London dreams...

 

 

Being one of the most popular cities in the world, my expectations of London, the seat of royalty, were quite high. Blue-green water running under the London Bridge set across the backdrop of orange-pink sky – a cultural heritage with all its parks and palaces – could put even the most beautiful things to shame. Old-brick buildings connected by cobbled roads with modernised rickshaws, and red double-deckers and black cabs plying on them can only be found in London. But what lies behind this tranquil and serene face of London is a fast-paced city bustling with life.

Central London has most of the old buildings and parks. However, as one moves to the suburbs, one can find a very modern city. London is a big city and to visit each and every corner is quite a task unless time is not a factor and you have many a days to spare. So as any tourist would, I had my plans well chalked out to visit the most famous places. On the top of my wish list was Madame Tussauds wax museum. It takes a good two hours, and more, to get inside the museum, but there is enough entertainment on your way to make the most of that time. After seeing the movers and shakers of the world under one roof, it was the turn of the largest Ferris Wheel in Europe, The London Eye, which is to London what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. However, while one can see the city quite clearly from the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye is a bit of a disappointment! It takes all of 45 minutes, and no less, for the wheel to take a full circle, yet the only thing one can see from the height is the Big Ben, and perhaps also the Buckingham Palace, but only if you have an eye for it. Buckingham Palace doesn’t take much of your time as it can only be seen from the outside, unless you’re visiting on specific days of the week and in specific time slots. If you wish to relax and read a book then the nearby Hyde Park is the place for you. But if shopping is on your mind then head straight to the Regent Street, Oxford Street and the Bond Street area, which mostly offers high-end shopping. In fact, nothing beats London when it comes to shopping, and although quite expensive, the atmosphere to shop in London is unmatched. A smart move would be to go around the sale season to grab the best at the best prices. Another high-end shopping destination is Harrods which is the largest departmental store in the world which houses the biggest brands of the world.

London is also famous for its theatre and musicals. The most popular ones can be found at Leicester Square. But if you are an adventurous kind, Thorpe Park, an adventure park is the place for you. The best way to get around is taking the London tube, but if you want to see the city as you go from one place to another, then taking the bus would be a better option. There’s clearly more to London than being the city slickers shopping paradise. THE DESTINATION DOSSIER

Steering the course: There are many direct flights from India to London – British Airways, Jet Airways, Air India and Emirates (airline) to name a few...

Cosy corners: If you like to splurge, then the Four Seasons or the Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a safe bet. For a comfortable stay, budget travellers can opt for Etap Hotel, which is located near Heathrow Airport.

The ‘season’ed traveller goes now: London is under the snow in peak winter, which can make outdoors rather dull. The best time to enjoy the beauty of London is from May to September.

‘Savour’ faire: London has flavours from all over the world. Although Indian food is available in every corner, the foodie shouldn’t miss out on lip-smacking delights served at the stalls in the Borough Market.

Get to work: London has some fine museums, parks and not to mention the Opera. Trafalgar Square and the Piccadilly Circus are places to visit to get the taste of real London.

What’s the word: With every other face being that of an Asian, language and accent is going to be the last of your worries.

Keepsake courtesies: Souvenirs like key chains of the miniature London Bridge, trademark red phone booth and the London Eye are popular. One can also take back ‘I Love London’ T-shirts that can be found in shops across the city.