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  • 10 Helsinki Must-See Sights for Indian Tourists

    10 Helsinki Must-See Sights for Indian Tourists


    Helsinki, the capital of Finland, the happiest country in the world, is a cultural melting pot that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Known for its rather small size and picturesque seaview landscapes, Helsinki is a must-visit destination for Indian tourists. This beautiful city offers a plethora of attractions and experiences that cater specifically to Indian sensibilities. This captivating city offers an array of experiences to Indian tourists seeking a taste of Finnish culture and history. From architectural marvels and bustling markets to serene natural landscapes and immersive museums, the sights in Helsinki promise a memorable and enriching journey for Indian travelers. Embark on a cultural odyssey with these 10 sights in Helsinki that are perfect for Indian travelers.

    1. Kamppi Chapel (Chapel of Silence)
      Begin your journey at the Kamppi Chapel, a symbol of serenity in the heart of this bustling city. With its minimalist design and peaceful ambiance, the Chapel of Silence offers a welcome respite for visitors looking for a moment of introspection and contemplation, not unlike the spiritual sanctuaries in India.
    2. Market Square (Kauppatori)
      Dive into the colorful world of Helsinki’s Market Square, which comes alive with local vendors selling fresh produce, Finnish delicacies, and handicrafts. Indian tourists will appreciate the bustling atmosphere and vibrant energy reminiscent of Indian markets. Real Indian groceries you can do in Hakaniemi, near the Hakaniemi Market Square, which is 3 tramstops away from Helsinki center.
    3. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
      Experience the best of Finnish contemporary art at Kiasma Museum, where cutting-edge exhibitions showcase works by national and international artists. Indian visitors will be fascinated by the museum’s unique architecture and thought-provoking exhibits that celebrate creativity and cultural diversity.
    4. Suomenlinna Fortress
      Take a picturesque ferry ride to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the fortress’s rich history and admire the beautiful surroundings. Indian tourists can enjoy a picnic amidst the scenic landscape, evoking memories of family outings back home.
    5. Helsinki Cathedral
      Marvel at the architectural splendor of Helsinki Cathedral, an iconic landmark that dominates the city skyline. With its neoclassical design and pristine white facade, the cathedral’s grandeur will remind Indian tourists of the magnificent religious structures in their homeland.
    6. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
      Step back in time at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, which showcases traditional Finnish life through a collection of authentic wooden buildings. Indian visitors will appreciate the similarities and differences between Finnish and Indian village life, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultural traditions.
    7. Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
      Explore the unique Temppeliaukio Church, a modern architectural wonder carved into solid rock. The natural elements and innovative design of this sacred space will captivate Indian visitors, who are no strangers to awe-inspiring religious architecture.
    8. Finnish National Museum
      Delve into Finland’s history at the Finnish National Museum, where exhibits showcase the country’s fascinating cultural heritage. Indian tourists will appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Finland’s past, drawing parallels with their own diverse and storied history.
    9. Oodi Helsinki Central Library
      Book lovers among Indian tourists will be thrilled to visit Oodi Helsinki Central Library, a modern architectural masterpiece that boasts an extensive collection of books and resources, even in English language. This inspiring library space fosters a sense of community and celebrates the joy of reading, values that resonate deeply with Indian culture.
    10. Linnanmäki Amusement Park
      End your cultural odyssey on a high note at Linnanmäki Amusement Park, a fun-filled destination for the whole family. With thrilling rides and attractions, Indian tourists can create lasting memories as they bond over shared laughter and excitement.

    These 10 sights can be fitted in a 3 nights 4 days schedule, if the schedule is kept tight. The outdoor sights are best enjoyed in summertime, from June to August.

    Helsinki töölönlahti parks, Opera house and stadium tower
    Helsinki töölönlahti parks are good for walking and picnic

    Additional interests and sights for Indian taste

    1. Gandhi statue in Helsinki, Finland

    India has many Mahatma Gandhi statues spread all over India, but did you know that Finland has also its own Mahatma Gandhi statue, the icon of non-violence? It is located in Helsinki, Allotria park, and you can get there by bus or tram from Helsinki centre.

