Insiders View On Serbia

By Natasa Kokir

Serbia is a fabulous country in the mountainous of Western Balkans, breathtakingly rich in warm-hearted people, history and outstanding cultural heritage from the Prehistorical, Roman to modern times. Serbia is an amazing country, beyond all expectations, with a diversity of spectacular landmarks, bustling cities, glorious mountain hideaways. Serbia is among the Top Ten Hot Spots in Europe, more than 1 billion EUR invested in hotels and infrastructure development, a major economic hub in southeastern Europe.

What makes Serbia an ideal travel destination for all?

The country‘s diversity and picturesque landscape offers endless possibilities and adventures. The endless fields of Vojvodina, the magnificent Danube river, ancient Belgrade and glorious mountains extending all the way to Montenegro, are just waiting for you to explore them. Serbia gives you the chance to experience several-century-long traditions, attractive local features, unusual rhythms and memorable tones that accompany the wealth of “mental flavor”.

Tell us something that every traveler should know when travelling to Serbia?

Serbians are the most hospitable, warm and friendly people in Europe, rich historical heritage, excellent gastronomy, it is very well known for its nightlife, very affordable.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling

Valid passport is enough. For India citizen no visas are required for a visit of up to 30 days, within period of one year

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Serbia?

Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade, Djerdap gorge, Uvac lake, St. Sava Temple, Drina river, Museum of Nikola Tesla, National Park Tara, archaeological site Lepenski Vir, ancient imperial palace Felix Romuliana, Wooden town – Mecavnik, Studenica Monastery.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Serbian people are very warm, proud, brave, passionate, open-minded, enterprising, generous, traditional, caring and extremely hospitable.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and where Serbia?

Serbia’s famous dishes are kajmak, ayvar, smoked ham, smoked beef, rakija /fruit brandy/, corn-bread /proja/, beans, jam, slatko – fruit jelly, various pickled food, notably sauerkraut /sarma, kiseli kupus – pickled cabbage, cabbage casserole/ and even sausages.

What are things which one must buy when in Serbia?

One must buy jar of ajvar, a bottle of rakija, hand knit socks and opanci.

Which is the most romantic places to visit in Serbia?

View from the Kalemegdan fortress on confluence rivers Sava and Danube, Wooden town.

 What are the local festivals which one must come to attend in Serbia?

Exit in Novi Sad, Trumpet festival in Guca, Jazz festival in Nis, Belgrade Beer Fest, Lovefest in Vrnjacka Banja, Autumn in Smederevo, Belgrade International Film Festival – FEST are the festivals oned must visit when in Serbia.

 The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Serbia is a spirited, fascinating country and tourism has grown steadily. It is beyond expectations in all the ways and waiting to be discovered.

According to you what is the best thing about Serbia?

One of the best things in Serbia are people, very hospitable and friendly.

Check out our latest package on Slovenia

 

An Insiders View on Andaman Islands

By Sherly Jerusha


White sandy beaches separate crystal clear azure waters from lush curtains of rain-forest green: this is nature at its best. With breathtakingly gorgeous coastline, lush forested interior, fantastic diving spots and a boundless location, the Andaman Islands are a perfect place to wander around or simply chill out at the beach side.

Q] One little-known fact that everyone should know when travelling to Andaman’s ?
Andaman has the most fascinating ecosystem – the coral reefs are spectacularly diverse with big crabs, large turtles, vibrant fish and extremely colorful species of butterflies, You will get to see it all.

Q] What is a must buy when in Andaman’s ?
Locally made cane handicrafts, wooden decorative items and accessories made from seashells or pearls are a must buy when in Andaman.

Q] What should one carry when travelling to Andaman’s ?
Loose fitting, light pastel color clothes, and suitable for wearing on the beach. Carry a pair of slipper too.

Q] Where should anyone, definitely get their picture taken when in Andaman’s ?
White sand & rain forest trees lend a tropical vibe to Radhanagar Beach which makes it a perfect spot for taking pictures. It is also one of the best beaches in Andaman.

Q] One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Andaman’s ? Pack a DSLR Camera to capture your memories as Andaman is filled with unexplored places.

Q] One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss.
Diving and Snorkeling! Havelock Island is one of the most famous places for scuba diving and snorkeling in Andaman.

Q] Which are the restaurants to have local food?
All the seafood restaurant have their own specialty, so I would suggest you to explore and try out for yourself.

Q] Your favorite local dish and drink that you would recommend.
Try the local seafood like fish curries, chilly curry and different types of fish fry.

Q] One place only the locals would know.
Kalapathar beach which is situated on one corner of Havelock Island. The beach gets its name from the surrounding village, which is Kalapathar Village and the black rocks (known as Kalapathar in Hindi) that adorn the coastline here.

Q] A local festival you feel more travelers should come and see
Dashera & Deepawali are the festivals one must experience when in Andaman.

Q] The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Andaman’s ?
Andaman is beautiful even when it rains. The monsoon paints a very different picture of nature’s beauty – one that needs to be seen to be experienced.

Q] In one sentence, Andaman’s is ..?
Andaman is a Gift of Heaven, and a bliss to all its visitors.

By Sherly Jerusha