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There's a reason why Banteay Srei is called the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art; the intricacy of its stone carvings will astound you. We learnt from our local guide that this temple is also known as the 'Citadel of the Women', the reason attributed to this nickname is that the delicate ornamentation on each of its stone walls could only be the work of dainty female hands. Also, the temple is small, rendering it an air of femininity. This beautiful 10th-century CE temple is dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva and Parvati. The entire temple is made of intricately carved stones with a pink hue, rendering the temple a delicate pinkish colour that makes it look heavenly in the evening light. h Each stone is carved with jaw-dropping precision!! Here are a few tips that may come in handy during your visit to the Banteay Srei Temple... Banteay Srei lies in the Angkor area, 25 km from the main group of temples. You will need a cab or a tuk-tuk to reach it. Entry to the temple is included in the Angkor Day Pass. If you wish to see this temple, then you may extend your day's itinerary by 2 hours. Buying a separate ticket for 37 USD for another day is not a great idea, considering that you need only two extra hours. The road leading to the temple is nice and paved, and it will take you through interesting neighbourhoods of Siem Reap with shops and houses lining both sides of the road. I find these road journeys very intriguing because, as a tourist, one gets to see the everyday lives of the local people up close. So, you should sit back and enjoy the ride. The temple is surrounded by beautiful green patches and thick trees, where you can relax and take in the surroundings if you wish. There is also a small local market before the entrance to the temple, where you will find interesting souvenirs and eateries. En route to Banteay Srei from Angkor Wat is another beautiful temple called Pre Rup Temple. This temple is a bit underrated, although I found it very appealing. I have written more about this temple in my blog on Siem Reap Banteay Srei is much smaller compared to the other temples of the Angkor area, but you should keep aside one hour to see it and fully appreciate its master craftsmanship. The temple is entirely in the open with no shade anywhere, so carry water, sunshades, an umbrella or whatever you think is necessary. A very important thing to remember is that Banteay Srei lies a little away from the main group of temples, so most cab drivers and local guides will charge extra to cover it in your itinerary. You should decide on that extra amount beforehand to avoid any misunderstanding later. To sum up, I'd say that spending extra time and money on visiting the beautiful Banteay Srei Temple is worth it. While Angkor Wat commands attention owing to its architecture and massive size, Banteay Srei wins hands down with the intricacy of its architecture.

This mesmerising Apsara Dance is Cambodian dance storytelling in its most aesthetic form, and witnessing it at the Royal Theatre Restaurant in Siem Reap was one of the highlights of our trip to Cambodia. The performers, draped elegantly in rich traditional ivory-coloured ensembles accessorised with heavy gold jewellery, embody the attributes of the celestial heavenly beauties, Apsaras, that they portray. There is a quiet energy in the dance that is derived from the sheer grace of the slow, fluid hand gestures, called Mudras , of the performers as they make sensual, deft movements, swaying delicately to the beat of lilting music in the background. Our experience of watching the Apsara Dance at the Royal Theatre Restaurant Apsara Dance is accompanied by a lavish dinner at the Royal Theatre Restaurant in Siem Reap. You can, of course, choose to see only the show minus the dining option. We had read some great reviews about the Royal Theatre Restaurant and the dinner they serve, so we opted for it. The evening starts with energetic folk dances of various regions of Cambodia. The performances are colourful and they celebrate Cambodian culture. Dinner is served simultaneously, and the lavish spread, the warmth of the staff on duty, enhances the entire experience of watching the show. There are various cuisines, each more delicious than the other, with a separate counter for vegetarians too. Towards the end of the show is the mesmerising Apsara Dance. By the time this performance starts, dinner is almost done. And if you're midway through your meal, believe me, you'll be too stunned to eat, and you wouldn't want to blink your eyes lest you miss something. Yeah, that's right. I saw many people standing with full plates in their hands, transfixed and unable to take their eyes off the slow, sensual dance movements of the dancers. I, too, made a video of the performance, but it does not do justice to the magic these women create on stage. There is a group photo with the dancers at the end of the show, I wasn't going to miss it, for sure! That's Apsara Dance for you. The performance takes place at 4 or 5 venues in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, too. So, don't miss it on your Cambodia trip, you'll remember it for a long time to come.

Located about 60 km from Siem Reap is Kulen National Park, a protected area spread over 37,000 hectares in Cambodia, popular for its natural beauty and cultural significance. A few things to remember before you visit Kulen Spare at least 4 to 5 hours for your visit to the park. The approach road to the national park from Siem Reap goes through scenic hilly terrain and countryside. You will see many tourists stopping en route to take pictures of the scenery around. So, don't rush it. Entry to the park and its attractions for Cambodian nationals is free. However, foreign nationals have to buy a ticket for USD 20.00. The park has two glorious waterfalls, a small one that flows into the big one over a hill. There is a wee bit rickety stairway that leads to the big waterfall, but the trek is very short and doable. The view of the waterfall you get at the end of this trek would be well worth your effort. The national park has three main attractions, which I have discussed in detail below. Just remember to keep the waterfall section towards the end of your day. After walking around the park in the sweltering heat, a dip in the cool pool of these waterfalls will feel heavenly. You will see most tourists opting to take the plunge. There is a changing facility close to the waterfall, nothing fancy, but extremely useful, run by locals. For a nominal amount, you can store your clothes and valuables and even hire t-shirts and swimwear. There are three main attractions inside the park 1000 Lingas at the Kbal Spean River Also known as the River of 1000 Lingas , the Kbal Spean River has 1000 intricately carved stone lingas. Lingas refer to the phallic symbol representing the Hindu God Shiva. As per local belief, these lingas symbolise divine energy, and as the water of the river flows over them, it becomes sanctified. This water is used to irrigate the paddy fields around the park. You could start your day at the park from here. There is a parking facility very close to the river; you will have to walk a few steps to reach the river site. Preah Ang Thom This is a sacred Buddhist shrine frequented by the local people and tourists alike. The shrine can be reached through a broad staircase where a huge idol of Buddha in a reclining pose will greet you. Phnom Kulen Waterfall There are two waterfalls, as I've mentioned earlier. Both are equally stunning, with gushing cool water that collects in inviting pools. We had not planned on getting into the water, but after having spent half a day under the scorching sun, this was too good a prospect to miss. This here is Kulen National Park for you, where you can spend a day amidst lush green surroundings and a waterfall as the icing on the cake!

