. This is one of the most visited castles in the World with a footfall of over 6000 visitors on some days! And rightly so..... Neu Schwanstein is the inspiration behind the famous Castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. And now the same castle serves as the emblem of Disneyland amusement parks across the world. The imposing castle with its towers and turrets reaching far into the sky, perched on a hill in the foothills of the Alps, high above the village of Hohenschwangau, evokes romanticism like no other piece of architecture ever can! But this romanticism is laced with sadness and irony in the life of its creator, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as Mad King Ludwig. Was he really a victim of circumstances or just another spoilt royal who couldn't get enough of what he already had? Let's find out.... About King Ludwig II Ludwig II, the eldest son of King Maximilian II and Queen Marie of Prussia was brought up as a staunch Roman Catholic. He believed in the ideology of a holy kingdom, that royals were ordained by God and they were born to rule. In, 1864, he was crowned the king of Bavaria at the tender age of 18. Barely two years into his reign, Bavaria lost miserably in the German War in 1866. He had to relinquish the Kingdom of Bavaria to Prussia. The young king could not accept that he was no longer the sovereign but just a titular head with no ruling powers. He withdrew himself into a world of fantasy, surrounding himself with opulent palaces, expensive works of art and elaborate horse-driven carriages in which he would venture into the mountains in traditional costumes so that he could live like a king in his make-believe utopian kingdom. His inability to realize his duties as a king forced the government to declare him insane in 1886. The moniker Mad King got stuck with his name forever. He was sent to a manor house in Bavaria where he was found dead in mysterious circumstances the very next day. The irony is that Ludwig II died at the young age of 41 years, after having lived in his dream castle for 172 days only! Getting to Hohenschwangau from Munich The castle is situated high up on a hill and the quaint village of Hohenschwangau is the starting point of the hike to the castle. If you're travelling by train - Take a 2-hour train journey from Munich Hauptbahnhof (Munich Main train station) directly to the town of Fuessen. - There are connecting buses easily available every 30 minutes from Fuessen that will take you directly to Hohenschwangau. If you're travelling by road - Munich is known for serving as a top destination for day trips to Neu Schwanstein. - The bus plies through the scenic countryside and takes you directly to the village of Hohenschwangau within 2 hours. - Self-driven cars also need to follow the same route and can park their vehicles in Hohenschwangau for the hike ahead. Once you reach Hohenschwangau - The scenic village has a beautiful lake called Alpsee and the Castle Hohenschwangau. This was home to its famous resident King Ludwig II where he spent his childhood. - Some day trips offer combo tickets for visiting both castles. The hike up to Neu Schwanstein involves quite a bit of walking. Take the combo ticket only if you're up to walking again around the Hohenschangau Castle. - There is a shuttle bus ride from Hohenschwangau to Mary's Bridge. Even if you are part of a conducted tour, you will still need to buy tickets for the shuttle, one-way or return. From there, a walk of 15 minutes will take you to the entrance to the castle. I will recommend buying tickets only one-way uphill. - It takes about 40 minutes to walk up the paved road to the castle if you decide to walk on foot. And remember, the walk is quite steep. - Horse-drawn carriages are also available to go uphill to complete the fairytale experience. But honestly, they didn't look very inviting. And remember, you will still have to walk those last 10 to 15 minutes up to the castle. A few things to remember for your trip to Neu Schwanstein Castle 1. Reach early Owing to the massive surge of visitors throughout the day, entry to the castle is allowed only for conducted tours. Each tour group has an allocated time, please ensure that you reach the premises on time allocated to you. Late arrival means no entry. Period. 2. Must have pre-booked tickets If you are travelling on your own, then remember to pre-book your tickets for the tour of the castle beforehand. Although there is a ticket counter in the village of Hohenschwangau, looking at the crowds, I seriously doubt that you could get same-day tickets. If you're part of a conducted tour, then your tour manager will ensure that your group enters together and does the tour of the castle together. My Tip - Most conducted tours do not include entry to the castle in the package. Please check the details of your tour before making bookings. However, you can pay them and they buy tickets for you. 3. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle Sad but true! I wish I could capture the stunning interiors of the castle with my camera. 4. Each time of the year will give you a different feel of the castle Summer is the preferred time to visit. The Alps are welcoming with their sun-kissed rolling hills and lusty waterfalls. You can have a very clear view of the castle on a clear day. But the crowds are a bane. In winter the castle will look surreal, straight out of some fantasyland. I have not experienced it myself but can surely visualise it. Mary's Bridge would be closed. Autumn, I think, could be the winner. The crowds would have dissipated and the autumn hues would add colour to the white facade of the castle. 5. Stop at Mary's Bridge Viewpoint Your first point of halt in the hike to the castle is the Marienbruecke or the Mary's Bridge Viewpoint. This is the point where the shuttle bus or the horse carriage will drop you. It's a steep climb of 15 minutes to the castle from here. This picture was taken from the bridge... My Tip - The bridge is super crowded at all times. Getting a picture with the castle in the backdrop without heads popping everywhere is tough! The annoying part is that visitors get stuck at the entrance to the bridge and start clicking pictures. My advice to you would be to walk across the bridge to the other end. Believe me, the castle will still be there when you reach the other end! The bridge is suspended across a gorge. if you're scared of heights, then avoid it. Some trails lead to higher vantage points. We did not go on the trail though, the hike to the castle looked steep enough without adding more hikes to it! About the castle - 10 quick points King Ludwig was a patron of the famous German composer Richard Wagner . The name Neu Schwanstein literally translating into New Swan Stone Castle is inspired from Wagner's opera The Swan Knight . The swan is the central motif on many of the castle's artefacts. The facade of the castle is made of limestone which needs regular upkeep because of the damage caused by harsh Bavarian weather. Even the cliffs around the castle need to be periodically secured to keep parts of the structure from sliding down the cliffs. The castle tour lasts 40 minutes, it will take you through the exquisite rooms, there are 200 in all and 14 are open to visitors. The highlight of the tour is the Throne Room, a stunning church-like hall with a 4-meter-high golden chandelier with unmistakable Byzantine influence. This integration of a church with a throne room reflects Ludwig's interpretation of kingship, that the king was a mediator between God and his subjects. Sadly, the throne room has no throne since Ludwig died before a throne could be placed here. Other interesting parts of the castle are the cave-like grotto and Singer's Hall. The castle is very well equipped for its times. There is a running hot and cold water supply, an electric bell system installed in the king's bedroom for him to summon his servants at will, a central heating system, a Western-style toilet and an efficient ventilation system. The unusual piece in his bedroom is a washstand with a water fountain made in the form of a swan. The King's bedroom and dressing room have ornate interiors. There are rich tapestries made of silk with gold embroidery. The king was an avid reader, so his study chair occupied a place of prominence in his bedroom. Don't miss the famous castle balcony, it offers scenic views of the Alpsee. At the end of the tour, don't miss a short movie about the original layout of the palace that King Ludwig II wanted to build. The layout included grand porticos and courtyards overlooking the Alpine scenery that never got made. This blog would be incomplete without mentioning our tour operator, Radius Tours, Munich, which we had booked through Viator. Our tour guides Stevo and Charlie gave a heart-rending narration of our boy Ludwig II with just the right amount of chutzpah. They also kept us hooked to the narrative and in splits with their tongue-in-cheek humour. By the time we arrived in Hohenschwangau, we felt as if we knew King Ludwig and all his eccentricities. This certainly added to the allure of the castle. Before our visit to Neu Schwanstein, I had read some mixed reviews about the castle tour. A lot of visitors feel that the castle is over-hyped. I wouldn't say so. I found the castle magnificent and absolutely worth a visit. There is history, intrigue and romanticism with loads of stunning natural scenery all around. I would be thrilled to hear from you should you go visit this fantasy castle! For some useful travel tips, click here

