In the deer park you would find the stupa constructed by the Emperor Asoka in the year 249 BCE. There are many more such Buddhist structures in the park that were constructed much later and the ages between the 3rd century BC and the 11th Century CE saw a lot of changes in the religious and political sector here.

Sarnath is a peaceful area and the greenery here is a great relief to all the tourists who come here to enjoy, rejuvenate and relax while on a vacation. People who have not been able to go to Varanasi and have not got any accommodation in the city of Varanasi can come to Sarnath and relax.

The Varanasi airport is a major hub for all those who want to come to Sarnath can access the air by this airport.

Varanasi Cantonment is around 6 km and it is connected to all the cities in India. The city of Sarnath does have a small station, and very few trains halt there.

Sarnath is also accessed by bus and the place is also accessed through a taxi or a rickshaw. Be careful of the exorbitant rates that the taxi drivers charge and dont succumb to their ways.

You could see the Dhamekh Stupa here. Built by the great Indian king Asoka who built this in memory of the pilgrimage he took to the Deer park. The stupa signifies the spot where the Buddha taught five saints about the Four Noble Truths, This was also Buddha’s first teaching after his enlightenment.

The Chaukhandi Stupa which was built in the fifth century and also is the place where the Buddha is believed to have met the five saints. There is a tower here which is octagonal shaped and has Islamic origins.

See the ruins at the Mulagandhakuti Vihara which is where it is believed that the Buddha spent the rainy season the first time.

Also see the Asoka Pillar where only the base remains.

Don’t leave Sarnath without seeing the Archaeological Museum here .This is where there is a great collection of artifacts which have been taken out from the site. The sculptures here are of stupendous historical interest.

Then of course you have the Sri Digamber Jain temple which is located near the Dhamekh Stupa. Here you can learn about the Digambara monasticism which is an offshoot of the Jain Dharma.

Visit Sarnath and be enlightened with the values of the Buddha. It is a great place to visit and a nice travel to undertake.

1) Royal castle – This old, historical castle of Warsaw is the most happening destination which was once the official abode of Polish empire. Situated at the entrance of Warsaw old town, this historical castle has endured many blows and attacks made by German, Russian and Swedish armies. If you want to get a glimpse of history, then you should definitely visit this place.

2) Lazienki Park – This plush, magnificent garden complex based in Warsaw is truly pleasant and visually engaging. This enormous garden complex was built during the 2nd half of 18th century and gives visitors the privilege to enjoy the panoramic view of Lazienki Palace which is beautifully surrounded by ponds and canals.

3) Powazki Cemetery – Also known as Stare Powazki, this historical cemetery is the one of the prominent and oldest cemetery where you can see the graves of many famous personalities from Poland. This cemetery is the gateway to get the information on the life of prominent people who belonged to Poland.

4) Barbican – Situated between Old and new towns, Warsaw Barbican is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Warsaw. Built in 1540, Barbican was aesthetically designed by Jan Baptist the Venetian, an Italian architect. Completely destroyed during 2nd world war, Barbican was rebuilt again where bricks from demolished buildings were used in this construction.

5) Saxon Garden – Saxon garden is one of the happening and oldest parks in Warsaw. This serene park was opened for public of Warsaw in 1727. This park was completely devastated during the Warsaw Uprising and was later rebuilt after 2nd world war. Whenever you visit Warsaw, don’t miss visiting Saxon Garden.

6) King Zygmunt’s Column – Situated in Castle Square, Poland, King Zygmunt’s Column or Sigismund’s Column is one of the popular and old monuments which honor King Sigismund III Vasa who had made Warsaw as the capital city of Poland.

7) Warsaw Rising Museum – Warsaw uprising is one of the most major uprising in the history of Poland which took place in 1944. Situated in district of Wola, this museum is dedicated in the memory of the valiant soldiers who participated in this uprising. This museum was opened to public on 31st July 2004 on the account of 60th anniversary of this uprising.

There are also other interesting places like Nowy Swiat, Frederick Chopin Museum, and Royal Castle which are truly inspiring and worth visiting. Whether it is the City Zoo, Gestapo Headquarters Museum or Lazienki Park, every place at Warsaw will help you to connect with ethos and spirit of Warsaw.

Come, let’s discover Warsaw!

