Going to Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi is every pilgrim's dream. As per popular Hindu belief, taking a dip in the holy Ganges on the banks of Kashi can absolve the person of all his or her past life sins. And leaving one's mortal body in Kashi is a sure-shot route to salvation. But Varanasi offers more than just salvation.... The city is a pulsating reminder of the ethos of Hinduism, that religion is a celebration, it's an integral part of life, not just for the living but also for the dead. Little wonder then that Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the Ganges is always burning with funeral pyres while alongside, the banks on the opposite side of the river are buzzing with people as they go about their daily routines, washing laundry, bathing and offering holy water to the Sun God. The inevitable cycle of life and death is on full display at these ghats at all times. We reached Varanasi in the evening. The roads leading to the ghats are extremely crowded in the evening as tourists throng them to see the Ganga Arti. We decided to start our sightseeing the next morning with a visit to the Assi Ghat. There are 10 things that you must see and experience in Varanasi 1. 'Subah-e-Banaras' at Assi Ghat This is the first must-do thing on our itinerary. Assi ghat is known for 'Subah-e-Banaras', a cultural extravaganza that is held at 5:00 a.m. every morning. The setting is simple yet aesthetic, people can sit on chairs or the steps around the ghat. In the background of a very enthusiastic rendition of Vedic hymns by young children of the nearby Gurukul, young men clad in red dhotis, holding brass oil lamps in their hands make powerful, graceful movements in sync with the recital to worship the Ganges. My Tip - Stay a little longer around the place. Once the Arti is done, the scene shifts to a small stage on the side of the ghat for some classical recital. The soulful voice of the singer welcoming the morning Sun is nothing short of magical. Magical mornings with Subah-e-Banaras! 2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple From Assi Ghat, we hire a boat to reach the main attraction of Varanasi, the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This is the highlight of the trip to Varanasi. The temple has a 'Jyotirlinga', a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva in his 'Vishwanath Roop', meaning Ruler of the world. The temple complex can be approached from the river and the city side. As we approach the temple, the huge impressive facade of the temple becomes visible. Very close to the temple complex is the Manikarnika Ghat. There is so much activity around the ghat in the morning, some fresh pyres are spewing thick smoke into the air, and the sight makes me unwittingly cringe. Our boatman senses my discomfort and has an interesting folklore to share. He tells us that it is believed that the continual funeral pyres at the ghat are also a reminder of the continuity of life, the locals believe that if on any given day no funeral pyre is lit at the ghat, then all life on earth will end. Talking of folklore, there is an abundance of them in this most ancient city of the world. Every autorickshaw driver, every chai wallah (tea vendor) and every other local has one to share. We walk through the massive temple complex, along the long corridor to the Sanctum Sanctorum. There are beautifully adorned statues along the way. Beautiful statue of Bharat Mata in the corridor....first look at the temple that houses the Jyotirling... beautiful graffiti on the wall behind the temple complex! My Tip - Reach early before the crowds thicken. Pilgrims visiting the temple are not allowed to carry phones, wallets, belts, shoes or any other item made of leather. There are safe deposit lockers right outside the temple. You can also buy 'Prasad' from a counter inside the temple complex. The golden spire of the main temple is visible from the outside The main temple houses a black stone Jyotirlinga, placed imposingly on a silver pedestal, with some small jyotirlingas all around. We join the queue leading to the Jyotirlinga, with folded hands and fervorous chanting of 'Om Namah Shivay' and 'Om Vishwanath', we look at the Jyotirlinga of the Ruler of the World in awe as we go by. There are colonnades all around the main temple housing other deities too. On less crowded days, one needs about an hour to see the temple and do the darshan. 3. Ram Bhandar - Eatery The morning darshan has left our souls rejuvenated to face the crowded and turbulent world once again. Now we head to the famous 'Ram Bhandar', a small roadside eatery that has shot to fame because of its sumptuous breakfast menu of Sabji-kachori and jalebi. Be prepared to wait for at least an hour before you get your breakfast and to eat it practically sitting on the roadside, that too in a dingy lane. My Tip - In all honesty, there was a lot of hype around this eatery, so we came like everyone else before us. Sorry for the spoiler, but the food was average, not worth the effort and the wait! Ideally, this should not be on the must-see list but everyone will tell you to go to Ram Bhandar, so I thought it's wise to give a heads-up. 4. Bengali Tola Varanasi has always been known to attract sages and saints from all walks of life. One such saint is Mahavatar Babaji, or the deathless Guru as he is called. It is believed that he is the human incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. His disciple, Lahiri Mahasya's ashram is in Bengali Tola in Varanasi. I read about this many years ago in the book 'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramhansa Yogananda. The urge to see the ashram has lingered in my mind ever since. So, after breakfast, we head to Bengali Tola. We walk through the narrow lanes and by-lanes of Varanasi for at least half an hour, enquiring from passersby about the Lahiri Mahasya Ashram. Finally, we reach the ashram only to learn that it is not open to the public at all times. We waited for about an hour near the Ganga-ghat for the ashram to open. The ashram is a small residential complex of Lahiri Mahasya, with statues of Mahavatar Babaji and Satya Charan Lahiri and a small temple. It's not a museum, it's just about the life of Lahiri ji and how he got catapulted from being an ordinary man to the status of sainthood. My Tip - The ashram is not spectacular if that's what one expects. But there is a magnetism in that place that is hard to miss. We spent about 30 minutes in the ashram, soaking in the spiritual vibe all around. A small cave room for Mahavatar Babaji and Mahasya Lahiri house 5. Sankat Mochan Temple Varanasi is home to a lot of temples. This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey God, is held in great reverence by Hindus. The temple has scores of monkeys living in and around it. The saint poet Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramayana, established this temple in the 16th century. My Tip - The temple attracts lots of visitors but it is fairly organised and the massive queues keep moving, so waiting time is very little. 6. Durga Temple Very close to the Sankat Mochan Temple is the Durga Temple. This is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi since the folklore states that the idol of Ma Durga in this temple was not made by human hands. It is believed to have appeared on its own at the site of the temple. My Tip - If you're a believer, then one doesn't need any coaxing to visit the temple of Durga Mata. 7. Godowlia Chowk Your visit to Varanasi is incomplete without spending one evening scouting around the famous Godowlia Chowk. The entire zone is pedestrian-only and you will find a sea of people thronging the shops and eateries there. Some famous eateries that offer mouth-watering delights are Kashi Chat Bhandar and Deena Chat Bhandar. These places offer delicious local Banarasi fare at very reasonable prices and are really crowded. I have never seen so many people waiting to eat in a restaurant ever. And the best part is there is no jostling or pushing, people are just patiently standing around in groups, waiting for their turn. My Tip - We have seen so many town squares in so many cities of the world, which are pedestrian zones. But the rustic country vibe in this chowk is amazing. 8. Sarnath The next morning we travel about 13 km to see Sarnath. Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath and founded Buddhism. The entire complex has many stupas and an 80-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha. The place is clean and quiet, one can easily spend two hours seeing the sights, including the famous Ashoka Pillar with the Indian Emblem on it. There are some more temples built by China, Japan and Sri Lanka too. The place has a lot of historical significance and is fun to watch. My Tip - The moment we reached the parking slot in Sarnath, all kinds of guides thronged us from all sides. Most of them claim that they are students at the university nearby and are doing this as a part of their training. Please make it a point to check their ID to see if they are authorised guides. The guide we got cooked up some fictional stories and facts to entertain us, which I later discovered, was all false. So, be choosy when it comes to hiring a guide. Certify his credentials before he starts with his stories. If you're travelling with kids, then they would be thrilled to see so many historical artefacts in one place. Replica of our National Emblem Buddha temple, the 80-foot-tall statue in Sarnath and the Stupa 9. Ganga River Cruise In the evening, we have bookings for a cruise on the river Ganges that goes by the name of Alaknanda Cruises. The cruise starts at 5:45 pm each day from Assi Ghat and ends at 7:30 pm, bringing you back to the same point. The air-conditioned boat has provisions for refreshments and some beverages. It has a PA system that runs a commentary in both Hindi and English as it sails by the various ghats. The beautiful temple complex is lit up at night! The boat goes down the river, showcasing the entire history of Varanasi which is intricately entwined with its 84 ghats. My Tip - The boat cruise is a wonderful experience. The entire history of Varanasi has been put on display here along the banks of the river. The commentary is crystal clear and very informative. The boat goes past the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat... By the end of the ride, the boat parks itself close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat for a spectacular Ganga Arti. The scene at the Arti has to be experienced, it cannot be expressed in plain words. 10. Evening Arti at Dashashwamedh Ghat There are people everywhere, in front of the ghat, on boats, big and small, on boat cruises, on luxury boats of the nearby hotels, perched on rooftops all around the ghat, on the streets nearby, everywhere. The Ganga Arti starts with the customary jingling of bells and conches and then the fire is lit in big brass lamps to worship the river Ganges and its master Lord Shiva. People on the boat scramble to the side of the Arti and watch the spectacle with bated breath. The distinct blue pillars of Dashashwamedh Ghat, the brightly lit umbrella-like canopies, and the sound of conches and bhajans as they echo on the gentle rustling waters of the Ganges create a dazzling effect for the pilgrims. The Arti and the pageantry surrounding it will remain etched in our minds forever! This is undoubtedly a must-see attraction. Spellbinding experience of the Ganga Arti If you have time, then you can explore the vast variety of rich Banarasi silk sarees. There are shops all over the city offering goods for all kinds of budgets. The prices at most shops are negotiable, so you can try your bargaining skills! We spent three days on the streets of Varanasi, looking at the sights, soaking in the raw exuberance of life here, tasting its many delicious delights, visiting temples or just looking at them from the outside because there is a temple at every nook and corner of the city, even saw death being celebrated so closely, listening with awe to the folklore.. At the end of it all, I realized that people come to Varanasi to find salvation, to find themselves. And the ones who truly find themselves are the ones who have the courage to lose themselves in the crowds here!

' Kerala - God's own country,' a catchphrase introduced by Kerala Tourism is truly an apt reflection of this southernmost state of India, nestled cosily in the western ghats along the Malabar Coast. The state is blessed with a rich bio-diversity, lush green forests, vast tea plantations and backwaters. And sailing on one of these backwaters of Kerala which is a network of canals, lagoons and lakes running along the Malabar Coast, can be an exhilarating experience. We flew from Delhi to Kochi for this journey. From Kochi, we hired a cab to reach Alappuzha or Alleppey as it is commonly known. It's a distance of 53 km that can be covered in about 90 minutes. Alleppey is world-renowned as the backwater tourist destination of India. The backwaters in Alleppey are spread over an area of 300 sq km. There are various options available to stay in Alleppey, both on or near the backwaters. We had made our bookings for an overnight Houseboat cruise with Spice Route Luxury Cruises , a company that specializes in conducting boat cruises on the Alleppey backwaters. We had high expectations from this trip since we had read that quite a few celebrities have also stayed on this boat for an overnight cruise. There are many kinds of boats depending upon the number of people in your group. We had opted for 'Saffron', a boat with one bedroom for a couple. Upon reaching Alleppey, we travelled through rustic bylanes to reach the Spice Route Office. The office turns out to be a vintage villa that also serves as an embarking centre for the boats. The dream boat 'Saffron' We're greeted with warm smiles and traditional garlands before getting on Saffron. The boat has a crew of 3 dedicated staff to look after the two of us! The driver or captain of the boat, a cook and a caretaker. 'Saffron' is like a dream sailing on the water. It has a traditional thatched roof from the outside and an uber-luxurious interior, very tastefully done, as promised on the Spice Routes website. It offers all the luxuries and amenities one can imagine on a small cruise boat. The air-conditioned boat has a small bar, a lounge area, a sundeck on the first floor, and an amazing massive jacuzzi in the spacious bathroom. We spent the first hour exploring the boat with childlike enthusiasm and clicking pictures. The three-man staff go about their business to get our lunch ready. 5-star accommodation and facilities on board...this is as luxurious as it can get! In about an hour, a sumptuous lunch comprising of delicious fish curry is served with rice and various accompaniments. The caretaker had enquired about our food preferences at the start of the journey itself. After lunch, we spend a lazy afternoon on the sundeck. The boat moves at a very leisurely pace giving ample time for the cool sea breeze to swirl around us in soft manoeuvres. The friendly hum of the boat's engine is broken only by the chirping of birds and the gently cascading waters as it sails past small villages and paddy fields. Hearing the sound of silence! The entire area around the Alleppey backwater is lined with quaint villages that appear to have been frozen in time. The water line along the coast is dotted with charming houses with thatched roofs and small verandahs facing the water body. One can spend the entire day looking at the flurry of activity taking place here. People use this water for washing, bathing and doing their everyday chores. The caretaker informs us that we can get out of the boat to see one of the villages, get an Ayurvedic massage done, talk to locals, inspect the paddy fields and even get a hand-picked fish or lobster for our dinner that evening. The last two options sound very appealing. A little before dusk, we step out into the village nearby and take a walk to the nearby paddy fields. We picked a big tiger prawn from a nearby vendor for our dinner that evening. The prawn was cooked to perfection. A walk in the nearby paddy fields till dusk falls! The day happened to be our wedding anniversary, and as a special surprise gesture, we even got to cut a cake on the boat. At night, the boat docks around 10 km away into the backwaters. The dark water all around is absolutely still, suddenly there is commotion and beams of light come out of nowhere. I wake up to see lots of small boats around full of people, shouting out to each other, ferrying everyday goods from one boat to another, maybe for their own use or for tourists who are staying all along the water line. After an hour or so of brouhaha, the dark quiet of the water returns. The next morning, we woke up to a glorious sunrise visible from our room and the appetizing smell of freshly cooked Appams* and chicken stew that they had cooked on our request. Sunrise on the Alleppey backwaters The boat comes back to the point where it started the day earlier at Alleppey at around 10:30 in the morning. The staff bids us a warm farewell, and we, in turn, thank them for their hospitality. This was a one-day trip on a houseboat into paradise and back! *Appam is a thin pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk.

