CYPRUS is a country which is not yet popular on the Indian traveler's itinerary. However we wanted to visit it ever since our friend got posted as High Commissioner to the country. Recently on a visit to India she gave us an ultimatum which we took seriously. We decided to enjoy their hospitality and see this enchanting island. We are so glad that we availed the opportunity to
visit this destination.

We had only 4 days and our host, Prasad planned each day so meticulously that we did manage to see most of the sights worth a visit. Cyprus has so much to offer... beaches, archeological sites, modern buildings, rich culture and history, a beautiful country side and best of all, no traffic jams.

Oh yes, remember there is no public transport. The best way to commute in the country is to hire a car unless one is visiting with a group. Driving is a pleasure… open roads, no traffic and the sea or a mountain on one side. The sea water is so clear that even from a height one can see the bottom clearly. Totally unexpected. The only time I saw water so clear was at Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) where the river Alaknanda meets the Mandakini. The water appears black and when you take a handful, it is totally transparent. Coming back to Cyprus… the Mediterranean Sea was clean and transparent wherever we went.

Archeological sites in Pafos

I loved visiting archeological sites in the western town of Pafos. These reminded me of the Greek and Roman tales of mythological characters such as Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who, it is believed, was born in Cyprus and came out of the sea on to a large rock known as 'Petra tou Romiou'. It is a 'must see' for all tourists.
Among the treasures unearthed in Pafos are the fantastic mosaics in the houses of noblemen which are 16 centuries old. The floors of the ruins depict stories such as that of Achilles being dipped in healing water by his mother, or the scene where a girl kills herself seeing her lover dead, who killed himself thinking that a tiger had killed and eaten his sweetheart. The figures are so vivid and clear that one feels these were made recently. Some stories remind you of tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. There is actually a mosaic of Alexander the Great and his entourage with an Indian slave.
Pafos is a resort town and has welcoming cafes and taverns along the harbor that serve great seafood as well.

Cuisine and Crafts

Cyprus has some very interesting and picturesque villages with rows of souvenir shops. Look for a restaurant that serves the traditional 'meze' cooked by the family that owns it.
Lefkara is a village best known for the production of handmade lace. We visited the shops where the craftsmen were at work. The traditional designs on table cloths, bags and coasters are hard to resist. So is the pottery, woodcarving and filigree silver ware.

About 37% of Cyprus is under the Turkish regime. To visit this side we needed to get visas at the check post. We spent a day touring this area, which also has some interesting ruins and churches converted into mosques. Part of the Capital, Nicosia, is also Turkish and has a very popular market which sells cheaper imitations of the Brands you get on the other side.
We made Nicosia our base and travelled east and west to see the famous landmarks, the vineyards, the villages and the archeological excavations. It was a dream trip… a mix of mythology, nature, art, warm hospitality and quaint villages. I do not mention the spectacular beaches and the water sports because it was November and the beaches were deserted. I am told they are bustling with activity during the long, mild summer. But we had peace and tranquility and no crowds to jostle with as we admired the mosaics or the handicrafts or the colours of the Mediterranean. Cyprus also has 2 nice golf courses and they offer living accommodation as well. If you are a golf enthusiast you can spend a couple of nights there. There are, ofcourse, a number of hotels and shopping malls. A number of the richest men in Europe have built homes here.
Cyprus is, indeed, a land 'fit for the Gods'. Visit it if you can… it's different, it's mesmerizing.

Useful Information

• There are direct flights to Cyprus from most European and Middle-East countries.
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  The climate is equable and cool, summer clothing is adequate during most of the year.
  
• There are many car rental companies and buses, connect one town to the other. However, local public transport is difficult to get.
  
• English is the second language and widely