WeekendinFEATURE
WeekendinFEATURE
HOLIDAY
The Northern Lights at Lapland
Munnar
VISA REQUIRENMENTS
Singaporeans: No
British/Australian/Other Passports: No
VISA REQUIRENMENTS
Singaporeans: Yes
British/Australian/Other Passports: Yes
FLIGHT ROUTE
Singapore Changi Airport - Various Airports Rovaniemi Airport
FLIGHT ROUTE
Singapore Changi Airport - Kochi International Airport (COK)
FLIGHT PROVIDERS
Singapore Airlines: Flight to Copenhagen
(Direct)
Emirates: Flight to Stockholm (via Dubai)
Qatar: Flight to Oslo (via Doha)
FLIGHT PROVIDERS
Singapore Airlines: (Direct)
Emirates: (2 stops)
CONNECTING FLIGHTS TO ROVANIEMI
AIRPORT
•Finnair
•Norwegian
•AirBaltic
Santa doing his runs
Kivalam Beach
Look for Rudolf at Santa’s Village
Travel to
Lapland
Lapland is quite possibly one of the most fanciful places on the planet. Yet, few have heard of
it. Often, the most isolated places are also the
most beautiful and Lapland is the perfect example of this. Located in the northern-most part of
Finland, it is also known for being Saint Nick’s
home in the North. There are at least 61 attractions in this winter wonderland.
When planning most family holidays, the children come first. Kids Land serves as a mini version of Lapland, and hence is the ideal way to
keep the children (toddlers up to teenagers) occupied. Playing and handicrafts are an essential
part of this attraction in the Tenavakotta daycare. Getting cold here is not a problem since
you can warm up in a Lappish hut next to a blazing fire with a hot drink, and you can also bring
your own packed lunch and smores to heat up
in the hut. Equipment such as sledges, helmets,
sliders and stigas can be borrowed to keep the
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Fort Kochi
kids occupied while you and your life partner
enjoy your own version of this winter wonderland. The best part of all - all events at Kids Land
are free of charge!
For the adults, there are a number of other activities available in Lapland. One of which is Ice
Karting in Levi, where visitors are supplied with
winter-racing gear, including helmets, hoods,
shoes, gloves, and even overalls. Even at night,
this ice-track is fully illuminated for the more adventurous karters, and free pickup and drop-off
to and from your Levi accommodation is available. This collection of tracks is open from 10am
to 8pm at night, and is well worth the adrenaline rush and views.
Another well-known local attraction is the Latino Snow Village, which is both a must-visit and
a great place to stay. Almost everything, from
the chairs to the glasses at the ice bar is carved
Travel to
completely out of ice!
One popular attraction is the Kätkätunturin Erä
ja Luonto (translated as Wolverine Fell Wilderness and Nature Programme). This programme
offers reindeer safaris, ice fishing trips, snowshoes, kicksleds, sauna evenings, hunting excursions, rounding up of reindeer, marking of
reindeer calves in the spring and groups competitions in wilderness skills all year round. One
of its highlights includes the famous Salmon
Soup that has become a must-try if you’re going to warm up Lapland style. Hosts welcome
guests from all kinds of walks of life, and can
speak fluently in several European languages
including English for a first-class winter Safari
experience.
Exotic, beautiful and exuberant, there’s nothing
quite as magical as India. The state of Kerala, India’s most advanced society, is one of its most
visited not just because of its fascinatingly rich
culture but also because of its breathtaking
views. Serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, waterfalls, and sprawling plantations are just some
of Kerala’s sights that are bound to make you fall
in love with this lesser known paradise.
Kochi (or Cochin), a city in Kerala is one of the
principal tourist destinations of Kerala and comprises of a group of islands; Willingdon Island,
Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Ernakulam City and
much more. The Cochin Harbor was once the
centre of the world spice trade for many centuries and the city itself still has remnants of its
past foreign rulers. Nevertheless, it still retains a
strong sense of Kerala’s unique and rich culture.
Fort Kochi has glimpses of its colonial past including the Mattancherry Palace, a gift from the
Portuguese to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. Witness how East meets West in this building which
also includes some of the best mythological
murals in India. The Chinese Fishing Nets are
another popular attraction as it is evidence of
the rule of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan who introduced these massive nets during his reign. Take
note that these are found only in Kochi, outside
of China! In the evening, take a stroll along the
Fort Kochi Beach where you can also stop by
the small stalls for freshly caught fish cooked in
mouthwatering Kerala cuisine style. Spices such
as black pepper, cardamom, cloves and ginger
are used in abundance in Kerala dishes giving
it both the aroma and spice that Indian food is
known for, but milder dishes are also created for
those with a non-native tongue.
Kerala
look to the backwaters that meander throughout Kerala.
For many visitors, the highlight of their trip is
taking a houseboat cruise that floats through a
network of rivers, canals and lagoons, because
it gives them a glimpse of the rice paddies, coconut groves and smiling faces of the people of
Kerala. As the home of Ayurveda, Kerala is also
frequented by believers of natural wellness, and
is the perfect destination for anyone looking
for a spiritually invigorating experience. Those
looking for a vibrant and festive scene can also
attend one of the countless festivals happening
throughout the year.
Kathakali, a traditional art form that blends religious play and dance is a good way to give you
a taste of the state’s culture but for the real deal,
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