Our vacation to a few European countries some years back evokes fond memories even today. One of the places we visited during the last leg of our trip was Zakopane in Poland . We were five families, totalling about 16 members who traveled together from India. It was a picnic all the way with great company, fun, games and bonding 🙂
Nestled in a valley between the majestic Tatra mountains and Gubalowka Hills, Zakopane is located at the southernmost region of Poland, bordering Slovakia. A popular tourist destination, summers are a good time for treks and hiking while winter attracts the ski lovers.
Leaving behind the architectural marvel of Krakow, we started for Zakopane after our lunch. The drive was a pleasant one. Bright and sunny, with a nip in the air, excellent roads and the natural scenic beauty of the place kept us delighted. As we approached Zakopane, the weather was becoming colder. The lush green grass meadows, the quaint sloped roof houses and the majestic mountains welcomed us to this beautiful tourist destination.
After a sumptuous breakfast the next morning, we headed to the foothills of the mountains for the eagerly awaited trek. The trek in the Koscieliska Valley was an exhilarating one. The scenic trail presented a breath taking view, with gurgling streams and several caves enroute to the tranquil lake beyond the valley. Enjoying the company of friends helped us complete the day long trek with ease. Surprisingly none of us were tired at the end of the day. The reason for that I guess was that the air there was so fresh and pure, devoid of any kind of pollutants!
Next morning was an exciting one. The expedition to one of the highest peak in the Tatra mountains, the Kasprowy Wierch. The route was covered by cable car upto 1900 meters and then we trekked up to reach the peak at 2012 meters. The Kaspowry Wierch is a half Polish half Slovakian mountain with the border visible from the top of the peak. At the peak, the cold wind was blowing so hard that it was difficult to keep balance. On the other side was the view of Slovakia. It was truly a top of the world feeling with all of us singing “Brawo! Brawo! Brawoossimo!” a song sung by the Polish scouts to applaud a courageous effort!
The next day was spent in local sightseeing .The distinctive cottages and the architectural style which was inspired by folk traditions were impressive. Evening was spent in playing games and fun activities.
Next morning did some retail therapy in the buzzing market place, before heading back to the airport for our return trip, with beautiful memories in heart!
Beautifully described Radhika. I’m in love with these sloping roofs, the clear skies and the greenery in these places. Like almost out of a picture book not touched by pollutants or even remoty by dust …
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Yes Ash. Such a beautiful place, the air was so fresh and clean. A total contrast from the chaotic Indian cities. Like it you said, it almost gave us a feeling of visiting a place from a fairy tale book 😊
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Awesome
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Thanks Yasmin!
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Welcome dear Radha
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Wow the place is so beautiful. That must have been a great experience! Thanks for sharing ☺
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It was indeed one of our best holidays 😇
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😀
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Beautifully described! I want to plan my next trip there. Thanks Radhika ,for sharing your experiences and pictures.
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Oh yes Aishwarya! Do plan a trip there. I am sure you will love it😊
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Sure, will do!
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Beautiful pictures 👍
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Thanks Monika!!
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Wow, so beautiful 🙂🙂
Did you get to sit on that European ghoda gaadi?😀😀
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Breathtakingly beautiful R! Unfortunately no time for ghoda gadi ride. I just clicked that once we came down from tatra mountains!
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🙂🙂 this place is on my bucket list 😀 actually, the bucket is over flowing 😂
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Haha! Shubh kaam mein der nahi.😀
You will enjoy the place. A photographer’s delight too!!
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Europe has so much to explore, thanks for the nice pics and post.
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Agree Subhash. Each country in Europe has a unique beauty to experience.!
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Beautiful place and it’s description! You feel rejuvenated after visiting such full-of-nature places! Thanks for sharing!
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Absolutely. None of us were tired after the day long physical activities. We found it so relaxing to be one with nature. Thanks a lot Purva 😊
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Beautiful place and describe also very beautifully Radhika
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Many thanks Daneel!
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Welcome Radhika
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Wow. You might as well consider writing travelogues Radhika 🙂
This is very well-written. You did justice to the awesomeness of the places you’ve been to.
The experience must have been pretty amazing for you!
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That’s a huge compliment Andrei. Thank you so much 🙂 🙂
When the beauty of a place leaves you mesmerized, I think the feeling just flows on to your words!
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I agree 🙂
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Very nice trip down memory lane …
And, the by lanes of Zakopane!
The serene mountains, tall evergreens,
cave, and inviting flowers …
Lovely! Thanks for the virtual trip😉
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I am glad you enjoyed the virtual trip. Thanks so much!
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Beautiful……
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Thank you Madhusudan!
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Thatz such a wonderful description, and the clicks are amazing too… Loved this post! And thank you for sharing your experience, i love reading travelogues 🙂
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Well, I am glad you liked it. Thanks 😊
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Very, very beautiful photos, Radhika 🙂
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Many thanks Deepika!!
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You’re welcome, dear ❤
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I could breathe the fresh air, reading your post. Europe has a lot for us to see ,explore and enjoy. Beautiful pics and nice post, Radhika.
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Thanks a lot Deepika!
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Lovely photos Radhika and wonderful write up. ….
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Thanks a lot Anindya 🙂
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Wow …beautiful place
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Yeah, it is very beautiful 😊
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An extremely realistic travelogue. I felt i was with you all ……all the way.
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So happy to hear that. Thank you 🙂
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Feel like visited the place,
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Thanks a bunch Meenakshi 😇
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Beautiful place & such a lovely article Radhika😊 The pictures are stunning as is your description! The mountains are breathtaking!
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It was truly breathtaking Divya. Thanks so much 😊
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How stunning is that scenery?! It sounds like a wonderful couple of days, with great company, beautiful views and a sense of achievement with that hike!
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It was absolutely all of that Kim with such beautiful memories in our hearts 🙂 !!
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Beautiful pictures and a lovely write up, Radhika. The fun, scenic beauty and the wonderful time with friends is palpable in your writing. Every pictures seems to be like the perfect artist’s creative imagination. The picture of the caves, however, is amazing.
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Thanks a lot Pranitha. The cave picture along with a few others were taken by my son.🙂
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Beautiful place. The pictures along with your narration have made it a virtual tour for me… 🙂
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I am so glad to have done that🤗
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🙂 ….
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Lovely collection
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Thanks Abhay!
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Beautifully described Radhika and it must have been awesome, the pics and description prove it… Next time I should try the trek 🙂
Incase any readers of yours would like to go for day trip to Zakopane, so just adding the links
https://writeshefali.wordpress.com/2019/11/25/on-the-way-to-zakopane-poland/
https://writeshefali.wordpress.com/2019/11/26/gubalowka-and-the-local-market-zakopane/
Thanks for sharing 👍
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Oh yes Shefali, it was one of the best holidays we went on 👍
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