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Sibashree Bhattacharya

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Barcelona Tour READ MORE

You Can’t Miss These Things To Do In Barcelona: In The Cosmopolitan Capital Of Spain

BY Sibashree Jul 26, 2018

Barcelona is one of the cities that will appeal to you in all senses. You will find some tapas for gobbling and wines for swirling. As a visitor, you can also explore some passageways and ponder the availability of great paintings.  Barcelona is an excellent sightseeing destination. The people are amazing and have a very rich culture. Further, there is an endless list of things to do in Barcelona.  You will always get a few interesting things irrespective of your tastes and preferences. In this context, we will only examine the 10 best things to do in Barcelona. We want you to have an amazing moment while touring this great destination. 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona  The Olympic Games in 1992 were a big turning point in the tourism of Barcelona. With cultural heritage, amazing architecture, and a spirited atmosphere, it never lacked the prospect of being a tourism hotspot.  In fact, Statista's report suggests that Barcelona has been among the top ten European destinations to “have the highest number of overnights” in 2022. So, your European tour must include Barcelona for the most fulfilling experience.  Let’s set the itinerary for your trip right!  1. Exploring Barri Gotic : The breadth and concentration of the Barri Gotic hold a candle like no other place in the world. It is the oldest section of the city in which the labyrinthine streets empty into medieval places. It has some of the best shopping places in the city.  You can find some handmade espadrilles and affordable souvenirs, as well as cherries from some of the shops. The stock-to-ceiling stacks are marvelous, making it worth your visit. The Gothic and old charm of Barri Gotic is hard to ignore, and the place where Barri Gotic is today is, in fact, the place where the history of Barcelona began. With the cathedral La Seu at the heart, the winding alleys of the old city today tell the tales of Roman dominion here for 500 years. Further, the city came under the spotlight after the Olympics in 1992.  2. Visiting El Palau de la Musica Catalana : Gaudi is the most detectable face of Catalan Moderniste, but most of his contemporaries also left a mark on Barcelona. Lluís Domenech Monster was one of them, and this was a Barcelona architect who was behind the construction of the Palace of Catalan Music in 1908.  It is a chosen UNESCO site for world heritage. The interior of this auditorium bursts with texture, pattern, and color. It culminates in the skylight during the day, and the performance will occur without switching on even a single light.  “Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau are two of the finest contributions to Barcelona’s architecture by the Catalan Modernista architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Palau de la Música Catalana is an exuberant steel-framed structure full of light and space, decorated by the leading artists of the period. It has uniqueness, authenticity, and beauty and is an unparalleled Modernista example of a public concert hall whose symbolic, artistic, and historical value is universal.”UNESCO World Heritage Convention Opera, orchestral, and choral music reign in this place and also features mainstream artists like Pace de Lucia, Norah Jones, and Fitzgerald. 3. Paying A Visit To Fundacio Joan Miro : https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYPwSeo4BW/?img_index=1 This hill rises behind the city center, and a Catalan artist founded it in 1968. His primary intention was to make his artwork more accessible to the general public. Currently, over 10,000 masterpieces that he has made are on display, from the early surrealist paintings to the later works that Dada inspired.  Make sure you don’t miss the Man and Woman that is in front of the excrement pile, even if you are in for only 30 minutes. 4. Exploring La Boqueria : This gastronomic mecca attracts over 45,000 visitors daily. La Boqueria is one of the most popular food markets globally for all the good reasons. The Food & Wine Magazine has called La Boqueria the best market in the world this year.  It has a list of endless stalls that lure buyers with plentiful displays of the finest seafood, charcuterie, cheeses, and produce that the region has to produce.  With time, some of the vendors have adapted to the demands of tourists, but you can still taste the original foods of Barcelona in this region.  Some of the delicacies like Calamarcets amb Mongetes and Citrons amb botifarra negre have been in existence for more than half a century. This should not be missed on your list of things to do in Barcelona. 