The Bavarian capital of Munich is every bit vibrant and is considered to be one of the most touristy cities in Germany. The name Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest, which, in case you didn't know, is celebrated towards End-September. Some things to know about Munich - Munich is a big city. To travel around the city, the Munich Day Ticket is the best option. It covers all modes of transport like, U-Bahn - This is the underground Metro line as we call it, a rapid transport system; S-Bahn - This is a suburban rail network that connects the main city with the broader metropolitan region; and buses and trams. - The city is a melting pool of cultures, so to speak. Different places in the city can give you an entirely different feel. The same applies to the city's architecture too. You will see a mix of Roman, Baroque and Gothic architecture in its many old buildings. - I'd read on some forums about Bavarian Germans being very rude to foreigners. This is not true at all. We came across a whole lot of nice locals, friendly and helpful. - The same cannot be said for the city, though. It's crowded, over-crowded at some places and dirty too in places like the Old Town. We reached Munich from Innsbruck which is also very touristy and yet squeaky clean, hence the comparison. - Munich is safe for tourists and locals alike. Little wonder then, that the city boasts of a vibrant nightlife. - Munich has some of the best breweries in Germany. While in Munich, a visit to a brewery, the famous beer halls, must be on your list. On Day Two, which was our last evening in Munich, we decided to spend in a brewery. Couldn't think of anything better to do in Munich. - The fairytale Disney Castle of Neu Schwanstein is quite close to the Bavarian Capital. If you have an extra day in Munich, then this castle is a not-to-miss attraction. 3 days in Munich - Top 10 Things to do The list below is comprehensive. It includes architecture in the form of churches and a palace, shopping streets, nature and gardens and the famous cultural hotspots of the city, Beer halls. Day One Marienplatz Rathaus, New Town Hall Munich Residenz Day Two English Garden Asam Church St. Peter's Church Frauenkirche Viktualienmarkt Maximilian Strasse BMW Museum Beer Halls of Munich Day Three Day trip to Neu Schwanstein Marienplatz This is the name of a busy Old Town Square in the heart of Munich in the Altstadt. There are hordes of people jostling with each other to get from one end of the square to the other. The square is lined with shops, big departmental stores, eateries, ice cream parlours, and much more. The main attraction of this 12th-century square is the Gothic-style Rathaus or Town Hall with its Clock Tower or Glockenspiel. In front of the Rathaus is a tall column with a statue of the Virgin Mary on its top. My Tip - Try to hang around the Clock Tower at 11 am, 12 pm and 5 pm. This is when this old medieval Clock Tower comes alive with its bells and chimes. It's amazing to see this architectural marvel still with its working mechanism intact. Rathaus, New Town Hall The New Town Hall is a massive complex that sits imposingly in the centre of Marienplatz. It is the seat of the government in Munich. The Town Hall with its Glockenspiel is impressive from the outside. My Tip - We did not have time to see the interiors although the hallways are free to enter and explore. But mind you, if you take a tour of the complex, then it's 20 euros per person. If you've done such town hall tours earlier, give this one a miss! Munich Residenz This is the former Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Just walk about 1 kilometre from Marienplatz and you will reach the Royal Palace. The opulent palace is the largest palace in Germany with...how many rooms? Can you guess? 130 rooms! At any given time, most visitors can see about 60 or 70 of them, depending on what is open on the day of your visit. My Tip - The Residenz is a stunning piece of architecture. If you have limited time, go only for the Residenz since a lot of ticket options are available. You can buy separate tickets for the Residenz, the Museum and the Treasury. English Garden The concept of an English country garden generally includes small garden patches connected by beautiful pathways, a lake, some small covered porticos and rows of trees. My Tip - The garden took us by surprise. This is one of the largest urban parks in Munich. If you have time, this can be a great outing. There is a Japanese Tea Garden, a Pagoda and a beautiful Greek Temple. But you will need at least 2 to 3 hours to see this garden, it runs along the River Isar and is almost 5.5 kilometres in length. Asam Church About a 7 to 8-minute walk from Marienplatz will take you to this catholic church in Munich. The church is small but every bit lavish with elaborate interiors swathed in gold. Beautiful frescoes adorn the ceiling and the heavily embellished walls. My Tip - Must-see. The baroque facade of the church is very different from anything I've ever seen. St. Peter's Church Right across Marienplatz is this 11th-century cathedral that has very beautiful interiors. This is the oldest church in Munich, is free to enter and, if you decide to go to the top of the tower, you get spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps. My Tip - The inside of the church is simply stunning, we simply sat and marvelled at the interiors for about half an hour. Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady Frauenkirche stands out in Marienplatz with its distinct onion-shaped domes. The church is the seat of the Archbishop of Munich. I learnt that no other building around the church is allowed to be built higher than the church's domes. There is a Devil's Footprint at the entrance of the church. A lot of legends and beliefs surround this footprint. My Tip - The area around the church is called Frauenplatz with nice places to sit or stroll. Since it's so close to Marienplatz, you will just have to spend 20-odd minutes to reach it and see it. Viktualienmarkt This colossal food market lies in the heart of the Altstadt, very close to Marienplatz. This is a daily market except on Sundays and public holidays. Viktualienmarkt is like a very chic version of a farmer's market. A lot of gourmet dining options apart from a vast array of meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables and flowers are available. My Tip - Don't miss this one while you're in Munich. Maximilian Strasse This street is the most happening street in Munich. There are elegant stores and uber-luxurious shopping avenues. The street extends from Maximilaneum near the Bavarian Parliament to Max-Joseph Platz with beautiful buildings lining the street. My Tip - Not everyone can afford to shop here but it's surely worth spending an evening along the beautiful boulevards. BMW Museum I have put this under the Top 10 things to do in Munich although I did not visit this museum myself since we had just one evening left in Munich and we wanted to spend it in a brewery. But we had read some rave reviews about this museum, so if you have time, then try to fit this into your itinerary. The museum is about 7 km away from the city but it is easily accessible by the S-Bahn or U-Bahn. Directly opposite the BMW Museum is the BMW Welt. The iconic building of BMW Welt is known for its unique architecture. Entry to BMW Welt is free. Beer Halls of Munich Your visit to Munich will be incomplete without visiting one of the beer halls in the city. I have written in detail about the brewery culture in Munich in the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-famous-beer-halls-of-munich-the-land-of-the-oktoberfest Day trip to Neu Schwanstein Neu Schwanstein has been on my bucket list for many years. The easiest way to see this fairy tale castle is from Munich. In all honesty, we planned a trip to Munich so that we could see this castle on a day trip. Click on the link below to read more about this fascinating journey into history - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps The attractions in Munich do not end here. About 30 km away from Munich is the little town of Starnberg on the banks of the Starnberger Lake. There are loads of fun water activities to indulge in. If you have extra time, you can also visit the Nymphenberg Palace. It features on the Hop on Hop off bus tour of Munich. I would love to hear about your experience in the capital city of Bavaria! Do write back to me.... For useful travel tips, click here