The summer is probably the worst time for visiting Venice. During the summer months, the weather of this city remains extremely hot and humid. You will come across irritating things like smelly canals, mosquitoes, flies etc. However, if you come to Venice in spring or falls, you will never feel like going back. During these times the average temperature of the city ranges in between 5 and 15° Celsius. The tourist population in Venice is maximum during these parts of the year. If you want to avoid the rush, you may also plan the tour to Venice between November and January. Traveling through Venice during the winter months will surely be an extremely thrilling experience. However to tackle the extreme cold of Venice during winter months, you must carry a lot of woolens with you. In this time the weather of this city stays damp, windy and cold.

Another feature of Venice, you must be aware of before landing in the city is ‘aqua alta’ or high water. During an aqua alta, the water level of the lagoon rises above levels of streets and squares; it is almost like a mini flood and persist for only for some hours. Such incidents may take place suddenly for several times in a year. There’s no definite time for an ‘aqua alta’, however, it is more frequent during colder months.

The locals here speak a variety of languages ranging from Malayalam to Tamil and from Telugu to French. French is the official language in the Union Territory, Tamil in the Government. Pondicherry has a lot of Tamil influence as it is near the state of Tamil Nadur. Koel, Squirrel, cannonball’s tree flower and Bael fruit tree occupy special position as the state bird, animal, flower and tree respectively.

A person who visits Pondicherry is bound to come back happy and elated as the whole city is like a fairyland, planned and organized. The Pondicherry Beach is a place where one can go rest and relax in peace. The sound of the waves coming through and the sun setting in the far horizon is a moment that one would like to capture forever. Pondicherry is supposed to be having one of the best beaches in India. The clear waters here and the sands that look like gold are the best attractions here. The beaches aren’t crowded like the other beaches which are overcrowded with too many tourists, vendors and other paraphernalia. One finds the Serenity Beach here and also the Paradise Beach. The Serenity Beach is as good as its name. It is extremely neat and tidy and is full of tranquility. The other beach is the Paradise Beach which is also equally clean and tidy and has water that is absolutely crystal clear. One can have lot of water sports here and a lucky tourist could also see the dolphin here. Here one can see a beautiful creek flowing on one side of the city. The other beach is the Promenade Beach where one can see a lot of monuments which are full of heritage value. There are lots of monuments on the shores of the beach here. WE also have the Auroville Beach which is situated around 12 kms from the main city. This beach is also frequented by people for its serenity.

Auroville is a small township near Pondicherry. Located in the district of Vilippuram in the Tamil Nadu State this was the infant of Mirra Alfassa who found this in the year 1968. She is today called the “mother” here in Puducherrry. Roger Anger an architect designed it and it was built to be known as a town for the entire world. People of all caste, creed, harmony and nationalities were allowed here. The whole idea of building this town was to promote unity. Auroville means the City Of Dawn.

Then we have the Sri Aurobindo Ashram that was founded by Sri Aurobindon in the year 1926. Sri Aurobindo then put Mira Alfassa in charge of the Ashram. Situated in the downtown region of Pondicherry, this is a place which is renowned for its serene and calm atmosphere. One who comes here goes back rejuvenate as the simple silence observed by the people here relaxes the mind and calms the brains. The greenery and the calmness here sets the wheels of progress in the mind rolling and one can get energized for the rest of his life. It has many charitable benefits and serves the public with medical facilities also. Here is where one can find the School for Perfect Eyesight by the very controversial Bates method. This institution guarantees restoring vision without glasses. There are cottage industries activities here and the yoga done here promises to change life completely. There are no rules to join here. Anyone can join the ashram and partake in its activities. Aurobindo Ashram only aims to achieve peace through service and love by spreading service in the world.

In this way Pondicherry with its pristine beauty and its virgin look is every bit a fascinating city. The ride up to this city is very memorable when one sees the policemen here dressed in their unique uniforms. Pondicherry today has retained its past glory and still manages to fascinate all the tourists. Frequented mostly by most of the foreigners the simple principle of live and let live here is the key to enjoy this place to the fullest.