Think circus, you think of acrobats and trapeze artists swinging from one end of the rope to another and trained lions and tigers doing their masters' bidding and so on. But Phare is different; no conventional circus stunts yet its simple and endearing performances are fun to watch. Added to it is the knowledge that all this is being done for a good cause. About Phare and the good cause Cambodia has a long history of civil war and the trauma it caused under the Khmer Rouge regime, leaving the country and its people in complete disarray. In a bid to help out other young people, nine teenage refugees who had received art therapy in refugee camps founded the Phare Ponleu Selpak Association in 1994. This non-profit arts and circus school supports the community through art and social support programs and offers free education to children who are in dire need of it. In March 2021, Phare Circus won the Guinness World Record for the longest circus performance lasting 24 hours, 10 minutes and 30 seconds ...phew! This was a fundraising effort during the COVID pandemic to raise awareness about the NGO. About Phare Circus As I've mentioned earlier, this is not a conventional circus, but what you get is a heady mix of humour, acrobatics, storytelling, comedy and energetic live music. Most of the performers are quite young, and their raw energy during this one-hour-long performance is infectious. A few things to know about Phare There is only one daily show of one hour at 8:00 pm. It's best to buy tickets beforehand online from the official website of the circus https://pharecircus.org/ or third-party vendors like GetYourGuide.com to ensure that you can catch the show on the day of your choice. I saw many buses full of tourists arriving at the venue. Seating is done section wise. There are 3 Sections A, B and C, with tickets starting from USD 18.00. Section A is the premium one. In my opinion, you can buy tickets for any section, whichever is available, and you will get a clear view from every angle because the venue is small and compact. The only advantage of sitting right in the front could be that the performers engage with the audience, at times, which can be fun. One could plan to reach the venue a bit early; there is a cafeteria that serves drinks and snacks (paid, of course!). To keep the people who are waiting for the show occupied, a casual song and dance performance takes place every evening on a small stage outside. There's also a nice souvenir shop at the entrance where you can buy some fun merchandise. Overall, Phare is a great experience, a pleasant evening that celebrates Cambodian culture and the warmth and resilience of its people.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, offers an eclectic mix of Khmer culture, French colonial architecture and a deep dive into the gruesome past of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime. Before I discuss the Top Ten attractions in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian Capital, I'd like to give a few tips to fellow travellers. The easiest way to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is by road. If you hire a cab, you'll have to pay USD 95.00 for a 6-hour ride. Public transport, like a bus, will cost only USD 8.00 for a one-way trip. Phnom Penh is crowded, and at times, it can be chaotic. When planning to visit various sites, allow extra time to avoid traffic. Owing to massive traffic, Phnom Penh is also quite polluted. Wearing a face mask can be a lifesaver. Many sights like the Genocide Museum and Centre in Phnom Penh follow a very strict dress code for visitors. This is done as a mark of respect to the victims of genocide. The same strict rules apply to the Royal Palace, too. I've written my top 10 takeaways from my Cambodia trip in a blog post, pasting the link for your reference https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/top-10-takeaways-from-my-cambodia-trip We had 3 days in Phnom Penh, and these are the Top 10 things to do in Phnom Penh.. #1 Royal Palace of Cambodia The Royal Palace oozes grandeur and excellent craftsmanship. Read more about this amazing structure by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-royal-palace-of-cambodia #2 Silver Pagoda On the south side of the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, considered to be a masterpiece built by King Norodom in 1892 and rebuilt in 1962. In front of the Pagoda is a beautiful miniature replica of the famous Angkor Wat. (see picture below) It has earned the name Silver Pagoda owing to its stunning silver-tiled floor made of over 5 tonnes of shining silver, although you can see only a part of it since most of it is covered by a carpet. The most striking feature of the pagoda is the Emerald Buddha, a beautiful crystal sculpture, perched on a high gilded pedestal in the center of this grand pagoda. The opulent interiors include many stunning solid gold idols of Buddha studded with diamonds and precious stones, old relics and traditional masks. My Tip - The Silver Pagoda is a must-see attraction in Cambodia, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer civilisation. Please note that the entrance to the pagoda is from the side; there are two beautiful white-coloured Stupas on both sides of the Silver Pagoda that will instantly catch your attention. The pagoda is a beautiful, large edifice as shown in the picture above. You will be expected to take off your shoes before entering to maintain the serene decorum of the place. Photography is strictly prohibited inside. As you can see, even the video I shot outside has only a fleeting shot of the entrance of the pagoda. #3 Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre The Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, one of the many 'Killing Fields', is a place where the Khmer Rouge regime slaughtered over a million innocent Cambodians under their infamous leader, Pol Pot. I've written in detail about the centre in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/choeung-ek-genocidal-centre-and-tuol-sleng-genocide-museum-in-phnom-penh #4 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is built at the site of a former secondary school, which was converted into Security Prison 21 under the Khmer Rouge regime. Please follow the link pasted above for more details about the museum https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/choeung-ek-genocidal-centre-and-tuol-sleng-genocide-museum-in-phnom-penh #5 Mekong River Cruise Phnom Penh lies on the confluence of the Rivers Mekong and Tonle Sap. A 2-hour cruise on the river will take you along the beautiful city skyline. There are options available for dinner cruises, sunset cruises, with dinner and drinks, and without. That is to say, tourists are spoiled for choice! Since there is a plethora of cruise options, the prices also vary significantly. An evening cruise can cost anywhere from USD 20 to USD 80, with additional costs ranging up to USD 200, depending on the add-ons. My Tip - We opted for a 2-hour evening cruise. It was a lot of fun, and the staff were extremely polite. They had organised a small live music show with traditional Cambodian melodies and dance. The food was also delicious and served with a lot of warmth. My verdict is that if you have spare time, go for it to spend a lively evening along the riverfront. #6 National Museum of Cambodia If your visit to Angkor Wat has sparked your curiosity about Cambodian heritage, consider visiting the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. The museum has the largest collection of historical and archaeological artefacts in Cambodia that showcase the artistic brilliance of the Khmer rulers. The imposing outer façade of this beautiful structure, featuring an earthy red terracotta roof and red sandstone pillars, can be spotted from a distance. Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose Located in Chey Chumneas, very close to the Royal Palace, the museum houses an impressive collection of Khmer sculptures from the Angkor and pre-Angkor eras. My Tip - Entry fee to the museum is USD 10.00, which can be paid only in cash. Keep aside at least an hour and a half to see the entire museum. It is wheelchair friendly since most of its collection is on the same floor, divided into sections. There is a beautiful green compound in the centre of the museum with a small cafeteria for refreshments, which is a good place to relax. There is no air conditioning anywhere and it can get very hot in the afternoon. However, this is a good time to explore the museum, as it is not crowded at all. Also, the museum is relatively small. There were no audio guides available, which was a downside, although there were plaques with information about the collections. My word is don't come to this museum expecting a swanky hi-tech venue, it's a simple place with great collectibles that, in a way, reflect the simplicity of the people of Cambodia. If you wish to explore more about the myriad collections of artefacts in the museum, please refer to the official website https://www.cambodiamuseum.info/ #7 Sisowath Riverside Park The Sisowath Riverside Park is a good way to spend a lazy evening strolling along the riverfront. You'll see roadside vendors selling coconut water and flowers. #8 Independence Monument This beautiful lotus-shaped stupa stands in the heart of Phnom Penh at the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevard. It was built in 1958 to mark the independence of Cambodia from France in 1953. #9 Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Also called the Statue of the King Father Norodom Sihanouk, it is located in a Memorial Park, very close to the Independence Monument. The statue is relatively new, built only in 2013. #10 Wat Phnom Daun Penh Wat Phnom is also known as the Mountain Pagoda, and it is the most important Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh. The temple was built in 1372 on a small hill, and a broad staircase leads up to a small temple on the lower floor. On top of the hill is a big statue of Buddha. My Tip - A visit to the temple will give you very interesting insights into the Cambodian culture and their religious traditions, since this is an active place of worship. We saw a couple making offerings of meat chunks and eggs to 3 lion statues at the entrance of the temple. These lions, I later learnt, are considered to be the guardians of the temple who watch over it and ward off evil spirits. The offerings people keep in front of the lions are primarily for the temple. To sum it up, Phnom Penh is a city that serves Cambodian culture and history on a platter, all one has to do is lap it up!! Before coming to Phnom Penh, we'd spent 3 rocking days in Siem Reap, seeing the magnificent Angkor Wat. Learn more by clicking here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/unlock-the-magic-of-siem-reap-cambodia-top-10-not-to-miss-attractions

The Royal Palace of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is a perfect example of classic Khmer architecture. The palace was built by King Norodom in 1866 and then rebuilt between 1912 and 1932. Located on the confluence of the Rivers Tonle Sap and Mekong, the palace, with its tall golden spires, gilded roof tops that shimmer in the bright Cambodian sun, and delightfully ornate interiors, creates a mesmerising visual treat. It is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Despite the opulence and grandeur of the palace, there is a calm serenity in the air that is very refreshing. King Norodom Sihamoni is believed to be a quiet king who strictly adheres to Buddhist principles. It's this austerity that gets reflected in the overall ambience of the palace. A few things to remember before visiting the palace The palace is open to the public on all days from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Since it is the official residence of the King of Cambodia, the palace is closed to the public for official ceremonies. Please check their official website before planning your visit. Being the official residence of the king, tourists are allowed to visit only the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda. King's private living quarters are out of bounds for the public. The entry ticket to the palace is 10.00 USD for all foreign nationals. There's a lot of history that precedes the palace, so hiring a local guide is a good idea. Charges for the guide are 10.00 USD for a conducted tour of the Throne Hall, the Armoury or the Museum, Pavilion of Napoleon III, and the Silver Pagoda with its famous Emerald Buddha, which lies on the same premises across the gated complex. As I've mentioned in my earlier Cambodia blogs, please dress modestly for your palace visit, covering your shoulders and knees. This signage at the entrance to the palace says it all... This is the venerated Throne Hall where official ceremonies like coronations and other royal occasions are celebrated. I saw some locals bowing in front of the throne where the king presides, even though the king was not in the palace at that time. Photography of the Throne Hall is strictly prohibited; tourists trying to click pictures, even from the outside, are looked at with a lot of disdain, so all I could click was this picture and a small video. To sum up, I'd say the Royal Palace should be top of your must-see attractions in Phnom Penh, you will not only get to see a gloriously ornate edifice but will also get a glimpse into the Cambodian culture and Khmer architecture.

A visit to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, famously known as the Killing Fields, is an unsettling experience, to say the least. Unsettling, because it brings to the fore the vulnerability and fragility of the political systems we live in and take so much for granted. The fact that one man, a political despot, Pol Pot , could steer a civil revolution to the point where almost three million innocent Cambodians were killed mercilessly by their own people within a span of four years, from 1975 to 1979, is baffling. The external link that I've pasted above will give you an insight into the ideology that went into this movement, although no ideology can justify the brutality that was meted out to the Cambodian people, including young children and infants. Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre....These pictures below speak for themselves After spending about an hour at the Genocide Centre, we headed to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Also known as Security Prison 21 under the infamous Khmer Rouge regime, this was a secondary school which got converted into an interrogation and detention centre. The regime followed a policy of guilt-by-association, so entire families of suspects were held hostage here, including young children. At the time of the downfall of the Khmer Rouge regime, four children from this facility made it out alive. On your visit, you can meet three of those four survivors, interact with them and read their heart-rending memoirs in the books they've written about their ordeals at the detention centre. We learnt from our guide that these survivors come to the centre every day to share their haunting memories and let the world know what happened in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime. I'd like to share 5 important tips for your visit to these sites Opt for a conducted tour Although you can visit the centre on your own, to truly comprehend the nature and extent of this mindless massacre, a local guide is required. Most travel platforms offer half-day tours to both of these sites, costing between USD 20.00 to USD 25.00 per person for a 4-hour round trip. In case you do not opt for a tour, then an audio guide is available for information about the exhibits. Mind your dress code The mood around the Genocide Centre and the Museum is very sombre. Visitors are expected to behave and dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered. If you are wearing something that doesn't adhere to the dress code, you can rent scarves and sarongs from the ticket counter for a nominal fee. Some of the sites are ghastly and unsettling, as I've mentioned earlier. If you're overtly sensitive, then please use your discretion before visiting. The museum has issued an age recommendation for visitors, as per the advisory, exhibits are inappropriate for visitors aged less than 14 years. Photography at the sites is allowed, but visitors are expected to do so with sensitivity and maintain decorum. Some pics from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum The atmosphere, both at the Genocide Centre and the Museum, is very grim. The moans of the innocent victims of this genocide have died down, but the pain of human suffering still hangs in the air, along with the human spirit that refuses to die down, even in the face of such extreme violence.