Budapest never fails to surprise you ...the Hungarian capital is an intriguing bundle of the old and the new. On the one hand is the medieval Buda Castle District, and on the other hand, just about 5 km away from it, is District VII with its one-of-a-kind, unique bars and pubs, the Ruin Pubs. Before we visited Budapest, I thought that Ruin Pubs were just a cool name given to the pubs in the city. Only after visiting Szimpla Kert did I realise that Ruin Pubs originated in the old abandoned buildings of the Jewish Quarter at the beginning of the 21st century, in the early 2000s. The 7th District, located centrally between Charles Boulevard and Elizabeth Square, is now home to most of the pubs and nightclubs. Szimpla Kert, also considered the pioneer of ruin pub culture in Budapest, is a double-storeyed complex with multiple bars all over. The decor of this place is surreal; one needs to see it to believe it! It's Avant-garde and environmentally friendly, what with all the leftover junk they've used to create so much art in its place. The decor and the vibe are interesting, drinks are affordable, ranging from the expensive to the very cheap ones, too. There is live music in the evening, which is the icing on the cake. These pubs don't serve food; all you will get at the most are some ready snacks for munching. But right next to Szimpla Kert is Karavan, a nice open-air restaurant that serves excellent food and beverages. We saw many people finish their drinks in Szimpla Kert and then head to Karavan.   Budapest comes alive in these pubs, if you have a spare evening, visiting the Ruin Pubs can be a great way to spend it!

An hour's drive from the City Centre will take you to Memento Park in Budapest, a small, unostentatious park about 10 km southwest of Budapest. This small park with its colossal statues from the communist period speaks volumes about the challenges Hungary faced during that era and its final downfall in the uprising of 1956. Right in front of the park's entrance is a massive plinth with Stalin's Boots as a remembrance of the uprising of 1956, when Stalin's statue was pulled down, and only his boots remained. How to Get to Memento Park in Budapest Getting to the park by public transport from Budapest is fairly easy. You can take the Metro Line M4 to Kelenföld Station. From there, you will get a direct bus to Memento Park on Bus lines 101B and 101E. If you have a Budapest Card, then this entire trip will be included in it. Another easier way is to take the direct bus line from Deak Square to Memento Park. You can purchase the ticket on the bus itself. You can get a discounted ticket on the Budapest Card on this line. We took the first option, got off at Kelenföld Station and took bus number 101E to the park. The bus dropped us opposite the park across the road. Things to See at the Memento Park Stalin's Boots Right at the entrance to the park is this intriguing plinth with tall boots that once belonged to the statue of Stalin that was pulled down by the crowds revolting against the oppressive communist regime on October 23rd, 1956. Now, the boots stand as a poignant reminder of that era and also of its downfall. Statue Park This small open-air museum has 41 mammoth statues of important figures from the communist regime. The statues are really impressive and capture that era well. My understanding of the park is that at first look, it might seem like the park is celebrating that regime, but as you go through the statues, the irony gradually sinks in. One needs a democratic, free state to be able to talk about the oppressive communist regime. Exhibitions There is a small exhibition area across the road from the park. These exhibitions have a replica of Stalin's boots. There are displays about the events that occurred around the revolution of 1956 and the ultimate fall of the communist regime in Hungary. Cinema hall Adjacent to the Exhibition area is a small theatre. We just walked past it, thinking that this was just another documentary about the making of this park and so on. But once inside, we discovered it was a short film about the agents who worked in the communist regime. The film depicts the lives of agents, how they were inducted, and their training in different aspects of spying and espionage. The film was very well made and got us completely hooked. We sat right through the end of this one-hour film. My Tip for You Memento Park might not instantly impress you the way most museums or art installations do. The reason is that it tells the story of Hungary's communist regime very simply. The infrastructure around the park is very basic. They have collected these statues from various parts of Hungary and put them together here. But the history lesson is profound, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mammoth statues are amazing. At the entrance to the park, an old East German car called a Trabant is parked. I think it stood there as a symbol of the unfulfilled dreams of people who lived in the erstwhile GDR. There is a ticket counter at the entrance where you can also buy refreshments. An old radio set was playing some old melodies. The toilets were clean and free, which is quite unlike most places. I think this pretty much paints the picture of the park for you. If you're interested in learning about the history and politics of Hungary and of the communist regime in general, then this park will not disappoint you.

Budapest is world-renowned for its thermal springs. After having experienced the novelty of this experience, I would recommend it to anyone going to Budapest to make it a point to visit the thermal baths. Why are there Thermal Baths in Budapest? Budapest lies on a geographical fault line caused by the convergence of the Buda Hills with the plains. This collision has created pools of warm mineral-rich water springs. These mineral springs are known for their healing and soothing properties and for treating many skin ailments, too. This natural wonder has been beautifully harnessed in the form of thermal spas at various sites in the city. In all, there are 9 thermal spas in Budapest. Although the quality of natural spring water is the same, each spa has a different vibe and infrastructure. We visited the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths, one of the biggest in Budapest, with 15 indoor and 3 outdoor thermal pools. Things to Know Before Visiting the Thermal Baths in Budapest Swimwear is compulsory across all thermal baths. There are no exceptions to this rule. You're expected to wear flip-flops during your time at the baths. This is important from a hygiene perspective as there are no showers around each pool. Visitors are expected to enter the pools with clean feet. So, don't forget to carry your flip-flops. It's also a good idea to carry your towels and wraps, soaps, shampoo or whatever you need. Your Standard ticket does not include any complimentary goodies. There is a shop where you can buy these things in case you forget to carry them, but they add to the cost. You are not expected to wear a shower cap in the thermal pools unless you plan to use the outdoor big swimming pool. Locker facilities are available to keep your possessions. They can be operated with the wristband that is put around your wrist for the entire length of your stay on the premises. Try to reach the venue of the baths as early as possible. Massive crowds throng the pools as the day progresses. Weekends are very crowded, and weekdays by comparison see fewer crowds. Try to plan your visit on a working day. Same-day tickets are easily available at the counter for regular use of the pool and spa facility. If you're looking for some specific service like a special massage or a facial, then it's better to make online bookings beforehand. Thermal pools are safe in all respects. They are family-friendly, but kids only above 14 are allowed into the pools. Photography is not prohibited inside or outside the facility. Remember to carry a ziplock pouch to keep your phone with you without getting it wet. I'd like to mention here that many people are locals who have come solely to avail the medicinal benefits of the mineral pools. Although no one objects to taking pictures, it's polite to get their permission before doing so or wait to get the pool all to yourself. Looking at the