Planned by the Atkins design studio of Dubai, the Namaste tower is currently in progress, which is said to engulf 62 storeys that will be divided into a retail zone, leisure zone, and office space. Carrying forward the long practice of the superb Indian Architecture, the designers aim at building a landmark structure, the symbol of the growing economic as well as cultural India. In short, the tower is thought to become the ambassador of the city in form of the Mumbai’s picture postcard.

Namaste’s significance in the architecture

The traditional way of greeting in India is to say ‘Namaste’ by joining the hands together, which indicates that ‘I bow to you’; thereby, negating the ego in front of another. This pose is the source of inspiration for designing this tower. Building itself on this old Indian expression, the architecture of the Namaste tower is composed of two wings that are joined together to resemble hands – showing that they are greeting the people in the city. Therefore, the architectural design is the supreme symbol of welcome as well as hospitality truly made for greeting the visitors who plan to come here.

Statistical coverage of the Grand Namaste Hotel

• 120,000 sq. m. for the construction area
• Restaurants, Spa, and banqueting facilities
• 9,000 sq. m. of office space featuring the ‘A’ grade
• 6,000 sq. m. of the retail space of excellent quality
• 300 m as the height of the tower

Views from the site/surroundings

The soaring height of 300 m will be visible from a distance of over 40 km. It is certainly this visual appearance that is of utmost significance in rendering the hotel as a major landmark in the city of Mumbai. From the tower, one will be able to get the far away views of the famous Mahalaksmi Race course in south, Mumbai Peninsula, and over the Indian Ocean in the southwest. On the other hand, the vistas in the North East will be of the many other towers that are under construction.

Design

Made up of two joint, but still wings forming the architectural pose of ‘Namaste’, the tower reflects the design of Mehendi on its exteriors. Mehendi is an important ritual during the weddings wherein the hands as well as feet of the bride are decorated with Mehendi (Henna) that brings a series dark orange color patterns on the skin. In the same way, the design of the two hands of the tower are adorned with the Mehendi patterns that is one more cultural theme represented via the treatment of the building skin. Both the wings will be dressed in fritted bright patterns that will create an architectural graphic glory on the exteriors. With this, a sense of depth as well as transparency will be invoked and that simultaneously, the thermal features will be kept intact for fulfilling the envelope design criteria of the tower. So, finally, it can be concluded, once ready, the tower will luxuriously cater to the large scale weddings too.

In addition, it has been put forward that large scale canopies above the drop-off spots will boast a series of solar thermal collectors. Wow! This is one more commendable point of this civil marvel, which indicates that it does care about the environment. With the gross surface area as well as the sunlight conditions throughout the year, the collectors will probably offer 12% of the total energy needed to warm up the water for the hotel use.

Between the wings, the available space is being utilized as the corridor spaces. At any tip of this space, the guests can enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the city from the featured open atria.

The Podium

The podium will bear the geometry that will completely amalgamate the tower’s design. Therefore, the podium’s design is a genuine symmetry that retorts the wing as canopies over the drop off. Most of it will be for retail, but its facade will boast fountains as well as the other water features that will plunge to the street level.

Internal Atrium Gardens

These are the atria that aim at allowing the natural sunlight to enter deep into the plan. The atria at the plant floor levels will be split into internal gardens to ensure greenery and fresh air in the atrium spaces as well as corridors. In short, perfect air circulation is the aim of these atria.

Within the tower

Starting in the order from bottom to top, the tower will engulf offices, plant floor, specialty restaurant, standard hotel rooms, plant rooms, spa, Standard club as well as suites, owner’s apartment, plant floor, Sky restaurant, and Sky atrium.

Among the suites, expect club rooms with suites, presidential, and royal suites of which the latter two serve as the epitome of opulence with lounge areas and dining rooms. Other amenities include lobby, parking, retail zone, and ball room.

And yes, at every six floors, there is a Fire Refuge Zone to tackle with fire, if any. There will be fire trucks to deal with, which can take a complete round of the tower via 6 m drive route as well as turning radius of 13 m.

At the Pinnacle

On the top of the Namaste tower, a liberal atrium of quadruple height encompasses a Sky Restaurant and Bar that features a distinct lookout point from where one can enjoy the panoramic vistas of Mumbai.

Location

The tower is located on the land of the Ambika mills that is a few meters away from the famous Shangri-La hotel. The nearest station is Lower Parel on the western suburban line.

