Bruges- Belgium Travel Journal part-2

 

Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. This is evidenced by its historic city centre, the entirety of which has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. The historic centre of Bruges is compact and easily walkable. Even with only one day in Bruges, we managed to see and do everything we came here to experience. Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Bruges that we saw during our self-guided walking tour of Bruges’ The Old Town. 

 

Bruges, a charming city in Belgium, captured our hearts with its enchanting canals, cobblestone streets, inspiring architecture are almost awfully picturesque and of course, mouth-watering Belgian waffles.

 

French fries (called Vlaamse frites, or “Flemish fries,” for the region of Flanders, in which Bruges lies) are another guilty local pleasure.

It was so fun to just wander around and take in all of the details. Bruges is a tourist hotspot so the crowds can be thick and there are always. We’ll explore into the history of Bruges, wander the streets, and experience the delights of this enchanting European destination. 

After a short walk, we found ourselves in the heart of Bruges, ready to explore its cobblestone streets and unravel its history. The city’s well-preserved medieval architecture took us back in time. As we strolled along the winding roads, we admired the ornate facades, gabled houses, and towering belfries. Each corner revealed a new architectural gem, telling stories of Bruges’ prosperous past as a bustling trading center.

Burg (Burg Square)

The Market Square is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the centre of power in the city, and Bruges’ city administration still occupies the 14th century Gothic Town Hall. This grand, majestic square is lined with monumental landmark buildings. These were built over the centuries, and reflect the building style of their age. A handy architectural guide assembled in a single square!

 

Although the Burg Square is actually packed with highlights. Over the centuries, several majestic buildings have been constructed, each in the prevailing architectural style of the moment. Bruges history in an abundance of historical objects: majestic tapestries, colourful glass windows, elegant wood sculptures, historical lace, Burgundian manuscripts, etc. Each tells a particular Bruges story.

 

There are lots of ways to explore Bruges and you won’t be disappointed if you try to see the city by foot. But for something a bit special, perhaps you could try a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Still, their presence contributed to the overall charm of the Market. Horse drawn carriages wait in the square for tourist to whisk around Bruges. Carriage tours start and end at the Market Square. I enjoyed the rhythmic clopping of horse’s hooves.

Canals of Bruges

These small canals, overlaid by historic arch bridges, are typical of the city’s character. At the end of this cobblestone road.

 

The canals have for centuries been the veins of the city, winding through Bruges and treating you to another magnificent view around every bend. Take a stroll or a boat trip and discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water.

Canal cruise of the medieval city

 

A Bruges itinerary would not be complete without allowing time for a canal cruise. A Canal tour, which was a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the city’s charm. Bruges boasts an intricate network of canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North.” Gliding through the waterways, we marveled at medieval buildings, picturesque bridges, and idyllic scenery. 

 

And while we were in a boat full of other people, it was still a peaceful and enchanting experience that allowed us to view the city from a whole new perspective.

 

In Bruges, it means you’ll cruise past the oldest wooden buildings in this medieval city as well as learn more about various buildings and landmarks from the local guide on board. I loved the canal cruise because we passed by a lot of very beautiful buildings and the pretty Rozenhoedkaai, saw some swans gracefully floating .

 

Bruges crafts some of the most luxurious lace in the world. 

 

Pop into one of the lace shops dotted around the city to buy a lace souvenir, or better yet visit the Lace Centre to learn more about the history of lace in Bruges.

One of Bruges’ most attractions is the windmills. A windmill located in the city of Bruges .We explored into the history of Bruges, wander the streets, and experience the delights of this enchanting European destination.  

 

Stunningly picturesque Bruges, in the Flanders region of Belgium,

 

 is often hailed as one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. 

 

Many of the buildings date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, including the impressive Belfry in Market Square. Walking through the medieval cobblestone meandering canals, , and historic architecture making it a destination that seems to have been plucked straight from a fairy tale. feels like stepping back in time and it is an incredible place to visit.

Mystical Mangroves of Pichavaram

 

After visiting Chidambaram Temple We went to Pichavarum mangrove Forest.It is a must-visit tourist attraction in Chidambaram located only 16km away from the town .Unlike the beaches in India, the mangroves of Pichavaram are not overrun with tourists yet. Not many people have even heard of it, The name ‘Sunderbans’ in Bengal seem familiar, but Pichavaram, at second place doesn’t share the spotlight.

 

It is a nature’s paradise with mangroves spread over 1100 hectares providing undulated natural views. Lesser known fact is that the Pichavaram mangrove forest is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world! Covering about 1100 hectare of area, it is separated from the Bay of Bengal only by a sand bar.

 

Other than the flora, the mangroves attract migrant and local birds including snipes, cormorants, egrets, storks, herons, spoonbills, and pelicans. About 177 species of birds belonging to 15 orders and 41 families have been recorded here.