A narrow strip of land tucked away in one corner of the European mainland and a cluster of small islands littered along the Adriatic Sea are hardly likely to catch your attention on the World map. Still, a trip to the beautiful country is sure to make you reminisce about your trip with fondness forever. If you love the Sun and beach combo, then a trip to Croatia can be the vacation of your dreams. There are over a thousand islands, each one more enchanting than the other. We went to Croatia from India, changing flights from Frankfurt on a Croatian Airlines Boeing to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. Your vacation starts the moment you board this plane. One can get a beautiful bird's eye view of the Dinaric Alps with their snow-laden peaks. The beauty of the Dinaric Alps from the top! My observations about Croatia Croatia is a sparsely populated country with a total population of 4.2 million. While at the marketplace, an interesting observation I make is that most prominent American/European brands for food chains, clothes, shoes, and bags are conspicuous by their absence. Croatia is a small country self-reliant on the indigenous industry. So, we stop looking for known places to eat and decide to grub on the local cuisine which is heavenly in terms of taste and cheaper in terms of price! The same applies to cosmetics, lifestyle products, and many other products found in supermarkets. They are cheaper than most known brands and of very good quality. If you’re planning to travel to other parts of Croatia as well, then roadways are your best bet. The journey is comfortable, buses are cheap and ply on time, and the icing on the cake is the scenic views that you start to get throughout the countryside especially as you approach the sea. Our 12-day itinerary included 2 days in Zagreb 3 days in Plitvice 1 day in Zadar 3 days in Split 3 days in Dubrovnik Zagreb The capital of Croatia is not your typical touristy European city but it has a charm that is hard to miss. Must-see attractions are Saint Mark Church and Zagreb Cathedral in the Upper Town. Saint Mark Church with its impressive colourful coat of Arms of Croatia on its rooftop and the Zagreb Cathedral, a massive Gothic building with its tall twin spires will instantly catch your attention as you reach the Upper Town. The Upper Town can easily be accessed by a funicular with the journey lasting barely 5 mins. My Tip - One can do a conducted walking tour to get a better understanding of the history of this place. Coming down from the upper town, one can see a variety of cafes and eateries lining both sides of the street, the names of which I find hard to remember. It is a pedestrian-friendly area with no dearth of places to sit and munch and watch the crowds go by. Plitvice After a comfortable bus journey of around 2 hours from Zagreb, we reach Plitvice around noon. Plitvice National Park is every traveller's dream destination. Its beauty has to be seen to be believed. We spent two full days in this park. I have written a detailed memoir about our visit in the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-days-in-the-plitvice-national-park-croatia-s-own-garden-of-eden Zadar We packed our bags for the third destination in our itinerary. Zadar. Early morning the next day we take the bus from Plitvice to Zadar. The journey is only 1 hour 30 minutes and the scenery en route is breathtakingly beautiful. From Plitvice to Zadar by bus Zadar is a seaside town with most of all tourist activities happening along the sea coast, the most popular among them being the Sea Organ. We approach the sea coast from the old town square. Lined with loads of eateries and small shops, the paved narrow streets have something to catch your attention at every step. Trinkets, souvenirs, clothes et al on both sides beckon tourists. There are some boutiques with beautiful pieces of clothes displayed in the show windows, must check these out! The best part is some bargaining also works here .... These narrow streets lead to an open courtyard with a tower, some historical monuments and a picturesque view of the sea. There are cathedrals and churches aplenty if you have an eye for historical monuments. ‘Greeting to the Sun’ next to the sea organ right on the seafront is equally intriguing. This spherical glass bottom has 300 glass plates, all placed at the same level as the pavement. These solar plates get activated at night and produce a light show. Around the Sun, there are also planets made in proportion to the sun. The highlight of this evening outing is the Sea organ. Huge metallic pipes have been installed under the sea along the seashore. As water strikes against these wind pipes, a sound of mouth organs emanates out of nowhere. One can sit here for hours on end and listen to this melodious syncing motion of water. One must stay in this area till sunset to capture the illuminated sphere. This is the most popular hub for tourists at Zadar and rightly so. As dusk approaches, the waves become higher and the sound from the sea organ increases. The day closes with a spectacular sunset. If you have time just hang around a bit late till the crowds dissipate. You will be able to hear the sea organ more clearly. An overnight stay is enough in Zadar unless you want to come back to the Sea Organ the next day too. We’re tempted to do the same but we have our bookings in place for our next halt in Split. Split Split needs at least two full days of your itinerary. The most talked about attraction in Split is the 4th-century Diocletian Palace. The massive structure of the bishop Gregory of Nin right at the entrance to the palace sets the tone for your outing. It's huge and very impressive. The massive Gregory of Nin Touching the toe of Nin is believed to bring good luck, so tourists visiting the palace line up in front of the statue to rub its toe. As did I.... There are loads of eateries and shops in every nook and corner, the palace has also been converted into a hotel in some parts. It's lively and buzzing with activity. Inside is also the Cathedral of St Domnius housing the crypt and the Temple of Jupiter. My word of advice, just peep into the temple, don’t buy the ticket, the temple is small, only as far as the eye can see from outside. The Diocletian Palace can easily be a full-day outing with the last leg of the day at the seafront. Luka Split or the port of Split is at its liveliest best all day long! There are a lot of day trips from Split to many small islands in the Adriatic, the Blue caves and wine-tasting tours, you can pick your choice if you have a day to spare. We had dinner at Café Fife just along the sea shore, the taste of their fish delicacy is still making me salivate. Total value for money! Dubrovnik We are fast approaching the end of our journey with our last destination being Dubrovnik. We’ve allocated four days to this city called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. The scenic route on the entire stretch from Split to Dubrovnik can actually make one envious of the people who reside here. The Scenic route from Split to the Dubrovnik Riviera The Adriatic Sea has been almost ‘customized’ to suit the needs of the local people, there are play areas for children, lounge chairs for the elderly, all kinds of boats, and personal swimming areas. Every nook and corner of the sea is being put to optimum use and the water is really clean. The moment we set foot in Dubrovnik, the touristy air of the place hits us. The air is moist and warm, people are swarming everywhere and the town is buzzing with activity. We moved into a beautiful apartment just facing the sea. Anything less than that would be a shame. The city is enlisted in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites and is every bit so. View from the top of the city wall The old city is a walled city overlooking the sea surrounded by a thick wall and an old harbour. A walk on this wall is a must-do attraction. It has refreshing views of the sea. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, then you will be able to identify some familiar sites along the wall too. Can you place this in Game of Thrones? What scene was shot here? One can easily spend at least 2 days just wandering and idling around in the old city soaking in the history or just doing some monument gazing. ‘Stradun’ or the main street can be fun both during the day and at night. It’s always crowded with tourists and connects the entire old city with lanes and by-lanes. Scores of shops and restaurants are lined up all along that serve local Croatian fish delicacies apart from conventional cuisines. Not-to-miss! Dubrovnik has a lot of islands all around that are favourites for snorkelers and water enthusiasts. We took a one-day cruise to the Elaphiti Islands. The cruise offers beautiful views of the sea, some island-hopping, and a lot of opportunities for water sports since the sea is so calm and shallow. If you're not a water sports enthusiast, then just splashing in the water can be fun. The highlight of the cruise is the seagull feeding done by the crew as they hold our little leftover grubs of food for the seagulls to devour. Out of nowhere, the birds flock to grab a bite. There is suddenly so much activity with all cameras going into a frenzy to catch that moment. Amazing! Yet another beautiful island that can be explored is ‘Lokrum’. The main attraction is the freely roaming peacocks and bunnies all over the island. The birds are so used to having humans around that they stay perched on the rocks while everyone is clicking their pictures. The island also has a monastery and a small salt lake aptly called ‘Dead Sea’. Both locals and tourists throng to this lake to soak in the sun and splash around in this lake that is absolutely calm, hence the name. The iconic ‘Iron Throne’ from ‘Game of Thrones’ is housed here in the museum, you can take pictures with yourself on the throne. Sitting on this throne was my teenage son's dream come true! Panoramic view of the sea from the edge of the cliff on Lokrum Island If you walk to the end of the island to a rocky cliff then you can get some mesmerizing views of the sea. Our Croatian vacation is all set to wrap up as we prepare to take a flight from Dubrovnik to Munich and back home. But this Croatia trip will be etched in my mind forever. The few things that stand out for me are the pristine beauty of this small country, the delicious local cuisine comprising of local fish variety and lastly, the warmth that people show towards tourists in general. After all, it’s the people that make all the difference!

