Prague Culturally rich and vibrant city

"Being an avid traveller all her life, Aakanksha Bhargava recently launched her travel blog-Travel Rendezvous where she enjoys sharing her journey over the years of learning, exploring and finding herself. CEO of PMR, she talks to Corporate Citizen, why visiting and exploring the city of Prague has been a very enriching and personal experience for her"

As the CEO of PMR, Aakanksha Bhargava is leading one of the fastest-growing businesses in India. P.M. Relocations (PMR)- a Small-Medium Enterprise and one-stop solution for mobility needs, with respect to anybody relocating within India or overseas. Aakanksha joined PMR when she was 21 years old. Under Aakanksha’s leadership of 12 years, PMR expanded its base to 10 offices across India with the turnover crossing over 60 crores in 2019. With Aakanksha’s vision, PMR is now spearheading the organised relocation business in India.

Which is your favourite holiday destination?

have travelled close to 35 countries till now but my most favourite place has to be Prague. As a city, it has so much architectural beauty, art, culture and mesmerising food. It’s one of those places which envelops you within its beauty and would never leave your memory. Visiting Prague has been a very enriching and personal experience of exploring the city by foot and finding so much similarity between how the city is and how I am as a person. Culturally it’s a very rich and vibrant city, it has street dances, various vocal performances, graffiti and a lot more. All this put together makes it a very lively city. Infact, I would say that the day you leave Prague, you would find yourself planning for your next trip almost instantly.

When did you visit last?

I visited Prague 6-7 months back.

What do you like about the place?

Prague is just magical and culturally rich. In fact, the surrounding suburbs are also very beautiful and a must explore. Whenever I recall my experience of Prague, I remember the intense maze of beautiful old cobbled lanes which had some of the best-hidden gems and cafes offering one of the most unique, eclectic and flavoursome experiences for any foodie traveller. I feel that the soul of Prague can be best experienced in its intricately and thoughtfully made cafe and restaurants which are built in narrow lanes. One can find tiny hidden cafes in almost every lane. These hidden gems are extremely gorgeous and tastefully made to personify the spirit of the city. The walk to Prague castle is a very serene experience exploring the city’s beauty. In fact, if one is in Prague, a boat tour of the city is one of the most exotic and peaceful experiences one could have. If one is an art and culture lover, then this place has to be for them! Since every nook and corner of this place lets you explore and drench your soul in some ex-hilarating dance and vocal performances. One could find ballet performers, jaltarang performance, street dances etc. to keep one engrossed.Apart from this, I feel one of the great joys in the city is to explore its rich heritage sites, museums and chapel which leads one to experience the depth of Prague’s history and heritage.

"I have travelled close to 35 countries till now but my most favourite place has to be Prague. As a city, it has so much architectural beauty, art, culture and mesmerising food"

Tell us the highlights of the destination, what should not be missed, what do you recommend seeing and do?

• One should not miss watching the ballet and street performances
• Trying out different authentic food from local cafes
• A boat tour of the city
• A walk-in tour of the city. If you have time you could go solo with a map or opt for a guided tour
• Talking a picture in the Prague castle
• Staying in the central part of the city near the astronomical clock. Since most of the performances and action are based here
• Trying out their famous Trdelník also called as the trdlo which is a spit cake made with rolled dough and topped with sugar and walnut mix and served with vanilla ice-cream
• Walking on the famous Charles Bridge since one can get a clear scenic view of the city from here
• Trying out beer at a local traditional pub. Since beer drinking is Czechs passion
• Spending time at the prim and proper land-scaped gardens.

Which restaurants do you like to visit over there?

One can find authentic Italian food around the astronomical clock in the old town square. Some must try would be Krčma U Pavouka, Ristorance-Pizzeria Giovanni, Pasta Fresca and Kogo Havelska ristorante.

Which are the good hotels to stay there?

I have stayed in Hotel Grandium Prague both the times I have visited here. However, the hospitality and ambience of this place is so warm that you can try any hotel and/or Airbnb option for a comfortable stay.

Three tips you can give to fellow travellers for that place?

To explore this city to its best one must try :

• Walking tours
• Cycling around the city
• Experience the jaltarang performance on the street
• Be a part of the group dancing which happens on the street and is open for tourist to join
• Savoring the Trdelník,
• And if you are a Bollywood fiction lover then visiting all the famous places where Imtiaz Ali shot his movies like the Charles Bridge, the Prague castle etc.

According to you how can that destination be improved?

There is still a lack of awareness about this city and country on the global platform. Even though Prague is considered mainstream like Paris. Still, one should take some time out and explore the city on foot rather than booking themselves a usual routine city tour.

What can other destinations learn from that place?

Other destinations could definitely learn to dwell upon on their art and culture. There are many open street performances which are loved and respected by locals and tourist alike. One can visit various cultural sites and museums which lets one explore the deep heritage of the city.

Well in Prague, one can find cafes and pubs even in the most unexpected places. Every nook and corner of the city has a cafe which has scrumptious food and beer to offer. Their castles are beautiful and well maintained.

What kind of a traveller are you planning well or more impulsive?

I am a mix of both

Lastly, what tops your mind when you travel sightseeing, food, shopping or...?

I feel ‘Experience’ is very important