The Namaste Tower in Mumbai is the major landmark for its traditional architecture of clasped hands decorated with Mehendi to greet the patrons.

Start your trip by visiting the fascinating Prague Castle that is regarded as the biggest old castle on Earth offering breathtaking vistas of the city side. On the same site, also look for the St. Vitus Cathedral featuring an observation tower, palaces and museums, the Castle Picture Gallery, and the Royal Garden. A visit to the St. Vitus Cathedral will charge you nothing, but expect a long queue (1 hour). Entrance to the castle costs 350 CZK.

Do explore the Old Town that is the city’s historic hub. This is where you can explore a number of monuments of which the most remarkable is the Astronomical Clock, historical buildings, sacred GothicTýn Church, the Storch building of murals, the Estate Theatre, St. James Church, Old Town Hall, and Church of Our Lady.

The Lesser Town leading to the castle from the downtown across the Vltava is the home of many wonderful streets as well as churches. Do take some time to discover the renowned St. Nicholas Church, the Lennon Wall that was a source of annoyance to the communist rule, Charles Bridge linking the Lesser and Old Town, and Venetian-like canal along with its water wheel. Above all, the main attraction here is ‘Child Jesus of Prague’, which is the popular statue of Christ known to the whole world. It is also called the Holy Infant of Prague, whose original statue is visible in the Church of Our Lady Victorious here.

Some more worth visiting monuments and structures are Loreta as the stunning convent in Baroque at the Lesser Town, Strahov Monastery on hillside offering remarkable picture gallery as well as Renaissance library, Frank Gehry’s Dancing House revealing a fascinating architecture and reachable from Karlovo náměstí metro station, Vyšehrad as a cool castle, Petřínská rozhledna replicating the Eiffel Tower atop a hill where an ascent costs 100 CZK, and Prague Giant Metronome.

Do not miss a trip to the Czech National Gallery for it houses the some of the most vital collections in the St George Convent, Sternberg Palace, and Veletržní Palace (19th century). Yes, you need to visit these three sites. Other worth visiting museums here are Museum of Communism, Prague City Museum, Prague City Gallery, Museum of Decorative Arts, National Technical Museum, Military Museum, and Jewish Museum.

Did you know that Prague is popular as a city of pedestrians? Yes, this is the city for all those who love explore things on foot. Walking here acts as a natural rejuvenator. So, here, enjoy exploring the old and new parts of the city on foot from Wenceslas Square to the Old Town Square. You can also amble from the Old Town to Charles Bridge as well as to the Castle District. But, this stroll might not be that easy for a senior citizen as nearly all the streets are paved. A warning is also necessary for the young pedestrians: crosswalks should be stepped on carefully.

Consider cruising on the popular Vltava River either for an hour or for an entire evening with music and dinner. For this, contact Prague river cruises. If you want to enjoy Jazz, then opt for a Jazz boat. If you want to shop, be at the luxurious Palladium in the downtown or at Metropole Zlicin near the Zlicin station. These malls are also among the good options for meals. Your Prague travel is incomplete without tasting its desserts – fruit dumplings and crepes. For western style food, the Wenceslas Square is ideal.

Coming to accommodation, I would suggest living in a fun ‘Botel’ offering stunning vistas within the range of €20 to €120 per person per night. Check out for the reasonable Botel Florentina providing castle views.

Many go for buying the Prague Card that includes entry into all top attractions. This is valid for 4 days and is meant to explore more than 50 top attractions in Prague for free. In addition, you will get a book providing all necessary tourist information regarding the free attractions. And yes, the most fascinating part of this one is that you are entitled to several discounts (airport transfer, Prague Walks excursions, shopping, and museums) along with a voucher. A valid card along with the site voucher is necessary for free admission. However, public transport cost is not included in the total cost of 790 Kč. I recommend not buying this as it is not that huge money savior. Instead, go for the Prague Pass that ensures free trips to several Prague attractions. It is valid for a year and offers discounts along with 72 hours of public transport (any medium) for 860 Kč.

I landed at the largest international airport Tan Son Nhat in Vietnam, which is at 8 km from the downtown. I had booked my stay at the Blue River Hotel on the Pham Ngu Lao street at USD 30 for the room with the views. If you decide to stay here, do not go for its taxi service to airport, as that will cost you USD 15, and not the regular USD 8.

