Plitvice Lakes National Park- A romantic union with the nature!

On route to our next Croatian destination, Zadar, we visited the Plitivice Lakes, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The lakes are the only natural monument in Croatia to be put on the UNESCO World Heritage list, back in 1979, among the first ones in the entire world!!

We left Zagreb at 7.30am and reached Plitvice at 9.45am. The tickets can be bought at the Autobusni and cost around 184kunas. After reaching Plitvice, we first bought the tickets for the remaining journey to Zadar (ticket counter was right at the bus stop). From there we proceeded to the entrance no.2 where we bought the entrance ticket for the lakes (110 kunas per person) and kept our luggage in the locker ( free of cost). Since we had 5-6 hours, we opted for the route H, which is the most beautiful route which you cover on road train (10-15mins), 5 kms trek on foot, then further bit on small ship (15 mins) and the last 3 kms again on foot, before boarding the road train to reach the entrance again. Depending on the time that one has, one can choose the route. The route that we covered on foot was the most amazing part of the lakes. The image of the turquoise lakes each fed by a sequence of terraced travertine waterfalls is extremely breathtaking. The flora and fauna of the region is also very interesting. The park is very well organized with clearly signposted network of footpaths running alongside the lakes and wooden walkways spanning some of the rapids. There are restaurants and bistro at the entrances and in the middle of the nationalpark, but if you are a vegetarian its better you carry some stuff to add variety, as what we got was just cheese roll and cheese sandwich. We really enjoyed the ice creams though!

The second series of small lakes ( the ones after we were dropped off by the boat) were similar to the first set except the water area of each one was a bit larger and took a bit longer to walk around.As in the first series there were boardwalks that took us over the waterfall areas with the rushing water underneath our feet.. It is difficult to stop clicking pictures but the narrow wooden walkways makes it difficult to take pictures sometimes, but nonethess, we kept it slow as we had time enough and managed to capture some beautiful shots.

The lakes are indeed an unmatched masterpiece of nature unique enough to stick in a visitor's memory for a lifetime. And yes, they look as beautiful and surreal in real as in Pictures:)

Beautiful Croatia- Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes and Zadar

When I had moved to Germany, I had heard about Croatia..all I knew was that it was previously a part of Yugoslavia..Back home in India, Croatia is not really heard of..so i goggled a bit about the country and saw some images and I so wanted to visit it beautiful country..Recently my husband had a conference in the Croatian capital city, Zagreb in July and I got a chance to accompany him and I really had a great time.

Zagreb (30th June- 4th July) We landed in Zagreb at 1.30 pm on 30th June 2013 and it was a historic occasion for the Croatians, as on 1st July 2013 Croatia was going to become a part of the European Union.. After buying the currency (got a good rate of 7.03 on euros, way better than what was given to us by the Reisenbank in Frankfurt, merely 6.03) and Zagreb Card - Five Stars from a shop at the airport we headed out toward the bus stop..The city was all set to celebrate its entry in the EU and as a result the traffic was diverted, making way for the dignitaries from other countries..From the airport a special bus took the passengers to a near by area (as the area around the airport was cordoned off) and from where we boarded the bus for Autobusni Kolodvor (main bus station)..The bus charged 30 kunas and we reached the main bus station in about 35 minutes..Right outside the station, we got our tram to the hotel, but had to disembark because of the traffic diversions..After few minutes of looking around and asking the traffic officials, we managed to reach the taxi station outside Glavni Kolodvor (main train station) and reach our hotel, Villa Antunovac at 3.45 pm..Despite all the confusion and delays what I found was that the people in Zagreb are helpful and the transport system, as I realized in next few days is extremely convenient and smooth. Our studio apartment was extremely nice, well equipped with air conditioner (much needed in the warm July afternoons) clean and close to the main center on the tram line (Mandalicina). We spent the evening roaming around the area and getting to know the neighbourhood. Supermarkets, bakery and pizzeria were also in the vicinity..

Next morning after my husband left for his conference, I was on my own trying to figure out the tram connections (the pulsating blue trams are routed in all directions in Zagreb and once you know the right connections, is a great way to explore the zagreb city) and places to visit and soon i decided to walk till the main square instead of taking the tram, to get a better feel of the place..and I was glad I walked my way till Trg Bana J.Jelacica (main square)..It was roughly 2.5kms from my hotel and on the way I could not miss observing the vibrancy and energy of this city, which was effortlessly reflected in the confident and fashionable demeanor of its people..With fashionable stores on both sides of the lanes, trams zipping through and people rushing around at first gave an impression that the city was extremely fast paced with no time to relax..However this changed as I reached the Trg Bana..it seemed the most happening place in the city with plethora of eateries and Zagrebians and tourists alike sipping their coffee at a leisurely talk..Zagreb also charmed me with its beautiful parks, museums, sculptures..I personally am not a museum person but Zagreb has a lot to offer for everyone´s taste..I started my trip in Zagreb's central square, Trg Jelacica, and walked uphill to the upper town (Gornji Grad) Kaptol, stopping at Dolac, the fruit and vegetable market. Walking a little further, I reached Zagreb's Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose twin spires are visible from afar. Begun in the 13th century, it was reconstructed in the 20th after an earthquake damaged it. Spending some quiet time at the cathedral, I then headed east to Gradac and  Tkalciceva, Zagreb's most colourful street, filled with little cafes and coffee aroma. (Nearby is the Stone Gate containing a shrine of the Virgin Mary that is believed to possess magical powers. It is believed that all the wishes are granted there.

