In the backdrop of the picturesque Alps lies Munich- a throbbing, laidback city that continues to preserve its past, and abhors the glass and steel structures that define most cities. Its also the eighth best city in the world for its living standards. Located in the southern province of Bavaria, Munich offers the charms of a small town, with the cultural richness of a capital city.

Every year, millions of tourists come visiting to Munich, for the famous Oktoberfest. The festival lasts for two weeks, during which time over 6 million visitors enjoy beer and take park in the festivities. Prior to the festival, the Oktoberfest Parade gives an interesting insight into the glorious cultural past of Munich. Colorfully dressed peasants, children alongwith impressive floats walk through the town. It was on one such visit to Munich, that I fell in love with the city and the culture.

Marienplatz is the central square, with its monumental Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). The Glockenspiel located here is the central attraction for visitors to Munich. Everyday, twice, the sound of clarrion in the Rathaus fills the square, and the mechanical figures perform a dance, celebrating the folklore of Munich. The Town Hall, with its gothic architecture, has many intricate carvings and designs on its walls. A walk to the main inner court reveals some more astounding features of the architecture, including the neo-gothic staircase.

Nearby to the square is the oldest parish church of Munich, the St. Peters Church. A wood staircase comprising of 302 steps leads one to the top of the Church to the viewing platform that gives an exciting view of the Munich cityscape. From here, one gets to view the the vast expanse of untamed greenery named the Englisch Gartens, the Munich Central Station, the famous Leopold Str. that leads from the Odeonsplatz, and an overview of the old and ancient city architecture. In a distance, one can spot the Olympiapark , and the newest attraction, the Allianz Arena, which will play host to some matches of the World Cup football this year. In the distant horizon one gets to see, on a clear day, the breathtaking Bavarian Alps.

A two minute walk from the Centre leads to the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of our Beloved Lady), Munich´s Central Cathedral with its famous onion shaped-domes on the two towers. The domes are Munich´s most recognised symbols.

An interesting way to spend the afternoon is to shop at the Viktualienmarkt, near Marienplatz. It is one of the oldest markets of Munich, famous for the exotic fresh fruits and vegetables imported from around the world. The aroma of spices, cheese, fruits wafts through the entire market, making it an unforgettable experience..

The Residenz and Nationaltheater are located on the Max-Joseph-Platz, a few minutes away from Marienplatz. A walk along the Weinstrasse leads one to the Odeonsplatz. The Theatinerkirche and the Feldernhalle used by Hitler to make speeches are located here. Nearby is the beautiful Hofgarten with its landscaped garden. The Maxmilianstrasse houses some of the most famous fashion labels in the world. Many exclusive shops abound here.

The Englisch Gartens, located in the heart of the city, is the largest urban park in Europe. Its vast expanse of greenery spread across Munich offers a good respite from the tedium of modern day life. A leisurely stroll across the Gartens in the morning or evening works wonders. The Isar river flows through the Englisch Garten. A huge lake, a traditional bavarian beer garden, and a Chinese tower complete the Englisch experience. I have loved exploring the lush greenery, small rivulets, old ruins and monuments that replete through the Garten.

Not so far from the Englisch Gartens lie the Olympiapark. The Olympiapark played host to the 1972 Olympic Games. It comprises of the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Tower, a lake, and a landscaped hill, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Olympic Tower provides a panoramic view of the entire city with the Alps in a distance. Nearby, is the BMW Museum. And, across the street is the BMW Headquarters with its unique architectural design.

On the outskirts of Munich, is the five-lakes district of Starnberg. Of the five lakes, Starnberger See and Amersee are the most beautiful. The serene landscape surrounding the lake, with the beautiful and vast backdrop of the Bavarian Alps offers many opportunities for a explorer. As a nature enthusiast, I have enjoyed mountain hiking, and biking in the Starnberger region.

A further south of Munich, is the Garmisch-Partenkirchen located in the Bavarian Alps. Its home to the Mt. Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. The town offers some interesting cultural sights, and a leisurely stroll leads to the Eisbee lake, situated at the base of Zugspitze. Its from here that one takes the cog-wheel train to the summit, where the Münchener Haus greets visitors. My first memories of Zugspitze are of losing control, and slipping and falling on the thin snow outside the Haus. However, the amazing view of the Alps made up for all the pain.

A trip to the Bavarian countryside leads to small historical towns. Augsburg is a quaint little town famous for its Mozart Haus, where Mozart was born, and the ever- pervading silence. Regensburg offers glimpses of the roman and gothic influence in its architecture. The Walhalla Temple situated across the Danube on a hill near Regensburg shows considerable Greek influence in its architectural style. Landshut, Passau, Bambau, Lindau, Nürnberg are some other tourist attractions of Bavaria. One of the most popular attractions of Europe is the Neuschwanstein Castle at Füssen. Built by King Ludwig II, the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired the fairytale castle at Disneyland. It attracts millions of visitors from across the world every year.

Munich is an amazing city-town with so much on offer for a visitor. I am yet to finish exploring the city, and Bavaria. And, that statement, sums it all up.