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Icy adventure
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The Alpine regions of central Switzerland are a sight to behold
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PHOTO: ADITYA SWAMINATHAN
alpine Highlands Carpeted in snow
As the train chugs along, ubiquitous postcard-perfect scenery lies ahead as far as the eye can see. The air carries the smell of the fresh greenery while the caressing breeze brings with it coolness from the nearby mountains. I am heading out from t
he charming little city of Interlaken, located just two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Zurich, Switzerland’s financial capital.
Connected to Zurich by the efficient Swiss rail service, Interlaken is a good place to be stationed at, while exploring the magnificent Alpine regions of central Switzerland.
Nature’s grandeur
The journey takes one through a zigzag path of sloping terrains that lead into deep valleys, out of which majestic mountainous landscapes rise. Every other moment, you catch yet another glimpse of Nature’s grand juxtaposition — hills covered with lush green foliage amid majestic snow-capped mountains sprawling in the background.
Friendly locals wave at us. It is impossible to miss their pretty gardens, in which rare alpine flowers bloom in orange, purple and pink hues. Houses made of log wood and built in traditional Swiss-style architecture dot the rolling slopes. Wonder howthey remain so precariously perched without sliding away!
Soon, the air gets chillier. The snow-capped Alps are nearer now as the train turns each bend. Clanging sounds such as those made by wind chimes are constantly heard, coming from the famous Swiss bells strung around the necks of cattle grazing on the Alpine grasslands. The change in altitude and temperature can be quite sudden, so be prepared for it even while you take in the splendour around you!
At an intersection near Grindelwald, located in the higher Alpine regions, I board a quaint cog wheel train, which slowly ascends the steepest railway route in all of Europe, before reaching my destination — Jungfraujoch. Also known as the “Top of Europe”, this is set amid the Swiss Alpine peaks.
Hitting the snow
Coming eye-to-eye with the pinnacles of the Alps is an experience to cherish. A white carpet of snow stretches infinitely. Trekkers braving the harsh conditions appear as tiny specks in the distance. Above, the sky seems almost close enough to touch, wispy clouds hang like elegant accessories.
In this perennial icy wonderland, you find many opportunities to indulge in all sorts of snow-related activities. My complete inexperience in snow sports is of no consequence as friendly guides lead me to less-gradual slopes for my first skiing experience. Getting off to an awkward start, I find myself slowly gaining my balance and whizzing off! Snowboarding, somewhat like sliding, is another good activity for kids, who will also enjoy building their very own snowman.
When the bitter cold starts getting to you and home begins to beckon, Interlaken plays an excellent host with a wide range of accommodation for all budget types. Try the family-run inns, such as the Swiss Inn or Hotel Toscana, which offer a home-stay experience. As the altitudes may take some getting used to, it is advisable to spend a few days taking short trips up to different places in the highlands, such as Grindelwald, before attempting to make the ultimate alpine adventure trip right to the top of Europe.
Fact File
How to get there
Regular flights to the nearest international airport at Zurich cost upwards of Rs. 33,000
Check out
Trains to Interlaken from Zurich
http://www.eurail.com/
Swiss Inn
http://www.swiss-inn.ch/
Hotel Toscana
http://www.hotel-toscana.ch/
DARSHINI YOGANATHAN
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