Most museums are in the Lower Town but this neighbourhood has a quirky one, the Museum of Broken Relationships, an innovative concept that displays mementos of failed relationships and the stories that surround them. Its a small museum but really interesting one.

Art lovers won't want to miss the Musueum of Naive Art nearby. Croatia has  a long tradition of Naive Art and all the greats are represented here.

What one can not ignore on the upper town is the St.Marks Church, at St Mark Square, which sports a multi-coloured tile roof constructed in 1880. The rest of the church dates from the 13th century.On the roof, tiles are laid so that they represent the coat of arms of Zagreb (white castle on red background) and Triune Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia. Historic St Mark Square is also the site of the Croatian Sabor or Parliament and the Ban's Palace, now the presidential palace. Finally I spent some time at Strossmartre, a beautiful lane home to painters and musicians. and took the furnicular to the lower town. Also from the lower town, at noon everyday one can see a cannon being fired from the Lotrščak Tower, situated in the upper town. The cannon gives the sign for exact noon for the bell-ringers of the city's churches.

The next day I went to Maksimir Park and Zoo..I took tram No.11 in the direction of Dubec and got off at Bukovacka, the park is right across the street. The Maksimir Park is the largest green space in the city of Zagreb. It is named after Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, the man who was first responsible for establishing the park in 1794. At the time the park was set up it was on the outskirts of the city, today it is part of suburban Zagreb. Maksimir is a sprawling park and very popular with joggers, runners and even cyclists as the park provides a safe and picturesque track. I spent some time relaxing in the park away from the hustle bustle of the city.

Within the park is also another attraction for young families, The Zoo..There are a number of large (lions, bears, panda, jaguar) and small animals, including endangered species. Of particular interest are the feeding sessions; the sea lion feeding time usually draws quite a crowd. Entry fee for the park is 30 Kuna and can be purchased at the zoo entrance. With a Zagreb Card you get a 50% discount. There are some restaurants and ice cream stalls in the premises, making it a great place to relax with the family on a summer day. 

In Zagreb it is possible to be in the centre of the city and enjoy nature at the same time. Whichever way you go, Zagreb will delight you with its beautiful parks. I particularly loved the King Tomislav Square, with its beautiful fountains and gardens. I also visited the Jarun lake and enjoyed my stroll watching the people kayaking and enjoying sports. The lake is in the southwest part of the city between the Sava river and Vrapcak stream and can be reached easily by a tram. The lake is reserved for swimming, kayaking and other forms of leisure and recreational activities.

Plitvice Lakes, 5th July: After spending some fantastic days in Zagreb, we were all set to visit the extremely gorgeous and breathtaking Plitvice Lakes. There are frequent bus services from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes and we left early in the morning at around 7.30am. We reached Plitvice  at around 10am and soon after buying our tickets and having a light breakfast ( for vegetarians, its better to carry your snacks, as the choice one gets is extremely limited), we safely kept our luggage in the locker ( free service) and started our journey through Entrance 1 through route H ( there are various routes one can take base on the time one has). We had also bought the tickets for Zadar from the counter at the bus stop.  After walking for approximately 15-20 minutes we reached the first stop, where a panoramic road train took us to the interiors of the national park and from there we walked approximately 8 kms through the park..the 16 cascading lakes and the travertine waterfalls with their breathtaking views make this route extremely beautiful and the most memorable journey..After covering half the journey, there was an electric boat that took us from one side of the largest lake to the other. This boat runs all year round, more frequently during summer.There really is nothing better than to walk (or hike) through the Park, taking in the beautiful surroundings and admiring the lakes, waterfalls, nature and wildlife. The Park prints out maps for a number of different walks, of varying lengths, that can be undertaken starting from either entrance (1 or 2).The lakes are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and are truly an unmatched masterpiece of nature. After a hectic yet mesmerizing trip to Plitvice Lakes, we were all set to visit our next destination..and this time a popular beach location in Croatia - Zadar. 

Zadar, 6th July: 

Upon reaching the Autobusni Kolodvor (main bus station), we were surprised to see a flock of people approaching the tourists to book accommodation with them ( didn't know that the city made it so easy for impromptu travellers as well;)) and the taxi drivers persuading to drop us off at our hotel at the cheapest rate..we were not sure of the bus number so decided to take a taxi and were very satisfied with our haggling skills when we got a taxi driver down from 80 kunas to 65 kunas..(drivers there are reluctant to use their taxi meter)..however this satisfaction was short lived as upon reaching our hotel, we were told that we pay a little too much:(..but the driver was helpful and suggested us some places to visit. We were staying at the Linda & Mario Apartments in the Diklo region, which was easily accessible from the old town by taking bus number 5. The day we reached we were tired and decided to explore the area near by before going off to sleep..There was a supermarket and bakery in the vicinity and we were delighted to see a beach just few meters away...The water looked intimidating to me at night, but yet I loved the cool breeze sweeping across my face..