Zermatt

With no cars and absolutely no horns blaring into your ears, Zermatt is like being trapped inside a Utopian fantasy. It looks straight out of a picture postcard, except that it is a lot prettier, considering its authentic Swiss chalets, entirely pedestrianized cobbled streets, fancy restaurants, souvenir stores and travellers from all over the world. One glimpse of the mighty Matterhorn, which is visible from almost every part of this ski resort, will make time stop. And Matterhorn is certainly a sight that nonplusses you with its grandeur. All at the same time, the many stories of how it took numerous lives send shivers running down your spine. However, the fact that it brings back images of Toblerone, the much loved chocolate bar that was incidentally modelled on the mountain, is oddly comforting. Perhaps the most intriguing characteristic of this adorable hamlet was the absolute (well, almost) absence of cars and the total dependence on the earliest known form of transport our feet. Zermatt is one of the most eco-friendly places in the world except for the few electronic taxis that play in order to provide assistance to travellers with an overwhelming amount of luggage. Zermatt is all about relaxing to your heart's content, visiting a museum or two and listening to the stories your fellow travellers have to share.

Get on the fascinating Glacier Express that begins from St Moritz and brings you to Zermatt in around eight hours, providing you the most breathtaking views of the mountains and the countryside. I boarded this train from the city of Chur, a lesser-known gem in Switzerland and the duration of my journey was considerably reduced. However, you can certainly personalise your itinerary to suit your needs. Do visit the Matterhorn museum and the Kleine Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.