Sunday, January 29, 2017

TRAVEL SPECIAL - Call of the HILLS

Call of the HILLS


Every summit in Switzerland offers a unique slice of Swiss bliss. Time to heed the...

“Thousands of tired, nerveshaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.“ ­ John Muir, Our National Parks They say you have to climb a large mountain to appreciate how small you are and Switzer land offers ample tow ering moun tains for you to explore the world outside and the one within you.
MT SÄNTIS
Seeking a pleas urable high-altitude excursion? Head to the hamlet of Schwägalp that's a favourite with the locals. What you see are mammoth moun tains enclosing you and free-roaming goats and cows dotting the lush green landscape while nibbling on fresh grass. Ride in a cable car that departs every 30 mins to the peak of Mt. Säntis. At 8,209 ft, it is the highest mountain in eastern Switzerland. In perfect weather conditions, you can get a 360-degree view of five other countries ­ Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy at the same time.
To get there: You can take a train to Urnäsch or Nesslau from Zurich fol lowed by bus.
SITTLISALP
One of Switzerland's most scenic can tons, Uri can fulfil all your Alpine fan tasies and yet it remains non-touristy.
It's a picturesque paradise where you'd want to stop to take pictures at every few steps. At the entrance of the ro mantic valley of Brunni, a cable car takes you to Sittlisalp. Once you arrive at the mountain station, you can ven ture on either a long or short mountain hiking trip, depending on your fitness level. To get there: Arrive in Flüelen by train and take a bus to Unterschächen.
PILATUS
At 7,000 ft, Mt Pilatus, also known as the dragon's den, in central Switzerland is a must visit. While it's located right outside Lucerne (around 15 km from the charming Old Town), it's hard to believe that such an out-of-the-ordinary setting can exist in proximity to the city. On a clear day, the mountain offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks. With inviting picnic spots, several summer hiking trails and mountain climbing routes with varying difficulty levels, a king-sized rope park that promises fun-filled adventure and the longest summer toboggan run -1,350 metres of pure adrenaline -you can spend a day here. During your free time atop Mt Pilatus, you can indulge in a high-altitude lunch or coffee amid the peaks or relax on the ex pansive sun terrace.
Shikha Shah

TL 22JAN17 

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