I’d need a whole lot of adjectives to describe the beauty of Norway in plain words, it’s breathtaking, stunning, awe-inspiring, and more. I can also use some pretty serious adjectives about how expensive this country is. Add about 15-20% to your regular European vacation to holiday in Norway. But let me assure you that it’s worth every extra penny of your hard-earned money! Norway is largely untouched by the spoils of excessive tourism. There are tourists, of course, who flock to this land to soak in its many natural wonders but their numbers are still low compared to other popular European destinations like Paris, London and Venice among others. This also translates into the fact that the country is clean, like really clean!! You will not find a single shred of paper or any kind of rubbish anywhere, unlike most tourist destinations that bear the brunt of heavy footfall. This also means that no touts are thronging you as you approach any sightseeing spot. Scenic spots are less commercialised and therefore still retain the sanctity of nature. And that my friend, is really refreshing! Bird's eye view of Oslo... There is also no overtly done touristy stuff like funiculars or ropeways connecting you to any of the high mountain peaks. If you want to see a mountain top, you gear up and climb! No wonder, one of the top tourist attractions in Norway, Pulpit Rock or Prekestolen, has no such shortcuts, not yet. One has to hike for around 4 to 5 hours to reach the top. However, as the number of tourists grows, touristy attractions also grow. So, there is one funicular in Bergen, the Fløbanen, (pronounced as Flo-banen) that connects the city centre with the mountain Fløyen since the city of Bergen is a major tourist attraction. And there is a popular Gondola in Andalsnes too, that takes you to the top of the mountain and another one takes you to the top of the Skanda Ski Resort near Ålesund. Talking of mountains, Norway has one of the most spectacular mountain peaks in the world. What I found especially interesting was the way Norwegians talk about them, they revere them, to say the least! And talking of Norwegians, they are a helpful lot. I can recount so many incidents during our stay, that left us totally in awe of their nicety towards tourists. And how can one forget to mention the lavish salmon spreads in breakfast buffets all over Norway? Another thing that struck me was the seriousness of recycling in Norway. This picture speaks for itself…. They are obviously referring to the famous environmental activist Greta Thunberg. If you look at the map of Norway, you will see that it’s spread vertically along the Norwegian Sea and the northern territories reach as far as the Arctic Ocean. Travelling length-wise across the country can be a daunting, expensive task. So, we decided to restrict ourselves to the country’s southern parts only on our 21-day trip. Starting with Oslo, the capital city of Norway to Bergen, then to Ålesund, further to Andalsnes, and back to Oslo for our journey ahead. Oslo, the Capital of Norway Oslo, like most capitals, is the seat of the government. The entire city can be covered on foot, there are cobbled streets flooded with people, restaurants and roadside kiosks. Karl Johann Gate is the main city hub. The one thing that immediately caught my attention was that the entire street and the area around it are lined with planter troughs filled with seasonal flowers. One can find these planters everywhere in the country, in varying sizes but identical! These planters were huge and were placed along the main boulevard at Karl Johann Street. On asking around, we learned that this was done deliberately in the year 2017 to prevent any rash rundowns on the street since it was an all-pedestrian area. These troughs also served as ‘terror hindrances’ to provide extra security cover to the area around the parliament to avoid any drive-ins by the terrorists. Imagine using flowers to stop terrorists!! This impressive piece of information set the scene for our journey into this beautiful country. Oslo is quietly vibrant, the harbour front on the Norwegian Sea is lined with sailboats and fjord cruises. These are cruises that head out into the Oslo fjord and offer drinks and shrimp on board. Along the waterfront is Aker Brygge , an area popular for eateries, shopping, and entertainment. The famous Nobel Peace Prize Centre is also located here. If you’re interested in history, then spending a couple of paid hours in the museum can be a very enriching experience. The Nobel Peace Centre and the Peace Bench Otherwise, the museum offers some great free photo opportunities on the famous ‘ Peace Bench ’. Located just outside its premises named after Nelson Mandela's famous quote "The best weapon is to just sit down and talk". The entire area around the harbour offers cosy sitting spaces with parks and benches and some beautiful sculptures in bronze and cast iron. So, keeping aside an extra hour to roam around the harbour is a good idea, especially along the harbour promenade along Karl Johann Street . Large, conspicuous orange information towers have been set up along the way to keep you on your path. And how can one forget the Vikings while in Norway? Oslo has lots of museums, I mean lots! Some of them are free but most of them are not. Ticket prices are steep. If you have an eye for art, then visiting ‘ Munch Museum ’, which displays the artworks of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch can be rewarding. But one open-air museum that is sure to catch your fancy is the Vigeland Sculpture Park . Entry to the park is free and there are frequent trams from the Oslo Train Station to the park (Tram line 12). It is the largest park in the world to exhibit bronze and cast-iron statues of the same artist, Gustav Vigeland. One can easily spend a few hours in the park, looking at the statues and marvelling at the detail that has gone into crafting them. You just need to keep in mind that though the park entry is free, the toilets are chargeable Kr. 15/- for use and accept only cards, no cash. I was lucky that a young local woman readily paid for me on her card. Another free attraction in the city of Oslo is the Change of Guard at the Royal Palace at 1:30 p.m. each day. The ceremony is quite sombre compared to the ceremony at Buckingham Palace or the Royal Palace of Stockholm, for example, and lasts for about 40 minutes. But it can be a good pastime on a sunny day. Bergen The train ride from Oslo to Bergen lasts 6.5 hours and is absolutely scenic. My word is that don’t miss it to opt for any other mode of transport. There is not a dull moment on this train as it flies past quaint little towns, snow-covered peaks, lakes, and ponds. I have never seen so many stunning snow-covered peaks from the cozy confines of a train! The train journey from Oslo to Bergen...don't miss this one! The one thing that comes to mind the moment I think of Bergen is the incessant rain. It rains for almost 200 days a year. If you’re planning any outdoor activity, looking up the day’s weather forecast is a good idea. Bergen has a funicular, as I mentioned earlier, that takes you to the top of the mountain and offers beautiful views of the scenery all around. The highlight of your trip to Bergen is, of course, the row of coloured houses at The Hanseatic wharf . This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must on your visit. The wharf has antique shops, picture galleries and museums hidden in small lanes and alleyways offering trinkets. The famous backdrop that Bergen is known for, the Hanseatic Wharf! My advice is that if you want to buy any souvenirs, this is the most reasonable place to do so. We discovered that the prices of such trinkets in other cities in Norway were higher compared to here. We had to pay more for similar stuff that we did not buy in Bergen. Bergen has an aquarium, if you’re travelling with kids, then it’s worth visiting. I had read somewhere that Bergen has been named the UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Being in Bergen and eating the local cuisine with fresh produce from the sea, I know why. If you’re looking for something exotic, then a trip to ‘Cornelius’ Seafood restaurant, off the coast of Bergen, is a must. The restaurant is located on a small island that offers beautiful views of the fjord. The seating is interesting, one sits right next to the water body in a closed, comfortable space. There is a steward allocated to each group of guests who makes you feel like a royal. There are options for 5-course meals excluding drinks. It includes, though, a 30-minute boat ride from the Wharf to the island with paid drinks on board. The dinner package can dig a hole in your pocket but the food was every bit sumptuous and the entire experience was delightful. We were in Bergen for our wedding anniversary, so we decided to splurge. Bergen to Flåm Your visit to Bergen is incomplete without a day trip to the fairy tale village of Flåm (pronounced Flum). Apart from the village itself, it’s the train ride with Flåmbana, Flåm railway, that is the show stealer. Whether you're coming from Oslo or Bergen, you need to get down at Myrdal to board the train going to Flåm. We had read a lot about this beautiful train ride from Bergen to Flåm, which side to sit on, what to expect, and so on. After having visited Flam, there are a few points I’d like to make of my own. One, the train runs on a normal gauge, so it’s spacious. This means that whatever side you sit on, you will still be able to see the scenery all around. There are no reservations on this train, so one can sit anywhere. Two, the train maintains a comfortable pace, so one has enough time to look around and take in the sights. So, just relax! The Fairy tale village of Flam.....view from the train! A few minutes into the journey, there is a halt at the famous Kjosfossen Waterfall . Don’t forget to get off the train. The halt is only two minutes but what a memorable two minutes! Suddenly there is music and a water nymph appears out of nowhere around the waterfall. I later learned she’s called Huldra, the enchantress, a forest spirit who lures away men. The spectacle lasts barely two minutes but I am sure you'll remember those two minutes always whenever you talk about Flåm. The mesmerizing song-and-dance by Huldra, the enchantress! The rest of the journey is all oohs and aahs from fellow passengers who are gaping at the scenic sights. Flåm is touristy, and overnight stays can be expensive. It’s a small place and one can see the entire village easily within a few hours unless you want to spend time biking and hiking around the stunning scenery. There are a few eateries, a souvenir shop and even a small museum at the train station itself. The main village of Flåm is about a 25-minute walk from the train station. Instead of returning to Bergen by the same train, we opted to take a cruise from Flåm to Bergen, because, however scenic, return journeys are never as much fun. This cruise is on the Sognefjord, the King of Fjords . Sognefjord is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway. The cruise station is right next to the railway station in Flåm. The Cruise on Sognefjord, King of Fjords! Sognefjord is majestic! It serpentines its way through the North Sea and is surrounded by massive, verdant mountains on all sides with beautiful waterfalls dotting the landscape. The trip takes about 5 and ½ hours. Ålesund Our next stop is Ålesund by air from