Scotland Travel guide for Indians
This is the land of ‘usquebaugh’ or the water of life and single malts; kilts and the wailing bagpipes and the Hogwarts Express. A relatively small country, it has dramatic landscape and an equally dramatic bloody and colourful history. Golfers have their Mecca here and the golf course is known as St. Andrews Links. Scotland’s landscape was shaped by glaciers and volcanoes and this makes it an interesting landscape. It has deep lakes, deep harbours and very dramatic scenery that you will find fascinating.
Edinburgh
Walking along the old town’s Royal Mile, you will come across the famous Edinburgh Castle. The castle houses the Scottish Crown jewels and St. Margret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Arthurs Seat, situated in Holyrood Park is 800 ft. above sea level and offers panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle. Keep in mind that the trail is all uphill so wear comfortable footwear.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is at the top of Royal Mile and a great place to keep the kids entertained for days! Some of the attractions are Light Fantastic, Bewilder world, Mirror Maze, Vortex Tunnel, etc.
The city of Edinburgh transforms in August when it celebrates the Military Tatto and the world famous Fringe Festival.
For Harry Potter fans, the Hogwarts Express chugging over the viaduct featured numerous Potter movies is also on offer. https://www.nationalrail.com/hogwarts-express-takes-off/
Loch Lomond is known as the Queen of Scottish Lakes and you can enjoy water sports, angling for trout or salmon or just hike the nearby trails.
Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal connect the east coast right up to the western coast. It’s possible to cruise down its whole length or take short excursions. Loch Ness itself has some of the most beautiful highland scenery and if smitten, just say you’re waiting for the Loch Ness Monster to make an appearance.
Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides are the largest of Scottish inner islands. The Isle of Skye which is just 50 miles across and just 15 wide has more than 200 species of birds and abundance of wildlife. The Inner Hebrides include Raasay, Staffa, and Iona, Islay, Jura and Mull. Iona is the most interesting but difficult to get to. It has graves of 60 Scottish kings, including Macbeth.
Glasgow which used to be gritty and grey has today transformed itself and offers a great clubbing experience and a lively live music scene. The Burrel Collection here is worth visiting. With its glass walls and a collection that includes Chinese ceramics and Rodin sculptures. The Burrel Collection is located in Pollock County Park, a 360 acre peaceful retreat with formal gardens, pastures and highland cattle.
Summertime in Scotland is especially beautiful but so is the rush to visit it. Be an early bird and avail the many discounts by booking now. Carry your travel funds in the form of EbixCash World Money Multi-Currency card; they come with pin and chip security and easily blocked and replaced if stolen or lost. They are universally accepted and cheaper than all other ways to carry forex.
