Tag: winter

  • Merry up your Christmas!

    One festival which doesn’t come under any religious disparity would be Christmas. It’s not just a festival, it’s an experience which brings people from all over the world under one big tree and makes them wait for Santa Claus!

    Though any festival is best enjoyed in the comfort of your homes and with your loved ones, the wanderlust souls love to explore different places to experience this phenomenon. The places to witness Christmas are umpteen, we bring you our curated list for the same!

     

    Belgium:

    The authenticity of Christmas Celebrations easily belongs to Belgium as it’s one of the first which embraced Christmas. The religious connotations may have changed in years but it still is a torch bearer for all that comprises an authentic Christmas and all that it entails. The second Santa, Children putting up shoes filled with carrots, the Christmas village, and the traditional big Christmas dinner tables all set apart Belgium in Christmas Celebrations. Cozy villages built out of wooden chalets and a family-centered Christmas Eve around an overflowing table are traditions dear to many a Belgian heart!

    Finland:

    The fact which sets apart Finland and makes it one of the most sought Destinations for Christmas is Santa himself. The Finnish believe that Santa Claus lives in the northern part of Finland and people from all over the world send letters to Santa over here!

    Christmas Eve is very special and the most important day over Christmas. It’s traditional to eat rice porridge and plum fruit juice for breakfast. Then the tree is bought if not already and is decorated. Christmas days are quiet ones with family and Santa supposedly visits and delivers goodies under the Christmas trees!

    USA:

    The USA being home to many cultures and traditions, it has a variety of Celebrations as well. Many customs are similar to ones in the UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and Mexico. 

    People in America like to decorate the outsides of their houses with lights and sometimes even statues of Santa Claus, Snowmen, and Reindeer. Some cookies and a glass of milk are often left out as a snack for Santa on Christmas Eve!

    In the Southwest USA, there are some special customs which have some similarities to those in parts of Mexico!

    Customarily the streets and houses and all around the places are decorated in a stunning way that it’s a sight to behold.

    Italy:

    One of the most important and unique ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the Nativity crib scene. Using a Nativity scene to help tell the Christmas story was made very popular by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 (Assisi is in mid-Italy).

    Having Nativity scenes in your own home became popular in the 16th century and it’s still popular today (before that only churches and monasteries had scenes). Nativity scenes are traditionally put out on the 8th of December. But the figure of the baby Jesus isn’t put into the crib/manger until the evening/night of December 24th!

    On Christmas Eve they abstain from eating meat & dairy products as they attend the masses and once they return from that they get to eat a special Italian cake named panettone. A big Christmas meal consisting of many fish dishes is another specialty of this region. The Christmas Celebrations start 8 days ahead with multiple masses and prayers at the Churches!

    Germany:

    Something which sets apart German Celebrations is Advent. Different types of advent calendars are used across German. Christmas trees are a very important part of Celebrations. Mother’s decorate the Christmas trees secretly for the young ones in the family, mostly they are brought in during Christmas Christmas Eve is the main day when they exchange gifts & presents. Germany is famed for its extraordinary Christmas markets. You can find all kinds of Christmas decorations here. The most famous German decorations are glass ornaments. The glass ornaments were originally hand blown glass and were imported in the USA in the 1880s by the Woolworth stores. Over Christmas and the New Year in Germany and Austria, the famous Ski Jumping ‘Four Hills Tournament’ (‘Vierschanzentournee’) is held!

    Switzerland:

    Though it borrows a lot of traditions from Germany & Austria, Switzerland has its own Christmas traditions as well. Advent calendars & crowns are a part of Celebrations in Switzerland as well. Along with highly decorated Christmas markets, you can find multiple Carol’s & processions all over. The ‘Urnäsch Silvesterkläuse’ processions take place in the Appenzell Ausserrhoden, especially in the villages around Urnäsch. They take place from December 31st to January 13th and date back over 200 years. 

    Star Singing is also very popular among children. They go carol singing carrying a large star infant of them. The star represents the star that the Wiseman followed when they visited the baby, Jesus. Cookies are the most popular when it comes to delicacies. Each family has their own favorite recipe and traditions!

    Austria:

    Austria shares many traditions with its neighbor Germany but has a few of their own as well. They have the custom of Advent wreaths. Most towns have Christmas markets from late November. Every town will also have a large Christmas Tree in the town square. In homes, trees are decorated with gold and silver ornaments and stars made from straw. Christmas Celebrations start from Christmas Eve around 4 pm where people gather around Christmas trees and sing Carol’s.

    The main Christmas meal is also eaten on Christmas Eve. It’s often ‘Gebackener Karpfen’ (fried carp) as the main course; this is because Christmas Eve was considered a ‘fasting’ day by many Catholics and no meat could be eaten. Turkey & Goose are quite popular and then there is a section of people who go skiing!

