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.

Holiday Mode on: Bollywood Stars and their X-mas & New Year Plans

Image Source: tripzmate

Image Source: bollywoodpresents

It’s the time of year when people are planning to enjoy the last break of 2015. Bags are packed, tickets booked and now is the time to head to the beaches, mountains or just another city to welcome Santa Claus and ring in the New Year.

Our Bollywood celebrities are not too far behind ... While few have decided to spend it with friends or family, others are taking a break from their frenzied schedule to get soaked into the holiday spirit and get ready for the madness to continue in 2016.

Let’s look at some of the stars and their holiday sojourn.

(New Year Eve Celebrations in the World)

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif will be taking off to London for both Xmas and New Year. London has one of the biggest celebrations at midnight with host of festivities, fireworks and fun! Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra too will be in London from Xmas until New Year. London is one of the favourite destinations of the entrepreneur couple.

Image Source: mtvindia

Bipasha Basu’s will be flying away to Thailand with her love interest Karan Grover. Thailand is known for its incredible night life and exotic beaches. Neil Nitin Mukesh has grand plans to celebrate the holiday season. He will be in Dubai for Christmas and South Africa for New Year! Wow!! Now that's some travel plan.

Image Source: rediff

Hritik Roshan, who is a doting father to his two sons – Hrehaan and Hridhan, will be in Switzerland for Christmas. The gleaming snow-capped mountains will look stunning when the town will be painted red for Xmas. It’s family time for Deepika Padukone too but she will be away from Ranveer Singh as she will be celebrating it with her parents in Bengaluru while Ranveer will be looking for a shore to laze around.

Image Source: uthtime

The pristine beach of Maldives is Sonam Kapoor’s choice. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, Maldives is a perfect choice in any season and is a favourite choice of many Bollywood celebrities. Sidharth Malhotra, who is the brand ambassador for New Zealand, will be there only with his friends. Definitely a good time to boast about the country you are associated with. 

Image Source: itimes

Madhuri Dixit Nene will be flying off to her second home – the USA, with her husband and kids. And, guess who will be coming home for the New Year?? Priyanka Chopra who has been busy shuttling between the continents because of work commitments, will be in India to give a goodbye kiss to 2015!

Image Source: dainikbhaskar

Image Source: dailymail

Image Source: express.co.uk

Image Source: instabollywood

Image Source: santabanta

Source: HT

Hello Corsica! The Scenic Location From The Bollywood Movie Tamasha

With the release of the latest movie – Tamasha, Bollywood has done to Corsica what Napoleon Bonaparte couldn’t do to it! With such picturesque locations, Corsica will be the “next go to destination” for Indians.

So where is Corsica? How to go? Where to stay? What to do? The Suitcase will help you plan the most memorable trip to Corsica!

Deepika Padukone shooting Ranbir Kapoor in Corsica. Image Source: indipepper

Bollowood actors enjoying Corsica. Image Source: ibnlive

Scenes from movie Tamasha. Image source: Twitter

About Corsica

A mountainous Mediterranean island off the south coast of France and west of Italy, Corsica is mix of astonishing geographical diversity. While travelling within the city, you will experience plush coastal lines, scintillating coves and beautiful beaches to craggy peaks, breathtaking valleys, dense forests and unfathomable hilltop villages.

Corsica has incredible hiking peaks one of them being G20, which is considered “the toughest long distance trail” in Europe, covering a distance of 180 Kms and 10 Kms of climbing and descent over rugged landscape. 

A remarkable destination for Golf, Corsica’s Golf de Sperone is regarded as one of the Europe’s best courses that are regularly ranked in Top 100 Golf courses.

Holidays in Corsica will therefore be a mixed bag of hiking & canyoning to water sports to exploring its rich culture or just getting tanned relaxing on the golden sand beaches.

Image Source: cosmosyatching

Image Source: wedding-aborad-experts

When to go

The summer time is the best to explore the beauty of Corsica and enjoy all the activities. The months from May-September are perfect time for swimming to hiking, August being a favourite among the tourists.

The 8500 sq km big island is divided into two parts – Upper Corsica and South Corsica, where you need at least 2 weeks time to fully enjoy and explore.

Image Source: ilovecorsica

How to reach

Regular flight connectivity is available from all major Indian airports esp. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio.

If booked in advance, the cost of tickets are quite economical like any other European country. Once in Corsica, you can drive around in cabs or take ferry from one city to another.

Image Source: ilovecorsica

Visa & Currency

France Visa – French Schengen Visa for Indians

Currency: As a part of France, the currency used is Euro. 

Language: The official language is French, but Italian is also spoken in tourist places. The native language is Corsican.

Image Source: Euro

Places to go

Ajaccio: A beautiful bay with background of mountains which remain snow-capped until March. The capital of Corsica has a rich heritage and museums being the birthplace of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Old towns, bustling markets, mouth-watering cuisines, impeccable beaches perfect for swimming until late autumn, all this and a lot more makes Ajaccio a good bet.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Bonifacio: This port is an essential stop because of its lively harbour, white cliffs and blue water. It is just a short hop from Sardinia, Italy which in itself has the dreamiest beaches and is a 30 mins ferry ride.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Bastia: Located on the Upper Corsica, it is one of the liveliest places. Place Saint Nicolas and Place du Marche are local’s choices for a great time. The place is known for attractive boutiques.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Do visit Calvi, Valdo-Niello forest, Cap Corse, Beaches near Porto Vecchio and Bouches de Bonifacio, without which the trip will be incomplete.

Where to stay

Corsica offers a variety of options to suit everyone’s pockets – lodges, cottages, B&B, 3 stars-5stars and villas. There is a wide array of accommodation options available from INR 2000-INR 50,000.

For a luxurious stay you can opt for Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Ajaccio Bay or Sofitel Golfe d’Ajaccio Thalassa Sea and Spa

Image Source: www.radissonblu.com

For a more budgeted option, The Best Western chain of hotels is available across Corsica in locations like Porto Vecchio, Ile Rousse, Ajaccio and Bastia.

Image Source: tripadvisor

The untouched beauty of Corsica is going to be our choice for any special reason - be it honeymoon, birthday and anniversary or for no reason for solo travellers seeking solitude! You will fall in love with this place.

Thank you Mr.Imtiaz Ali (director of the movie Tamasha) for introducing us to Corsica!