Sojourn in summertime
This summer, choose to go international. Each of these destinations promises to deliver an experience so unique and out of the ordinary, you are sure to come back with memories enough to last you a lifetime
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city is an enticing prospect for those who love to explore offbeat destinations. And the best way to experience the city is to see it on a motorbike. Experience the city as it bustles with activity during the day, and witness the change in its mood by nightfall in the Ben Than Market. And on your way, don’t forget to eat the Banh Chung, a sticky rice cake and the Banh Cuon, a delicacy made from rice flour. Make sure to pay a visit to the Dai Nam Tourist Park, Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, have dinner on the Bonsai Cruise, and check out the various museums and markets when you are there. And of course, not to forget, get the famous Vietnamese massages for a steal.
How to get there
Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines operate flights from Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City. The flights stop en route at the Kuala Lumpur before heading to Ho Chi Minh.
Thimpu (Bhutan)
Talk international summer destinations and not talk about our neighbours? The kingdom of Bhutan is small in size, yes, but packed with all the ‘nutrition’ required for the traveller who has been there, done it all, and is seeking another experience altogether. Thimpu is of course the first of the many exciting destinations in Bhutan. With many monuments and culturally rich places to see in Thimpu, the adventure we would say is just in the beginning stage. Don’t miss the Tashichho Dzong or the secretariat building, the Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortress, and many of the mini monasteries that are the reminiscent of the Bhutanese culture. Other places in Bhutan you really need to see include Wangdue Phodrang, the Paro valley, Trongsa, Mongar and Lhuntse and Trashigang and Yangtse.
How to get there
Jetkonnect, Air India and Spicejet operate flight from Hyderabad to Bagdogra, the closest you can get to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing, also referred to as the gateway to Bhutan from India.
Cape Town (South Africa)
There is something fascinating about the sounds, smells and tastes of Cape Town that makes it a great place to visit. A nature lover’s delight, it’s an adventurer’s ultimate roost, Cape Town offers you everything but one — a regret for not having booked this holiday longer. Go traverse the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, or visit the famous Robben Island —the famous little island where in the year 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to serve 27 years in prison. Or get a dekko of the Table Mountain from a cable car – a delightful view we promise you will never forget. Try the Constania wine route, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Simon’s Town or the Noordhoek Farm Village – oh! if only time stood still.
How to get there
Emirates, British Airways, Jet Airways, Etihad Airways have flights from Hyderabad to Mumbai to Johannesburg and then to Cape Town.
Santiago (Chile)
Go to Santiago, go all the way up to Cerro San Cristobal, the famous hill in the north of Santiago, where you can get a panoramic view of the city. Over there, get a closer look at the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are a lot of things you can do in Santiago. La Chascona is another of our picks we think you should visit. Go dine in Barrio Bellavista as you enjoy the view of the old houses, or shop at Los Dominicos. Yes, and don’t forget to do some mountain climbing when you are there!
How to get there
There are no direct flights to Santiago, however, Air India, Emirates and Jet Airways offer flights to Santiago via New York, Toronto and Dubai to Santiago.
Gabon (Africa)
Think different, and Gabon will be the place you will want to see – located in West Africa, Gabon is a perfect retreat for those who love nature, and scenic abundance. And yes, how could we forget the wildlife there. Tourism may still be at a nascent stage, but that is probably what sets Gabon apart from the array of destinations we say. This is a place where you come when you want to enjoy nature at its rustic best. Considered one of the safest bets for tourism, you may not expect a ‘Hyatt’ style accommodation, but surely, ones that will make you want to come back here, again and again.
For all the wildlife enthusiasts, here is an opportunity to come face to face with some of the exotic species of the planet. Don’t forget to visit the Ivindo National Park, and the Loango National Park.
How to get there
Not a direct route for this one, you either take an Air India, Jet Airways or an Emirates flight to Paris and from Paris directly to Libreville, the capital of Gabon. Or, you could also check out Emirates, Jet Airways or Etihad Airways from Hyderabad to Johannesburg, and then to Libreville.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Cool (pleasant, not freezing) weather, sunshine and comparatively lot of rain makes this capital city much different from its compatriots located in the same coordinates across the globe, not that there are many. Its excellent infrastructure makes travel around the city an easy task, with its airport located at the heart of the city. The city also takes pride in its green way of life with minimal usage of fossil fuels – it relies on geothermal energy for most of its heating. The nightlife is pulsating but swigging a few pegs might set you back by a substantial sum as alcohol is quite expensive. For those who want to spend time with nature, the outskirts have everything ranging from glaciers to volcanoes.
How to get there
Jet Airways, British Airways, Emirates and Air India operate stop over flights at London, and from London to Reykjavik.
Budapest (Hungary)
Great places to visit, great food to eat, and great people to socialise with. Budapest is an example of what Europe can do to people – mesmerise them. Sit in the Kerteks, or gardens of the numerous public places in Budapest, sip on your beer or wine, and watch as the world passes by. There is a list of pubs and bars that run into hundreds, and things you can do for fun that can run into thousands. We highly recommend that you visit as many as you can, and make as many friends as you could. And yes, on a serious note, don’t forget to see the Basilica of St Stephen, the Castle Hill, which is a Unesco heritage site, and the Great Synagogue. What else can we say but just go there!
How to get there
Qatar, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offer flights from Hyderabad to Budapest via Istanbul, Doha and other significant stop over destinations.
Colombo (Srilanka)
This beautiful island country is an incredible beauty, full of life. Being one of our closest and more accessible neighbours, Sri Lanka should definitely be listed on the radar of those seeking adventure. And three places in Srilanka are a must-see – Nuwara Eliya, a beautiful hilly region where peace reigns supreme, Bentota, so very popular for its cobalt beaches, and Kandy, also called the hill capital of Sri Lanka. And you will obviously not miss Colombo, the destination where you will first arrive. Take a walk across the streets and experience the warmth of the local people there – one experience we bet you will never forget.
How to get there
From Hyderabad to Chennai on JetLite and then a change of flight-Jet Airways to Colombo
Category: Life & Style, Travel
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