crowds, that might not happen, so taking permission is your best bet, I guess! Alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the spa complex. You can also buy them at the small cafeteria. There is the unstated rule that these may be consumed civilly without disrupting the decorum of the place. Spending a Day at Sźechenyi Thermal Baths Budapest We reached the baths on a warm July morning, as early as 8 am. There were no queues at the ticket counter when we arrived. We opted for the Standard Ticket, which includes using the locker facility. The tickets come with a wristband that you can use to operate your locker. Independent cabins for changing and storing your possessions are also available with some ticket packages. The complex lies very close to Budapest City Park and is just about an 8 to 10-minute walk away from the famous Heroes Square. Special discounts are offered for early check-ins on certain days of the week. You may refer to the official website for more info and offers before your visit https://www.szechenyibath.hu/ There is a Subway station and a tram line stop right next to the spa complex. Metro Line 1 from the City Centre, Deak Square, goes directly. We took tram line 72 from our place to reach the spa. The main entry to the spa is from the Circus entrance. After purchasing the tickets, we were led to the locker rooms on the lower level with toilets, changing and showering facilities. There are separate locker areas for men and women. The area and toilets were fairly clean, albeit with very basic amenities. The locker area is massive, with a long corridor branching into many sections. Each section has about 100 lockers. I'd read somewhere before our visit that it's quite easy to get lost in the maze or lose track of your locker. I made it a point to remember my locker number and the section where it was located. After changing into our swimwear, we headed straight to the outdoor thermal pool. The water temperature in the pool is maintained at a warm 38 degrees Celcius. There are steps all around the pool for people to just sit and relax and soak in the goodness of the spring water. In the centre, is the whirlpool. It's like going on a merry-go-round in water, walking or floating along as the powerful gusts of water sway you around. The whirlpool is as much fun doing as it's watching other people shriek and shout as they go around in a circle. This outdoor pool also has a jacuzzi and powerful water jets that have a small queue around them with people waiting for their turn to experience it. After flapping around in the outdoor pool for almost an hour, we decided to go and experience the indoor thermal pools. The inside pools looked like a more serious business to me, no fun and frolic here. It was quieter and there were a lot of elderly people relaxing in the thermal pools. There are 15 pools of varying sizes, depths and water temperatures indoors, ranging from quite warm to tepid to very cold in some pools. The water temperature is monitored vigilantly. There are open storage units next to each pool where you can put your bags, phones, etc. There is also a sauna and a steam room inside for anyone to use. After spending a good 2 hours exploring the indoor pools, we stepped outside. It was almost noon by then. The scenario around the outdoor pools had completely transformed. There were so many people in the big pool. There was a nice vibe around the place. What immediately struck was the way people just went about their own business, tourists having fun and clicking pictures, while the regulars just soaking in the goodness of the water. The locker rooms were also bursting with people by then. There was a queue in front of the toilet. It was not as clean as we'd left it in the morning; everything was wet everywhere. But there was decorum as people waited patiently for their turn to use the washrooms or even the hair dryers fixed outside in the corridor. We spent a good 4 to 5 hours at the spa complex. I can safely say that a trip to Budapest would be incomplete without a visit to its famous thermal baths. It was an experience of a different kind, certainly a not-to-miss kind!

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Hungarian Parliament Building is sheer poetry set in stone. It's considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The grandeur of this World Heritage Site has to be seen to be believed. Per TripAdvisor Traveller's Ratings, this is the 10th most beautiful structure in the World! The building is a classic example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, with tall pointed and intricately decorated arches and spires surrounding a massive dome in the centre. The opulent interiors are decorated with 40 kilograms of 22-carat gold!! Located on the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the River Danube, this glorious structure evokes awe among tourists who flock to see it from every angle. Exploring the Area Around the Hungarian Parliament Building The Parliament Building is located on Kossuth Square, a beautiful square surrounded by stunning buildings and statues. Tram line 2 and Budapest Metro line 2 take you to the Kossuth Lajos Station. Adjacent to the Parliament Building in the open area outside, you will see a small staircase leading to an underground exhibition area. If I remember correctly, this exhibition is free to visit. The small museum tells the poignant tale of the uprising and massacre that took place in 1956 in front of the Parliament Building. The display includes photographs, interviews and video clips of survivors of that tragedy. The museum is informative, but only if you have some previous knowledge of the uprising in Hungary; if not, then it's just a viewing gallery. The Kossuth Lajos Square with the Kossuth Lajos Monument is a few paces ahead of the building. This stone tableau depicts the popular Hungarian revolutionary Lajos Kossuth leading Hungary's struggle for independence from Austria. Each year on March 15th, this monument is the site for Independence Day celebrations in Budapest. As you walk past the Parliament Building, you will see the equestrian statue of Francis II Rakoczi and the stunning building of the Palace of Justice on the other side of Kossuth Square. What to Expect Inside the Hungarian Parliament Building Over 7 thousand visitors visit this building annually, so you can imagine the crowds waiting each day to get inside. I have made a list of some pointers that could help you plan your visit. Entry is paid and can be done only with the conducted tours that last 45 minutes in the language of your choice. An audio guide is provided to each visitor. The guide is very informative and explains in detail the architecture of this building as you walk through it. Ideally, one should book online tickets beforehand to ensure that one gets entry into the building. Same-day tickets can be difficult, although we got two tickets for an English tour. But that was sheer luck, I guess! As you enter, each visitor is given the choice to either take the elevator to the top of the house or walk up the Grand Staircase. Take the elevator only if you are entirely incapable of walking up the 4 or 5 flights of steps. You should not miss the tour through the Golden Staircase. The building is an active office of the Hungarian Legislative Assembly; it remains closed on certain days of the year. Please check their official website before planning your visit at https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors Visitors are led through the Grand Staircase through the corridors into the Central Hall, where the Hungarian Holy Crown is placed. This Domed Hall is the only part of the tour where photography is not permitted. You will see on your tour the Chamber of Peers, the grandiose legislative assembly hall of the parliament. The audio guide will tell you about its unique air-conditioning system. Towards the end of the tour, you will be led into a small exhibition and display area where you can learn more about the construction of this building. You can plan to spend about 10 to 15 minutes here. To sum up, I would say that even if you only have a day in Budapest, then visiting the Parliament Building should be at the top of your list. But it's a visit that needs to be planned and will take about 2 hours in all.