    Watch Indivue video of the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Helsinki here.

    2. Cows in the pasture in Viikki

    In the summertime Indian tourists might also be interested in seeing how cows live in the capital of Finland. The capital is not much different from the rest of the country, since in the summertime the cows graze outdoors in the fields of Viikki.

    Viikki, a district in Helsinki, is known for its unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. One of the most charming aspects of Viikki is the presence of cows grazing in the lush green pastures amidst the cityscape in the summertime. For tourists, especially those from India, where cows hold a special cultural and religious significance, witnessing these gentle animals in such an urban environment can be both fascinating and heartwarming.

    Viikki is home to the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, which contributes to the area’s agricultural heritage. The Viikki Research Farm, located nearby, is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and researching innovative solutions to support food security. As a part of their efforts, they maintain a small herd of cows that can be seen grazing in the surrounding fields.

    Visiting Viikki allows tourists to explore a different side of Helsinki, showcasing the city’s commitment to balancing urban development with nature preservation. Indian tourists, in particular, will enjoy this unique opportunity to observe cows in a peaceful, picturesque setting.

    To make the most of your visit to Viikki, consider strolling through the Viikki Nature Reserve, which offers well-maintained walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. You may even catch a glimpse of the cows grazing nearby. A visit to Viikki provides a refreshing change of pace from the bustling city center and allows tourists to experience the harmonious coexistence of urban life and nature in Helsinki.

    Helsinki seaview after sunset
    Helsinki seaview after sunset

    3. Helsinki beaches

    Helsinki has beautiful coastline and numerous islands, which offer a variety of beaches that cater to different preferences. Indian tourists, who are no strangers to beautiful beaches, will find a few options in Helsinki that are perfect for a day of relaxation and recreation. Here are some of the best beaches in Helsinki for Indian tourists:

    Helsinki beaches with walking distance from center:
    1. Hietaniemi Beach (Hietsu)
      Located in the Töölö district, Hietaniemi Beach is one of Helsinki’s most popular sandy beaches. With its lively atmosphere, beach volleyball courts, and proximity to the city center, Hietsu provides an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy a day by the water.
    Helsinki beaches within easy reach by metro and short walk:
    1. Lauttasaari Beach (Lauttasaaren uimaranta)
      Lauttasaari Beach, located on Lauttasaari Island, offers a picturesque shoreline and beautiful views of the surrounding islands. The shallow waters make it an ideal spot for families with children. Indian tourists can enjoy a leisurely swim, sunbathe, or indulge in beachside activities. Layttasaari is accessible by metro.
    2. Aurinkolahti Beach (Aurinkolahden uimaranta)
      Situated in the eastern part of Helsinki, Aurinkolahti Beach is known for its fine sand and beautiful surroundings. The beach is equipped with facilities such as restrooms, changing rooms, and showers. Indian tourists will appreciate the well-maintained environment and the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or partake in water sports, such as sub-boarding. In addition there’s also a Nepalese restaurant next to the beach, if you feel like having some naans and dals by the sea.
    Helsinki beaches within reach by ferry
    1. Suomenlinna Beach
      While visiting the historic Suomenlinna Fortress, tourists can also enjoy the small, yet charming Suomenlinna Beach. With its rocky shoreline and breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, this beach offers a unique experience that combines history and natural beauty.
    2. Pihlajasaari Beach
      Accessible by a short ferry ride from the city center, Pihlajasaari is an island with two beautiful beaches – one sandy and the other one rocky. This idyllic retreat offers a peaceful setting and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for Indian tourists looking for a serene beach experience. There is also a beach for nudists in Pihlajasaari, in case you forgot to pack your swim wear.