Bergen. Ålesund is considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway, with a stunning harbourfront and its location right at the entrance to the Geiranger Fjord. One can get stunning views of the city from the Aksla Viewpoint . Ålesund in the background from Aksla viewpoint It takes 418 steps from the town park to get to the top of the viewpoint. On a clear day, one can see the city on one side and the sea on the other. Also, I noticed a lot of trolls in Ålesund, in front of shops, and even grocery stores, which gives a very touristy vibe to the city. Art Nouveau along the shore The city is known for its Art Nouveau , there is a long story behind it. To cut it short, the city was drastically burnt in 1904 and was rebuilt again according to the art style of that time. You can take a walk along the harbour and see a lot of houses with colourful facades and curvy outlines along the harbour lending an old-world charm to an otherwise modern city. There is an Art Nouveau museum if you wish to learn more about the history of the city. In Ålesund, one can get the best Fish and Chips ever! There is a small eatery called ‘Jafs’ right next to the harborfront. Their tagline is ‘Probably the best Fish & chips in the world’. I think they should change it to ‘The best Fish & chips in the world’. Ålesund is a popular destination for taking day trips to Trollstigen , the mountain road with curvy bends and a viewing platform. This is a sure not-to-miss attraction. There are many local trips available in the city of Ålesund. In fact, the agency we opted for is called LocalTrips. The owner, Trond, was exceptionally helpful and friendly. This blog would be incomplete without mentioning his name. We had to get some changes made in our bus bookings onward from Ålesund. Every time we called, we were put in a long queue and ultimately greeted with an automated message in Norwegian. Trond volunteered to speak to the people at the booking counter on our behalf and got our ticket dates changed. The trip was personally conducted by him and was very interesting and informative. Stunning mountain scenery outside of Ålesund The trip started with a short stop at Gutbrandsjuvet , a tumultuous ravine that is easily accessible from the main road. There are viewing bridges to see the ravine from the top. There is a folklore about a boy called Gutbrand who had eloped with the girl he loved and jumped over the cliff, hence the name. Here one can taste some freshly grown strawberries of the region directly from the field. There are gushing rivers and waterfalls everywhere you look. Next, we drove to the top of Trollstigen via a splendid landscape lining both sides of the road. One has to walk to the top of the mountain to reach the highest viewing platform to see the road, but it’s not as tough as it sounds. The steps are very broad and evenly spaced out. Once you reach the top, you’ll know that the effort was worth it. One gets a bird’s eye view of the curvy road with hairpin bends with stunning mountain scenery as the backdrop and the lusty Stigfossen Waterfall in all its glory from here. Stigfossen on the left and Trollstigen far below When you’re driving down Trollstigen, remember to keep your camera ready to catch a very up and close view of the cascading waters of this waterfall that you won't want to miss! Our next stop on the trip was the Troll Wall . The wall is an awe-inspiring vertical piece of rock, the tallest cliff in Europe. You can get some great photos here to bring back home and boast about. There are some huge troll figures also waiting to be photographed with you. Don't miss the massive cliffs in the background...The Troll Wall Lastly, is the trip to Fjellstua, the 418 steps that can take you to the top of a viewing platform for mesmerising views of the entire city of Ålesund, its colourful houses and the surrounding sea. From Ålesund, we embarked on the last leg of our journey in Norway to Andalsnes by bus which takes about 2 and ½ hours to reach. The route, again, is breathtaking. But by now I am done making videos, so I just sit back and gaze at the beautiful bridges and lakes passing by. Andalsnes Andalsnes is a mountaineer’s paradise. It has the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre in the hub of the town. There is a gondola ride of 4 and ½ minutes to the top of Mount Nesaksla to look down on Andalsnes and Romsdalsfjord. Apart from these mountaineering and hiking activities, Andalsnes is quite laid-back and relaxing. We spent a whole day strolling along the shoreline. We stayed at the Grand Hotel which boasts panoramic views of the Romsdalstindene Peaks . We were lucky to get a room facing the peaks. The view at night was astounding! View at 1 a.m. from our room There is a small cafe around the corner as you walk down from the hotel, called Sødahlhuset. The food was excellent and it was accompanied by a live singer on her piano. The young girl’s melodious voice breaking through the quiet all around was magical. With this our trip was coming to a close, there was one attraction remaining though. Our train trip from Andalsnes to Oslo via Dombås . This train ride has been rated as the most scenic train journey by Lonely Planet and rightly so. I took out my camera and could never put it back. The train runs on the famous Rauma Line and the views outside could make you catch your breath. It chugs its way through the beautiful valley of Romsdalen , and the high cliffs, rivers, green mountains, and waterfalls, all seem to be following the train. These picturesque last 5 and ½ hours by train will always be my lasting memory of this beautiful country.

The western Canadian province of Alberta is a paradise waiting to be explored, the surreal beauty of this vast arid land has to be seen to be believed. Set against the backdrop of the mighty Canadian Rockies, you will see verdant greens of the Prairies, foothills of the Rockies and stunning emerald and blue glacial lakes dotting this scenic landscape at every turn. A road trip through this region will take you on the Trans-Canada Highway connecting Calgary to Banff and onward to Jasper National Park via Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), considered one of the world's most scenic highways in the world! Ten handy tips for your travel within the national parks in Alberta - The best time to travel to this rugged mountainous region is summer when the days are sunny and bright and you can expect sunshine till about ten o'clock at night!! Mountainous weather is unpredictable, so you must carry a light woollen jacket even when travelling in summer. If you plan to visit the Glacier in Columbia Icefields, all the more reason for you to carry warm clothes. A Parks Canada Pass is required to enter all the national parks. The pass is available online on the official website and you can also buy the same at the counter on the day of travel. I have written in detail about Parks Canada Pass in my memoir about our time in Banff National Park in a separate post on the link pasted below in this post. An important point to remember is that Parks Canada Pass does not automatically give you free access to all the parking lots inside the national parks. You might have to pay the parking fee at some places, at Lake Louise, for instance. So, please ensure that you check for parking fees wherever required to avoid any penalty later. We had 5 days at our disposal to see the national parks but I feel that a slightly longer week-long trip would be ideal to soak in the beauty of this region. Plus, keep an extra hour for every road trip you plan in this region because you will be tempted to stop your vehicle at every turn to click pictures of this scenic landscape. Remember to research what you wish to see during your stay in the national parks because there's so much to do and you will waste a lot of time without a proper plan in place. We, for instance, covered Lake Louise on our way to Canmore and Lake Emerald on our way to Jasper. This helped us save precious time. There are many ways to access the national parks, you can make a round trip, starting from Calgary to Banff, to Jasper and back to Calgary with overnight stays at Calgary and Banff of 2 to 3 nights each depending on the available time. A lot of people also start from Calgary and close their trip in Edmonton which is slightly closer than Calgary. Banff, like all touristy places, is more expensive compared to the nearby town of Canmore or the closest city of Calgary. If you're travelling with a family with kids and looking for more spacious and economical accommodation like Airbnb, then your best bet is to stay in the nearby town of Canmore which is closer and equally scenic as Banff. Staying in the bustling city of Calgary is also a great option which is only about an hour and a half drive from Banff. A drive through these national parks can bring you face-to-face with many wild animals like elks, big horn sheep, moose and even grizzly bears! We came across a huge grizzly bear and its cub slumbering in the woods and some tourists trying to catch its attention by gesticulating, making noise and taking pictures. Remember it can be very dangerous to provoke the animal. Please refrain from doing so and do not step out of your vehicle to click pictures. Also, when going on hikes in the national parks, remember to carry a bear spray can. Once you cross Banff and hit the road towards the national parks, you will not find any provision stores or eateries on the journey. So, stock up your car with snacks to munch on and enough water. The same should apply to your car's fuel tank too. Fill her up nice and full because you might not see a gas station many miles ahead. Now let me take you through our 5-day road trip through Alberta with the final leg of the road journey from Jasper to Vancouver BC. Our 5-day detailed itinerary in Alberta was as follows ..... Day 1 - Calgary to Banff National Park Idled around the town of Banff Bow Falls Surprise View Corner Johnston Canyon Lake Minnewanka We had only 5 days to cover both Banff and Jasper, so instead of spending our first day in Calgary, we headed straight to the famous Bow Falls  in Banff. A lot of people do this since Banff has lots of activities to cover. I have written a separate memoir about Banff, Bow Falls, Surprise View Corner, Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka. Please click on the link below to read all about it https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-days-in-banff-national-park-alberta Day 2 - Half-day Sightseeing in Calgary Calgary Downtown Peace Bridge After the excitement of the previous day, we started our second day in Calgary on a slow note. Calgary is rated as one of the cleanest cities in the world and a visit to this beautiful city reiterates this claim. One can find an abundance of open vistas and green patches in the city. We were in Calgary in June but if you happen to be there in July, you should not miss the chance to see the popular annual event called Calgary Stampede. It's a 10-day festival known for its outdoor rodeo show that has the distinction of being the world's largest outdoor rodeo, plus other events like concerts, parades and exhibitions by First Nations. First Nations refers to the Indigenous people and ethnic groups who first inhabited Canada. Calgary is not a hot tourist destination per se. Still, its proximity to Banff National Park (around 127 km via the Trans-Canada Highway) prompts many