On June 11th, 2012, as I stood huddled together with my husband at the staggering height of 5500m (Mount Everest is 8868m) on the Dolma La Pass with Mount Kailash in the background, to get a picture clicked for posterity, I felt a numbness in my toes and a joy in my heart. This was the culmination of an arduous journey to Mount Kailash, believed to be the sacrosanct abode of Lord Shiva, the ‘Destroyer’ in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. This trip was not a vacation for me. Vacations are journeys that give us a view of the outside world. This was a pilgrimage, a journey inside, into the unexplored consciousness that remains dormant in most of us and gets silenced in the humdrum of life. Mount Kailash is held in great reverence by Hindus worldwide as it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva on this earth. Since childhood, I’d heard mythological stories of Lord Shiva residing here on Mount Kailash with Goddess Parvati as his consort. As I stand on the highest point of the glacier, my mind races through pictures of Lord Shiva sitting on the mountaintop, his eyes half closed, deep in meditation with a serpent around his neck and a crescent moon on his hair locks. I smile inwardly at the naivety of the thought. Lord Shiva is not the name of some deity sitting on the mountain. He is the supreme spirit who is everywhere, yet nowhere. I am pleasantly surprised to notice that there are no man-made structures to mark Lord Shiva’s presence on Mount Kailash. The nothingness of this raw beauty is terrifying and enchanting at the same time. The white frozen glaciers, merciless cold winds and snow-laden peaks peering at us from all sides, in perfect harmony with each other, unflinching in their presence. This certainly looks like God’s abode to me! Gautam, my husband can sense that I am overwhelmed by my surroundings and numb with cold. He nudges me to move, he knows the pitfalls of staying too long at this height. We've been instructed by the local guide to not spend more than a couple of minutes at the peak, the high altitude and lack of oxygen can play havoc with one’s reflexes and can throw one into unconsciousness. Gautam extends his hand to hold mine. There is a finality in this moment of the journey that started a week ago. We look around in awe, trying to inscribe the scenery in our minds, the huge mammoths of snow stare back at us. We head back. The other side of the mountain is steep downhill. The rarefied air, the coldness gripping my feet and the strange magnetism of this place is making me breathless. We quietly walk behind each other on that narrow path, the towering peaks bear witness that we were here. On the side of the gorge is the snow-filled valley called 'Gauri Kund', the mythological frozen lake, and the bathing pond of Goddess Parvati. Our sole aim is to get back to the nearest campsite ‘Zuthulphuk’ before darkness falls. The formidable journey from Delhi to Kathmandu.... to China.... to Lake Mansarovar .... The exciting journey to the revered Mount Kailash started from my domicile in Delhi, India 7 days ago. Nestled deep inside the Trans-Himalayan region, travelling to Kailash from India requires a multitude of official paperwork and formalities since it lies in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. We were perhaps destined to travel since everything fell into place, including the visas, medical tests etc. In no time, I found myself preparing for the journey. We had booked an ‘All-flight’ route plan with a travel agent who specialised in tours to Mount Kailash. Round Air trip takes about 12 days to complete and is considered the quickest. The land route, on the other hand, takes over a month to complete, is believed to be tedious and roads are not your best friend in this part of the world. As D-Day approached, the anxiety of travelling to a destination known for its unforgiving terrain, unpredictable weather and very basic amenities gripped my head in a medley of thoughts. The idea of leaving my two little children under my mother’s care for so many days did nothing to assuage my frayed nerves. Entry permit to China is generally procured collectively for groups of pilgrims from India. We were travelling with a motley group of eighteen people, all strangers to each other initially. By the time the trip came to an end though, we had shared some of the most bizarre yet memorable moments of our lives. From flying in small dingy aircraft on isolated airstrips where we had to clumsily scramble over cargo to get to the rear of the plane to reach our seats, to buying odd-looking woollen caps from a kiosk in a remote Chinese town to cover our noses from the biting cold. After five days of extensive travel via Kathmandu, Nepal and the border towns of Tibet and China, we arrived at the Holy Lake Mansarovar (Height 4590m). The lake lies in front of Mount Kailash, the single-block pyramid mountain covered with pristine white snow is visible in all its glory from here as it juts out imposingly from behind the bluish waters of the lake. A short drive takes us from Lake Mansarovar to ‘Yama Dwar’ (Literally translating into ‘The gateway to heaven’, ‘Yama’ being the God of death). This is the last point of the motorable road. 'Kora' Circum-ambulation of the mountain The challenging part of the pilgrimage starts from Yama Dwar, that of doing the circum-ambulation, ‘Kora’ as it’s called, of Mount Kailash. ‘Kora’ lasts 3 days, covers a stretch of 52 kilometres around the mountain and can be done either on foot or on horseback. It is not for the faint-hearted, we’ve been told. Walking uphill in the thin mountain air can be strenuous. On the other hand, sitting perched on a pony over a treacherous mountain trek where the slightest misstep could plunge a person into a bottomless gorge is equally scary. Not surprisingly though, a lot of pilgrims terminate their journey at the foothill of the mountain at Lake Mansarovar. They take a dip in the freezing waters of the lake, take a good view of Mount Kailash and return home, hoping for salvation. Our group count has also come down from eighteen to ten, thanks to some scary narratives of a Russian group of mountaineers who had returned the day before. They had experienced heavy snowfall and had to sledge down the mountainside to reach base camp. Using a slippery mountainside as an inclined plane cannot be a very inviting prospect even for the most devout pilgrims. Visualising myself sliding down makes my heart sink and my blood pressure rise. But having come this far, we take our chances and after some deliberation proceed ahead on a pony. We completed the circum-ambulation of Mount Kailash in 3 days. The journey is difficult, to say the very least. But unlike the Russian mountaineers, we did not have to sledge down the mountain. The sunny weather without a speck of cloud in the sky for the entire length of the journey made our descent rather easy. The journey to Kailash Mansarovar ends on a high note... As we approached Lake Mansarovar after the round trip from the other side of the mountain, I couldn’t help but feel humbled.......humbled by the realization of our insignificance in the larger scheme of things that are beyond our knowledge and comprehension. This humility was also coupled with pride. Pride over the fact that I, for once, could utterly disregard the needs of my physical body, wean it away from all kinds of material comforts that we are so used to back home and still experience inexplicable happiness that all the comforts of the world put together cannot buy!

Switzerland is the epitome of natural beauty, so little wonder then, that this beautiful national park in Germany has been named Saechsische Schweiz or Saxon Switzerland, the Switzerland of Saxony. A day trip to Saxon Switzerland, to the ruggedly beautiful landscape of sandstone mountains, will take around 3 to 3.5 hours from Berlin, the capital of Germany. The national park is a popular destination for day trips not only from Germany but also from the neighbouring city of Prague in the Czech Republic. The Czech part of the park is called Bohemian Switzerland. If you happen to be in Dresden, then this wonderland is only a 75-minute drive away from its entrance. Dresden is also the closest airport to the park. I visited this place as a part of a student group along with a German family way back in 2004. In 2023, we went to Prague and I happened to go back to this fairyland again. Believe me, nothing has changed over the last 19-odd years. I have written a separate post on our trip to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-bohemian-switzerland-from-prague Occupying an area of only 94 square kilometres, the park is one of the smallest national parks and has the distinction of being the only non-Alpine Rock National Park in Germany. It lies in the Elbe Sandstone Mountain region of Germany and shares its borders with the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic. On the Czech side of the park, lies the Pravcicka Gate, the largest stone arch in Europe. This picture was taken from the Czech side in 2023 of the beautiful Elbe Valley Saxon Switzerland, Germany What makes the Saxon Switzerland National Park special - Entry to this spectacular park is free of charge. The park is open all year round and there are no opening and closing hours. The entry fee applies only to the Felsenburg Rock Fort in that area. - The park is easily accessible by road. A lot of day trips from Dresden take you to the Czech side of the park as well to show the Pravcicka Arch, the largest natural arch in Europe. - The park has some very intriguing topography, both in the form of Mesas or table mountains and also some very steep cliffs. - If you're a hiking enthusiast, then this park is tailor-made for you. With over 1100 rock peaks to scale, you will be spoilt for choice - There are multitudes of climbing routes that take you to these peaks, almost 14000 of them! - There is a whole set of Saxon rules for climbing that you have to adhere to while climbing the rocks. The entire park has signposts with instructions for hikers so that they don't get lost in the park. As long as you stick to the hiking path, you should be okay. Please refer to their website for more information https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/ Things to do and see in the Saxon Switzerland National Park Bastei Bridge Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland This 76.5-meter-long bridge joins the massive rock structures and has many look-out points on both the left and right sides that offer spectacular views of the Elbe Valley. This is a wooden bridge and walking over the bridge is a thrilling experience for tourists. Schrammsteine This stunning rock formation is a paradise for climbers and hikers, identifiable by its pointed, jagged peaks. Views from the above are breathtaking. There are gorges, caves, castles and fortresses along the way. Fortress Koenigstein The top of the fortress along the river Elbe offers truly awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. Elbe Valley The entire landscape around the Elbe Valley is home to a lot of water sports like canoeing, kayaking and a host of other water activities. A lot of educational trips with audio guides are also available at the park. They gave us some very interesting insights into the history of the area. Don't miss out on this wonderland of nature carved out by rock, wind and water for you!

