Welcome to Tsarskoe Selo
If any proof is needed for the extravagance of Russia's Imperial rulers, then it can be found in the fact that, in less than two centuries, the Romanov Tsars established not one but two suburban estates - at Tsarskoe Selo and Peterhof - that, in terms of grandeur and excess, outstrip even Versailles. What is more, at Tsarskoe Selo, the 18th century saw the construction of two vast and truly exceptional palaces, both surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens with diverse and fascinating decorative architecture.
Built for Empress Elizabeth by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the architect of St. Petersburg's Winter Palace, the Catherine Palace is undoubtedly Tsarskoe Selo's top attraction, particularly renowned for the extraordinary Amber Room. Less well known, and currently much more dilapidated, the Alexander Palace is nonetheless a neoclassical masterpiece, and has a particularly poignant connection with the family of the last Tsar, Nicholas II.
The town of Pushkin, which surrounds the Tsarskoe Selo estates, is St. Petersburg's most charming suburb. Renamed in Soviet times to honour Russia's greatest poet, the town has numerous sights connected to Alexander Sergeevich, including a museum in the former Imperial Lycee, where he was schooled.
Like Peterhof, Tsarskoe Selo is one of St. Petersburg's must-see attractions, and can easily occupy visitors for a full day. And, like Peterhof, it can be very crowded during the tourist high-season in the summer. Arrive early or be prepared to join long queues, especially for the Catherine Palace.
About 10km past Marayoor and 60km northeast of Munnar, this wildlife sanctuary (Indian/foreigner ₹10/100, camera/video ₹25/150; h7am-6pm) hosts de...
Wander just a few kilometres outside the scruff y little hill station of Munnar and you’ll be engulfed in a sea of a thousand shades of green. The l...
South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, Periyar (%224571 Indian/foreigner ₹25/300; h6am-6pm) encompasses 777 sq km and a 26-sq-km artifi - ...
Devotees make off erings at this temple, 2km from Tiruvilla, in the form of traditional, regular all-night Kathakali performances that are open to all...
The Shiva Temple at Ettumanur, 12km north of Kottayam, has inscriptions dating from 1542, but parts of the building may be even older. The temple is n...