THE CROATIAN QUOTIENT!

 

 

Acountry barely qualifying for the 126th spot on the world map, yet replete with striking beauty, countless things to do and picturesque places to see... Packing all of it into such a tiny country only seems unfair, but that’s Croatia for you! Located at the confluence of the land of Europe with the Adriatic Sea to the south and plains and Zagorje hills to the north, with over 1,000 islands (some really very small ones) floating above the azure waters of a scenic Mediterranean coastline, there’s much for your eyes to behold in Croatia. Foremost on your list of must-visits would be Plitvice Lakes, a World Heritage Site believed to be inhabited since prehistoric times, probably because they were simply too breathtaking to be given the go by without stopping over. Sporting dazzling shades of turquoise, azure and green changing constantly, depending on the angle of the sunlight, the constitution of minerals and quantity of bacteria make this place otherworldly. If that’s not enough, head to the ancient trading city of Dubrovnik. Another World Heritage Site, this ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ once rivalled Venice in terms of prestige and grandeur. Famous English playwright George Bernard Shaw once called it ‘heaven on earth” and it’s easy see why. Framed against the backdrop of the clear blue sea, this well preserved city from the 1600s, even with its high walls, offer spectacular views of the surrounding area. A city, which is like a picture postcard, is adorned with churches, museums and palaces, all made out of the same stone, sporting similar orange hued roofs. For the young and the restless, water sports options include kayaking, paddling and yachting. Not to mention the thrill of diving for ancient sunken wrecks off the coastline and climbing the limestone sea cliffs of the island. Not for nothing has Nat Geo Adventure magazine voted Croatia as the adventure destination for 2006. An adventure of an experience, this entire land is.