Hong Kong needs no introduction. This small country is the favourite destination of tourists, young and old alike, and families looking for exciting getaways for their kids. It has much to offer tourists by way of an impressive skyline dotted with skyscrapers, an array of man-made attractions, natural beauty by way of its marine parks, beautiful beaches and an English-speaking population in the backdrop of a typical bustling metropolis to top it all. City attractions start from the airport itself. We had gone there for Christmas, the airport wore a very celebratory look to welcome tourists. The entire city seemed to have a very celebratory vibe. There was never a dull moment in our entire 7-day itinerary with a complete list of things to do in Hong Kong! The city boasts of a very efficient transport system, is well-connected to the airport, safe and reasonably priced. Day One Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade We landed in Hong Kong in the afternoon. There was a long list of things we wanted to do and see, we set out on our adventure in the evening starting with the 'Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade' with its famous Avenue of Stars along the waterfront with beautiful vistas of the South China Sea. Life-like statues of prominent celebrities like Bruce Lee are a hot favourite among tourists who queue up to take pictures with the legend. Some art installations are also erected along the harbourfront. My Tip - The entire promenade is a Pedestrian-only zone and it buzzes with people in the evening, you can start walking along the Central Star Ferry pier to get beautiful views of Victoria Harbor. The area has to be seen and experienced for the glorious views of the Hong Kong skyline. Since we were there around the new year, the entire harbourfront had been lit up. Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Victoria Harbour, all lit up to usher in the New Year Day 2 Peak Tram This is a funicular railway ride lasting about 8 to 10 minutes to Peak Tower, a commercial hub at 396 meters above sea level. One can reach the Peak Tower by other means of transport as well, but going by the Peak tram is exhilarating as the tram glides at a sharp incline past tall skyscrapers and the entire city skyline begins to unfold in front of you. Peak Tram to the Peak Tower The stylish outer facade of the Peak Tower is matched by the dazzling interiors replete with restaurants, shopping arcades and beautiful vistas of the city from the top. The iconic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is also located here. Stunning views from the top of the Peak Tower..... My Tip - What you need to watch out for are the long queues, first to board the tram and then at the Peak Tower itself. The crowds thicken as the day progresses. So, try to reach as early as possible. A word of advice about the wax museum. If you've seen the first wax museum in London, then you can give this one a miss. This is not a match to the original in terms of the overall experience. Our kids had not seen a wax museum earlier, so missing it was out of the question. They thoroughly enjoyed the outing, so it was worth its while! You can spend the rest of the day wandering about the beautiful open terraces around the Peak Tower, look at the city from the top and wait for the beautiful sunset over the South China Sea. Day 3 Disneyland This was the big day that we had all been eagerly waiting for. To Hongkong Disneyland. We started early to catch the Disneyland Resort Line from Sunny Bay Station. The Disney line runs every few minutes, is still always crowded and the ride on this cute train with windows cut out in Disney shapes is absolutely thrilling. What can I say about Disneyland? If you're travelling with kids, then they would probably know everything beforehand. There are one-day and two-day passes available and scores of other options to buy tickets. Although a one-day pass is sufficient to see all the attractions and enjoy all the rides. Things to remember about Disneyland are, One, Disneyland is huge, so it's best to depend on the Disney train to move around. Walking can be very time-consuming and exhausting. So, follow the train route and timings for a hassle-free trip. Two, the Disney Parade timings keep changing, please check the timings of the parade on the day of arrival. You definitely wouldn't want to miss this colourful spectacle. Three, some attractions like Mystic Manor and Grizzly Gulch have really long queues. I have seen families dividing their waiting time in queues between family members which makes a lot of sense among all the crowds. And lastly, and most importantly, the nighttime fireworks show is spectacular. However tired you might be, waiting for that show is totally worth it! The last train from Disneyland leaves when the fireworks show is over. The train is overcrowded and everyone around is tired from the excitement of the day but the thrilling moments spent during the day in this fantasy land are priceless! Day 4 Macau After the euphoric trip to Disneyland, we prepare for yet another exciting trip to Macau on Day 4. Macau is 60 km from Hong Kong and like HK, it is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. One can take a ferry or a bus to Macau which takes about 40 minutes to reach. The moment the bus reaches the outskirts of Macau, the towering engineering marvels all around are sure to make you gasp in awe. No wonder it's called the 'Vegas of the East'. The swanky and stylish Macau! A lot of people opt to stay in Macau to explore its many casinos. We had planned only a day trip, so we started our outing with The Venetian, a Venice-themed resort and casino. The Venetian is a mammoth structure with sprawling shopping arcades, restaurants, casinos, and a look-alike Venetian canal with gondolas and the works. At the Venetian - Don't miss the crowds in the background! The Venetian is lively at all times; on the day of our visit an Ice Exhibition was going on 'Ice World with the Dreamworks Gang'. The ice exhibition was absolutely delightful. They created amazing artwork and characters out of ice. You can check the Venetian website for more such events ahead of your visit to Macau and plan your trip accordingly. Apart from the Venetian, there is Fisherman's Wharf on the outer harbour of Macau. It is the largest themed entertainment complex in Macau. One of the most interesting sights in the complex is the Roman Amphitheater which is a replica of the Colosseum of Rome. There is a multitude of attractions in the complex, you need a full day to explore it at leisure. We ended our Macau outing on a euphoric high. My Tip - Macau is every bit swanky and is known for its many malls and casinos, But there is more to Macau. It also has a lesser-known 'Historic Centre of Macau', a UNESCO World Heritage, with cobbled streets, Buddhist temples and old colonial structures. If you plan to stay in Macau, then you can walk around the city to the various attractions. Most popular casinos have shuttle bus services to ferry tourists around. Day 5 We had planned to go to Ocean Park, Hong Kong. Like Disneyland, this is a must-see attraction, especially if you're travelling with kids. We had heard a lot of good things about the park, its cable car ride and the signature night show of the park. The best time to visit this park is from October to December when it's sunny and dry. Unfortunately, on the day we had planned to go, it was rainy and very cold. Spending a day out in an open park was not an inviting prospect. We had to skip Ocean Park, much to the disappointment of our kids. In an ideal scenario, this park should be included in your 7-day itinerary. We were staying on Waterloo Road, there was a Ladies' Market across the street. We spent the day shopping in the market which had a wide variety of goods, bags, clothes, shoes, souvenirs et al. Day 6 Lantau Island After a very dull Day 5, we woke up to clear skies again on Day 6, so we decided to head to Lantau Island. Lantau is the largest island in Hong Kong and the route by road to Lantau takes approx. 