5 Great Holiday Ideas for March 2020

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the weather is turning. This could only mean one thing…that spring is in the air. Celebrate all the wonderful things the season brings with a holiday to a place that offers new and exciting adventures. Here are 5 destinations to visit in March 2019 that are distinct in their own ways, promising, varied and memorable experiences.

Tokyo, Japan

While the hustle and bustle of a new-age cityscape where towering skyscrapers dominate is one side of it, old neighbourhoods playing host to kabuki dancers ready to take centrestage is another. Food and family, culture and cuisine, are some of what make Tokyo an intriguing holiday destination all through the year.

However, March in Tokyo is cherry blossom viewing (Hanami) season and the most popular time to visit. With thousands of trees transforming in to a blooming spectacle of pink and white, several green landscapes in the city like Shinjuku Garden, Inokashira Park and Eueno Park are thronged by locals and tourists alike who can’t stop gushing over the beauty of it all!

Where to Stay: Shinjuku Prince Hotel (from Rs. 10,499 per night); Villa Fontaine Kayabacho Hotel (from Rs. 5,319 per night); Sunshine City Prince Hotel (from Rs. 7,756 per night)
Where to Eat: Butagumi, Kyourakutei and Kanda Matsuya

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New Orleans, USA

March brings lots of madness (of the good kind!) to New Orleans in the southern state of Louisiana in the United States. Referred to as the ‘Big Easy’, French and Spanish influences are parts of daily life here, be it in the food or fun! The city of jazz plays hosts to several festivals with the most famous one culminating in March. The fortnight-long Mardi Gras is a celebration of epic proportions complete with parades, masquerade balls and the crowning of Rex, the king of the carnival. The city’s iconic French Quarter comes alive with street performers and musicians showcasing their talents, be it at impromptu street gigs or planned performances at a restaurant.

Where to Stay: Magnolia Mansion (from Rs. 16,367 per night); The Queen Ann Hotel (from Rs. 8,458 per night); Brent House Hotel (from Rs. 7,779 per night)
Where to Eat: The Joint, St Roch Market and Gumbo Shop

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Seville, Spain

On the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Spain, the port city of Seville is a treasure trove of tourist delights. Rich in arts and culture, the city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Reales Alcázares Palace and General Archive of the Indies. Discover the outdoors here at Doñana Nature Reserve and Sierra Norte Nature Reserve where activities like hiking, cycling and horse riding are popular ways to explore.

Food is a big part of life in Seville as it is across all of Spain. Sample some authentic tapas at the historic quarter and in the districts of Triana and La Macarena where traditional cafes serve up quite the gourmet fare. One of Seville’s biggest draws is Semana Santa, a Holy Week procession in the lead up to Easter so that’s one more reason to visit the city in March!

Where to Stay: Dona Maria Hotel (from Rs. 11,363 per night); Hotel NH Collection Sevilla (from Rs. 8,554 per night); Casona de San Andres (from Rs. 6,283 per night)
Where to Eat: Salvador Rojo, Enrique Becerra and Vineria San Telmo

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Budapest, Hungary

When an entire city makes it to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, it says a lot! The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is steeped in culture, history, arts and music. A world-class city with an avant-garde vibe, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ is best explored on foot. Famous city sights include the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the National Gallery and St. Stephen Cathedral, amongst a prominent list of architectural masterpieces.

The city is abuzz with the goings on of everyday life, which is best observed in Budapest’s parks, market halls and cafes. Budapest is famous for its healing thermal baths or Turkish hamams, which is reason enough to be frequently visited by its nearby European neighbours.

Where to Stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (from Rs. 9,275 per night); Hilton Budapest City (from Rs. 8,687 per night); Hotel President Budapest (from Rs. 4,894 per night)
Where to Eat: Hungarikum Bistro, Chef Café and Kispiac Bisztro

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

A hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar off Tanzania comprises some small and two large islands, Unguja and Pemba. The capital, Zanzibar City is located in the former with Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site being the centre. Deep-rooted in heritage, learn about Swahili culture in the historical monuments and museums here.

Zanzibar’s coastline ebbed by crystalline azure waters is both luring and alluring! While coral reefs dot the east, smooth white sands can be found in the north and a tropical forest with endemic species of flora and fauna sit in the central part of the island. With an abounding tropical topography, this March, escape to paradise…escape to Zanzibar.

Where to Stay: Fumba Beach Lodge (from Rs. 13,865 per night); Spice Island Hotel & Resort (from Rs. 8,403 per night); Michamvi Sunset Bay (from Rs. 7,816 per night)
Where to Eat: The Rock, Emerson Spice Café and La Taverna

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