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Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Prague versus Paris: Where to holiday this summer?
Where are you holidaying this summer? Not decided yet? Stop throwing darts on the world map to choose the destination. Don't flip a coin, either. There's a smarter and more practical way to decide between two destinations - flight duration, direct/hopping flights, ease of visa, accommodation and sight-seeing expense, benefits of City Pass, safety and of course, the foreign currency versus the Indian Rupee. Also Read | Beverage Travel: Beer and beer bath in Prague, the world's drinking capital For example, if you had to pick between Prague and Paris, here are a few important things to consider. There are no direct flights into Prague, hence the flight duration can exceed 14/15 hours; Paris is a direct 9-hour flight from Delhi. France has high visa rejection rates for Indian travellers and Euro is costlier than the Czech Koruna. France is a wine lovers haven, beer lovers choose Prague (you can also indulge in beer spa!). Both cities are at par for sight seeing and the crowd count - Eiffel Tower. Louvre, Disneyland in Paris; Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle in Prague. So, weigh the options and then decide. It's easy to fall in love among the winding cobblestone streets and snow-covered castles of Prague, but is it a good idea? Writer Dana Newsman had mused about Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Prague is always a good idea. Visa: Require a short-stay Schengen visa. Tourist visa holder cannot stay in the country for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to stay for a longer duration, you need to reapply for a long-stay visa. You cannot apply for a long-stay visa from the Czech Republic, you have to apply from your home country. Processing time: Two weeks. Visa fee: Euro 60 for adults; children aged 6 to 12: Euro 35. Flights: There are no direct flights into Prague. Cheapest 1-stop Delhi-Prague Economy return flight starts at around INR 60,000. According to Skyscanner, June is the cheapest month to fly to Prague. Currency: It is not the Euro, it is Czech Koruna (CZK). 1 CZK = 3.86 INR. What to see/do: Prague Castle, Old Town, Charles Bridge, John Lennon Wall, sunset dinner cruise, Astronomical Clock, St. Vitus Cathedral, Petrin Hill, Old Town Square. What to eat: Trdelník (chimney-shaped cakes), Kolaches (palm-sized, sweet-bread disks filled with poppy seeds or fruit jam), Svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), Palacinky (pancakes), and Chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches). Must do: A beer spa (imagine lazing in a tub full of beer!), Segway Tour of the city. Do a day trip to Pilsen for, well, the Pilsner (the world's first pale lager beer, Pilsner Urquell, was produced in Pilsen in 1842). If you like all-things horror, do a half-day tour to Kutna Hora to see a church (Sedlec Ossuary) made of human bones. Where to stay: Stay in the Old Town or the Lesser Town - most attractions will be walking distance and you will save on taxi fares. If you are staying in the Lesser Town, avoid accommodation near Prague Castle, it is quite an uphill walk. Zizkov is the best area for hipsters and Smichov for those on a tight budget. New Town is less crowded and budget-friendly. Avoid accommodation near the main train station, it can be unsafe. • Generally, considered safe but be careful of your belongings in crowded areas. Wear your backpack on your chest, not on your back. • Beware of pickpockets, specially by the Astronomical Clock. • Tap water is safe to drink. • Buy the Prague City Pass and use public transportation to get around. Taxis are much more expensive. Public transport tickets lasting from 30 minutes to three days can be bought at most newspaper stands, corner shops, and in all metro station. Remember to validate your ticket before the first ride. • Read reviews about nightclubs before going. • Do not leave padlocks on bridges and do not add graffiti to the John Lennon Wall. • Do not exchange currency on the streets, they could be counterfeit. • Beware of card skimmers in independent ATM machines. Nobel Laureate Ernest Hemingway had called