tourists traversing that area to use it as a base for further travel. We had only 2 days in Calgary. Our outing started with a trip to Downtown Calgary to explore the famous pedestrian hub, Stephen Avenue Walk . The area has many restaurants, shops and boutiques. We spent about an hour and a half and then headed to the Peace Bridge. Peace Bridge is a conspicuously red-coloured bridge built over the Bow River in Downtown Calgary in Prince's Island Park . You will find tourists and locals alike strolling and biking around the park. Another famous landmark of the city is the Calgary Tower . Located in the heart of Downtown Calgary, the tower is 190.8 metres tall and is known for its spectacular views of the Rocky Ranges in the distance. We had limited time, so we had to skip climbing the tower. Another important attraction in Calgary is the Calgary Zoo . If you're travelling with kids, then this should be the top of your itinerary for Calgary. But remember, the zoo is massive and you would need a full day to be able to see it all. Close to Calgary, about 135 km away, is the town of Drumheller . The town is famous for its striking badlands terrain in the Dinosaur Provincial Park. Again, it's a one-day outing from Calgary, go for it if you have time. Day 3 - Calgary to Canmore by road via Lake Louise and Fairview Lookout Trail The next two nights were in Canmore. As I've mentioned earlier, there's lots to do in Banff, so, after a quick trip around Calgary, we headed straight to Lake Louise in Banff. Besides, the day was bright and sunny and it would have been foolish to miss the opportunity to see the famed lake in all its glory. Read more about Lake Louise and Fairview Lookout Trail by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-lake-louise-in-banff Day 4 - Sightseeing in Canmore Biking trails Engine Bridge We had allocated the second day in Canmore to see Lake Moraine. But we could not get tickets for the tour package. Please remember that you cannot drive to Lake Moraine in your personal vehicle. The tours to the lake need to be booked well in advance. We learnt this fact the hard way and had to miss this tour. I have discussed this in the blog link posted above. So, instead of again driving to Banff, we decided to look up the beautiful town of Canmore. And boy, did we love it!! Canmore is a dreamy town lying in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, not as touristy as Banff but every bit as charming. If you can spare a day, then don't miss the chance to explore Canmore. Read  more about Canmore by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-nights-in-canmore-alberta Day 5 - Drove from Canmore to Hinton, Alberta via Lake Emerald and Columbia Ice Fields   Lake Emerald Tour of Columbia Ice Fields in Jasper National Park Very close to Canmore, just about 115 km away, lies another stunning water body, Lake Emerald. It lies in the Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Read more about Lake Emerald by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-lake-emerald-yoho-national-park-bc We spent half a day at the lake before proceeding to the tour of Columbia Ice Fields . Read more about our experience at the Columbia Ice Fields by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-thrilling-day-trip-to-the-columbia-ice-field-and-the-athabasca-glacier-in-alberta Our last destination for this road trip was Vancouver. Jasper to Vancouver is close to 800 km and takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes to cover. We decided to break the journey and spend a night in Hinton, a small town close to Jasper, about 40 minutes by road. The town has excellent infrastructure and offers cheaper accommodation than the touristy Jasper. On Day 6, we drove from Hinton, Alberta to Kamloops, BC and further to Vancouver. You can read about our Vancouver experience in a separate blog. Link following soon! Get more travel tips, click here Some Useful Travel Tips | journeys2memories

We started early from Calgary to reach the beautiful resort town of Banff. The route to Banff is as enchanting as the town itself.... The town has many old villas and chateaus converted into hotels and the vibe is unmistakably touristy. There are souvenir shops and restaurants on the main street called Banff Avenue where you can see the peak of Cascade Mountain peering from a distance. Banff was our second stop in Alberta after Calgary. Learn more about our 5-day road trip in Alberta in a separate blog by clicking on the link here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/5-day-road-trip-in-alberta-the-westernmost-province-of-canada We did not stay in Banff, but instead in the nearby town of Canmore. There are 2 reasons for this - Banff is highly touristy. There are only hotels, lodges and premium residences in Banff. If you're travelling with your family and looking for spacious accommodations like Airbnb with more rooms, you should stay in towns closer to Banff like Canmore. Being touristy makes Banff also very expensive. If you wish to stay for multiple days then staying in the quieter nearby towns is a more economical option which are as scenic as Banff. We reached Banff quite early and could easily find free parking space but I remember the mad rush at the parking lot by the time we got out in the afternoon. Let me start by stating a few handy pointers about visiting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park : You don't need a pass to enter the town of Banff. You do need to buy a Parks Canada pass to enter the national parks.  You can make reservations online on the official website of the parks in advance at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/passer-passes  or you can also buy tickets at the counter on the same day. A list of counters where passes can be purchased is mentioned on the website. If you're travelling as a family, then there is an option to buy a family group ticket. Remember, the pass has to be displayed on the windscreen of your vehicle at all times while you're travelling in the park. This entry pass is valid across Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes and Elk Island national parks. The pass expires at 4:00 pm on the day of departure. Google map signals can be a bit sketchy in a lot of places especially close to mountainous terrain, it's better to download offline maps before starting the journey and play safe. We had allocated only 3 days for the national parks which proved to be very little to cover the multitude of attractions that the parks offer. So, if possible plan at least 4 to 5 days to see all the attractions. The 2 most popular lakes in the region are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine and their inevitable comparison. I've discussed this in greater detail in a separate post on the link pasted here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-lake-louise-in-banff Day 1 - Drive Calgary to Banff Idled around the town of Banff Bow Falls Surprise View Corner Johnston Canyon Lake Minnewanka Banff is as touristy as it gets. The entire region is bursting with activity and tourists jostling in queues at popular sights is common. It's important to plan your visit to Banff if you want to utilize your time optimally. There are many activities to do in Banff, like the famous Banff Gondola, museums, cave tours, lots of walking trails and the lakes, of course. The national park has many must-see lakes like Lake Moraine, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Lake Peyto, Lake Emerald and Bow Lake to name a few. We wanted to see the beautiful glacial lakes with Lake Moraine and Lake Louise at the top of our list. I will discuss this in greater detail in a separate post. We decided to spend our first day in Banff exploring this beautiful town and seeing as many attractions as possible. We started our day in Banff National Park with a trip to Bow Falls . The falls lie at a distance of 128 km from Calgary via the Trans Canada Highway. The falls are free to visit but you will need the Parks Canada Pass since they lie inside Banff National Park. Close to the falls is the Surprise View Corner. This viewpoint offers great views of the Bow Valley  and the famous hotel Fairmont Banff Springs  across the Bow River. You can walk along the river and the falls and get some amazing views! Surprise View Corner is located at the corner of Tunnel Mountain Road, it's best to walk along the river and then take the stairs to Buffalo Street. The parking lot here is very small, it can accommodate barely 4 to 5 cars but wait for your turn since people keep moving in and out fairly quickly. There are also a lot of exciting hiking trails all around Bow Falls, after spending a couple of hours in the area, we set out to see Johnston Canyon  which is about 26 km away from Bow Falls. As we drive deeper into Banff National Park, the stunning beauty of the mountains starts unfolding in front of us... Johnston Canyon is the busiest trail in Banff owing to its easy incline in the canyon, which makes it a popular destination among families travelling with kids and the elderly. Quickly hugged my reluctant grown-up son on the pretext of getting a picture clicked... The wooden path along the canyon has a firm railing to hold on to and a very easy incline. The Bow River meanders through the narrow canyon creating stunning scenery... The hike takes you to the last point in the canyon which ends in a waterfall next to a cave. You will see a long queue of tourists waiting to enter the cave. We followed suit and waited for almost an hour, only to see what? The same waterfall gushing from inside into the canyon!! You can avoid this queue and the cave too! After spending close to 3 hours at Johnston Canyon, we headed to Lake Minnewanka . The lake is about 36 km from the canyon and is every bit stunning but less crowded. We spent some quiet time around the lake, clicking pictures on the cliffs and listening to the sound of silence! Day 2 - Calgary to Lake Louise, Overnight at Canmore Lake Louise Fairview Lookout Trail We drove back to Calgary in the evening from Lake Minnewanka. Early the next morning, we set out for Canmore with our bags in tow via Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada Highway. The day was bright and sunny so we decided to go straight to the lake instead of first checking into our apartment in Canmore. The direct route from Calgary to Lake Louise takes about 2 hours to cover a distance of 185 km. Read more about Lake Louise and Fairview Lookout Trail by clicking on the link pasted above in this post. If you have an extra day to spend on the road and are open to staying overnight somewhere along the way to Lake Louise, then you must take the scenic route from Calgary to Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway  instead of taking the regular Trans-Canada Highway. This roadway is known for its stunning scenic views and picnic spots along the way. When we visited Alberta in June 2024, this parkway was closed. Please refer to the official website of Parks Canada for updated information on this route. To sum up, I'd say that one can cover most of the touristy locales, the must-see attractions in Banff in 2 days, hopping from one attraction to another, but if you wish to soak in this surreal beauty at leisure, then 2 days are not enough. There are so many stunning lakes and walking trails at every turn, we would have loved to spend more time around the lakes. So , plan your trip accordingly.

