Historic beauty is incomparably mesmerising. It enables you to get in touch with the authentic culture and traditions of a destination that once prevailed. Historic architecture, practices and traditions showcase what does purity in beauty signifies.
No matter what the purpose of your next travel destination is, be it a European getaway with family or an Asian hen do with your girls. You need to know about the following history walks that will enhance your knowledge about the ethnic Asian culture and help you check-out many beautiful cities off your bucket list.
Here rose the potent city, Meliapor
Named in olden times,
Rich, vast and grand.
– Luiz Camoens, Portuguese Poet, 1572
Chennai, India
Of all the cities in the world, I wanted to start off with my city of Chennai. A city known for its culture, traditions and so many other things. A walk across its streets can lead to fascinating experiences. One of the best placed to start the history walk is none other than the area of Kapaleeswarar temple, Mylapore.
Mylapore is the cultural hub of Chennai. It has always been the cultural and religious epicentre of Tamilians. The famous Shiva temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, is an excellent example of the ancient design. Even though the Portuguese destroyed the temple in the sixteenth century; it was rebuilt a few centuries back, showcasing pure Dravidian style with mandapams and gopurams.
The popular walk to the temple also includes visiting the crowded chaos of the city. The fruit and vegetable vendors, silk merchants, jewellers and flower shops paint an alluring canvas around the temple. The bazaar visit is not the end, as the walk continues further in the small lanes of Mylapore, where you can look at old houses, shops and auditoriums. Shop in Giri Trading agency and Rasi Silks just facing the South entrance.
Must try food joints in Mylapore include : Kalathi Rose Milk, Nithya Amirtham restaurant and the famous Mylai Karpagambal Mess
Dubai, UAE
Apart from being an architectural marvel, Dubai offers an extraordinary experience to the history enthusiasts as well. The history walk in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a popular activity, which attracts tourists from all around the world. People love to include it in their weekend trips or hen do activities because of the cultural fun that it entails.
The history walk tour starts at the Arabian Tea House on the Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai, where you can enjoy the local tea, Karak Chai, which has a delicious blend of milk and spices. Wandering through the narrow lanes, creative art museums, spaces, cafes and L-shaped houses, which are made from coral, limestone and gypsum are enough to entice any history lover to this neighbourhood. The tour takes you to Al Musallah Road, where you can enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast & Diwan Mosque, Ali Bin Taleb Street, where you can check out the trading past (Textile Souk) of Dubai & collect souvenirs and then, visit the Spice Souk by following the tempting fragrance of cardamom, rose petal and dried lemons.
The Dubai walk can also include other Deira Souks and the Dubai Creek if you all have the time and desire for the same. There is more to Dubai than adventure activities and architectural beauty!
Beijing, China
Once home to Chinese Emperors, the Forbidden City of China showcases an unbelievable fusion of the old and new age. Famous temples like Buddhist Lama Temple, Confucius Temple and Temple of Heaven make the destination a must-visit. How can one forget the world-wonder, the Great Wall of China?
A walk to the most monumental achievement of the imperial dynasties of China, the Great Wall, is a fantastic experience. Yes, it does seem like a never-ending walk to China’s history. However, it is something that you won’t even wish to end. Be it hiking from one watchtower to the next or taking a tour of less visited areas like Jinshanling; you will never be satiated. This is the beauty of this place. You can even get yourself souvenirs (t-shirts) from the commercialized Badaling section of the Wall.
You don’t need to find the right occasion to go for a history walk. So, call up your friends, plan a trip to your desired destinations in Asia and fly now!