During my four days of stay in the Hochiminh City, I was able to explore many of its sights as well as things to do. The street location of my hotel itself is an attraction in itself holding a multitude of parks. Among them, the most visited is the Twenty-Three September Park, the venue of many games played by the locals. Even you can participate, if you wish in aerobics, badminton, and booting a shuttlecock. All of them are just fun to even watch. One more interesting feature is meeting the intelligent young groups who will request you to teach English if you are seen relaxing in the open area close to the Ben Thanh market.

Then, I explored the Reunification Palace at Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, which is also called the Independence Palace. It is a five-storey edifice left mostly pristine since the Saigon fell to the North, the war that finally ended in 1975. During this, tank #843 was destroyed at the gate, whose replica is on the lawn. On a guided tour, look for the stunning kitschy recreation room featuring an eerie basement, round sofa, phones of 1960s phones, office equipments, and radios. Also see the propaganda film and a photo gallery. Admission charges are 15,000 dong, but free tours are sometimes available.

On the Vo Van Tan Street, the War Remnants Museum (7:30 am to 12 pm and 1:30 to 5 pm) is a three-storey edifice features various war-related things including the U.S. military hardware such as helicopters, jets, and tanks. Admission is for 15,000 dong. From here, go south to be on the Le Quy Don for enjoying a soft ice cream for 2000 dong as the peak season is the hottest here. Next, explore the Notre Dame Cathedral on the Han Thuyen Street that is a French-built cathedral in downtown. Except for weekends and lunch time, you can come here to marvel at its artistic features for free.

The Chinatown district here is worth a visit for Chinese temples and cultural festivals. Among all the shrines, do visit the Thien Hau Pagoda that is dedicated to the sea goddess, Lady Thien Hau who is believed to leave behind two giant turtles for guarding things. Worth watching are the striking sculptures of the courtyard walls. Come here on the 23rd day of March lunar month to be a part of a great festival. Some more worthy pagodas here are the oldest Quan Am Pagoda and Phung Son Tu Pagoda housing the goddess of virtue and happiness.

The Dam Sen Water Park on Hoa Binh near the city centre is the venue of many water slides for those who want wild water experiences, especially via the stunning ‘Space Bowl’. However, just be a bit careful here as clutching the head while leaving is common here. Other highlights include restaurant, animatic dinosaurs, and health services. As per the height and time of coming, admission charges are applied – you can expect them to be between 35,000 and 90,000 dong. In January, don’t miss the fun of the Tet Festival, an exciting occasion.

Lastly, I visited the Dai Nam Tourist Park by catching 616 Bus from the main bus terminal and reaching there in an hour. This is one of the largest and most novel attractions in Vietnam. The main highlights here are the open range zoo, Dai Nam Van Hien Temple, big artificial mountain, an entertainment site, hotels, shopping areas, and local and western cuisine sites.

Thiện Duyên Bá»…n Thành is the best restaurant near the bus station famous for its vegetarian cuisine. One more ideal one is the Thai restaurant Spice at Le Quy Don known for its classics such as Papaya Salad. However, it is becoming costlier.

Some recommended hotels in Pham Ngu Lao area are Dai Huy Hoang Hotel at USD 20, Duna Hotel from USD 12, and Me Them Bed & Breakfast.

Emily and I have been here for four days. Four days…how time flies when you are shaking off the after-effects of jet lag and swimming in the mutual love for one another. I almost didn’t notice that our chambre à deux personnes had just worn that air of shabbiness more comfortably than the last time we were here. But a bit of that crusty, crumbly French bread complete with butter and jam accompanied by coffee makes me forget my worries. Cupping the cup of café au lait to my own lips the way I would bring Emily’s voluptuous lips close to mine, I gave it a loving kiss and took in its fragrant aroma that lit up my senses like a Christmas tree.

French friends from trips gone by await me (“Mais vous n’avez pas changé, vous êtes toujours aussi jeunes!”) and we kiss cheek to check, happiness everywhere, but I cannot lie to myself; a lot has changed since I was last here. I no longer know which bus to take to enjoy the beauty of l’Opéra. The movie schedules could well have been written in Latin for all the good it did me. The only thing I do remember well are the rundown cinemas on their last legs showing, after some 20 years, the same films I saw when I was here in my 20’s.

