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Baden-Baden, Germany
The thermal springs, luxury spa
hotels, and the 140-year old
Friedrichsbad, along with the
Mediterranean flair of the Belle
Epoque make Baden-Baden
a great vacation destination.
The city is home to Germany’s
oldest casino, which according
to Marlene Dietrich, is ‘the most
beautiful casino in the world.’
Dive into the world of roulette and
poker in a unique Belle Epoque
ambience, or escape into a luxury
hotel for a spa staycation.Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo may be a tiny
commune in Monaco, but it is
packed with the most luxurious
offerings in the country. Expect
celebrity sightings along the
French Riviera; here the rich
and famous rent a Lamborghini
to drive along the harbour or a
luxury yacht to experience a
Champagne sunset.BEST LUXURY
DESTINATION
For those with a penchant
for the finer things in life.Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have both secured top spots as best
state owing to their tourist-friendly infrastructure that takes you
to its deepest corners.Gujarat
Gujarat has a varied terrain with not just hills and mountains, but beaches
and a vast stretch of arid plains in Kutch. Voted the Best State by readers,
Gujarat offers a variety of natural and architectural sites. Popular are the
sites of the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the Sun Temple, the Prag Mahal, and the
ancient city of Lothal. The best time to visit is between now and March
when the weather is cool; in summer, temperatures rise above 45 degrees.Tamil Nadu
Dravidian architecture, classical dance forms, and medieval poetry
make Tamil Nadu an exhilarating experience for visitors. Besides, this
is the land of beautiful hill stations such as Ooty or serene beaches like
Marina Beach. The capital city of Chennai, reported as the safest city for
women in India, is home to the tourist spots of Kapaleeshwar Temple and
Chembarambakkam Lake among others.BEST STATE
The analysis of the
temple plan suggests
that it is a mandala,
a cosmic diagram laid
out based on principles
of symmetry.CLOCKWISE: PRISMA BY DUKAS PRESSEAGENTUR GMBH/ALAMY; INCAMERASTOCK/ALAMY; AVALON/PHOTOSHOT LICENSE/ALAMYINTERNATIONAL
INDIA’S BEST AWARDS
Sri Meenakshi Temple in
Madurai stands on 1000
pillars and has colourful
art on the ceiling.
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