1 hour. Lantau is known for Po Lin Monastery and its Bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha. This statue is 34 meters tall and erected on a hilltop. The best way to get to the top is by Ngong Ping 360, a glass-bottomed cable car that takes you to the base of the steps leading to Big Buddha. One can easily spend an hour around the base of the Buddha, looking at the beautiful mountain scenery, the South China Sea, and some stunning sculptures all around the base. The monastery around the statue has beautiful artworks displayed all over. Take a short stroll along the base of the Big Buddha to reach Wisdom Path, a scenic place lined with 38 tall wooden monuments. All of them are inscribed with verses of the Heart Sutra and are arranged in an '8' pattern symbolizing infinity. The place is very serene and the walk is pleasant. My Tip - One has to climb 268 steps to reach the base of the Big Buddha! But it's entirely worth the effort. Lantau Island can easily be a full-day outing, there is a fort and some beautiful beaches. Cheung Sha is a white sand beach and the longest one in Hong Kong. Day 7 Victoria Harbour Cruise This was our last day in Hong Kong and also happened to be New Year's Eve. We had made bookings for a Victoria Harbour Dinner Buffet on the Harbour Cruise Bauhinia. The buffet spread was lavish, and the cruise and the live music and performances were stupendous, making the entire experience unforgettable. The iconic skyline of Victoria Harbour was lit up to usher in the new year. The cruise parked itself along the Victoria Harbour for stunning views of the fireworks. So, plan a family trip to Hong Kong. It's safe, vibrant, every bit touristy, and worth all your time and money!

The beautiful and ornate temples of Khajuraho will mesmerize you with their intricate stonework and beguile your senses with the sheer eroticism depicted through its sculptures. But this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just its erotic sculptures. The magnificence and splendour of these temples have to be seen to be believed! They are nothing but poetry written in stone! The complex has 25 temples spread over an area of six kilometres. The entire area is extremely well-maintained and has beautifully manicured gardens. Historically speaking.... Chandela Rulers got these temples made in the 9th century; they wanted to establish Khajuraho as the spiritual and cultural hub of their empire. But the astounding fact is that these beautiful temples have withstood the ravages of time and even today one can feel the skill and grandeur of their art. The temples are built on the Nagara or Northern style of Indian architecture as mentioned in our Shilpa Shastra. This architecture is known for its characteristic features of a Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum where the deity is placed, a large hall and a vestibule connecting the main hall to the inside of the temple. In the absence of any written texts or scriptures, many theories about the origin of these temples have surfaced.... Theory 1 It is believed that the temples were made to depict the four cornerstones of the Hindu way of life comprising Dharma, Kaam, Arth and Moksha. Dharma refers to upholding morals and righteousness in life. Kaam refers to procreation, pursuing sensual pleasures, and creating progeny for the continuity of life and family. Arth refers to the procurement of material comforts to provide for one's family. Moksha refers to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. These four facets of life are beautifully depicted on the outer facades of the temples. Theory 2 The temples were made as a means to celebrate and propagate the Shiva-Shakti cult. The largest temple is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple where the presiding deity is Lord Shiva. Close by is the Devi Jagdambi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. Theory 3 Another interesting theory has its roots in the belief system based on religious texts like Brihat Samhita that carvings of erotic sculptures, nymphs and mythical creatures on temple doors ushered in good luck. Theory 4 And lastly, back in those days, young unmarried men lived a life of complete celibacy in many such temples. They had no interaction with the female tribe. These erotic sculptures were meant to prepare them for their future life as adult males fit to procreate. There is also a common misconception about Khajuraho.... A belief among common folk is that these temples are all about erotic sculptures and explicit human forms. This is not entirely true. Erotic sculptures comprise only 10% of the total temple complex. The outer walls of Devi Jagdambi Temple and the Kandariya Mahadev Temple on the western side of the temple complex have the most ornate exteriors with explicit figures. Some other temples like Chaturbhuj Temple have no such sculptures. Interestingly, I read somewhere that Mahatma Gandhi had once expressed his desire that the temple walls should be de-faced since he found these erotic sculptures vulgar and misplaced on the temple walls. It was only after the timely intervention of Rabindranath Tagore that this idea was dropped. Many people also believe that the deities have been depicted in sensuous forms and poses. This is not true. The deities are placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of temples while the explicit sensuous poses are depicted using human forms. Celestial beauties and beautiful nymphs called Apsaras are placed away from the deities, adorning only the outer walls of the temples, never the inner walls. These nymphs, with their voluptuous bodies adorned with jewellery, are shown doing daily chores like bathing, washing their hair, applying makeup and indulging in acts of gratification. The significance of these sculptures is to celebrate human life on earth with all its needs and desires. Before I discuss the temple complex in detail, here are a few things you should know before planning a visit to Khajuraho... 1. Keep at least 2 days to see all the temples. If you're going in Summer, then the best time to see the temples is early morning or evening. Since you will have to walk barefoot in the temple on stones, visiting in the afternoon can be very painful for your feet. 2. There is a Light and Sound show every evening on the lawns of the temple complex. The timings of the show change based on the weather and season. You can check the timings beforehand on the official website of Khajuraho Temples at https://www.mptourism.com/destination-khajuraho.php . The show is not spectacular but it makes for a good watch. The sound was okay but the quality of light leaves much to be desired. 3. There are guides available at the entrance to the temple complex. I will discuss this later in this post. 4. The Khajuraho temples are divided into the Western, Eastern and Southern groups of temples. The most popular tourist destination is the Western Group of temples which has the famous Kandariya Mahadev Temple. The Eastern and southern groups of temples are scattered all over the neighbouring Khajuraho village and are free to visit at all times. None of these temples is actively used for worship except for the Matangeshwar Temple in the Western group. 