    These beaches in Helsinki cater to different preferences and provide tourists with the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the city’s coastal charm. Remember to check the weather forecast and water temperature before heading to the beach, as conditions can vary throughout the year.

    Shopping mall Itis in Helsinki
    Shopping mall Itis in Helsinki

    4. Good Indian restaurants in Helsinki

    Helsinki’s culinary scene is diverse and offers a variety of options for Indian tourists seeking familiar flavors. Here are five Indian restaurants in Helsinki that are suitable for Indian tourists:

    1. Restaurant Monal
      • Monal, the small Indian restaurant located in Punavuori in Helsinki, is within a short walking distance from Helsinki center. It was also featured in the video of Best Indian restaurants in Europe.
    2. The Indian
      • The Indian restaurant is located in Merihaka, within a 20 minute walk from center or 3 stops by tram. The restaurant is specialized in South Indian kitchen. You can see beautiful sunsets from their window before the trees get their leaves in spring.
    3. Deli Rasoi Tripla
      • The Indian restaurant Deli Rasoi Tripla is located in the Tripla shopping mall in Pasila, which is one local train stop away from Helsinki center. They have fine interiors and a balcony terrace where you can dine in the summertime. They have a smaller restaurant in another great shopping mall in Helsinki called Itis.
    4. Maharaja
      • The Indian restaurant Maharaja in located some 20 minute walk from Helsinki center or five tram stops. The standard of vegetarian food at this long-standing restaurant has varied over the years from very good to bad, so nothing can be guaranteed for today.
    5. Tandoori Villa Kalasatama
      • The restaurant Tandoori Villa is located 5 metrostops from the center of Helsinki towards East in Kalasatama. You also need to walk on top of that. Their vegetarian food standard has also varied from very good to bad, but at its best the food has been perfect, especially when enjoyed in their terrace by the sea in a warm summer day.

    And btw. there’s a lot more Nepalese restaurants in Helsinki, if you’re into mild tasting curry.

    Helsinki aerial view after sunset
    Helsinki aerial view after sunset, from the panorama tower in Linnanmäki fun park

    Many of the names in this article are links to videos of the place in guestion, so do check them out!

    See also my video of the flight from Delhi to Helsinki –

    Useful links:

    This post belongs to my
    → Trip to Helsinki – Visual Travel Guide.

    Explore all my Helsinki travel videos
    → here    .

    If you want to dive deeper into Helsinki, see my guide to
    → cafés    .

  • Indian restaurant experiences from Berlin

    Indian restaurant experiences from Berlin

    During my visit to Berlin, I came across an Indian restaurant called Amrit, located fairly close to my hotel at Potsdamer Platz. The restaurant had a terrace that faced two different streets and was often filled with customers during the evenings. As I had been spotting Indian restaurants in Europe for several years, I couldn’t leave Berlin without trying a German-Indian meal.

    Amrit

    I chose the restaurant Amrit on Ebertstrasse because I saw crowds of people sitting on the terrace in the evenings, as travel guides often suggest that a restaurant with many locals is likely to be safe. Not that you actually needed to worry about getting sick from the water in Germany.

    However, it soon became clear that the crowds in this restaurant were not there for the food but for the drinks, as Amrit was also a cocktail bar. The food in the restaurant was presented in an attractive way together with side dishes, but at least the vegetarian food tasted mostly like it had been cooked in a hurry and it was spiced with supposedly Indian flavors. The food there was edible, but received only three out of five stars from me.

    Restaurant and cocktail bar Amrit in Ebertstrasse
    Restaurant and cocktail bar Amrit in Ebertstrasse

    Despite the fact that Amrit was also a bar, children were welcome in this restaurant, and it was a very positive aspect that non-alcoholic drinks were also available in this restaurant. They were served in just as sparkly and glitzy way as the other drinks. The interior of the restaurant was also showy and stylish in a Bollywood-inspired way. During the summer, the windows of the restaurant were wide open to the street terrace in order to get some cool air inside.