5. Visiting The National Museum of Catalan Art : You can be sure that there are so many Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces in this place. It is home to one of the most famous portraits of Diego Velazquez, San Pablo.  The scope of the Romanesque of this museum is what sets it apart. It is one of the most exhaustive in the whole world. You will be sure to seek out the biblical title of Apse of Saint Clement de Taull, which is the crown jewel of the collection. The national museum is one of the best things to visit in Barcelona. 6. Visiting Santa Maria Del Mar : Visiting the Santa Maria Del Mar is one of the things to do in Barcelona, Spain, that makes your trip complete. You will gain some perspective on its antiquity and the resilient nature of the architectonic tradition of Barcelona.   You will realize that each border that was used in the construction of this church was hauled one at a time from the surrounding shoreline and mountainsides by ordinary civilians. This project was completed in 1383, 54 years after laying the first stone.  The citizens marveled at the end product, which was a soaring Gothic temple that was accented with the use of vivid stained glass panels. The temple is buttressed with sparse, illuminated with natural light, and improbably slender columns.  Most of the original structures of Barcelona remain intact to date, even though there are some interior damages that came out of the 11-day fire of the 1936 Spanish Civil War. 7. Spending Some Time At La Sagrada Familia  La Sagrada Familia is an architectural feat in Barcelona that has been and continues to be controversial. Scholars have continued to debate whether the engineers strayed so much from the original vision of architect Antoni Gaudi.  This is the biggest achievement of the Catalan building even though other residents view this resident to be an expensive, glaring parody. There is no way you will fail to get caught up with the magical appearance of this place once you put academic bickering aside. It has been under construction for the last 150 years and is pending completion in 2026. It is the tallest religious building in Europe and, hence, one of the best things to see in Barcelona. Long queues characterize the place, and hence, it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance. 8. Strolling Through Las Ramblas : One of the top things to do in Barcelona is strolling through Las Ramblas. It is a broad, shady boulevard running via the city heart right away from Place de Catalunya to Port Vell.  It’s good for taking street performances, ambling down trees, or watching people from the terrace. You will not have any dull moments while at this place. You can also have a bird’s eye view of the city and sea at the 18th-story Columbus Monument. 9. Spending Some Time At Park Guell : This is the hugest triumph in the planning of the urban center and displays the sculptor in the most organic manner. The structures (walkways, pillars, fountains, houses) or these architectural parks are some of the best places to visit in Barcelona.  The columns of this structure shoot up like trunks of trees, its arches jam like openings of a cave, and giant lizards guard the fountains with scales that are fashioned out of mosaic tiles.  As you follow the steep while leaving this monumental area on the uphill path, you will find sweeping views that motivate you. This park only allows 400 visitors per hour. So it's advisable to book in advance. 10. Visiting The Magical Museum Picasso : https://www.instagram.com/p/DAshrO-IITI/?img_index=1 Picasso may have been from Malaga in southern Spain, but he chose Barcelona. He apprenticed as a young artist in this city.  The museum houses 4251 early works of Picasso, like engraving, painting, and sculpture, and these are some of the best things to see in Barcelona. There are so many things to do in Barcelona, and you cannot finish all of them. Do thorough research and choose what interests you so as to get the most from your trip to the area. The most important thing is to make sure that you get value from your trip to Barcelona. What Is The Best Time To Visit Barcelona?  The best time to try the top things to do In Barcelona is September to November. I know this is not a popular opinion. But trust me! The number of tourist is very less to Barcelona during this season. So, there are better chances of exploring the hand-picked destinations and outdoor pursuits. However, if you want to enjoy the best weather and festivals in Barcelona, March to June will be the ideal season. During these months, Barcelona has noted celebrations, such as Primavera Sound, Corpus Christi, Festival Of San Juan, and Barcelona Gay Pride. Read Also : 10 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland) Top 10 famous Wonders of India 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