5. A lot of people have apprehensions about taking their kids along to Khajuraho. If your focus is not just the temples but also the surrounding areas of Khajuraho, then you can plan a family vacation to visit the beautiful Panna forest sanctuary that is just an hour's drive away. About 15 km away from Khajuraho is the Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary. But if you wish to see only the temples, then I would say you can avoid bringing them along. There is nothing of any particular interest for children in the Khajuraho temples. There are six main temples in the Western Group Chausath Yogini Temple - This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and her 64 attendants. Kandariya Mahadev Temple -  The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, and the inside of the temple has a massive Lingam. The outer facade of the temple has beautiful, voluptuous sura-sundaris or celestial beauties depicted in sensuous poses. Devi Jagdamba Temple -  The temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The inside sanctum has a figure of Lord Vishnu. Chitragupta Temple -  Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, this temple has an eleven-headed image of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing his ten incarnations. Vishwanath Temple -  The presiding deity is Lord Shiva seated on Nandi, his vehicle the bull. Laxmana Temple - This is also known as the Chaturbhuj Temple. This temple is different from the rest as it has no erotic figures adorning its outer facade. Apart from this, there is Varaha Temple, Parvati Temple, Nandi Temple and Mahadev Temple. As I've mentioned earlier, the Southern and Eastern Group of temples are scattered all over the Khajuraho village and can be visited free of cost. And, now about our visit to the Khajuraho Temple Complex.... Day 1 We flew from Delhi and arrived in Khajuraho in the evening. The airport is about 3 km away from the city centre. We checked into a hotel and headed straight to the temple complex for the Light and Sound show. The show is organised every evening inside the temple lawns by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department. It tells you the history of the Chandela rulers, their love for sculptures and how they made Khajuraho the spiritual and cultural capital of their kingdom. The show was average. The sound and acoustics were okay but the lighting part of the show was dull. Since the show is held when it gets dark, some brighter lighting and better seating arrangements can do wonders for it. Go for the show only if you have ample time on hand. You might not want to make a rush for it. Nothing spectacular about it. Day 2 Early the next morning, like most tourists, we started our journey with the Western Group of temples. We reached the temple complex early, bought tickets and hired a local guide at the entrance. He took us on a 2-hour tour of the temple. He seemed knowledgeable about the architecture of the temples but the contextual facts that we got from him about that architecture, especially the erotic figures on the temple walls were very different from what we were actually seeing all around. He kept asserting throughout his 2-hour commentary that these erotic sculptures were placed on temple walls so that people shunned these 'vices' and led a life of complete abstinence. But the temple architecture seemed to suggest otherwise. The temples, on the contrary, were a celebration of the human form and its many facets. It certainly did not show any shame or preach abstinence. I told him that such figures are found even in the temples of Konark but he was not aware of it. We came back, albeit a bit perplexed about what we had seen and heard. Day 3 We had assigned the last day of our Khajuraho trip to see the Southern and Eastern Group of temples around the village but we decided to go back to the main temple complex in the Western group. We started our day with a visit to the Matangeshwar Temple to offer our prayers. Instead of hiring another local guide, we opted for the audio guide provided at the entrance to the temple complex. Taking the audio guide was the best thing we did on this trip. It was on-point, minus the personal biases of anyone and gave a clear and concise commentary about the architecture and sculptures and led us through the entire layout of the Khajuraho Temple Complex. My honest advice to anyone visiting the temples is to take the pre-recorded audio guide. If you still want to hire a local guide, then pick a guide with a recommendation. I have seen many forums exchanging contact numbers of good, knowledgeable guides. A lot of foreigners who come to visit the temples depend totally on the version and interpretation of these local guides. If someone, like the guide we hired, has such a skewed and narrow opinion of the erotic sculptures on the temple walls, then it can potentially tarnish the image of something so divinely artistic and aesthetic. To celebrate these divine temples, the Khajuraho Dance Festival is organised annually from February 20th to 26th. This week-long festival showcases the many traditional dance forms of India with performances by many leading and renowned dancers from India and overseas. To sum up, I would say that Khajuraho is a rare gem, unparalleled in the intricacy of stonework on the landscape of Indian architecture. It would be unfair to see the erotic sculptures on its temple walls in the context of the sexual symbolism of today. Though it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, I wish that the Khajuraho Temples get more recognition and prominence, somewhat along the lines of the world-famous Taj Mahal.

The picturesque islands of Langkawi, an archipelago comprising 99 islands in the Strait of Malacca are rightly called the Jewel of Kedah. The islands are surrounded by the stunning aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea and have some of the most spectacular white sand beaches in all of the region. 5 important things you should know about Langkawi before planning your visit 1. Langkawi is located at a distance of 510 km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Various modes of transport like flight, ferry and train are available from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. The cheapest mode is by bus that takes you to Kuala Perlis, a ferry port from where you can go to the city centre, Kuah Town. My Tip - The bus takes about 8 hours to reach Langkawi. You should opt for it only if you have an entire day to spare for the journey. The ideal way to reach Langkawi is to fly to KL and take a connecting flight from there. This is what we had done while travelling from India. Going by ferry is another good option to reach Langkawi from KL. 2. The weather in Langkawi is always warm; May to November is the wet season and December to April is the dry season. The wet season can bring in its wake torrential rains. The end of the dry season, on the other hand, can lead to dried-up waterfalls. My Tip - If you're a water sports enthusiast, then avoid going in the wet season because a lot of water sports are suspended during that time. We went to Langkawi in September, we had booked a day cruise but it got cancelled because of the heavy downpour. Since most of the sightseeing is outdoors, all activities can get compromised. 3. Langkawi is 100% duty-free, and the capital of Kuah Town offers some great shopping opportunities. There are massive shopping malls with great stuff. There are also a lot of good dining options owing to an abundance of seafood available. While in Langkawi, you must try the local Malay cuisine. My Tip - You can easily spend a few hours in the evening at Kuah Town and indulge in some great shopping. Utilize this time to soak in the immense touristy vibe of the island. And what better way to experience the vibe of a place than trying the local cuisine? Eating options are plenty, from high-end restaurants to roadside eateries, fitting every budget and preference of food. 4. Langkawi does not have a public transport system. So, you'll have to depend entirely on private transport for moving around. My Tip - A lot of options are available for moving around. Hiring cars on a daily basis is quite simple and reasonable. Like all tourist places, bikes, motorbikes and cars are easily available for rent. The quality of roads is good and traffic is minimal except around the city centre. 5. There is an abundance of natural parks and beaches in Langkawi. If you have just 3 days at your disposal, then it's best to plan your adventures. As I've mentioned earlier, a lot of your outings will also depend on the weather of the day. My Tip - I have picked out the 1o best attractions that you can easily include in your 3-day itinerary. But some places like the Pulau Payar Marine Park and the Mangrove Safari can take a whole day to explore, so you will have to pick between the two if you have only 3 days with you. 10 Best Things To Do on a 3-Day Itinerary in Langkawi 3 days are adequate to bask in the beauty of this magical island. There are lots of wonderful things to see and a lot of activities to pick from. I have mentioned them below but have not arranged these attractions in any day-wise itinerary because visiting them would greatly depend on the weather and also on how much time you have on hand. If you find yourself in clear weather, then you should immediately go for any water sports that you wish to try. That should be undertaken first thing in the morning since crowds are thinner and the water is clearer. For some beaches like Pantai Cenang, going in the afternoon is better since you can enjoy its vibrant nightlife in the late evening. 