Was it such a different time then? I had a gaggle of French friends at every turn and corner and now merely a handful, one of whom is (very sadly) fading away very fast. I walked these streets as if I owned it, was a Parisian for all I was worth. And I loved a restaurant whose name I forget now, and they served the most sublime soufflé au Grand Marnier you could ever be so fortunate to have. It was a fragrant, eggy hat that was warm and sweet and all that was good in the world.

I lived in Paris for almost a year, but that seems a lifetime away now. That year is not mine just as this city isn’t mine even if I know its culture and speak its language. Of course, I can never be as fluent in French as I am in English, but as an outsider I can be as good as it gets. Here, on the fourth day, I lust for Paris as I know it, a small slice of the city of light. In this garret on rue de la Bûcherie, the spire of Notre Dame stands out most among the rooftops and chimneys and I know I will never get back the Paris I knew.

Getting out without Emily to walk these streets at twilight, I round a corner and find Bach playing in a church and it fills my soul with hope. Somewhere, in this cluttered verticality the heart of Paris as I knew it beats strong and I rush back to grab Emily, in love once again. I still belong here, sometimes.

Abundant with great scenic attractions, ones trip to the land of Croatia can certainly not be qualified to stand complete sans an exploration spree to the beautifully historic and culturally vibrant city of Trogir. Trogir can be reached from the key commercial heart of Split which is further accessible to the spot where the city is located on an island. A lot of buses make trips up-and-down to this destination of Trogir, thereby, enabling a lot of thronging vacationers to reach this World Heritage Site proclaimed by the prestigious wing of UNESCO.

The city of Trogir simply strikes the visitor in mystical awe at the very first sight of this archaic city, withstanding the test of time and offering a generous treat of the historic legacy from the yesteryears. Founded by the inhabitants of Greek origin dating as long ago as the period of the third century BC; the first notice of the city was taken during the journey of the Greeks who embarked from the island of Vis. Ever since then the city has undergone numerous times and witnesses a thousand tales. Owing to the location of Trogir as politically congenial, Trogir was intruded by the Roman rulers for its strategically geographic disposition, to then being under the clutches of the Venetian, further paving way for intrusions by the French armies and lastly the accidental embark of the Greek voyage on the lands of Trogir. A great historic tussle and game of political interests evolved the city into the many layers of enigma it wraps within its heart.

It comes as no doubt, that Trogir is a real surprise for the tourist who likes a bit of time-traveling, as the city of Trogir intrigues many visitors who relish the cultural legacy vivid in the relics of this archaic town. The best place to begin your exploration spree is best marked by the medieval town of Trogir, as it provided an excellent spectacle into the glorious past, especially centered around the Greek invasion, restoring the sights and structures vivid of that time, which is referred to as the period of the Hellenistic.

Although, apart from the Greek influences, the alterations brought about by the Venetians and the Romans has also contributed to a great impact, continuing to resound on the face of Trogir. The visitor coming in can spectacle an array of fort like structures, churches and cathedrals constructed in the Romanesque Gothic element apart from the more quaint archaic Greek art-plans.

Also, what can certainly not be missed while at the city of Trogir encompass the structures of the Fortress Kamerlengo, the pristine Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Duke’s Palace, the Palaces of Cipiko. Along with all these structures of marvel and wonder, there are about ten medieval churches located right in the heart of the town. These are the places, which visitors, travelers and alike explore on the island. Boasting a wide variety of provisions for the tourists, one can also choose to go about the place with the assistance of helpful guides and tour operators.

If you thought the place was only and only a place revered in the history of pages, then it marks a narrow view of the hearty offering of Trogir. Apart from all the culturally stimulating sights and scenes, it is the abundant bounty of nature that sets the place apart. Set on an island, the sandy shores are no less than a haven for the tired souls heading on a vacation. Just lay back and bask under the splendid sunshine. The easy and laid-back vibe of Croatia binds everyone for a relaxed time. If beaches were not all to make your vacation into a perfect one, the hills that surround the city are excellent spectacles into the mesmerizing panoramas of this ancient city. A high-point in your vacation, quite like in the literal sense, most visitors flock over here to catch holistic views of transition of dawn into dusk and dusk into dawn.