The erstwhile French colonial settlement of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry) was declared a Union Territory of India on November 1st, 1954, ending 280 years of French rule. But unlike most colonial settlements, this vibrant city lying on the southeast coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu remembers its colonial past with panache. The White Town or the French Quarter, a charming neighbourhood spread over an area of about just a kilometre in Puducherry is replete with colonial-era villas painted in light shades of pastel yellow, its cobbled streets called 'Rue' in French still carry French names and the entire town has quirky cafes that offer an interesting assortment of French, Indian and Tamilian cuisines. It's also intriguing to note that a small community of French people continue to live in Puducherry and French is one of the official languages of the city. How to reach The nearest airport to Puducherry is Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, at a distance of about 151 kilometres. Puducherry is quite well connected by road with Chennai, the East Coast Road will take you to Puducherry through small towns, quaint little villages and scenic countryside. Transport options include very economical state-owned buses and private cabs. The journey takes about 3 hours. More about Puducherry Puducherry sees a regular inflow of tourists, both Indian and foreign. So, although the local language is Tamil, most people can understand English which makes going around the city quite easy. Local transport includes a variety of two-, three- - and four-wheeler vehicles available at very reasonable rates. Being a coastal town, the city experiences a sweltering and humid summer from March to May and heavy rainfall from June to September. The best time to visit Puducherry is the winter months from October to February. A visit to Puducherry must include these 5 Must-See Attractions White Town I presume White Town gets its name from the white French people who inhabited it 70 years ago. Now, this neighbourhood is a tourist destination in Puducherry. There are many things to see and do here, so it's a good idea to walk around the White Town and stroll along its many avenues and tree-lined streets. Goubert Avenue and Promenade Beach, also called Rock Beach We start our excursion with a walk around the White Town, I believe this is what all first-time-tourists to Puducherry do. The person at the reception desk sets us in the direction of the Promenade Beach. We can see a lot of mopeds parked in front of a barricade since the area is a vehicle-free zone. Promenade Beach offers a beautiful calming sight, we are surprised to see hundreds of walking enthusiasts, locals and tourists alike, soaking in the fresh sea breeze, walking along Goubert Avenue, taking pictures or grabbing a bite in the small eateries that line the entire stretch of the Beach. Goubert Avenue is the 1.5-kilometre-long paved corridor flanked by the Coromandel Coast on the one side and the White Town on the other and is a pedestrian's delight. The entire area comes alive in the morning and evening when people from all over town gather here to watch the sunrise or the sunset. The avenue is lined with many interesting monuments like the French War Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, Old Light House and Tribute Wall among others. We spend the rest of the evening loitering around Goubert Avenue and munching on delicious knick-knacks at Baker Street. You can learn about our culinary outings in Puducherry in a separate post by clicking here Aurobindo Ashram We started our second day's outing with a visit to Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram is like an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the hustle and bustle of Puducherry. There is an air of austerity around the simple structure of the ashram. We remove our shoes in a shoe rack placed opposite the ashram gate. Photography inside the ashram is strictly prohibited. So much so, that the guard at the gate, sensing that there are some tourists around makes us switch off our phones so that we cannot take any kind of pictures inside. The ashram opens from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and then from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day. As we step inside, we are led to a small courtyard surrounded by trees and thick greens. In the centre of the courtyard is a pristine-white marble shrine, the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. A lot of people are sitting around the shrine, eyes closed, hands folded in prayer. One can easily spend about 2 to 3 hours in the ashram, there is a library and a bookshop in case you're interested in buying books about the ideology of Sri Aurobindo. There is also a bulletin board with events of the day with free entry for everyone. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple or Ganesh Temple Very close to the Aurobindo Ashram is Ganesh Temple. The temple is over 500 years old and one of the oldest in the region. What makes this temple special is the interesting folklore that surrounds it. In 1688, the French wanted to erect a fort close to the temple. They decided to demolish the temple and throw the Ganesha idols into the sea. But each time they threw the idol, it would re-appear in its original place. To honour this divine miracle, they let the temple and its idols stay. To this day, Lord Ganesha is the presiding deity in the temple and is worshipped with a lot of fervour by its devotees. The outer facade of the temple has been done in classic Dravidian style with multi-coloured figurines and stuccos and the interiors are equally stunning with different kinds of idols of Lord Ganesha and other deities. Eglise De Notre-Dame des Anges, also known as Our Lady of Angels Church After a rather calming start to our day, we head to Our Lady of Angels Church. This beautiful Catholic church is one of the oldest churches in Puducherry and is located right in the heart of White Town. The church with its European-style architecture has an unmistakable colonial vibe. Entry is free. If you have time, you can spend some time here in peace and calm. Immaculate Conception Cathedral This 300-year-old cathedral offers a beautiful sight with its stained-glass windows and tall archways. Entry is free. Half-day trip to Paradise Beach We plan to spend the second half of the day at Paradise Beach. There are a few things to remember before you go - The beach is open for tourists from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entry fee to reach the beach is INR 150 per head. Paradise Beach can be reached via a short boat ride from Chunnambar Boat House. Chunnambar Boat House is 12 km away from Puducherry and can be easily reached by any kind of transport. The boat takes you to the beach and back. The last boat leaves the beach at 5:30 pm. So, kindly ensure you do not miss your boat back to Puducherry. You can plan to spend about 2 - 3 hours at the beach. There are no specific activities like any water sports available at the beach. I saw camel rides and mud biking for kids though. There are not many eateries at the beach, there is a restaurant with a very limited menu and a small shack selling coconut water. If you plan to spend more time at the beach, carry your snacks and drinks. Paradise Beach is a sandy beach and perfectly safe for bathing and splashing around in the water. However, bathing facilities are limited. There are washrooms but there was no running water available. We saw big cans of stored limited water. Day  trip to the Pitchavaram Mangrove Forest A trip to this mangrove forest is certainly worth your time and money. Read all about it in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-trip-to-pitchavaram-the-enchanting-mangrove-forest-from-puducherry Day trip to Auroville The experimental township in Viluppuram District of Tamil Nadu is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. Join me on this amazing tour by clicking the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-auroville-the-experimental-spiritual-township-of-human-unity Cafes in White Town Sampling the eclectic mix of cuisines that the White Town has to offer in its many cafes is an experience worth cherishing. Traditional Tamilian fare is fused with Indian and French cuisine to create mouth-watering delights. Let me take you on a tour of some of the most reputed cafes in White Town Puducherry... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/the-hot-and-sizzling-culinary-delights-of-puducherry

