The pearl of the Adriatic!

Published in the Saturday Navbharat Times on 06 April, 2024

I sat on the marble steps of the promenade looking out at the water in front of me when the ocean started singing! Im not joking, it really did! As I soaked in the sun, the waves lapped against the marble steps and I could hear music. This was my first visit to Croatia and I had decided to explore the country by driving around and I had just reached the city of Zadar. I parked the car and made my way to the Zadar sea organ, an extraordinary architectural marvel and a unique musical instrument nestled along the picturesque Adriatic coast of Croatia.

Located on the western end of Zadar's Riva promenade, the Sea Organ comprises a series of large marble steps that descend into the Adriatic Sea. Beneath these steps are concealed tubes and chambers connected to the surface by a series of small openings. As waves lap against the coastline, the movement of seawater is channeled through these openings and funneled into the chambers, where it creates harmonic sounds and melodies.The result is a mesmerizing symphony of nature, with the sea organ producing hauntingly beautiful music that echoes across the promenade. The best part was that the music you hear is always different from time to time as the  tones and melodies are ever-changing, depending on the intensity and rhythm of the waves. This dynamic and immersive auditory experience for visitors was designed by architect Nikola Bašić. As I sat on those steps I thanked him and  marvelled at his innovative creation which seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature to provide visitors with an unforgettable auditory and sensory experience.The Sea Organ serves as more than just a musical attraction; it also serves as a symbol of Zadar's deep connection to the sea and its maritime heritage. Locals and tourists alike gather along the promenade to listen to the soothing melodies, watch the sunset over the Adriatic, and reflect on the beauty and power of nature.Visitors to Zadar can experience the enchanting sounds of the Sea Organ at any time of day, but it is especially magical during sunset, when the sky is painted in hues of orange and pink, and the melodies of the sea provide the perfect soundtrack to nature's spectacle!

I frequently travel for work, always seeking out new and unique destinations and memorable experiences. These discoveries become part of the tours and holidays we offer at Veena World, ensuring that all our guests can enjoy the same enriching experiences. My recent visit to Croatia was no exception, as I embarked on a journey filled with history, natural beauty, and unexpected delights.

I spent the rest of my time in Zadar admiring the architecture and the ruins. An ancient Roman settlement known as "Jadera," Zadar flourished as a key trading hub in the Adriatic. Remnants of its Roman past can still be seen in its well-preserved forum and imposing city walls. Later, Zadar came under Venetian rule in the 15th century, contributing to its architectural and cultural heritage. From Zadar, I journeyed to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cascading waterfalls and emerald-green lakes. I had heard about the beauty of the Plitvice national park but nothing prepared me for how beautiful it was!  Visualise a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls, that extend into a limestone canyon spread over 295-sq.km forest reserve and that is Plitvice national park! Hiking along the wooden boardwalks in the park, I was awestruck by the sheer beauty of this natural paradise, with each corner revealing a new vista more breathtaking than the last. Walkways and hiking trails wind around and across the water, and an electric boat links the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes. The latter are the site of Veliki Slap, a 78m-high waterfall.The only regret I had was that I wish I had come earlier and spent longer at Plitvice, But then you cant have everything in one life can you?

My decision to visit Croatia was fueled by a strong desire to explore something new and unique, with its own distinct identity. At the time of my visit, Croatia wasn't very popular among Indian tourists, but I was drawn to its allure. After a long time, I found a country that truly satisfied my wanderlust. I started with the capital city of Dubrovnik, and I remember feeling a pang of nervousness when I took the rental car, as it was a left-hand drive. However, I quickly got used to the road and even enjoyed some adventures, albeit unintentionally. Once, I followed Google Maps and found myself at the end of a street with no road ahead, only to realize it was a ferry crossing. I ended up on the ferry with my car, saving a lot of time. Water plays a significant role in Croatia, and the cleanliness of its waters allows Croats to swim in public places wherever they wish. We even stopped our car and swam at a public beach, experiencing the freedom that comes with Croatia's pristine coastline.

The capital city of Croatia, Dubrovnik is also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Encircled by medieval walls and overlooking the shimmering waters of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik exudes an aura of timeless elegance. As I wandered through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, I couldn't help but feel transported back in time to an era of kings and merchants. From the imposing walls of Fort Lovrijenac to the baroque splendor of St. Blaise's Church, every corner of Dubrovnik seemed to whisper secrets of its storied past. I visited Dubrovnik long before I started watching the HBO series "Game of Thrones," which was filmed here. And I'm glad I did because I enjoyed Dubrovnik in its true identity and not just as King's Landing from the TV series. Do you agree that sometimes it's better to experience a city for what it truly is, rather than its portrayal on screen?

Continuing my exploration of Croatia, I found myself drawn to the historic city of Split, where ancient ruins intertwine with modern life. Walking through the corridors of Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman emperor in the 4th century, I could almost hear the echoes of centuries past. Nearby, the vibrant island of Hvar beckoned with its sun-drenched beaches and picturesque vineyards, offering a glimpse into Croatia's rich maritime heritage.

Throughout my travels in Croatia, I was struck by the country's rich history and cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of influence from neighboring civilizations. From the Venetian architecture of Zadar to the legacy of the legendary merchant explorer Marco Polo in Split, Croatia's past is woven into the fabric of its present. As I savored a scoop of gelato from Sladoledarna Donat, the oldest ice cream parlor in Croatia, I couldn't help but reflect on the timeless allure of this enchanting land.

In the end, my journey through Croatia was not just a trip; it was a transformative experience that captured my heart in more ways than one. As I bid farewell to this captivating country, I knew that its memories would linger in my heart forever—from Zadar to Plitvice to Dubrovnik, each special and each unique in its own way!