Spring is here. Pack your bags for March adventures

Winter is almost over and in many parts of India, we are right into summer without the balmy comfort of spring. Holi is around the corner as is scorching heat. Europe had a particularly bitter winter and is now breathing a slightly warm sigh of relief. The rest of the world is also enjoying this time when the weather is perfect and the flowers have begun to bloom. So here are your March ideas:

Go Czech it out

Prague is among Europe’s loveliest cities at any time of the year but this month, it takes on a fairytale feel. The Easter market begins later in the month (from 24 March going into mid April) at the Old Town Square and the entire area is lit up and festooned. Colourful painted Easter eggs, a variety of knick-knacks and collectibles, local wooden toys, scented candles – carry a large shopping bag with you. Take in some of the free shows and concerts in the evening. And be sure to taste Trdelnik, a tongue twister but delectable dessert from the region. It is a pastry shaped like a hollow cylinder coated with sugar, cinnamon and nuts or chocolate.

The Vltava river runs through Prague, the two banks connected by the historic and very picturesque (not to mention crowded) Charles Bridge. The Old Town Square is perfectly located for many of the sights; the astronomical clock tower and the Tyn Church with its striking towers. The castle which is on the other side from the Old Town is among the largest castle complexes in the world. Spare at least half a day for this experience and towards the end of your tour, grab a coffee or a quick meal at the café near the steps leading down, with wonderful views of the city and the river.

Emirates has some good fares to Prague, with a stopover in Dubai.  Try to find accommodation near the Old Town area or close to Charles Bridge.  Also check out the Prague Tourism website  for more details on the city experience. Prague is still untouched by the large tour groups that much of Europe sees – go find it now before they do!

Watch cherry blossoms in Japan

Japan celebrates spring by shedding its usual cloak of reserve and partying. The Japanese, being what they are, take their partying too very seriously. And even have a name for it – Hanami. Hanami is a centuries old ritual of watching cherry blossoms (sakura) and now an integral part of Japanese life. Weather bureaus predict the dates of bloom as people make plans to take time off from work (imagine a cricket World Cup finals day in India and you will get the picture).

Families, groups of friends or colleagues from work gather under the cherry trees and picnic through the day. The festivities which sometimes include dancing (after many cups of sake, the Japanese rice wine, I am sure) extend late into the night. In Tokyo, the trees begin to blossom in the later weeks of March and is therefore the best time to visit the city. It is said that companies send their most junior employees early in the morning to book the best spots in the more popular Hanami sites. So here is what I think - just watching the Japanese experience this season is enough of a reason to go now.

Go gaga over yoga

The International Yoga Festival comes around again this year in the first week of March (1-7) at Rishikesh. This is considered one of the largest yoga events in the world with enthusiasts from over 30 countries convening here. Yoga classes for all levels and lectures and discussions on yoga and spirituality in general are part of the programme. The Festival takes place at the Paramarth Niketan Ashram on the banks of the Ganga.

After all that yoga, I assume you are super-fit; sustain that adrenalin by going rafting on the Ganga. Soak in the evening aarti and gorge on some cannot-stop-eating chaat after that. On the other hand, if all you to do is relax with a book in hand, book a couple of nights at these boutique hotels with small sandy beaches of their own: Glasshouse on the Ganges (from the always excellent Neemrana Group) just over 20 km from Rishikesh or the secluded Rainforest House  closer to the main city.

Move over Dubai, Abu Dhabi is here

And finally, if you happened to miss the glamourous Dubai Shopping Festival earlier this year, now is the chance to visit that part of the world. Abu Dhabi is emerging from the shadows of Dubai just two hours away (enough to feature prominently in the movie Sex and the City 2). It is fast becoming a hot destination with a slew of new hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions like theme parks and the annual Grand Prix.

March sees the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival with international artists, from Anoushka Shankar to Wagner’s Ring Cycle opera. The festival is on from 11 March to 6 April. For more information, visit the website of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival . And while you are there, catch a desert safari or play a round of golf at the Yas Links Course. When you are done, hop across to Dubai to finish whatever shopping is left unfinished.

Here is wishing you a happy March!

Charukesi Ramadurai is a freelance writer and travel blogger from Bangalore. When she is not actually travelling, she is busy planning her next trip. Read more about her at  her website .