     

    England:

    In the UK families make it a point to celebrate Christmas together to catch the sheer joy on each other’s faces while opening Christmas gifts. Most villages, towns, and cities are decorated with Christmas lights over Christmas. Often a famous person switches them on. The most famous Christmas lights in the UK are in Oxford Street in London. Every year they get bigger and better. Thousands of people gather to watch the big ‘switch on’ around the beginning of November. This is one thing you can witness in England. Children believe that Santa Claus leaves gifts for them in stockings which are hung by their bedside or the fireplace. In the UK, the main Christmas Meal is usually eaten at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. It’s normally roast turkey, roast vegetables and ‘all the trimmings‘ which means vegetables like carrots & peas, stuffing and sometimes bacon and sausages. In Desserts Trifle is most common!

  • 10 Best Places To Enjoy Winter

    10 Best Places To Enjoy Winter

    So, do you miss holding crushed ice lollipops? Well, how does playing with ice sound to you? Has this question made your heart crave for a bonfire? If yes, then grab your warm clothes and get ready to know about the best places to enjoy winter. 

    USA:

    The season of winter runs from December to February. The winter in the USA is mostly famous for striking off the adventure list. Here, skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. attract tourists from all over the world.

    The festival of Christmas plays an important role in beautifying the landscape. If by any chance, you happen to visit the USA during the time of Christmas, you will find all the houses covered with a thick layer of snow, the pine trees decorated with lights, ornaments, and snow.  You might not find Santa Claus but you will definitely meet lots of Snowmen.

    Austria:

    Austria is also known as the “Land of Beauty and Music”. The winter here starts from December and embraces the lands of Austria till February.

    Wildschönau, the panoramic sight, holds the potential to blow your mind with its beauty, at the same time it will calm your soul with its magical aura. 

    Canada:

    Canada, a place known for its exquisite landscapes and dense forests. The ‘W’ of winter adds wonders to the landscapes of Canada.

    Winter here stays from December to February or later. Mount Edith Cavell is one of those beautiful peaks that lies in the arms of the Canadian Rockies and attracts people who love the adrenaline rush. 

    Finland:

    A country known for its “Happiness”. Winter is the longest season here, it lasts for almost five months. If you’re a winter lover, then this place has got a surprise for you. Nature has blessed Finland with soul calming Auroras. The best time to see the rings of light is from October to March. 

    Lapland, the land of silence, and Aurora Borealis, a place which will fill your heart with happiness and your gallery with memories, this place is the largest and the northernmost region of Finland. A hot chocolate in one hand and a camera in another is all you need here. 

    Germany:

    Winter here stays from December to February. If you’re a winter enthusiast, then treat yourself with a vacation to Germany. People here are fond of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow hiking, and ice-skating. 

    If your body gets tired of doing all these sports activities, then don’t worry, because Germany has a variety of saunas where your each muscle can relax.

    Italy:

    Winter is the best season to visit Italy and treat your taste buds with famous Italian pizza and pasta. From Christmas, to the World famous Venice Carnival, Italy has already planned an unforgettable vacation for you. December, January and February are marked as Italy’s winter months. Venice is the most beautiful city to visit in Italy for winter lovers. On the other hand, Sicily is the warmest city during the times of winter. 

    Norway:

    Winter nights are long in entire Norway, but the beauty never fails in brightening one’s soul. Winter here starts from the middle of November and ends in January. The darker the night, the brighter the aurora appears. Dark nights, magic of aurora, highest quality of snow, Norway is the perfect destination for winter vacations. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, etc. are among the most famous adventures here. The markets of Oslo always have something for you. If you’re a seafood lover, then be ready to taste the best seafood you’ll ever taste.

    Romania:

    The dream of visiting dreamland can still come true. Romania, a fantasy world of dense forests, rocky terrain, and vast green hills. This place is less crowded, so you get more time to listen to your inner self. Romania has a continental climate, winter here stays from December to February. The wind here has the fragrance of deep spirituality, so the festivals here generate different kinds of excitement and attract people. This country has a number of caves, caverns and mines to always hold your attention. 

    Russia:

    The frigid and chilly winter of Russia starts from December and stays till the end of March. The cosmopolitan city of Russia- Moscow, calls less overseas guests, but this city is a home to more than ten million individuals of varying culture, dance club, and history; and tells the delightful stories of winter. Feeling cold? Don’t worry, Russian cuisine will warm you up. Kizhi Island— UNESCO w orld heritage site that tells about the history of Russia through it’s outdoors exhibition hall, and is a must visit place.

    Switzerland:

    Apart from Swiss chocolate and Perfume, Switzerland is also famous for its winter. This place experiences winter from December till February. And when the snow starts falling, it becomes prime time for skiing. The Swiss Alp known for its beauty becomes more beautiful during the times of winter. Gstaad, a chalet-dominated resort has become a center of attraction for A-list celebrities. And when it comes to food, this place has a variety of dishes to offer. Absinthe drink is the most famous drink in this region.