Places Of Adventure READ MORE

The MOST Beautiful Places of Adventure in the World | Adventure Tourism

BY Sibashree Nov 20, 2016

Traveling comes with different purposes for every enthusiast. For some, it’s the act of rejuvenation, and for others, it is an exercise to connect to the soul. However, there are some adventurous souls who always seek activities or events that give them an adrenaline rush. If you are one of them, you must be looking for places of adventure in the world.   Witness the most beautiful destinations in this guide and make your choice!  The MOST Beautiful Places of Adventure in the World  You don’t always need to climb Mount Everest or make a trip to something as special as Machu Picchu to appease your adventurous soul.   Some lesser-known places of adventure can offer you the thrill you have been looking for.   1. Stairway to Heaven, Iceland:  About 24 km (about 14.91 mi) west of Erfoud town lies a magical stairway that the locals have termed the “Stairway to Heaven.”   The stairway looks more magnificent, lying in sunbathed glory during sunrise and sunset. The way the stairway lies between the magnanimous and green mountains of Iceland sounds like a passage leading straight to heaven.   Hiking amidst waterfalls and glacier walks are some popular adventurous activities here.   2. River of Flowers, Keukenhof in Holland:  Commonly known as the Garden of Europe, it’s one of the biggest flower gardens on the globe.   The beautiful corner of paradise was named after it provided kitchen herbs to the castle of Jacqueline, a Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century. In Dutch, Keukenhof means a kitchen garden.   About 7 million flower bulbs are planted manually1, and the garden harbors an extensive river of tulips running across like a stream of water all around the area. Approximately forty minutes from Amsterdam, the Tulip Spell in Holland is the best to visit in April.   You can take a ride on the whisper boat cruises in the garden or enjoy a fun-filled picnic.   3. The Silver Forest Aspen in Colorado:  The Rocky Mountain area of Aspen draws people from around the globe to see the beguiling Silver Forest that comprises silver birch trees, termed shade-intolerant species. These trees require brim sunlight without competition for food, space, and sunlight.   The trees are the highlight of the autumn spell, with golden and silvery colors strewn around the forest. It’s just too magnanimous to miss such a place. Taking a walk through the forest itself is an adventure and an experience to remember.   4. The Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand:  The Waitomo Caves attraction is best known for its massive population of glowworm species. This species of worm is found particularly in New Zealand. They’re around the size of an average mosquito and glow in the dark. Their Larvae glow to lure prey into their threads, possibly luring them to believe they are outdoors.   Since the roof of the cave is surrounded by larvae, does it look like a glittering sky at night? The hungry larva usually glows brighter than the ones that have just fed. Amazing as it may sound, a visit to Waitomo caves involves organized tours, including a boat ride beneath the glowworm, which is magical!  5. Rottenburg Village, Germany:  Rottenburg is a gleeful and beautiful town located in the Franconia area of Bavaria in Germany. It is a well-kept medieval old town, which is a destination for visitors from all walks of the world.   The city is a common representation of German enchantment. How can you miss seeing this romantic place?   In addition, artists have taken inspiration from this village's exclusive location, whose towers and 42 skyline gates are unmistakable.   Lying amidst magnificent, unspoiled countryside with a walkable town wall with medieval fortifications enclosing the historic center, the village, with its artistic treasures and winding alleyways, is the perfect place to relax. However, if you are willing to spend a significant time in this place, you need to go for immigration assistance. 6. Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan:  A scenic waterfall situated in Pingxi District, Taipei City in Taiwan, is the most majestic waterfall in Taiwan. The waterfall’s height of 20 meters by 40 meters in breadth makes it the widest waterfall in Taiwan.  It’s a cascade-style fall in the same direction and rock tilted in the opposite. A famous tourist destination, Shifen Falls is unique since it comprises other waterfalls coming together to form a fantastic view. Moreover, people are so helpful - you will always find help. I found the right assistance for starting a business here and now I’m a successful travel business owner who works from literally anywhere in the world. 7. Athabasca Falls, Canada:  Athabasca Waterfall is in Jasper Park on the upper Athabasca River, about 35 kilometers (about 21.75 mi) south of Jasper, in Canada. It’s one of the most powerful falls in Canada and the most beautiful places of adventure in the world.   Moreover, it is a major tourist stopover along the Icefields Parkway. It’s always a busy place on mid-summer days. The appropriate time for its full beauty is at dusk, during which the fall looks like a beautiful blue orb dancing alongside the nearby golden cliffs.  8. Red Beach, China:  Sand is the first thing that rings into your mind when you start thinking of beaches. However, this isn’t the case with Panjin Red Beach. The beach is red with no sand covering at all. This phenomenon emanates from Sueda – seaweed.   The beach is in the reed marsh and is the biggest wetland in the world, hosting the complete ecosystem ever found. The beach has become a habitat for over 250 species of birds and 399 species of wild animals.   The area is also known as the home of cranes since you can find Black Beaked Gulls and the Endangered Cranes”. Panjin Red Beach is one of those destinations that are hard to believe exist!  9. Kauai, Hawaii:  Kauai Island is in the mid-Pacific region of the Hawaiian archipelago. It has the nickname of “Garden Isle” due to the tropical rainforest surrounding much of its area.   The dramatic pinnacles, together with the cliffs of its Na Pali, have served as a backdrop for Hollywood films, while the 10-mile Waimea Canyon, together with the Nounou Trails cutting across the Giant Ridge, are wandering destinations. However, the most attractive destination is Kauai Falls, which resembles a silky stream of water gliding down to a fascinating array!  10. The Rolling Hills, Czech Republic:  The Rolling Hills in the Czech Republic are a spectacle to look at. A scenic view of what looks like a carpeted hill is a mesmerizing view you can experience once in a lifetime.  From here, you can visit the St. Barbara's chapel. Start your day early if you want to visit the Rolling Hills, as the area looks the best in Sunlight.   11. National Park, Utah:  You can forge new memories at the fiery red rock while embracing your most adventurous part of Utah’s national park, depending on whether such side likes exploring new terrain on short nature hikes, pedaling canyon rims, or navigating slot canyons.   Utah’s national park features the most amazing landscapes in the globe. Golden arches cover the region with a spectacular view you cannot afford to miss.  Bon Voyage!  While visiting the places of adventure in the world, you must be particular about your travel essentials. Your travel itinerary will include a lot of outdoor activities. So, you must choose your travel gear, boots, and outfits correctly. In addition, you have to carry essential medicines and protein bars.  However, the trick here is to only carry the things you need and keep your bag light. You even need to choose your backpack or duffle bag that can fulfill your traveling needs.