How to See It

The mangrove forest can be explored by row boat or motor boat. Motor boats are ideal for sizable groups, and you'll be able to go all the way to the beach through the mangroves in a couple of hours. However, these boats are too big to fit inside the narrow canals. If you're interested in venturing deep inside the jungle, you'll need to take a row boat. It's well worth it.

 

Motor boat costs Rs.1800 whether one single person or 8 max . Manual boat cost Rs400. We bought motor boat ride paying 1800 for five of us. Boat duration is 40 minutes but boatman asked extra 600 for taking ride to narrow lanes ,shooting spots; but everywhere same spot just mangrove trees and nice ride experience. Absolutely Worth it! You get to see some of the deep mangrove flora & fauna. Excellent location for a photo shoot . Boats are well equipped with safety jackets and foldable covers to protect from sunburns (these are normally folded back during narrow canal visits!)

 

The swinging and swaying of our boat left us exhilarating. The backwaters were alluring and we immersed in its beauty in less than a minute after the ride started.

What is so special about a mangrove?

A Mangrove is a small tree or shrub that grows along coastlines, taking root in salty sediments, often underwater. The word ‘mangrove’ may refer to the habitat as a whole or to the trees and shrubs in the mangrove swamp. Mangroves are flowering trees, belonging to the families Rhizophoraceae, Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, Combretaceae, and Arecaceae. This waterbody is 2800 acres vast expanse. The boatsman who came for us was a mind-blowing person named Sakthivel , he gave me the botanical scientific name of all those varieties!they are - Surappunnai(Rhizophora)Kandal(Avicennia),Vennkandal(AvicenniaMarina)Karungandal(Avicennia Officinalis).

 

 The Rhizophora varities are locally called Surappunnai and they filter the salt content in the water before intaking the water. This Rhizophora varieties reproduce by Viviparous reproduction. That is, the new roots grow from below the branches and they detach themselves from the parent only after they get pretty strong.

The Avicennia varities are locally called Kandal and they take in the salt water and gives out the salt through their leaves. Here reproduction happens by Aerial roots or Pneumatophores. The roots emerge from the soil and grow outwards to the air to absorb oxygen. The types of Avicennia here are Avicennia Marina (Venn kandal) and Avicennia Officinalis (Karungandal).

Mangrove forests stabilize the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. The intricate root system of mangroves also makes these forests attractive to fish and other organisms seeking food and shelter from predators. 

 

The dense tangle of roots allows the trees to handle the daily rise and fall of tides. Most mangroves get flooded at least twice per day. Mangroves improve the water quality by absorbing nutrients from runoff that might otherwise cause harmful algal blooms offshore.It has a vast expanse of water covered with mangrove forests. It is home to many aquatic bird species.

 

As you sail deep into the backwater, the first impression that you have is that you are lost in the middle of a sea with water all around. But as you sail further, the mangrove plant begins to appear. Soon you find the waterway becoming narrower with mangroves on both sides.The water here is not that deep or clear and the Mangroves may not be among the beautiful plants, yet it is an experience that you must relish.

 

Making our way through them is a beautiful experience. As we went deeper into the forests, we got amazed on seeing the fresh green shrubs hanging above the water, long sticks which appeared like the branches of the shrubs actually happens to be the roots! It was an amazing sight to see a number of rare birds fishing in the marshes while we rode past them.

 

They’re deathly still and soundless, and a bird, spooked by our presence, taking to flight. The canopy of twisted branches above our heads hangs so low that it doesn’t allow one to stand, yet the occasional stream of light on the water lets you look down and see the murky shore bed, below the boat.

 

The greenery is overwhelmingly soothing and the hum of the gentle wind passing through seems magnified, as do the rustle of the leaves at arms distance, around and above us. It’s as spooky as it is serene – I’ve never experienced anything like it! It has the mystique of a place that’s undiscovered, but you will find one of nature’s most fascinating environments.

 

On the way boat man showed the unique setting of the mangrove jungle has featured in a number of south Indian movies including Idayakanni (1975), Sooryan (2007), Dasavatharam (2008), and Thupparivalan (2017).

 

The channels through the mangroves get smaller, deeper, and you have to dovetail to keep the roots from dropping! You'll yell excitedly as the boat runs in calm, dark waters and roots like a tent over your head. At certain points, the roots are very thick and the plant is quite large, it's nearly like a wooden bar wall, sunlight is flowing in here, and the effect is magical!

Sometimes when the sun is weak, the path looks furious, as if it is close to you, as the boat cruises slowly in peace. You wonder if the boat will really navigate through the narrow turns.

This is how mesmerizingly beautiful it gets, you would want to do nothing else other than sit in that boat and go around the mangroves till the end of the day ! The experience turned out to be an awesome one. If you are a nature lover or an eco-tourist, then this destination must feature in your priority list.

PICHAVARAM BOATING TIMINGS

9:00AM to 04:00PM

PICHAVARAM BOAT HOUSE ADDRESS

Pitchavaram Boat House,

AATC Campus, Killai Post,

Chidambaram Taluk,

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu - 608102