Paris 'a moveable feast', he believed that 'wherever you go for the rest of your life, Paris stays with you'. To all who have ever been to Paris, yes, the city stays with you. And for those who haven't, it is a dream destination, a city where the Eiffel stands tall and Mona Lisa mysteriously smiles. Visa: Get a Schengen visa that will grant access to the entire Schengen area, including France, for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Note that France's visa rejection rates for Indian travellers is high - nearly 17% short stay visas were rejected in 2023. If you are planning to visit other Schengen countries, check with your agent about which country to submit the visa application. Flights: Air India Delhi-Paris Economy return flight starts at around INR 59,000. Delhi-Paris Air France direct flight is much more expensive (INR 85,000). Several 1-stop flights are also available from other Indian cities. Currency: Euro (EUR). 1 EUR= 97INR What to see: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Disneyland, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sunset cruise on the Seine river, Musée d'Orsay, What to eat: Souffle, Steak & Frites (note that even if you order your steak well done, it might still be medium or medium-rare, so order accordingly), Croque monsieur (grilled cheese), Escargots (snails), Croissants and pain au chocolat, Boeuf Bourguignon, PoNorulet rôti (chicken rotisserie), Crepes, Cassoulet (stew). Must do: Day trip to Versailles, day trip to Bordeaux that is synonymous with great wine. Where to stay: If you want to be close to major attractions, stay in Central arrondissements (1st, 8th, and 7th); Canal Saint-Martin has hipster vibes, La Marais is the heart of medieval Paris, 9th Arrondissement is ideal for budget travellers, Montemarte is for the romantics. • There is no low-season (read: less crowd) in Paris. So, expect a crowd wherever you go. What changes is merely the kind of crowd - in summer, you'll find more families/children, in Fall, there will be more retirees. • Buy Parsi City Pass that grants quick access to monuments and museums. You'll end up paying a little extra but it is better than standing for hours in the queue for Eiffel Tower or Louvre, for example. • Another way to beat the crowd is walk around key spots – like Montmartre or along the Seine - before 8 am or after 9.30 pm. • Several shops and convenience stores are closed on Sundays. Check timings. • Tipping in a restaurant/hotel is not mandatory, but if you want to, tipping 5-10% of the restaurant bill is good enough. • Do not do Eiffel Tower & Louvre & Disneyland in one day. You'll be exhausted and children will get cranky with all the waiting and walking.
News18
22-05-2025
- News18
598 Gold Coins, 10 Gold Bracelets, 17 Sealed Cigar Boxes: Duo Stumbles Upon Treasure During Trek
Last Updated: While hiking in Czech mountains, a duo found a hidden box with 598 gold coins, bracelets, and more—an estimated treasure worth Rs 3 crore Imagine strolling through a lush green forest, soaking in the peace and beauty of nature, when suddenly you spot something unusual – a shiny aluminium box peeking out from between the stones. Intrigued, you move closer. That's exactly what happened with two tourists hiking in the Karkonosze Mountain range of the Czech Republic. What they discovered inside this mysterious box was nothing short of extraordinary. A Box Full of Surprises According to a CNN report, the box contained not just one or two items, but a real treasure trove: 10 gold bracelets, 17 sealed cigar boxes, a powder compact, a comb, and the most astonishing find, 598 gold coins. The total weight of the gold is about 3.7 kilograms (8 pounds), with an estimated value of 8 million Czech Koruna, roughly Rs 3 crore. The cigar boxes, still unopened, may hold even more secrets. A Chance Discovery The two travellers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were taking a shortcut through the forest when they spotted the box lodged between rocks. Curious, they opened it and were stunned by the treasure inside. Without wasting time, they handed the box over to the East Bohemia Museum in the nearby city of Hradec Kralove. Miroslav Novak, head of the museum's archaeological department, shared that the duo arrived unannounced with the treasure. 