May 06, 2005 02:51 PM
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(Updated May 06, 2005 03:17 PM)
It will be one of those moments when you fail to find the right adjectives to describe a place. Every praise and phrase you can think of turns out to be too small. If you want to see how nature can be stunningly beautiful and breathtaking, probing the limits and touching perfection, you should visit Switzerland – a paradise on earth.
Not for a moment will a tourist miss the sea in this landlocked European nation. The clear streams, lovely lakes and lush greenery simply stun the tourist. Add to this the snow covered mountains, tulips, waterfalls and pollution free air - you are experiencing the best mix of nature at its best.
Why should anyone go to this peaceful nation? Simple – Switzerland can make you feel how beautiful nature can get. It will make you wonder if there could be a place more beautiful than this. It will fill your heart with a feeling of having visited and experienced perfection. It will offer you a memory which will surely be one of most pleasant ones of your lifetime.
Precision instruments are the forte of this amazing nation and it is no wonder that the Swiss transport is precise when it comes to timing. The Swiss transport is also well integrated – the bus, trains, funiculars, boats are all scheduled in such a way that connections and transfers are quick and planned. For long stays, it is economical to purchase the Swiss Pass, which can be used in all modes of transport except air :).
Blessed with plains, mountains and water bodies, the country offers everything – a busy cities, relaxed towns, quiet villages and cold hill tops. They are all gorgeous in their own way, but most tourists prefer the southern and central part which has mountains, hill stations and three huge lakes, including Jungfrau – the highest accessible point in Europe (around 4100 meters above Sea level). Temperatures stay around the single digit and can get below freezing point in winters. We stayed in a Hill station in the central part. The major cities – Bern, Zurich and Geneva are warmer. Yet, it is advisable to carry winter wear for any place as it can get cold at nights.
Tourism is a major revenue earner for the economy ( along with Banking ,Financial services and dairy products) . Switzerland is on the expensive side when it comes to cost, but the elegance of the place more than compensates for it. Language is another potential challenge if you do not know French or German. Again, the warmth and the friendliness of the people makes tourists feel quite comfortable. Most of the restaurants serve continental food, but a little bit of exploration may make you stumble on a Chinese /Indian/ other regional restaurant. It is best to visit during the spring and early summer (Mar – May ) or later during the fall. Winters are preferable only for those interested in Skiing. Yet, it will be an equally magnificent place to visit during the recommended times.
Prose would be less appealing and poetry would be less romantic as a choice of medium to describe this lovely nation. Realizing the importance of cleanliness and environment friendliness, the government has taken several steps, including mandatory catalytic convertor for cars to keep the environment free from pollution. The cleanliness and splendor of nature makes a trip to this country a must for every traveler. It does not matter which part of Switzerland you choose to visit – I can assure you will be equally amazed by the dazzling beauty it offers for the tourist.