1. Eagle Square Eagle Square or Datarang Lang, as it's called in the local language, is perhaps the most photographed sight in all of Langkawi. The massive Eagle statue on the side of the Andaman Sea will surely elicit a 'wow' response from you when you first see it. My Tip - It's located in the Kuah district, if you happen to be staying there, then try to visit this spot during the day and also in the evening when it's all lit up. There is no entry fee. 2. Pantai Cenang About a 20-minute drive away from Eagle Square, on the western shoreline, is the beautiful white sand beach called Pantai Cenang. This is a very favourite tourist hub, the shoreline is always buzzing with water sports enthusiasts, swimmers, parasailors and speedboat riders. In the evening, the shore comes alive with beachfront bars and lounges. My Tip - In my opinion, one should reach here by the late afternoon and then stay till nightfall. The entire coastline is buzzing with tourists. Going during the daytime in summer under the scorching sun is not a good idea. 3. Langkawi SkyCab The Langkawi SkyCab is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Langkawi. Located in the Oriental Village at the foothills of the Machinchang Mountain Range, it takes about 40 minutes to reach by road from Kuah town. The entire area of SkyCab is full of attractions and one can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here. Your outing will start from the base at Oriental Village. The village has some eating options, shops to buy souvenirs and stunning scenery all around. You can click some pictures here before getting on a cable car to the Sky Bridge. The Cable car starts from the Base Station and takes about 15 minutes to take you to the top of Mount Mat Chinchang. The ride is exhilarating as the cable car goes over verdant scenic beauty. Before getting into the cable car, you can also visit the SkyDome. Remember, your SkyCab ticket includes entry to the SkyDome, a 360-degree projection arena that was built in 2014, to make waiting times for getting on the cable car more fun for tourists. The dome is nothing spectacular but it definitely will provide a respite from the heat outside. Once inside the cable car, you get mesmerizing views all around. You can get out of the cable car at the Middle Station onto the viewing platforms to get stunning 360-degree views of the mountain scenery. My Tip - Go to the Oriental Village only if you want to go ahead with the cable car. In my opinion, there is nothing special about this place except the 3D Art museum. Apart from that, there are some eateries and some shops selling souvenirs. Just treat it as a point to board the cable car. The 3D Art Museum is undoubtedly a good place for families travelling with kids, One can take some great pictures here in front of 3D art objects. If you buy Express Lane tickets, then admission to this 3D Art Langkawi, SkyDome and SkyRex are included. The cable car experience is wonderful. Not-to-miss. The SkyDome is again nothing special but can be a good way to wait before boarding the cable car. Please carry some light woollens for the top of the mountain as it can get very chilly. 4. Sky Bridge The Sky Bridge can be accessed only from the last station of the Langkawi cable car. After getting off the cable car, you can buy extra tickets to go on the bridge. Either you can climb the 370 steps to reach the bridge or take the Sky Glide from the top to the bridge. The price of the tickets will depend on whether you take the steps or the Sky Glide. Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125-meter-long bridge at an altitude of 660 meters, is an engineering marvel that practically takes you into the mountains. On a clear day, you can see the islands of Thailand from here. The bridge has glass inserts on its bottom offering spectacular views of the valley below. My Tip - There are many options to reach the Sky Bridge. If you are physically fit, then take the 15-10 minute nature trail to reach the Sky Bridge. Otherwise, Sky Glide is available. But, remember, there are always massive queues for this facility since it can accommodate only up to 12 people on one trip. The running of cable cars hugely depends on the weather. Please check the website panoramalangkawi.com for any updates and closure notices before proceeding to the place. 5. Seven Wells Waterfall Seven Wells is called Telaga Tujuh Waterfall. When looking around from the cable car up to the mountain, remember to look out for this waterfall. Seven Wells is a hidden delight in the mountains. It's very close to the Sky Bridge, just keep walking downhill. Some families are living around, and you can ask them for directions. They will help you even if they don't speak proper English. My Tip - Carry an extra set of clothes. The temptation to jump into the waterfalls will be too great to resist. 6. Lagenda Park This is a beautiful open-air park with 17 sculptures of Langkawi legends like princesses, ogres and mythical birds. The park is very close to the Kuah Jetty. My Tip - One gets a beautiful view of Eagle Square from the park. The park is bigger than it appears to look from the outside and as a tourist, you can get to know a lot about the history of Langkawi. One can spend an evening there and wait for the sunset on the beach close by. 7. Crocodile Adventure Land The park is home to over 4000 species of crocodiles. The park is very well maintained and you can do activities like feeding a baby crocodile and holding it in your hands It's rather scary but go for it! The guides in the park are very nice and knowledgeable. But the highlight of the park is not the crocodile species but a crocodile show that is held in the park. My Tip - The crocodile show is a must-see. The dare-devil stunts that these trainers perform with the crocodiles are sure to get your heart into your mouth! Please check the timings before going to the park. 8. Skytrex Adventure If you're an adventure enthusiast, then you must visit Skytrex Adventure. There are fun activities like swinging on ropes, gliding, sliding and dangling done under expert supervision. It's about 40 to 45 minutes drive from Kuah. The place is absolute fun with dingy bridges suspended over lush green forest. My Tip - The adventure park is a good pastime especially if you're travelling with kids. 9. Tanjung Rhu On the north side of the Langkawi island, is the beautiful white sand beach Tanjung Rhu. It is considered to be one of the best beaches in Langkawi with clean water and restaurants with scenic views around. Boat tours to the mangroves are also available here. My Tip - This beach is a must on your 3-day itinerary. Just 3 km away from Tanjung Rhu is the Mangrove Safari. If you have time, then you must add it to your day's outing. A boat takes you into the mangrove swamps and you can see some amazing migratory birds. There are a multitude of options available to see these mangroves, from tours ranging from 3 to 6 hours. 10. Pulau Payar Marine Park An outing to this beautiful marine park should be done on a sunny day if you wish to do snorkelling or diving. The park can be reached by catamaran or a speedboat that takes about 45 minutes to reach from the Kuah Jetty. We had to miss out on this outing since it rained incessantly during the day on which we had planned this outing. My Tip - There are some restrictions imposed on tourists about fishing or even venturing into the water. If you have more time on hand, then Conducted tours of the park are also available. Please check the official Langkawi tourism website for recent updates and information. Eagle Square, Lagenda Park, SkyCab, Sky Bridge and Crocodile Adventure Land are not-to-miss attractions. Add to this a mangrove boat tour and your trip to Langkawi is complete because these are attractions unique only to Langkawi. If you still have time left and if the weather permits, then there are plenty of beaches to choose from, the nicest one being Tanjung Rhu.