    So, plan your vacation with ghoomosa now!

  • Wintery Destinations Of India Which You Shouldn’t Miss!

    Wintery Destinations Of India Which You Shouldn’t Miss!

    A season of a plate of hot Pakoras & hotter Chais, Winters in India are usually waited with bated breath and an inexplicable longing. Majorly experienced during the months of Dec & Jan it’s a very short affair compared to a good 10 months of sweltering heat and Blazing sun, well Monsoons do come in as a reprise but Summers in India are a non ending tale.

    Still the vast geographical expanse does give us a few places to look forward to in Winters. A colder & a harsher winter is predicted this year due to La Nina Conditions. It is a recurring phenomenon and the change in temperature is accompanied by changes in the patterns of upper and lower level winds, sea level pressure, and tropical rainfall across the Pacific Basin. It’s not good news for places with extreme air pollution especially the likes of Delhi where Covid19 has already taken a toll. Yet here are a few places in India where we have nearly dreamy Winters!

    Auli, Uttarakhand:

    Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Encapsulated by coniferous and oak forests it’s as good as a place straight out of dream. It also is surrounded by the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains. A long cable car links Auli to the town of Joshimath. North of Auli has the colorful & Divine Badrinath Temple and the Valley of Flowers National Park, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes. With snow-draped peaks on every side and tranquility abound, Auli is the ultimate winter destination.

    Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

    A resort town in northern Himachal Manali is fondly known as the Honeymoon town. With towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks and stunning valleys, Manali is a beautiful place year-round, and perhaps at its best in winter. It is also known as the backpacking center. Located on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It’s also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.

    Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

    Rightly the capital of Himachal, Shimla was once the summer resort of the British. Shimla is the most popular base for treks. In winter, there is skiing at Kufri and Narkanda from January to mid-March. Shopping is a relishing experience at some of Shimla’s most lively and colorful markets like Lakkar Bazaar. The Kalka- Shimla railway line is an engineering marvel that is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Also known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is a winter spectacle from December until February.

    Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:

    One of the biggest salt deserts in the world, the great Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state of India is famed for its natural splendor. The best time to visit this Marvel is during Winters where the inhabitants organise the great ‘Rann mahotsav’. Every winter lakhs of visitors descend on the world’s biggest salt desert – Rann of Kutch stretching 7,505 square miles in the Thar Desert.

    “Have you seen this Underrated places to visit in India?“

    Gulmarg and Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir:

    Nestled in the pit panjal range this abode is said to be one of Nature’s creations which even God would love to visit. Popular for both family and Honeymoon trips there are a lot of winter sports activities which are organized in this part of the valley for the tourists who throng in. Trip to Gulmarg is magical year-round, but when winter arrives, it takes on new hues with the entire town blanketed in white.

    Goa:

    The beaches of Goa are somewhere you can be at any time of the year but the sweltering climate otherwise makes it a little uncomfortable during peak summers. The cool breeze and the coastal effect make it a much popular Destination during Winters. People who don’t enjoy the chills too much the pleasant climate of Goa during Winters’s would be a perfect choice with His hosting one of its biggest festivals the Sunburn festival!

    Kerala:

    Popularly known for monsoons, Winters are one time where you can catch the Scenic marvel Kerala is minus getting drenched. The climate is not very wintery but not humid or drenching either. With a pleasant one at other places. The popular ones like Munnar, Wayanad, etc are quite cold and a calming experience. If you find yourself down south during winters (December-February), then make a beeline for ‘God’s Own Country’.

    Rajasthan:

    It doesn’t call for a ‘stay inside blanket’s’ kinda climate but hop out and relish in the Colors and heritage kind of one. The colorful Rajasthan flaunts its best of colors during this season. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, or Bikaner. Go anywhere, you come back with a colorful chest of memories. Right from the cuisines to the folklore and Handloom everything in this part of the country is noteworthy! Winter is the ideal time to visit the Land of Maharajas and experience its regal culture and tradition.

    Shillong, Meghalaya:

    Extremely cold Shillong is one of the most popular honeymoon Destinations, You can Better be blanketed. One place which witnesses an array of climatic changes and kaleidoscope of nature. Winters around here are quite cold but there isn’t much of a snowfall. This capital city of Meghalaya is a picturesque hill station that is in full bloom during winter.

    Kohima, Nagaland:

    Most popular for it’s trekking Experiences and the tribal activities Kohima is one of the popular destinations in India. Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak offer one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the region. Nagaland is called the ‘Switzerland of the East’ and Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak provide solid proof to that. Kohima’s winter highlight is the Hornbill festival held in December.

    Warm up the Kulhads and get the wools ready with not much tourism happening abroad. The winter destinations in India are going to be much in demand this winter!