Champagne truffles from Teuscher in Zurich: A hit of boozy jelly champagne and creamy decadence – what’s not to like? The 90-year-old Swiss chocolatier’s flagship store is in a 17th-century shop in Zurich’s old city centre and their biggest store in Bahnhofstrasse. The champagne truffles are one of their specialities, so don't miss out. They will even pack your truffles in special bags for a no-melt journey home
Rumela Basu
Raspberries and a lazy afternoon by Lake Zurich: Fresh produce is one of the things to indulge on a Swiss trip. Bread, cheese and a box of ruby raspberries are the ideal essentials for a laidback late afternoon picnic on the benches by the lake watching swans and boats bobbing on the azure water
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A fondue in Lucerne: On the cobbled street flanking the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is the cosy restaurant Pfistern. After an evening walk through the lit-up bridge admiring the murals, get a table here. They will set your table with a candle and give you a blanket for your lap while you watch Lucerne twinkle, and savour your fondue and conversation. Definitely ask for wine
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The Titlis Ice Flyer and Cliff Walk: A lot is said about the gondola ride up to Mount Titlis and rightly so — the gorgeous scenery is accompanied by the music of tinkling cowbells — but if you want to experience the snow-blanketed Titlis on a more adventurous ride, hop on the Ice Flyer chair lift. Dial it up a notch and walk along the Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge for the thrills and a fantastic snowy view
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Pose with SRK and Kajol at Mount Titlis: Switzerland has been the ultimate dreamy backdrop for a generation of Bollywood romances, and none as popular as ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’. The iconic moments of Kajol and SRK frolicking in the snow draw many to Titlis. Waiting on arrival is a life-size cutout of the film’s stars. It’s moved to different spots around the cafe and deck, so locate it and strike a pose. PS: Don't miss the signage in Hindi for desi visitors.
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Say hello to Yash Chopra: Another must visit for Bollywood fans is Interlaken. Switzerland has paid its homage to the iconic director with a suite named after him at Interlaken’s Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, an honorary title — Ambassador of Interlaken, and the Yash Chopra Train. Most recently, a bronze statue of the director, similar to his statue in his Mumbai studio, was installed at Kursaal Garden. Go say hello and take a selfie with the maestro of grand Bollywood romances
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Take a cross-country scenic train ride: One of the best ways to experience Switzerland is on a panoramic train ride. There are about five special trains and one grand tour that covers the entire country in sections. One of the longest special train journeys is the Glacier Express that runs from St Moritz in the southwest to Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn in the southeast cutting through the middle of the country. Each season affords different views and they’re all spectacular
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Stay in a chalet in Zermatt: A chalet stay doesn't have to be an expensive enterprise. The idyllic mountain ski town of Zermatt, gateway to the Matterhorn, has many options for more budget friendly rooms in wooden chalets. Even if you’re not a skier, stay in Zermatt and take Europe’s highest open-air cog railway to the Gornergrat for views of glaciers and the iconic Toblerone peak. While you’re there, book yourself a room in a chalet
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Swiss spirit in Bern: Outdoor cafes and recreational public spaces are a regular feature of Swiss cities, but Bundesplatz, the Parliament Square in the capital city Bern, really captures the Swiss spirit. Its markets and cafes are abuzz with people of all ages, but the highlights are the 26 fountains that shoot jets of water from the ground. Spend a heartwarming afternoon playing giant chess and watching kids frolic, carefree and loud, in a fountain right outside the country’s seat of democracy
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