The deep turquoise blue hues of the glacial waters of Lake Louise set against the backdrop of the snowy mountainous terrain and lush green forests of larch trees in the background lend an ethereal feel to this stunning body of water, that has also earned it the nickname of The jewel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies ! Your trip to Banff would be incomplete without seeing the two most iconic lakes in the national park, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. It's important to know a few things about Lake Louise before your visit... Lake Louise is free to visit. You only need the Parks Canada Pass to enter the national park. Parking at Lake Louise is on a first come first served basis and it's not free. Please ensure that you get your parking ticket to avoid any penalties later. And parking rates are crazy at around $ 36 for a day! I normally don't make a note of parking rates but after having paid that much money for a 3-hour parking, I'm sure anyone would remember. The best time to visit the lake is early morning in summer to beat the massive tourist rush and also to get a decent parking slot. Keep a tab on the weather forecast before your visit to the lake. The views on a clear sunny day are unmatched in their beauty. Right opposite the lake is the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with fine dining options. If you're looking for a quick bite, then there is a cafe, a takeaway joint, on the ground floor which is open to walk-ins. They serve fresh coffee with good options for knick-knacks like sandwiches and small meals. Lake Louise will mesmerise you with its deep blue colour created by the presence of fine rock dust that flows into the lake from the nearby glaciers, remains suspended in the water and reflects the light. The lake shore has a pedestrian-friendly boardwalk that's ideal for clicking pictures. One should plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours at the lakeside since there are a whole lot of activities that can be done while you're there. Hiking on the famous Fairview Lookout Trail is one of the top favourites among visitors. Canoeing on the lake is another popular activity, you will see a lot of conspicuously coloured red canoes on the blue surface of the lake. Lake Louise Gondola is another popular attraction. The 14-minute gondola ride will take you up an incline of 2088 m where you can get splendid views of the mountains and a bird's eye view of the lake. However, if you are okay with hiking up a reasonably steep incline, then the hike up to the Fairview Lookout Trail should be top of your list of must-do activities in Lake Louise. View from the Fairview Lookout Point The trail is about 1 km in length and although the level of difficulty mentioned on the signboard was easy, I'd say that it's moderate since the climb to the viewpoint is uphill all the way. Return is all downhill. We came across a lot of people halfway through the trail wanting to enquire about how much to go further. We did it in summer on a sunny day, so the path was dry and easy to walk on. In winter, this steep slope can get very slippery, so be careful if you go in winter or if it's raining. Another famous lake that should be included in everyone's itinerary visiting Banff is Lake Moraine. This lake is considered to be more beautiful than Lake Louise...how is it even possible?? But I believe it is....since getting access to the lake was a nightmare. We tried making a booking 2 days in advance after reaching Calgary but could not find any vacant slots and even shuttle tickets were not available. We had to forego the idea of seeing Lake Moraine altogether. Hence, I am sharing our experience with you so that you make the bookings on time and are able to visit this wonder lake!   A visit to Lake Moraine is paid and can be visited with a tour only since driving to the lake in your private vehicle is not permitted. You can access Lake Moraine only by the Parks Canada shuttle buses, Roam Public transport or if you have a pre-booked tour package. Tour packages are expensive. Ideally, one should book a shuttle to and fro in advance in the peak season. The official website for Lake Moraine is https://morainelake.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Day-Visits-to-ML-2023.pdf . You must go through this if you're serious about visiting this lake on a day trip and that too in the peak season. So, Lake Moriane will have to wait for another trip to Alberta but Lake Louise was definitely the show stealer of our trip to Banff. If you're able to visit both these lakes on your trip to Alberta, do share your experience with me. I would love to hear your story.

After spending two nights in Calgary, we headed to Canmore. Canmore is 103 km away from Calgary, it lies in the heart of Bow River Valley in the Kananaskis Country, on the southeast boundary of Banff National Park. Its proximity to the park makes it the perfect place for tourists traversing the region to stay here. A fleeting pic en route to Canmore... The town is as beautiful but not as expensive as Banff, plus if you're travelling with your family and are looking for spacious accommodations, then Canmore is your best bet. Stunning mountain scenery visible from our backyard! Canmore is very popular amongst sporting enthusiasts, if you're an avid outdoor sports lover, then this city is the answer to all your sporting desires. It's famous for ice climbing and its many walking and biking trails plus the famous Rat's Cave Tours. Also, skiing enthusiasts flock to Canmore since the town has the distinction of having one of the longest ski seasons in the world. There are many spectacular trails, the most popular being the Policeman's Creek Boardwalk. This is an easy trail and you'll love the views you get from it as you stroll along. The walking trail has the famous Big Head Sculpture and goes past Downtown . We had gone there for a morning walk sans our phones which is a rare thing for tourists like us to do, but Big Head Sculpture warrants a mention and a picture, I had to take this from a public portal... Another stunning trail in the region is the Grassi Lakes Trail.  This trail lies in the Kananaskis Country and is about 4 km long. Its gentle incline has made it a popular choice for families. It should take about 2 hours to do a round trip that will take you to the beautiful twin turquoise lakes, Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes. When we visited in June 2024, this trail was intermittently closed for maintenance purposes. Please check the official website of Alberta Parks https://albertaparks.ca/  for more updates on this trail in case you wish to explore it. Day One Lake Louise Fairview Lookout trail Lake Louise is one of the top attractions in Banff and if the day you plan to visit it is bright and sunny, don't miss the opportunity. We did exactly that and visited the lake en route to Canmore. I have written about our day trip to Lake Louise in a separate blog. Please follow the link to read more... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-lake-louise-in-banff Day Two Explored the beautiful city of Canmore Engine Bridge Biking trails Our day started with walking around town looking for the iconic Three Sisters , we finally spotted them while walking towards the Downtown. The trail to this trio of peaks is challenging and takes about 3 and a half hours to complete. Considering we had just a day in Canmore, had to contend with clicking pictures of this beauty only. We decided to hire bikes and see as much of the town as possible, starting with Downtown Canmore. I have never seen such a picturesque downtown. There are rows of shops and galleries that you can explore at leisure with the beautiful Rockies peering from the sides. Since Grassi Lakes Trail was closed down, we set out on the picturesque Bow River Trail , a 6.9 km long loop with the level of difficulty stated as easy. The trail goes over the historic Engine Bridge , another popular attraction in Canmore. View of the Bow River from Engine Bridge The famous Engine Bridge Stunning views of the Canadian Rockies in the backdrop of the Engine Bridge Biking around Canmore's many picturesque locales.... Canmore is a gem, largely overshadowed by its illustrious neighbour Banff. Plan to spend some extra time here and you will get to see the raw side of nature without the spoils of excessive tourism. If you happen to visit Canmore, do share your experiences with me. I'd love to hear from you!

The lakes around Canada's national parks never cease to amaze you. We've all heard about Lake Louise and Lake Moraine but believe me, the lesser known ones are equally stunning. Lake Emerald is one of them. Silhouetted by tall lush green trees on all sides, the scenery around the lake is a sight to behold adding to the beauty of the blue-green glacial waters of the lake, aptly called Emerald! One gets to see a different kind of topography on the route to Lake Emerald in the Yoho National Park. The beautiful winding road is lined by tall pine, spruce and fir trees and the Rockies appear much closer... Some basic tips about a visit to Lake Emerald The lake lies in Yoho National Park at a distance of 115 km from Canmore. It's closer to Banff at about 94 km. The lake is free to visit. Your Parks Canada Pass will be valid here. There is a free parking very close to the lake. It gets filled up easily but I saw vehicles moving in and out quickly, so it's better to wait for your turn. I also saw some cars parked along the side of the road. I'm not sure if that's permitted, please be sure if you park outside the parking lot. Canoeing is the most popular activity on the lake; You will see many red canoes dotting its calm waters. The best time to go to the lake is early morning when the light hits the water, making the lake look ethereal, and getting easy access to the parking is an added advantage. Remember to carry caps or hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and enough water to drink if you plan to go canoeing on a sunny day. The sun's rays can be very scorching. A free toilet facility is available very close to the lake and if you walk up the path right next to the lake a bit further, you will find a small place for coffee and sandwiches. You need only about 2 hours around this lake, so plan it en route to some other destination. We visited it on our way to Columbia Ice Fields in Jasper, it worked out pretty well. Lake Emerald is a gem worth exploring. Don't miss it on your trip to Alberta!!