After your visit to Trogir nears its completion, one can even explore the neighboring island of Vis and Split is what makes for an instant attraction. The other islands worth visiting included the Hvar and Krk, the Dalmatian Coast. Major cities of Dubrovnik and Zagreb can also be incorporated on the agenda.

With the sun-shine ever smiling on the city for most part of the year, the place is a naturally lit podium that remains abuzz with some or the other happening that keeps the city pulsating and personifies the hedonist charm of this province of Spain.

The political tussle and a great history that winds down is representative of the divinity that the place earns on account of amazing architectural styles. A crib to the Imperial Family backed by the treasures of a real prosperous cultural background, having a vacation over here is a dream come true; a dream perhaps which has never before been visualized but can only come true at this very enigmatic destination.

The Madrid Province which is also referred to as the Comunidad De Madrid, spans about eight thousand square miles in its extent of stretch. With the artistic building defeating the test of time, and continuing to rope the spectators in its awe-inspiring splendors make for a scene of the perfect medieval past featuring fine streets running along the line of massive boulevards. This style signifies the period of about the mid eighteenth and nineteenth century, when the province of Madrid was recuperating from the scars of many past inquisitions and evolving as a leading commercial hub.

The Province of Madrid offers a multitude of attractions ranging from some of the most pulsating options that the many exciting pubs has in store for the pleasure seeker, to many a great culinary delights and plush hotels. The place has it all, and with quite a difference of its own.

Chueca, Malasana, Lavapies make for some of the very quaint Barrios that can be found here. They represent the old world charm entwined in the contemporary arty offerings. With the traces of the Hapsburg era still very vivid, the visitors flock to the Madrid of the Austrias which is located right in the middle of the place. You can choose to walk down the path from the Gran Via. This place is one of the main streets in the whole of Madrid, and bustled by some of the leading markets, commercial complexes, entertainment venues etc.

Getting around and exploring the vibrant city of Madrid

Think of Madrid, and how can the cultural influences be left behind? Home to some of the most intriguing museums that provide a historic bond just instantly, the ‘Golden Triangle’ is definitely a jewel in the crown of Madrid. The Golden Triangle consists of three art museums that together form the three pinnacle points from any angle. The Paseo del Arte connects the Thyssen-Bornomisza, Reina Sofia and Prado.

However, what further takes away the limelight, and perhaps many rolls of your camera film is the Puerta del Sol, which is a landmark of a structure built during the fifteenth century. The structure is essentially a gate which is also known as the Eastern Puerta.

On walking further from the Puerta del Sol towards the east, one can spectacle the monument of Calla de Alcala which is signifies grandeur. The structure came to be erected during the role of Charles III. What further embodies the true Spaniard feel is the landmark structure of a fountain along with a goddess from the Greek myths, across a chariot driven by lions. A number of vehicles snarl around the structure as it is located in the middle of the road in the area of Plaza de Cibeles.

The charm of the old seventeenth century Spain’s Golden Age can be very vividly seen in the Plaza Mayor. A structure in the middle of Puerta del Sol represents Madrid with a bear and madrono.

Apart from all the artistically stimulating buildings and monuments, the greenery and wilderness makes for a good contrast of various shades of green. The botanical gardens of Jardin Botanico sees a lot of smiling faces, and undoubtedly Parque del Buen Retiro is another place to be well visited. So don’t you miss on these places too! The Plaza de Oriente facing the Imperial Palace is definitely very pretty. Also, look for Atocha Station which will truly be a splendid experience. A greenhouse of one of its kind and very different from other regular greenhouses, a visit to the Atocah Station will be truly delighting.

For a little kiddy affair, there are rides and funfairs at the Parque de Atracciones in the area of Casa de Campo.

A cultural center that Madrid is, there are umpteen options when it comes to viewing the performing arts thriving in the province. A lot of theatres, musically charged venues are a great option to set your evening right. With the never-ending list of activities that Madrid has to offer, the place is best experienced than described.

Here’s a quick list of things you ought to see in Madrid

• Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

• Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park)
• Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales (Convent of the Royal Barefoot Sisters)
• Museo del Prado (Prado Museum)

• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum)
• Plaza Mayor (Main Square)
• Faunia Parque Biológico de Madrid (Environmental Park)
• Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum)
• Parque Juan Carlos I