LONDON: An old charm in a globalised world

A creative soul needs creative fodder to munch on and keep the senses sharp and for that, travel is one of the best ways, says Nidhi Aggarwal, executive director, Indo Innovations. Her ardent love and enthusiasm for travelling have helped her to explore the world and gain new experiences at various stages in her life. A civil engineer and MSc. in International Business by qualification, she has always been a creative soul, which led her to get a diploma in interior design after her marriage. It is this creative bent that led her to get involved with the family venture and help conceive the ‘Indo’ brand

At Sunborn Yacht Hotel

Corporate Citizen: Your favourite holiday destination?

Nidhi Aggarwal: My favourite holiday destination is any place that gives an opportunity to feel nature or art from close. I, therefore, like to visit new places and explore them, for example, the refreshing valleys of Switzerland, the architectural beauty of London, the beaches of Mauritius or the serene Western Ghats of India.

CC: What do you like about the place?

London is a place that has, with all its modernity, preserved its heritage and architectural beauty. It is easy to lose your old charm in today’s globalised world, but I find London standing maintaining its charm. The maintenance and reuse of old buildings to suit new purposes can be witnessed throughout the city. It’s a great place to visit. The thing that I like the most about London is, you can find a place as per your mood and get refreshed. The visit to the countryside is another great offering.

People in London love to walk around. You can see mothers walking with school kids, you can see friends cycling around, you can see young people walking down for work. Everyone is busy but they are enjoying the beauty of nature and architecture simultaneously. ‘Cold never bothered me anyway’, the song from Frozen, comes alive here each day of the winter. When I was there in 3°C, at first, all I could think was of a heated room but then I noticed, everyone around was so enthusiastic in the shivering cold… I decided to go for a walk too. The area around Piccadilly Circus made a great evening. It was bustling with food joints, shops, casinos, etc.

CC: What should not be missed, what do you recommend seeing and doing?

The city has innumerable points of interest for people of all likings.

Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (I wish could visit inside), British Museum, and more.

London Eye is an iconic central attraction. Along with giving the visitor a bird’s eye view of the city and its points of interests, when up there, your mind starts thinking clearly. As if you can see the world from a different perspective. Definitely a not be missed destination. Fast track ticket recommended to save on time to explore the other attractions as well.

Visit to Knightsbridge is an exclusive residential and retail district in West London. London is known for its fashion. A must visit area. Walkthrough the streets to get a real feel. Shop or not, Harrods is a place to be.

Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London’s West End, makes for a perfect evening spent with a dear one. Eat, shop, stroll, watch a play or even gamble, enjoy this high-spirited area of the city.

Thames River cruise-feel the city aboard a hop-on hop-off boat. One of the best ways to see London, meandering through the heart of the city and past so many of its most famous attractions. See and experience the sights and splendour of this great city from the relaxed comfort of modern, all-weather boats with open upper decks and spacious lower saloons with panoramic windows.

Complete your London experience with a ride in one of the city’s black cabs. London’s official taxis, black cabs can be hailed on the street or at designated ranks situated in prominent places. Recommended short distance travels between two nearby points of interest. Definitely not to be missed.

The city can’t be explored fully in a visit or two. It has so much to offer. Pick your preferences, plan your days and go ahead on a memorable journey.

"London is a place that has, with all its modernity, preserved its heritage and architectural beauty"

CC: Which restaurants you like to visit over there? Why?

I enjoy the food joints that bustle around the city, be it Nandos or others that offer a good place to sit and enjoy the taste.

CC: Which are the good hotels to stay there?

Sunborn Yacht Hotel offers a very beautiful experience. We stayed there and felt like being on a cruise.

Beaufort House, Knightsbridge offers luxury serviced apartments. The 21 individually designed apartments range from an intimate one bedroom to spacious four bedrooms. All apartments are self-contained with fully-equipped kitchens and dining areas.

If you want to be in the centre of the action and explore the city on foot, stay at Piccadilly London West End or The Z Hotel, Piccadilly’

CC: Which is your favourite hotel to stay?

Sunborn Yacht Hotel.

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

Give yourself sufficient time to visit the city. Plan ahead the places you would like to cover. Pack keeping in mind the weather.

CC: According to you, how can that destination be improved?

By managing overcrowding at certain places of high tourist in-flow.

CC: What can other destinations learn from that place?

Preserve your heritage.

CC: Any interesting episode of your holiday over there which you can share with our readers?

A few of my college mates live in London including my best friend. I was travelling back on the night of my anniversary and was unable to meet a few of them earlier. I was surprised with them visiting the airport to see me, meet me and to wish me. Luckily, guests are allowed inside the Heathrow terminal. I was meeting some of them after 18 years. Our mini party at the airport was very touching and exciting.

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

Planning well, which I get from my father.