Travel

Source: https://www.indonesia.travel/

Medan city in North Sumatra attracts a large number of tourists for its famous destinations like Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang. But, as a melting pot of Batak, Chinese, and Tamil cultures, Medan has a lot of other places worth visiting. The following is the list of places that can go to your dream list when you’re visiting Medan.

1.  The Museum of North Sumatra

The Museum of North Sumatra is the best museum in the city and a must-visit if you would like to find out more about the history and culture of Medan. At the museum, you will find galleries that tell the narrative of the various periods of North Sumatran history and carry you through both the Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim eras and the Dutch colonial period. Additionally, there are collections dedicated to historical weaponry, textiles, farming equipment and sculptures. You will also discover some remarkable wooden coffins carved into the shapes of paintings. Overall, this is a treasure trove of background and an excellent place to learn about Medan.

2.  Tjong A Fie Mansion

Anyone who has been to Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang, Malaysia could find Tjong A Fie Mansion familiar. Tjong A Fie was a relative of Cheong Fatt Tze, hence the similarities between the two buildings. The mansion is just one of the greatest attractions in Medan and is a beautiful place to experience exactly how people would have lived in this city in the 1900s.

You can take a guided tour around the mansion which will take about an hour and hear all about the history of the site. As you walk around, be sure to check out all of the ornate decorations and the pretty garden for which the mansion is most famous.

3.  Cafe Raya

Cafe Raya is an establishment in Medan and is known as the best spot to stop for beers. Not all cafes at Medan serve alcoholic beverages, which leaves Cafe Raya a favorite for the expatriate community and also anybody looking for a quiet corner away from the bustle of the city. Found in the center of town on Jalan SM Raja, Cafe Raya also serves a range of international dishes plus some simple unsalted noodles and fried rice. As a lot of the city’s hotels and guesthouses are found along the same road, this can be a convenient place to come in the evening and relax before you turn in the evening.

4.  Vihara Maha Maitreya

Vihara Maha Maitreya is among the biggest Buddhist temples in Indonesia and a suitable spot to visit if you would like to tour all of Medan’s key religious attractions. There is a large Buddhist community in Medan, and this is an essential place of worship though visitors are also welcome to see the site. Make sure that you go to see the exquisite pools. There’s also a canteen which sells delicious vegetarian meals, so try to time your visit to match lunchtime.

5.  Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni

Also called as Our Lady of Good Health Church, Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni was opened in 2005. Dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health, this is a Catholic church, but it’s modeled on an Indian temple. There, you will be able to marvel at the ornate furnishings and the elegant and colorful effigies on display. It’s also a powerful symbol of Medan’s diversity.

6.  Kampung Keling

Kampung Keling is the Tamil part of Medan and you could be forgiven for believing that you were actually in India. The area is covered in shops selling brilliant saris and Indian jewelry. There are also a lot of Indian restaurants here that serve traditional Indian dishes. The Sri Mariamman Temple, built in 1884, can be found in this part of Medan. Make sure to look at the elaborate carvings that compose the temple roof, even as there is nothing similar to that in Medan.

7.  Rahmat Gallery

Rahmat Gallery is just one of the most unique attractions in Medan and is a fantastic choice if you would like to do something a little extraordinary. The gallery is well-known for it is filled with preserved animals, so anyone interested in taxidermy certainly shouldn’t give it a miss. The gallery is also an excellent way to look at a variety of different species that are native to Indonesia.

Ready to start your getaway to Medan? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!

Himachal Pradesh is the land of the lofty Himalayan mountains that stand as a symbol of nature’s best creation in the Indian subcontinent. Featuring picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, this North Indian state also presents lush greenery and a pleasant climate all throughout the year. Tourists from India as well as other parts of the world frequent Himachal Pradesh as it has a stronghold of many scenic locations. If you are someone who is fond of hill stations and admires nature, then exploring Himachal Pradesh would be the best thing for you to do. Thus, without wasting time, you should start packing up your winter apparel and book yourself into one of the best Himachal Pradesh hotels and explore the best landmarks that it has to offer.

Kufri

Tucked in the district of Shimla, Kufri is a beautiful resort hill station that was the earlier home to British India. Later transformed into a popular tourist spot, this place is notable among the trekkers. Kufri makes itself one of the ideal summer getaways from the bustling plains as it presents a cool and pleasant climate. Apart from featuring a historic charm and wonderful climate, Kufri also serves as a home to a wide range of flora and fauna. If you decide to go for a trip to Himachal Pradesh, then you should definitely make a one-day plan at Kufri.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie, a charming hill station located at Himachal Pradesh exhibits an aura of the bygone days. Known for its heritage British-style buildings that date back to the early 19th Century, this hill station is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is spread across five hills that offer an eye-catching view to the tourists. Here, you can visit the wildlife sanctuary that captivates various kinds of animals and birds along with touting trees. If you are a good wildlife photographer, then this place will be a paradise for you!

Spiti

An underrated gem nestled near the Himalayan ranges is the Spiti Valley. Lying as the middle land between India and Tibet, Spiti presents a topography of a snow-clad cold desert. Like all other Himachal Pradesh hill stations, Spiti Valley also features panoramic views of the mighty mountains along with the farthest scenery of verdant greens. Here, you can pay a visit to the different Buddhist destinations to awaken your spiritual self. While at Spiti Valley, make sure you click awe-inspiring pictures of yourself for an Insta-upload and make your social media followers envy your presence at this beautiful location.

Solang Valley

One of the pristine valleys of Himachal Pradesh is the Solang Valley. Tucked between Beas Kund and Solang village, this beautiful valley is considered to be one of the popular places to visit in North India. Tourists come to this place to experience the enchanting views of the mountains as well as to take part in different enthralling activities. If you have never experienced zorbing or paragliding, it’s time that you put on the gear and experience the fun that Solan Valley will definitely deliver to you.

Dharamshala

Known as the home to the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is one of the most famous tourist spots in the vicinity of Himachal Pradesh. Not only can you witness an amazing climate at this place but you can also encounter a mix of cultures. Here, at Dharamshala tourists can see a blend of Kangra and Tibet’s way of life. Further, this hillside city features a spiritual centre for Tibetan Buddhism, The Thekchen Choling Temple Complex that is frequented by both locals and wanderers. So, if you are looking forward to spending some quality time in the mountains at peace, there is no greater place than Dharamshala.