Switzerland

The very name of Switzerland brings out memories of clean roads, sceneries that would give any painter a bout of complex and give pleasant memories for countless Bollywood movie producers who have displayed this beautiful nation to whole world. A nation that has a ever-growing economy filled with people who are very accommodating and informative is a must for everyone who want to witness how a country needs to look and function!

As I boarded the plane (Qatar Airways) in the wee hours of the day from Mumbai International Airport, I was aware that this journey would be longer as there was a 5 hour halt at Doha airport enroute Zurich International Airport. While the flight landed 20 minutes behind schedule in Doha, no one wanted to venture outside the airport, courtesy the scorching heat (41 degree Celsius). The connecting flight to Zurich took about 6 hours and 35 minutes and we entered the Swiss horizons, the entire atmosphere, aura and breathtaking beauty bowled me over. From exiting the flight to entering the unmanned train---it took us nothing more than 10 minutes. The unmanned train took me to the counter where I could collect my baggage. The entire formalities took us another 15 minutes and within half an hour after having landed, we were waiting at the Zurich Railway Station for our train to Berne. After boarding the train to Berne, I checked into Etap Hotel, Guisanplatz in Berne. The beauty of this place needs to be seen to be believed. Etap Hotels come under the budget hotel segment and the rooms are elegant and well maintained with prices per room per day ranging from 85 Swiss Francs to 100 Swiss Francs. The Men above surely took their time to build this part of the world! Be it beauty of nature, chocolates or relatively cheaper liquor, Switzerland is second to none. The next day began with a train in the morning to Luzern en route to Mount Titlis, the venue for a debut into the grandeur of this place. Every station en route to our destination demanded snaps to be taken and irrespective of your photo taking skill, you would come out with some spectacularly looking shots that would please the eye of the viewer. Mount Titlis along with Jungfrau forms one of the peaks in this part of the world and is a must visit for any tourist to this country.

Places such as Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, and Interlaken form the crux of cities that should be visited. It is recommended that you use train as a medium for commuting as cars and other vehicles could prove to be expensive and drill a hole in your wallet.

Places for visit

Interlaken, Rhine Falls, Mount Titlis are a must for every tourist besides ensuring that the main centers of this country such as Berne, Zurich and Geneva. While on one hand, you have places like Mount Titlis to take your breath away with its snowcapped sojourns, roads, rail routes would keep you asking for more with its unmatched greenery and cleanliness. Cities such Zurich and Geneva may be hot spots for shopping but do not forget to visit small towns such as Fribourg, Luzerne that pose scenic sojourns that would be difficult to find in the sub-continent.

Commuting and Shopping

It is mandatory that first time tourists have a Euro Rail Pass (which every travel agency these days offers!). Also, for those who are visiting Switzerland, France is just nearby and from Geneva Railway Station--it’s easier to visit Paris for a couple of days. So, better get a French Visa because I did not have it and am mulling over it even now. L

Possessing Euro Rail ensures that you cut down your expenses on costly cabs. Also, in places such as Zurich--it is important not to spend too much time outside during the evenings as it is notorious for its anti-social activities.

Shopping can be done in retail shops such as COOP which could provide authentic Switzerland chocolates and beers cartels at slightly cheaper rates. Also, having Indian food could be difficult because this country is a haven for non-vegetarians and vegetarians are advised to carry ‘Ready to eat’ food from India.

Some activities to be indulged in

Playing in the ice atop Mount Titlis is a great indulgence. Also, it is extremely exciting to take the cycle ride at Interlaken that comes for about 13 Swiss Francs for two hours.

I have not provided intricate details on a day to day basis simply because this is one country which needs to be experienced than me filling e-pages writing about it. The amount of time spent in this paradise just seemed inadequate even as i boarded the flight back to Mumbai.

A must visit for everyone.