Jigna's Travelogue

Jigna's Travelogue To not just inform about the wonderful places visited/would love to visit and the small nuances about them.

Display pictures and incite people to visit and enjoy these sometimes unknown little visited places.

A trip to this Hohenzollern Castle in Germany in 2024 , was a fabulous experience, with its spellbinding vast demeanor a...
28/07/2026

A trip to this Hohenzollern Castle in Germany in 2024 , was a fabulous experience, with its spellbinding vast demeanor and breathtaking surrounding views. More details to follow

The Ancient Theatre in the Greek city of Epidaurus, located near the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek God of med...
27/07/2026

The Ancient Theatre in the Greek city of Epidaurus, located near the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. ( also named in the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors even today )
Constructed in late 4th century BC it is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics.
At a maximum capacity of 13,000 to 14,000 spectators, the theatre hosted music, singing and dramatic games that were included in the worship of Asclepius.
It was also used to heal patients, since it was believed that the observation of dramatic shows had positive effects on mental and physical health.
Festivals and performances take place even today at the theatre thronging with visitors

We even tested the acoustics by singing at this magnificent theatre. ( which we visited in 2022 )

One of the best visits, courtesy our dear friend Mr. Dewald in Germany , was Saal burg , in Bad Homberg which has one of...
07/07/2026

One of the best visits, courtesy our dear friend Mr. Dewald in Germany , was Saal burg , in Bad Homberg which has one of Germany’s best-preserved Roman forts! A UNESCO site.

It was reconstructed between 1897 and 1907 , making it one of the most complete Roman fort reconstructions anywhere in the world.

We walked through the authentic looking barracks, walls and watchtower. Despite the slight rain drizzle walking through the grounds was amazing.

The open-air museum with Roman military architecture, artifacts, and daily life was very impressive. The Saal burg provided valuable insights into how Rome defended and managed its vast territories nearly two millennia ago.

Established: Around AD 90
Abandoned: Around AD 260
Period of Roman use: Approximately 170 years.

Should visit while in Germany

Florence -- a very popular and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, ( for its artistic and architectural heritage,...
24/01/2026

Florence -- a very popular and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, ( for its artistic and architectural heritage, Forbes ranked it as one of the most beautiful cities in the world in 2010.) home to the magnificent Michelangelo sculptures including the mesmerizing ' David '.

A day's visit to the city about a decade back did not do justice to the city with its lovely museums , art galleries ( Uffizi , Palazzo Pitti ) and sculptures .

It requires particularly a stay of at least three to four days ( as summarized by a tourist we met then ) leaving a day only to shop leather products, be they clutches handbags, backpacks garments etc. which are available at a very reasonable prices here.

Located about 275 kms northwest of Rome, UNESCO declared the Historic Centre of Florence a World Heritage Site in 1982.

The Duomo, Roman Catholic church in Florence, was very very magnificent ( so huge could accommodate 30,000 worshippers )and awe-inspiring with its stained-glass windows, its ornate green, red, and white marble facade; its collection of paintings and especially its dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (1420–36).

Walk on Ponte Vecchio was very interesting particularly for its antiquity and numerous shops since times immemorial.

Apparently built by the Romans the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, was the only bridge across the Arno river in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt after a flood in 1345. ( it was not destroyed during World War II )

The famous pictures of the Florence city skyline – are from Piazzale Michelangelo. Built in 1869 in honour of Michelangelo, where you have copies of his famous sculptures put up.

It is on this hill that he used to sit and contemplate watching the Arno river flowing below.

Need to visit again with more time to soak in all this beauty of Florence .

While travelling in Europe particularly in Germany if you need some rest and some pampering (spa) Konigswinter is a good...
19/12/2025

While travelling in Europe particularly in Germany if you need some rest and some pampering (spa) Konigswinter is a good option.

It is a beautiful small town approachable from Bonn or Cologne, which also boasts of the Grand hotel St Petersburg ( Steigenberger Konigswinter ) atop a hill with beautiful views of the Rhine valley below.

The hotel is surrounded with beautiful walks with scenic spots where you could sit and gaze or just do some pranayam . Having rested well one could take a stroll in the beautiful small town of Konigswinter below , picking up memorabilia / or enjoying some coffee at a cafe.

Another option is to take a small train ( the oldest in Germany with cog wheels ) to the ruined castle Burg Drachenfels, on the summit of a hill.

Built in 12th centuary, small part of it remains today. Some portion was destroyed in the 16th centuary and some due to quarrying ( now banned ). A good tourist attraction where schools also bring their children for visits and learning.

Third week of October incidentally happened to be the right time for us, to visit Shenandoah, to be able to witness the ...
14/12/2025

Third week of October incidentally happened to be the right time for us, to visit Shenandoah, to be able to witness the fall colours in their full bloom. This bloom and glow is there just for a week or fortnight and this is the best time.

Try avoiding the weekends as you could witness huge queues entering the park.

It took us over an hour or so to reach the park from our residence and we picked up food on the way keeping in mind ours and children's culinary choices. Advisable to do so.

Their are many resting and picnic points for taking your grub.
It was cold and we could not find a good place to sit at one such place Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and had to make do with our car boot as dining space ( ha ha )

While the entire skyline drive is full of viewing points with their respective stories, some mid points with trek routes offered some dramatic colours and views and we went berserk despite the cold.

Range View Overlook is a great scenic spot on the Skyline Drive, offering stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains' blue-hued ridges and valleys, perfect for photography, enjoying sunsets, and getting a feel for the park's majestic landscape.

A must visit

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