Tuesday, 26 April 2016

Dubrovnik : A gem in Croatia






One of the best parts about watching a Bollywood movie is the visual treat they endow with. The locations are explored even for a minute’s scene or for a single song. Thanks to the team behind, we have been introduced to countless exotic locations.

The latest Bollywood release “FAN” showcased brilliant cinematography at Dubrovnik. One of movie’s most important scenes is shot here giving us a glimpse to marvel at the beauty of Dubrovnik.  The place has just made its entry to my bucket list. Read on to know more about this gem in Croatia.

About Dubrovnik

The pearl of Adriatic, Dubrovnik lies in the extreme south of Croatia. You are awe stuck the moment you set your eyes on the beauty of this old town. It seems as if the entire city is turned towards the sun and the sea. The description of the city is straight from a poet’s heart – The warm southern climate, the clear blue sky, attractive turquoise green and dark blue depths of the sea along with the rocky coast, the numerous gulfs, bays, cliffs and subtropical flora.



How to reach

All major airlines fly to Dubrovnik from metros in India with a 1 stop/ 2 stops+ flight.
For people planning Euro trip, you can add Dubrovnik as one the cities as there are direct flights from all important cities in Europe to Dubrovnik.


 Visa for Indians

Only two or multiple entry Schengen Visa is valid for entering the Republic of Croatia.

Source: schengenvisainfo

When to go

Throughout the year the weather is worth a visit. The mild Mediterranean climate makes the winter appealing with fine sunshine.  Snow is a rarity here and the summer is not too harsh. The best months to go are April – September.



Currency

1 Croatian Kuna = 10 INR approx



Where to stay

Hotels/ Apartments are easily available. 1 star to 5 star hotel properties can be booked for a comfortable stay. Our choices are:

For Luxury stay

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
Experience not just world class comfort & luxury but also fall in love with the postcard-perfect views. It is on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and not too far city centre and old town.

Source: https://www.radissonblu.com/en/resort-dubrovnik


For Budget stay

Lafodia Sea Resort
Lopud Island, which is situated 5kms from the town of Dubrovnik, has a pristine resort by the name of Lafodia. Despite being a budget hotel, Lafodia enjoys being on an island where no car is allowed! Noise and air pollution are unknown here. Lafodia is one of the best and most praised hotels in Dubrovnik region.

Source: http://www.lafodiahotel.com/en/location/dubrovnik
 
Things to do
       
       Ancient City Walls
       Dubrovnik Cable Car
       Island of Lokrum & Lopud
       Old Town
       Forts & Museums

Tip: Purchase a Dubrovnik card for sightseeing, entry to several museums and use of city’s bus system gets free.





Monday, 18 April 2016

5 Must Visit Heritage Sites in India


18th April is celebrated as World Heritage Day across the globe. The purpose of this day is to create awareness about the heritage sites and the highlighting the need to conserve and protect them.
As of now, there are 32 monuments and sites in India that are recognized by UNESCO and are considered having outstanding universal value.

The Suitcase brings you 5 of the 32 heritage sites that should be added to your bucket list right away.

Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

The park covers an area of 42,996 hectares (1, 06,250 acres) & has the distinction of being home to the largest population of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. There are many other mammals and birds species in the sanctuary.

Source: wikimedia

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Spread over an area of 12 acres, it was inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list as a unique property of cultural and archaeological importance.

Source: Wikimedia

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

It has the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. It also has the largest reserves for Bengal tigers.

Source: Wikimedia

Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Both are listed in UNESCO under the cultural heritage sites.  The Ajanta caves depict richly decorated paintings, frescoes which are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings of Sri Lanka. The Ellora Caves are a cultural mix of religious arts of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Source: indianluxurytrains

Western Ghats

Also known Sahyadri Mountains, it is a mountain range along the western side of India. It is considered as one of the world’s top ten “Hottest biodiversity hotspots”. 

Source: Wikipedia