A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Budapest Castle District is a lesson in 'everything you wish to know about Hungarian history' served on a platter for you. Let me start by saying that this castle complex is the most unusual I have ever seen. This grand castle was destroyed, built, and rebuilt many times over the last seven centuries, so what we see today is a mish-mash of architectural styles and an assortment of buildings all belonging to different eras. There are Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styles of buildings in the castle, all existing in sync together. Getting to the Budapest Castle District There are many ways to get into this massive complex. I am discussing the 3 routes that we contemplated before our visit. You can take the funicular to Castle Hill from Clark Adam Ter or Clark Adam Square from the north end of the castle. The 95-meter-long funicular is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The funicular will lead you to St. George Square on the castle grounds. The square is separated from the royal palace by an ornamental gate leading down to the Habsburg Steps. Your eyes will be unwittingly drawn to a mammoth bronze sculpture of a mythical bird called Turul, the symbol of the Kingdom of Hungary. Remember, there is always a long serpentine queue of tourists in front of the funicular waiting to get on it. You can avoid the queue if you hike up to the castle from the path next to the funicular. This route is scenic, but the path is quite steep and has steps. If you want to avoid both the funicular and the steps, then walk further south straight ahead to reach the Castle Garden Bazar. The climb to the castle from here is not very steep, and a beautiful architectural complex greets you as you enter. You will be entering from the south side of the castle complex. My Tip for You The funicular can be avoided altogether, considering the long queues and the waiting time it involves to get in there. Entry from the Castle Garden Bazar, a little further ahead, is not a steep climb, but there is no signage on the road anywhere indicating entry. Look for a broad historical staircase leading up. We had opted for this, so we entered the castle from the south side. Since entry is not paid, there is no ticket counter and no one to guide you into the castle. You will reach a beautiful garden area, where you can stroll around the garden with a beautiful fountain in the centre. Then take the escalator to reach higher ground. Lastly, you will have to take the elevator to the top of the castle. You will reach the south end of the castle from here. All the sights that I've mentioned above are within walking distance of each other. You should start from one end of the castle and walk along these sights to reach the other. Exploring the Budapest Castle District The Budapest Castle District is a huge complex of three main institutions, the National Library, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum around the massive Lion courtyard. Perched 70 meters above the River Danube on Varhegy, Castle Hill, the 1000-foot-long imposing facade of the Buda Castle runs along the River and offers spectacular views of the entire city. Entry to the Castle District is free, and the castle is always open..... even at night! The entire area around Castle Hill is called Varhegy. If you have time, then walk around this medieval part of Budapest in its cobblestone streets and winding narrow alleys surrounded by beautiful old buildings. But don't spend all your energy here because there will be a lot of walking to do once you enter Buda Castle. Top Attractions in the Budapest Castle District Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy Hungarian National Gallery Castle Museum Fishing Children Fountain Habsburg Steps Ornamental Gate Sandor Palace Lions Courtyard Matthias Fountain Dracula's Labyrinth Holy Trinity Statue Matthias Church St Stephens Statue Fisherman's Bastion Inside the Budapest Castle District I was awe-struck by the magnificent view as I first stepped out on the open terrace of the castle. From this vantage point, one gets unobstructed views of the Danube, the Chain Bridge spanning it, the Hungarian Parliament Building and the entire Pest area of the city. From there, walk through passageways to reach a wide terrace with an imposing Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy. This is a nice place to relax after the hike. There is a small cafe, and you can see a lot of people filling up their water bottles from the water taps in the corner. We visited Budapest in July. This place offered a good respite from the scorching summer heat. Right behind this statue is the Hungarian National Gallery. The gallery holds a vast array of artworks dating back to the Middle Ages. Entry to the gallery is paid. Right next door to the National Gallery is the Castle Museum. Although the palace is always open, there are fixed timings for the gallery and the museum. Please refer to the official website for more information https://budacastlebudapest.com/ Walk further to reach the beautifully intricate Fountain of the Fishing Children. Walk up the Habsburg Steps to reach the Royal Palace. This neo-classical building is the official residence of the President of Hungary. An hourly change of guard takes place here each day. Look up to see Turul, the mythological bird in Hungarian folklore that symbolises the Hungarian people's strength and spirit. The mammoth bird is perched on the south side of the castle, facing the Danube, and is very impressive to look at. Close to the Hungarian National Gallery on the left before the Fishing Children Fountain, is another wing leading to the Lions Courtyard with the massive Lions' Gate. Again, there is no signage here; we just followed the crowd into the wing. And I'm glad we did! On the left, before entering the Lions' Gate, is the stunning Matthias Fountain. The fountain depicts a hunting party of King Matthias with his dogs. The fountain will draw a gasp from anyone who sees it for the first time. This is the most famous fountain in Budapest, and tourists flock to this point for a photo opportunity. This photo does not do justice to the magnificence of this sculpture. Just a few feet away from the Matthias Fountain is the Lions' Courtyard, the central courtyard of the castle complex. Four majestic lion statues guard the gate. The entrance to the National Library is located here. Entry is paid. At the time of our visit, there was a free exhibition going on in one of the wings of the courtyard. You can refer to the official website before your visit to learn more about such events. Walk out to reach the Habsburg Steps again. From here, walk past Sandor Palace and St. George Square. Keep walking to explore this entire area on foot. You will come across the Labyrinth - Dracula's Chamber on your left. There is a big display board with an indication. At the time of our visit, this labyrinth was closed but I found the area quite intriguing. If you have time, then discovering this underground maze in the Buda Castle should be an exciting experience. Keep walking for another 10 minutes to reach the Holy Trinity Statue in the centre of Trinity Square. The Statue was erected somewhere in the 17th century in memory of the people of Buda who had died in the plague. Look closely at the top of the statue to see intricate statues of angels and cherubs. I could not get a good photo of the statue since there was construction work going on right behind the statue, obstructing the view. A few paces away from the Statue is the awe-inspiring outer facade of the Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, also popularly known as St. Matthias Church. You can never have enough of this stunning Gothic Church with its spires and colourful gilded and tiled roof. The majestic church is a must-see attraction that no one visiting Budapest should miss! The interiors of this iconic church, with its tall stained glass windows and beautiful paintings, are equally stunning. My Tips for You Entry to the church is paid. You can buy tickets online or at the counter itself. But remember, visiting hours are only from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, so buying tickets beforehand is a good idea if you're keen on seeing the inside. We were not aware of these opening timings, so we had to give this tour a miss. Walk another few paces and get ready to be blown away by the spectacular sight of the Fisherman's Bastion. In front of this bastion is the impressive equestrian Statue of St. Stephen. These cone-shaped turrets made out of white stone seem to have dropped here straight out of a fairytale. The structures are not very old; they were built in 1905 as a decorative lookout tower to celebrate the 1000th year of the Hungarian State at the site of an old rampart guarded by a guild of fishermen in the Middle Ages. Although the structure is relatively new, the name Fisherman's Bastion was given to keep that historical fact alive. In my opinion, the only other castle that can rival the breathtaking beauty of these chimney-like structures is the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. You get astounding views of the Pest side of the city, the imposing Hungarian Parliament building and the Chain Bridge. All one needs to do here is climb these chimneys and spend time gaping at the stunning scenery. My Tips for You The bastion, like the castle, is always open. There are 7 turrets in all, and the upper terraces of the towers can be visited for a fee for a better view of the River Danube. The view we could see from the lower terraces was simply enchanting; going a bit higher would not make much of a difference in my opinion, so you could skip buying the tickets. Must wait for the sunset and for the Bastion to light up. You will get glorious views.... The entire city comes alive as dusk falls, the Fisherman's Bastion is lit up, and so is the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river. There are hundreds of people waiting on both sides of the River Danube for this spectacle to unfold each day. If you are in Budapest, don't forget to be there! I promise, this will be one of the most unforgettable experiences you will have in Budapest.