    So, if you are looking for a Bollywood-style restaurant in Berlin, then Amrit is a good choice, but if you are looking for a delicious Indian dinner, you may want to look elsewhere.

    Or at least that was the case a few years ago. But the Indian restaurant Maharadscha in Berlin proved that the locals can also cook Indian food just as well as anyone else.

    Interior design in restaurant Amrit, Berlin
    Interior design in restaurant Amrit, Berlin
    Restaurant and cocktail bar Amrit in Ebertstrasse
    Restaurant and cocktail bar Amrit in Ebertstrasse
    Palak paneer in restaurant Amrit
    Palak paneer in restaurant Amrit
    Indian restaurant Maharadscha in Berlin
    Indian restaurant Maharadscha in Berlin

    Indian restaurant Maharadscha

    The Indian restaurant Maharadscha was located in a residential area in Berlin near the famous shopping center KaDeWe, and the restaurant proved to be worth all the walking.

    The restaurant was clean and had an authentic Indian atmosphere and decor. The service in the restaurant was good, and so was also the food. According to my experiences, Maharadscha was the best Indian restaurant in Berlin.

    Here are a couple of photos from the restaurant.

    Vegetarian food in Indian restaurant Berlin
    Malai kofta in the Indian restaurant Maharadscha in Berlin
    Interior design in the restaurant Maharadscha
    Interior design in the restaurant Maharadscha
    Bombay spice menui Indian restaurant Berlin
    Bombay spice, Indian restaurant in Berlin

    Bombay Spice

    Because of its easily accessible location, I decided to visit the Bombay Spice restaurant on Wilhelmstrasse in Berlin Mitte. During the summer, the restaurant’s windows were open all the way to the terrace, and as it had been a hot day, I chose a table on the terrace in the hope of a slight breeze.

    However, choosing a table on the terrace was not necessarily a wise decision, as upon the arrival of my food, a flock of sparrows descended next to my table hoping for some scraps. Despite my efforts to shoo them away, they persistently returned, and one even pecked at my hand as I tried to protect my own plate. The scene on the restaurant’s terrace reminded me of the Hitchcock’s horror movie “The Birds”.

    Pappadums in restaurant Bombay Spice
    Pappadums in restaurant Bombay Spice
    Chutneys in restaurant Bombay Spice
    Chutneys in restaurant Bombay Spice

    As for my meal, I started with the traditional, naturally gluten-free papadum bread served with chutneys.

    The chutneys were not at their best and I didn’t even have time to finish all the papadum breads when the main course arrived at the table.

    In terms of vegetarian dishes, the menu had a few uncommon names that I don’t recall seeing in a restaurant in Finland. Those German Indian restaurant specialties were:

    • Bahra Bengan (Eggplant / bell pepper, cottage cheese, peas, tomato, onion, nuts, raisins, cream sauce)
    • Khumbi Paneer (Fresh mushrooms, cottage cheese, and cream sauce)
    • Tinda Masalah (Vegetables, fresh tomato, onion, and ginger)
    • Bhari Mirch (Seasoned vegetables, stuffed bell pepper, raisins, almonds, Mughlai sauce)
    • Paneer Jhalfrezi (Indian cottage cheese, fried cauliflower, ginger, garlic, and bell pepper)
    Paneer jalfrezi in restaurant Bombay Spice
    Paneer jalfrezi in restaurant Bombay Spice

    Paneer Jalfrezi was the only vegetarian dish with medium spice, while all other dishes in the menu were normally flavored (according to German taste). Jalfrezi dishes are usually seen only as chicken dishes, so without a doubt, this vegetarian version with cheese had to be tried when the opportunity arose.

    The Paneer Jalfrezi proved to be an excellent choice with basmati rice and garlic naan bread. Its spiciness was pleasantly stimulating but manageable, and even the cheese had a slight hint of flavor. Usually paneer cheese tends to be quite tasteless in restaurants in Europe.