'Our team immediately began investigating the site where the box was found," Novak said. He confirmed that the entire box was filled with gold and other artefacts. Experts are now trying to determine the age and origins of the treasure. One of the coins is dated 1921, which means it is at least a century old. Novak believes the treasure may have been hidden before the Second World War, possibly around 1945. Interestingly, not a single coin in the collection is of Czech origin. Around half of the coins are from the Balkans, and the rest from France. Some bear markings from the former Yugoslavia, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Locals have their own theories. Some say the treasure may have belonged to the wealthy Spork family of the Kuks estate, while others believe it could have been looted by Czechoslovak soldiers. The museum is continuing its analysis to uncover more details. The true value of the treasure will only be known after the cigar boxes are opened and the other items are examined. As per Czech law, the treasure legally belongs to the local administration. However, the tourists who discovered it are entitled to a reward based on its value. First Published:
News18
21-05-2025
- News18
Tourists Find Hidden Treasure With 598 Gold Coins, Jewels In Forest; Here's What They Did Next
Last Updated: Two tourists in the Czech Republic's Krkonoše Mountains discovered a hidden treasure of gold coins and artefacts, now under investigation by archaeologists What began as a peaceful stroll through the forest turned into a cinematic moment for two tourists when they uncovered a hidden treasure nestled among the stones. Their extraordinary find in the Krkonoše Mountains, located in the north of the Czech Republic, has since captured the attention of archaeologists and historians alike. A Walk In The Forest Turns Unforgettable The two travellers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, were exploring the lush, wooded terrain when they noticed a shiny aluminium box partially obscured by stones. Their curiosity piqued, they opened the box, only to be confronted with an astonishing sight. According to a CNN report, the box contained a remarkable assortment of valuable items: The gold coins alone weighed 8 pounds (3.7 kg) and are estimated to be worth 80 lakh Czech Koruna (approximately Rs 3 crore). The cigar boxes remain sealed, adding to the intrigue surrounding the find. Rather than keeping the treasure, the tourists responsibly handed it over to the East Bohemia Museum in Hradec Králové. According to Miroslav Novák, head of the museum's archaeological department, the finders arrived unannounced and presented the treasure to his team, prompting an immediate investigation. Unlocking A 100-Year-Old Mystery Initial studies suggest the coins date back to at least 1921, making the hoard over a century old. Novak believes the treasure was likely concealed either prior to the Second World War or around 1945. Fascinatingly, none of the coins are Czech, half are from the Balkan region and the rest from France. Some even bear markings from former Yugoslavia in the 1920s and 1930s. Residents have speculated on the origins of the hoard. Some suggest it may have belonged to the wealthy Svirts-Shpork family of the Kuks Estate, while others theorise it was loot hidden by Czechoslovak soldiers during turbulent times. The true story, however, remains buried in history, at least for now. Ongoing Investigation And Ownership The museum continues to examine the items, with special attention to the sealed cigar boxes and the composition of the metals. Under Czech law, the treasure is officially the property of the local administration, but the finders are entitled to a reward based on the assessed value. As the investigation continues, this chance discovery offers a captivating glimpse into Europe's complex 20th-century history and a reminder that even today, real-life treasure hunts do exist. First Published: May 21, 2025, 13:08 IST
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Time of India
Hidden Treasure Czech Republic: Hikers stumble upon hidden treasure worth $680,000: You won't believe where it was!
