On a cold gloomy morning, I arrived at Leipzig, in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, with enthusiasm and anxiety. My weapon against the cold was my warm jacket and fighting my anxiety was a meticulously marked map of Leipzig in my pocket. Augustusplatz was where Leipzig Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) begun for me. Dating back to…
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Last year this time, I was packing my bags to explore the Christmas Markets in Saxony, Germany. My third and last destination within the state was a town called Seiffen. Seiffen sits on the border of Czech and Germany, in the region of Erzgebirgskreis. Historically, Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) was a silver mining region. Over the…
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If I had to pick a favourite from all my travels this year, it would be Berlin. Even though there are too many contesting for the favourite spot—Japan, Uttarakhand (thrice!), Saxony’s Via Romantika, Scandinavia—the German capital would still be it. Why? Because nothing feels better than actualising a dream. Even if the dream is somewhat…
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With the arrival of October, most residents of Kolkata start planning their winter holiday. After Durga Puja, Christmas holidays are the most cherished events in every Bengali traveller’s household. Here are some recommendations for idyllic escapes from the city of joy Tagore’s Shantiniketan Only 212 kms away from Kolkata, lies the scenic village of Shantiniketan….
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I drove a short 40 kilometres away from Kolkata, towards Joka, into the rustic Bengal villages. The narrow roads lined with coconut trees, the chaotic market junctions and clear ponds made the drive scenic. My destination was the 265-year old Rajbari Bawali. Rajbari or palatial homes of Zamindars have been a part of Bengal’s history….
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Saxony’s capital, Dresden, overwhelmed me. With its Baroque beauty, spectacular museums, interesting cafes and bars, and seamless (but confusing) public transport, I knew I had too less time in the city even before I arrived. Only one-and-half hours by train from Leipzig, Dresden has a beat of its own. After the fire of 1491, Dresden…
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