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, beckons visitors from all over the world with its world-class infrastructure and stunning medieval architecture. It's rightly called the City of 100 Spires..... nowhere else in the world will you find such an eclectic mix of old Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and Romanesque chapels all standing in sync with the Art Nouveau structures, giving the city its famous skyline full of spires. This detailed Prague itinerary covers the city's four historic quarters, iconic attractions like the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, practical travel tips, day trips from Prague, and hidden gems to help you plan the perfect Prague vacation. The most important thing to know about Prague is that it is a compact city. So, when you're in one part of the city, you can see all the attractions in one go. I have divided the attractions in Prague not on day-based itineraries but rather based on their location because once you reach a particular point, it's best that you cover that entire area on a single trip to save time and money. If you're reaching Prague by train, then your sightseeing will start from the Railway Station itself! 10 Essential Prague Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors Tip 1: Public toilets in Prague: What tourists should know Toilets throughout Prague and the entire country of the Czech Republic charge for use, so keep aside 10 or even 15 CZK for that, except in dine-in restaurants, where they are free. In some places, only cash is accepted; no credit cards are welcome. Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes - Why Prague is best explored on foot Prague is a medieval paradise waiting to be explored. But mind you, the best way to do it is on foot. Prague is well-connected by buses and trams. But once you reach one part of the city, then walking is the only way to see it. For instance, in the Little Quarter, the only way to see it is to walk around. So, be prepared to walk on and on, looking at artwork in every nook and corner of the city. Tip 3: The best way to explore Prague is quarter by quarter While researching Prague before our trip, I repeatedly came across these three terms: Old Town, New Town and Lesser Town. When visiting Prague, I realised that moving around is easier if you know which is where along with their Czech names. Wouldn't it be better to walk around one district at a time and cover all of its attractions? You'll save travel time, energy and money, of course! Prague is divided into 4 quarters. I have elaborated on each of these quarters in separate blog posts, with links pasted below for easy reading. Tip 4: Use Prague's excellent tram network Trams in Prague are affordable, reliable and one of the easiest ways to commute. But remember to validate your ticket before boarding trams or metro trains in the yellow machines to avoid fines. Tip 5: Exploring Naplavka Waterfront along the Vltava River While in Prague, don't miss the Naplavka Waterfront along the River Vltava, which meanders through the heart of the city, with beautiful bridges like the iconic Charles Bridge, offering amazing vistas of the city. Plan to spend an evening around the river to see Prague come alive! Tip 6: What is Trdelink? Trdelink is the yummy dough pastry that has its origins in Romania. It's filled with ice cream....you cannot leave Prague without tasting it! Tip 7: How many days are enough in Prague? Prague has a lot to see and experience, so an ideal vacation should last about 4 days, although in 3 days, you will be able to see the top attractions. More days are always a bonus. Some attractions in Prague, like the Charles Bridge, can get very crowded, so allow extra time. Tip 8: Best time to visit Prague Prague is best visited in summer, that too, on a weekend. Visiting the city on a weekend in summer can be great, if possible, because a lot of art festivals are held around the city squares over the weekends in summer. Dancers from neighbouring countries of Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovenia and more dress up in their traditional costumes and perform live on stage. The performances are a treat to watch! We were greeted with one such performance the moment we reached the city. Tip 9: Avoid eating next to tourist attractions Restaurants close to the Astronomical Clock in the Old Quarter, Charles Bridge or other tourist attractions are often overpriced. Look at these attractions and then walk a few streets away for better food and prices. Tip 10: Is Prague tourist-friendly? Yes, Prague is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Europe. The city is compact, walkable, and well-connected by public transport, making it easy and economical to explore. A lot of travel options are available, like the Prague Travel Card that you can buy for 48 and 72 hours or more. Prague Cool Pass also allows you unlimited travel on all kinds of public transport, with entries to many attractions included. English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants. 7 days in Prague: Our Complete Itinerary There is so much to do and see in Prague that, despite my best efforts, this blog about Prague attractions is the longest I've ever written! It was running into six pages, I last checked, so I've divided this narrative into many parts for easy reading. We had 6 nights in Prague. I know that sounds like a lot, but believe me, we spent each day doing something new. We had planned two one-day trips from Prague and an evening at the World's oldest Black Light Theatre of the Czech Republic. You can read about our day trip to Bohemian Switzerland, the largest natural arch in Europe and gather tips on how to get there from Prague https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-bohemian-switzerland-from-prague We also did a day trip to Kutná Hora, the famous Bone Chapel. So, what makes this chapel special? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-prague-to-kutna-hora-a-medieval-unesco-world-heritage-site Prague is home to the World's oldest Black Light Theatre of Jiri Srnec from the erstwhile Czechoslovakia. We spent an amazing evening here... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-the-world-s-oldest-black-light-theatre-of-jiri-srnec-a-czech-speciality I have listed 41 attractions in all......phew! 41 sounds like a formidable number of things to see, but most of them in one part of the city are quite close to each other and can be easily covered on foot. Also, I have tried to give you input about the attraction and whether making an effort to see it is worth your time. As I've stated earlier, they are divided area-wise. Castle Quarter - Prazsky hrad - Prague Castle Complex There are 6 sights to see in the Castle Quarter Old Royal Palace St. Vitus Cathedral St. George's Basilica Lobkowicz Palace Golden Lane Permanent Exhibitions of Prague Castle We spent half a day exploring the largest ancient castle complex in the world. I have written a separate detailed guide covering tickets, highlights and tips. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-prague-castle-the-pride-of-prague Little Quarter - Mala Strana - Lesser Town There are 15 sights to see in Mala Strana Charles Bridge St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town Square Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower Petrin Hill Memorial to the victims of Communism Petrin Tower Lennon Wall Devil's Channel and Water Mill Kampa Island Kampa Museum Giant Crawling Babies Kinsky Garden Narrowest street in Prague Franz Kafka Museum Mala Strana is the medieval touristy part of Prague where tourists throng to get a taste of that famous Prague vibe. We spent an entire day exploring this medieval paradise on foot... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-in-the-little-quarter-or-lesser-town-prague Old Town - Staré Město pražské 10 sights to see in Old Town Prague Staromestske Namesti, Old Town Hall Square Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock Church of Our Lady before Tyn St. Nicholas Church Kinsky Palace Jan Hus Monument Prague Meridien Jewish Quarter Spanish Synagogue and Jewish Museum Powder Gate and Obecni Dum, Prague Concert Hall Take a walk in the stunning Old Town of modern Prague and relive history in its architectural marvels https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/prague-old-town-staré-město-pražské New Town - Nove Mesto 6 sights to look out for in New Town Prague Wenceslas Square Statue of St. Wenceslas National Museum Dancing House Rotating Head of Franz Kafka Prague National Theatre Opera We spent our last day in Prague exploring the New Town in Prague https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-trip-to-new-town-nove-mesto-prague Visiting the Vyšehrad Castle and Cemetery If time permits, then visiting the splendid castle of Vyšehrad, an oasis of calm amidst the busy touristy Prague, is a must-do activity https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-tour-of-the-splendid-vyšehrad-fortress-from-prague Visiting Letna Park in Prague If you're tired after a day full of watching touristy sights all over Prague, then head to Letna Park on Letna Hill. You will get glorious views of the Vltava River from here. Access to the park is free. You just have to walk for about 15 minutes from the Old Town Square over Charles Bridge. Naplavka Waterfront on the Vltava River This waterfront is the most popular site for taking pictures of the iconic Charles Bridge. There are bars and restaurants along the river. Even if you have just a day in Prague, plan to spend the evening along the Naplavka Waterfront. The whole city comes alive here in the evening, against the backdrop of a beautifully lit Charles Bridge. Zizkov TV Tower with crawling babies Zizkov TV Tower is a transmission tower in Prague located in the Zizkov District of Prague, 2 kilometres away. Who goes to see a TV Tower in the centre of a city? Well, this tower is special because it has these giant crawling babies sticking out from its sides. We had seen similar grotesque-looking babies in Prague's Lesser Town too, if you remember. I'd read somewhere that the babies represented stunted growth in the communist era, babies crawling but unable to reach adulthood. The tower is a high-tech engineering marvel, 216 metres tall with an observatory, a hotel and a restaurant along its vertical column. My Tip for You The tower is nothing spectacular to look at; on the contrary, it looks grim and out of place in an otherwise beautiful city, unless you decide to go to the top to see Prague's skyline. But then there are far better ways to see that skyline, from the Vysehrad Castle, for instance. Also, locating the tower was a nightmare. You can start seeing its metallic pillars jutting out into the sky from a long way off, but getting to the base of the tower was quite a task. No signage or indications led to the tower. I would not rate this as a must-see attraction in Prague. But this is my opinion solely as a tourist. I believe that this TV tower holds a very special place for the people of the Czech Republic since it's a symbol of the communist regime and the hardships that came with it. I'd like to mention here that I do not wish to undermine the significance of this tower. So, that's Prague for you. To learn all about this beautiful city, keep clicking on the links pasted above and take a virtual tour of the city with me right here! Do share your experiences with me if you happen to visit Prague, and let me know if you found this blog useful. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

A day trip from Munich to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein will take you through the stunning countryside around the village of Hohenschwangau in the foothills of the Alps. In this blog, I'll give you all the practical tips that could come in handy for you to plan a day trip to this imposing castle. This is one of the most visited castles in the World with a footfall of over 6000 visitors on some days....and understandably so, because this castle, with its mighty towers and turrets reaching far into the sky, evokes romanticism like no other piece of architecture ever can! Neuschwanstein 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. 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.... King Ludwig II and the Story Behind Neuschwanstein Castle 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 realise 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 only 172 days! Getting from Munich to the Neuschwanstein Castle on a Day Trip 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. Travelling from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by Train Take a 2-hour train journey from Munich Hauptbahnhof (Munich Main train station) directly to the town of Füssen. There are connecting buses easily available every 30 minutes from Füssen that will take you directly to Hohenschwangau. Driving from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Munich is known for serving as a top destination for day trips to Neuschwanstein. The bus plies through the scenic countryside and takes you directly to the village of Hohenschwangau within 2 hours. Self-driving cars also need to follow the same route and can park their vehicles in Hohenschwangau for the hike ahead. From Hohenschwangau to the Neuschwanstein Castle - The scenic village of Hohenschwangau 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 Neuschwanstein 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 of 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. Essential Tips for Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle 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. 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 will buy tickets for you. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle Sad but true! How I wish I could capture the stunning interiors of the castle with my camera! The interiors of the castle are mesmerising, but no photos means one can remember only what memory serves!! 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 lush 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. Stop at Mary's Bridge Viewpoint Your first point of halt in the hike to the castle is the Marienbrücke or 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 for You 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! 10 Quick Things to Know About Neuschwanstein Castle 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 by 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, and 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 time. 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, which 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 came to pass. 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 stitches 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 we visited Neuschwanstein, 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

It is no exaggeration to say that a trip to Munich, the Capital of Bavaria, the land of the Oktoberfest, would be incomplete without a visit to its famous beer halls. From traditional Bavarian music and hearty local food to overflowing beer steins and centuries-old brewing culture, Munich's beer halls are much more than just places to drink. These beer halls also provide an opportunity to experience Gemütlichkeit, a sense of well-being and cordiality that Munich is so famous for! Interestingly, Oktoberfest, the annual beer festival, starts in the month of September, the celebrations last for 16 days, starting around late September from a weekend that goes on till the first Sunday of October. This was the custom till 1989. From 1990, after East and West Germany got united, October 3rd, German Unification Day, is invariably included in the celebrations by extending the number of days. Exploring the Famous Beer Halls of Munich We were in Munich for 3 days, on our second evening in the city, we decided to do some 'Beer Hall Hopping' and visited two of the major beer halls in Munich, Hofbräuhaus and Augustinerkeller. There is a whole lot of history and culture entwined with this simple pleasure activity of drinking beer in Munich. What makes German Beer so Special? In 1516, Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV passed the Beer Purity Law. The law stipulated that all beer was to be made from barley, hops, and clean water. Hops are green cone-shaped flowers that lend bitterness and aroma to beer. Bavarian hops are special; they are grown in the Hallertau region, just north of Munich and are considered to yield the best results as far as the quality and taste of beer is concerned. Thus, German beer made from barley, hops and clean water came to be an extremely popular variety of beer. Interestingly, this law is effective throughout Germany even today. Little wonder then that German beer still holds its position of pride amongst its many competitors. The History Behind Oktoberfest The first-ever Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich to mark the wedding celebrations of the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Saxony-HIldburghausen in October of 1810. Bavaria at this time had just been recognised as a new kingdom. People of Munich were invited to join in the festivities to celebrate the royal nuptials in the fields outside of the city gates. The area was called Theresienwiese or Theresa's Meadow in honour of the new royal bride. The festival became such a rage that the locals decided to hold it again in 1811 and the tradition just stuck. To date, Oktoberfest is held in the same venue where it was first held. The 100-acre field 'Theresienwiese' is now the official venue of the Oktoberfest where around 2 million gallons of beer is consumed each year during the Oktoberfest! Visiting Munich's Famous Beer Halls Hofbraeuhaus The most popular beer hall in Munich is the Hofbräuhaus, literally translating into the court's brewery. The brewery is state-owned by the Bavarian Government. This beer hall is just a 5-minute walk from Marienplatz in the heart of the Old Town and has an average footfall of over 35,000 people daily! The brewery was set up in 1589 and was granted the status of the Royal Brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria. For many years, Hofbraeuhaus held a position of monopoly in Bavaria. I read somewhere that in the 1700s, the income generated from the sales and taxes of beer from this brewery constituted almost 30% of the total income of the state of Bavaria. The ambience around the brewery is surreal; there must be at least 1000 people sitting inside the beer hall, and so many more sitting around in the gardens outside. Not all of them looked like tourists to us; there were hordes of locals, many of whom had fixed, reserved seats in the brewery, we learnt, and they had their Beer steins, a traditional beer mug, made of stoneware, adorned with motifs. That's some love for beer, I must say! My Tip for You The brewery is very crowded. It's almost impossible to imagine so many more people thronging its already super-crowded quarters during the Oktoberfest. The tavern and the gardens can accommodate up to 1500 guests. Seating is free, but you have to wait for your turn. There is an option to make reservations in advance. There is a rider, though. All bookings are possible 6 months in advance....Whew! Six months? I wonder if I heard it right! We were running short of time and had no bookings, so we headed to the Augustinerkeller. Augustiner Brewery Augustiner is relatively new. It started its operations in 1812. Their speciality is the Augustiner Helles Beer, Helles meaning light in German. It's considered one of the best lager beers in the world, especially if you have it served directly from the wooden barrel instead of the bottle. The brewery has a typical 'Bierstube', a typical German tavern for serving beer. There are beautiful lawns outside in the brewery with dense chestnut trees providing shade to endless tables with chairs for people to sit. The brewery was relatively less crowded when we reached there. My Tip for You Light beer was exquisite. I've never tasted anything like this before. Don't forget to sample some typical German and Bavarian dishes and beer! We ordered Wurstsalat, a simple salad of salami and onions and a fish platter. It was delicious. Final Thoughts on Munich's Famous Beer Halls The beer halls of Munich offer a taste of Bavaria's legendary beer culture and your trip to Munich would be incomplete without savouring it. Between Hofbrauhaus and Augustiner, the former will give you a more authentic German beer hall experience, not in terms of the beer itself and the food served but just the ambience. Everything about the place is loud, noisy and fun...that is if you can find yourself a place to sit! Waitresses dressed in the traditional dirndl, a 3-piece short skirt dress with a tight bodice and a sensuously low neckline and a live band playing some classic German melody add to the authenticity of your experience. Augustiner is also very lively, though not as clamorous as its counterpart, the food and the beer are equally good or even better, so I've heard and even tasted it. So, take your pick. This was our last evening in Munich. I can't think of anything that could beat our beer hall experience except for our day trip to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein on the previous day. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps So, if you're planning to visit Munich, don't miss visiting the breweries! And if you do, then share your experience with me. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, known for its Alpine landscapes, fairytale villages, historic cities, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic train journeys. From the charming streets of Salzburg and the mountain views of Innsbruck to the breathtaking beauty of Hallstatt, Austria offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveller. This Austria Travel Guide brings together all my Austria blogs, itineraries, day trips, travel tips, and destination guides to help you plan the perfect trip to Austria. Austria Itineraries: Austria Travel Guide Started our Austrian vacation with five days in Vienna Visited the Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna Attended a Mozart Concert at the Musikverein in Vienna Spent 5 days in Salzburg Went on a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg Visited Salzwelten, the salt mines in Hallstatt Visited the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg Spent 3 days in Innsbruck Half-day trip to the Top of Innsbruck Half-day trip to the Swarovski Crystal World in Innsbruck Austria quickly became one of my favourite destinations in Europe, and this guide brings together all my experiences, itineraries, and travel tips to help you plan your own unforgettable journey through the Austrian Alps.

Innsbruck is often called the Capital of the Alps, thanks to its spectacular setting amid towering mountain ranges and breathtaking Alpine scenery. Tucked in the Inn Valley between the Nordkette mountain range in the north and other Alpine peaks in the south, Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. One of the best experiences in Innsbruck is taking the Nordkette cable car to the top of the Austrian Alps. In just a short time, visitors can travel from Innsbruck's historic Old Town to breathtaking mountain viewpoints high above the city. Things to know before taking the Nordkette Cable Car The Top of Innsbruck refers to the glorious viewpoint that lies at the top of Mount Hafelekar at 2300 meters above sea level in the Nordkette range. The Nordkette range of mountains is part of the Karwendel Nature Park, the largest nature park in Austria. How to reach the Nordkette cable car station Just a little walk away from the Hofburg Palace in Altstadt, you will see this distinct piece of modern architecture, the Kongresshaus Station, which serves as the entry point to the Hungerberg funicular. Kongresshaus Station, Entry point to the Nordkettenbahnen in Innsbruck What to expect during the ride to the Top of Innsbruck A large cable car, with a capacity of at least 15 people, plus bicycles and prams, will take you to the top of the mountain in about 30 minutes. Kongresshaus Station is very well connected to the public transport of Innsbruck, so getting there is easy. The Sightseer bus stops very close by, too. From Kongresshaus Station, you will take the Hungerburgbahn, a steep funicular that will take you to the first halt on this journey at Hungerburg at the Herman Buhl Square, named after the famous Austrian mountaineer. Just walk a few paces, and you will reach the Valley station of Seegrubenbahn. From there, you will be made to switch to a gondola that will go even steeper to Hafelekar Spitze or the Hafelekar Peak, the Top of Innsbruck at 2334 meters above sea level. Once on the top, one gets stunning 360-degree views of the Karwendel region all around. There are short viewing paths and more scenic points all along. There is Innsbruck on one side and the vast conservation area of Karwendel on the other. The entire trip to the Top of Innsbruck takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how many activities you engage in. In winter, there are many fun things that you can do around this place, like skiing and snowboarding. In summer, there are hiking trails to higher vantage points in the mountains. The ride up is absolutely sensational as the mountain scenery starts to unfold in front of you. The funicular from Hungerburg stops at the Alpine Zoo, which is almost halfway up the mountain. This is one of the highest zoos in Europe. I saw many families travelling with kids getting off at this station for the zoo. The valley station at Seegrubenbahn offers some great photo opportunities. You need not go all the way up to the Top of Innsbruck. A lot of people go to Hungerburg till the Herman Buhl Square. The views from here are also quite good. This is especially for people with mobility issues or the ones travelling with small kids. I feel taking strollers all the way to the top might not be easy. Best time to visit Nordkette Plan this trip on a clear day and start early. The queues for the funicular swell as the day goes by. Also, try to go on a weekday rather than a weekend. Weekends are crazily crowded, even on the top. Ticket prices and Timings If you have the Innsbruck Card, then the entire excursion, including all rides to and fro, is included in it. Please note that there are some discounts offered on tickets purchased early morning, I think before 9:30. Tickets can be purchased at the Kongresshaus Station and at Hungerburg, too. Online tickets are also available. There are many options available for buying tickets. Please check the website for all updates. Kindly check the official website https://nordkette.com/en/home.html for more details. I was reading somewhere that in 2023, the Nordkette cable cars were rated among the Top outstanding 10% of the World's attractions in terms of visitor reviews and ratings. This is most certainly a not-to-miss attraction in Innsbruck that will give you glorious views of the Alpine scenery. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here