Credit: X/@_Treasure_Kings A casual hike in the Czech Republic turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for two unsuspecting hikers who stumbled upon a hidden trove of gold in early February 2025. While walking through the foothills of the Krkonose Mountains, the pair noticed something shiny sticking out of a stone wall. Curious, they pulled out what appeared to be an aluminum can. Inside, they found a treasure trove: hundreds of gold coins wrapped in black fabric and stacked in neat to The New York Times, which first reported the find, the hikers alerted authorities, and the cache was transferred to the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové. Miroslav Novak, head of the museum's archaeological department, confirmed that the container held 598 gold coins.A few feet away, the hikers discovered a second stash: a metal box containing gold objects, including 16 snuffboxes, 10 bracelets, a comb, a chain with a tiny key, and a powder called the find extraordinary. 'What is exceptional in this case is the volume,' he total value of the treasure has been estimated at up to $680,000. The coins alone are believed to be worth around 7.5 million Czech Koruna, or approximately $340,000. The remaining items, if confirmed to be solid gold, could double that what intrigues archaeologists and historians even more is the mystery of who hid the treasure — and many archaeological discoveries in the region that date back to the Bronze Age or medieval times, the most recent coin in this collection is from 1921. That suggests the treasure was buried within the past 100 noted that the relatively recent date could provide historians with a rare opportunity. 'It's possible that someone might come across some information, perhaps in the newspapers of the time, that someone robbed a jewelry store or something like that, and suddenly it might lead us to a clue,' he told The New York Times. He also mentioned he had already received a 'steady stream of suggestions — and a few conspiracy theories.'Was the treasure hidden by a soldier returning from war? A fleeing merchant? A wealthy heiress?The coins offer a fascinating but puzzling trail. None were known to circulate in the area where they were found. About half are from Western Europe — including France and Belgium — while the rest originate from places as far-flung as the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Tunisia, the Balkans, and other parts of Africa. Some Balkan coins had holes drilled in them, suggesting they may have been sewn onto folk costumes or bridal wear. 'They were most likely used to adorn the headbands or necklaces that were part of folk costumes or wedding attire,' Novak believe that the region's turbulent history may hold answers. Bohemia, the western part of today's Czech Republic, saw massive displacements during and after World War II. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, around 120,000 Jews lived in Bohemia and Moravia before the war. By 1941, about 26,000 had fled, and around 82,000 were later deported. After the war, three million ethnic Germans were also expelled.'Perhaps the person ended up in a concentration camp, or maybe it was a German who simply couldn't return to retrieve it,' Novak speculated.
Observer
04-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Hikers stumble upon a Pile of gold coins
Two hikers were strolling in the foothills of the Krkonose Mountains in the Czech Republic in early February when they noticed something shiny peeking out of a stone wall. They pulled out what turned out to be an aluminum can, looked inside, and found a small fortune. Inside was a treasure trove of 598 gold coins, neatly organized into columns and wrapped in black fabric, said Miroslav Novak, head of the archaeological department of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, which later took possession of the stash. A few feet away, the hikers unearthed a second cache: a metal box containing gold items, including 16 snuffboxes, 10 bracelets, a comb, a chain with a small key and a powder compact. The discovery of the treasure, worth as much as $680,000, has set off a search among historians and amateur sleuths to figure out who might have hidden the riches. 'What is exceptional in this case is the volume,' Novak said. He estimated that the gold coins were worth about 7.5 million Czech Koruna (about $340,000). The other items, if they are solid gold and not merely gold plated, could be worth another $340,000, he said. But what was intriguing, he said, was how recently the items were buried. Although archaeological discoveries are fairly common in the region, with many dating back to the Bronze Age or medieval times, the newest coin in this collection was from 1921, indicating that the treasure had been hidden within the past century. That relative recency has offered a tantalizing lead to researchers, who think they may be able to track down the owner of the treasure through archival research and solve the mystery of why it was hidden. 'Someone might come across some information, perhaps in the newspapers of the time, that someone robbed a jewelry store or something like that, and suddenly it might lead us to a clue,' Novak said. He said he had received a steady stream of suggestions — and a few conspiracy theories — about who the owner might be. Was it a soldier returning from a war? A merchant fleeing the area during conflict? Or perhaps the wealthy heiress of a nearby family? The coins offer perhaps the best yet most confounding clues. None of the money circulated in the area where it was discovered. Roughly half the coins are from Western European countries, including France and Belgium. The rest are from regions around the world, including the Balkans, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Tunisia, and other parts of Africa. The Balkan coins have holes drilled in them, indicating that they were most likely used to adorn the headbands or necklaces that were part of folk costumes or wedding attire, Novak said. Online, some suggested the gold could have been the collection of a guard at a prisoner-of-war camp, while others were sure it was hidden by a local dentist. Experts at the museum and other historians have looked to the region's tumultuous history for explanations. Bohemia, what is today the western Czech Republic, witnessed huge waves of migration and forced expulsions after 1938.