    The tasty meal of Bombay Spice was crowned by the small but delicious Mango Lassi in a shot glass. It was offered by the restaurant and an obvious compensation for the disturbance caused by the sparrows.

    In the Bombay Spice restaurant, the prices for vegetarian meals were affordable compared to Finnish restaurant’s ala carte menu, with a round price of ten euros including basmati rice. The restaurant was also suitable for people with limited mobility, as there was a separate restroom for customers using a wheelchair.

    Sparrows in the terrace of Indian restaurant in Berlin
    Sparrows in the restaurant terrace

    Video of Bombay Spice restaurant

    Check also the music video that I made of the Bombay Spice restaurant in Berlin. You can see not only the delicious food but also the sparrows on the terrace mentioned in this article.

    Bombay Spice, Indian restaurant in Berlin

    Useful links:

  • Videos inspired by Berlin

    Videos inspired by Berlin

    Here’s a growing collection of my travel inspired videos inspired by my trips to Berlin, Germany. These videos are all spontaniously filmed and edited by me. They have also become a part of my visual travel guide Trip to Europe which I have been making digitally online for you to read and watch for several years time.

    Watch INDIVUE videos inspired by travel and Berlin

    Hotel Scandic in Berlin
    Video of Berlin sights
    Indian restaurant Bombay Spice in Berlin
    Flight from Germany to Finland
    Landing in the old Tegel airport

    Over the years, my visits to this fascinating Berlin city have left me with countless memories and experiences, many of which I’ve captured through spontaneous filming and creative editing. Today, I’m thrilled to share a growing collection of these travel-related music videos with you, all inspired by my trips to Berlin.

    These videos, which I’ve personally filmed and edited, offer an authentic glimpse into my journey, from the excitement of boarding the plane to Berlin to exploring its iconic sights. They have become an integral part of my ongoing project, Trip to Europe, a digital visual travel guide that I’ve been meticulously crafting for several years. This guide, available online, allows you to both read and watch as you discover some of Europe’s most captivating destinations through my eyes.

    Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll find in this Berlin video -collection:

    • Flight to Berlin and Back: Experience the anticipation of travel as I take you along on my flight to Berlin, the old airport, capturing the moments from departure to arrival and back again.
    • Berlin Sights: Wander with me through Berlin’s must-see attractions, music video offering a taste of what makes this city so unique.
    • Hotel in Berlin: Join me as I check into a cozy hotel in Berlin, and you will see what to expect during your stay in this bustling metropolis.
    • Indian Restaurant in Berlin: Savor the flavors of Berlin’s multicultural culinary scene as I dine at a delightful Indian restaurant, showcasing the city’s diverse food offerings.

    Each image here is a direct link to the respective video, allowing you to jump straight into the action. However, if you prefer to enjoy all these videos in one go, simply press play on the “Videos Inspired by Traveling to Germany” playlist below. This playlist brings together all the videos, offering a seamless viewing experience that encapsulates my journey to Berlin.

    Videos inspired by traveling and Berlin, Germany


    Press the play button and see all the videos at once!

    As you immerse yourself in these videos, I invite you to explore further by reading more about these destinations and sights in my blog and in my visual travel guide. There, you’ll find detailed accounts of my travels, tips for your own adventures, and more visual content that brings the essence of Europe to life.

    Whether you’re planning a trip to Berlin or simply exploring the world from your screen, these videos are a window into the vibrant energy and rich history of this remarkable city. Enjoy the journey!

    The images are straight links to videos in question, but you can also watch them all at once by choosing the Videos inspired by traveling to Germany – video playlist below. Press the play button and see all the videos at once!

    You can also read more about these destinations and sights in my blog and in my visual travel guide INDIVUE – Trip to Europe, and check my newly updated articles in the Updated posts 2023.

    Potsdamer Platz in Berlin
    Potsdamer Platz in Berlin

    USEFUL LINKS: