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Melbourne – an awe-inspiring place to visit

I happen to go through the “Liveability ranking” released by The Economist – Intelligence Unit while preparing for a lecture. I was both surprised and astonished by the list. The surprising part is that even cities from least developed countries like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Pakistan, appeared in the list whereas, none of our (India) cities name appeared. And the astonishing part is Vancouver and Melbourne, two most beautiful cities in the world which no travel lovers will miss visiting. As I was dreaming about these two cities for a while, there came this contest in IndiBlogger with collaboration with Tourism VictoriaWhat’s your reason for falling in love with Melbourne, the most liveable city in the world? You want the reasons, here it is. And there is a surprise gift waiting for you at the end, I promise!

I love the way Melbourne attracts as well as tempts people with its charming splendour. You can see both olden monumental buildings as well as the modern glass fortress. The walk across the Yarra River with your loved one, holding her hands tight, hushed water on one side and magnificent tram makes you a smell a sense of HERITAGE in the city.

Yarra valley

‘If at all you want to explore the culture of a place don’t hesitate to taste their FOOD,’ says my super-foodie wife. She is a food critic, writer and a passionate cook; hence I simply abide by her words when it comes to food all the time. And to her credit, the world famous TV show ‘MasterChef Australia’ proves it all. I love to get her to the dinner date at The Press Club.’ You might wonder what is so peculiar about this place, in reality it is her favourite George Calombaris’s restaurant and it bears all his signature dishes. I would prefer Symposium Eight (8 course degustation) for the date, wine match would be an apt addition as well. Watch this to know George Calombaris's favorite Indian dish. And next best thing is to get her a cup of Coffee. How would I miss a coffee when I am in a coffee capital, won’t be a surprise if I have a sip, even though I am not a huge coffee person. I just want to experience the holiness of that rich, creamy aroma sitting in some old world charm cafe, on a wooden chair.

MasterChef Australia



Melbourne Cricket Ground

Coming to the most interesting part is my personal favourite Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Hailing from the CRICKET crazy nation, who would miss a match at MCG? My interest towards the game is intense, maybe you can go through this for better understanding (UnforgettableCollege days at RKMV). Being a cricket crazy lad, my dream is to watch a lofty pull (hook shot as it's well known) of shorter-length delivery over the backward point fence coming off from my favourite Ricky Ponting’s bat. I know he is retired, still I love to watch, after all imagination has no boundaries right. Be it a thriving bowler who has an eye on middle-stumps all the time, the watching batsman who literally wants to send back the firing ball to the boundary rope, the pouncing fielder who pulls his muscle hard to stop the ball and the roaring crowd from the stands who appreciate almost everything, MCG has all the drama packed in it.

I guess you would have understood by now, my reasons for falling in love with the most liveable city in the world, Melbourne; Food, Heritage and Cricket!

Yet it is not all, apart from those I love to snorkel off Port Philip bay to explore the mesmerizing marine life. To quench my adrenaline rush, I would try Bungee jumping, Skydiving, Paragliding, Cave-diving and Hang-gliding, after all Melbourne is known as the adventure capital of Australia. And the list goes-on and on adding up with my wish-list for Melbourne.

Yes, I have already fallen in love with Melbourne and now I would like to experience it for real so that I can get enthused by its magnificence. And for sure, I will come back and excite you with my words saying… it’s your time to visit Melbourne NOW!

My passport is empty till date and I am desperate to see a stamp printed on it someday. Hope to see that ‘someday’ coming…

That’s it? Believe me guys I am man of my words. As promised earlier on in this post there is a surprise gift waiting for you. Answer the simple question given below and the best answer gets to win a shopping voucher worth Rs 500. 

"Which of these places would you want to visit in Melbourne and why?" 

Hurry the contest closes at 5th January, 2015.

Contest is officially closed for now. Blogging is about passion not about contests or prize money right, I believe you continue to appreciate by commenting. 
after all your comment is my motivation guys :)

And the winner is Arvind Passey (www.passey.info)... Many congratulations!!!

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PS: If you enjoy reading this post, please spare some time and give your blessings through comments and if you are an IndiBlogger, vote me here

And my hearty thanks to Rohan Chaubey who is the reason behind this new-look Creatikaa. Thank you dude. Rohan Chaubey is an Enthusiast blogger, presentation designer and writes Inspirational quotes. He is also interested in photography and video editing. He is a learner who believes in constantly upgrading his knowledge. Rohan writes on topics related to technology such as Social media, programming languages and he also focuses on self improvement tips. Follow him at twitter google+

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Melbourne – an awe-inspiring place to visit Melbourne – an awe-inspiring place to visit Reviewed by Gowthama Rajavelu on 16:39 Rating: 5

52 comments:

  1. Hi Gowthama,

    I am so stunned to read this wonderfully written post.

    Melbourne sounds great after reading your post. You have beautifully described about its Food, Heritage and Criket.

    I am kinda impressed with this post.

    Moreover, I want to thank you so much for mentioning me in your post. I have started to love Creatikaa and its awesomeness.

    I am so happy to see your blog turned into something completely different than it was a few weeks ago. That's a great start for the New year.

    All the best and may all your dreams come true.

    Regards,
    Rohan Chaubey.

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  2. Thank you for your pleasing words Rohan. You are the reason behind my blog's transformation dude. Now it looks amazing. And not to forget, please participate in the contest hosted in this post. Hurry, 4th Jan is the last date :-P ;-)

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  3. Here is a blessing comment :D I like the new look btw :)

    Even as I am not that much of cricket crazy these days as you have mentioned, there was a time when I was, and therefore I would like to visit MCG - the place where Sourav Ganguly became the first and the only Indian to get an ODI century there :) It is like a holy place :D

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    1. Thank you Teny for the blessing. I will glad if your vampire can bless me as well :-P and ask them to participate in the contest hosted in this post, they might get the gift voucher which they can use for owlification ;-)

      By the way, MCG is one such ground where you can find best of crowds. They will applaud the best batsman, bowler and even fielder. Remember how little master has been honoured in his last match? Simply amazing!

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  4. Thanks a lot dear Husband for that lovely date your hoping to plan for me someday. Though I have always wanted to visit Aussie for the flamboyant look of the country and your article has made me long for some overseas travel plans as soon as we could. And Melbourne being one of the first places to be when I land at Aussie.

    Starting from being a liveable city to their gourmet food adventure and the sports, I hope enjoy and explore all the surprise Melbourne is waiting to give me. And the one place I definitely want to stop by at Melbourne is the Queen Victoria Market, being the biggest tourist attraction that offers deli & gourmet foods to diverse range of products.
    Felt loved and great reading your article on Melbourne.

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    1. Whooaa! Literally stunned to read your lines dear. You really are a born writer and you inspire me with that all the time. I would do whatever I can to see those cute little whole in both of your bubbly cheeks, while you smile. Queen Victoria Market will definitely be a lovely start for our Melbourne adventure.

      Please start writing on a bigger scale...

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  5. Hi Rajavelu,

    Great design buddy. Good that Rohan stood for you in this regard. And about the article, you just woke up my senses about two of my passions, photography and traveling with this article.

    I just loved it reading and I liked the new design of your blog too. All the best and hope you see that 'someday' very soon.

    Happy New Year!

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    1. Without Rohan, my blog's new should have been a dream. And I am glad to woke up your senses with my words. Thank you so much for your hearty wishes Sasidhar. Hoping for that day :-)

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    2. Hi Sasidhar,

      I am glad you loved the new look of Creatikaa. Gowthama and I are planning more interesting things to put up. :)

      Thanks for the mention,
      Rohan Chaubey.

      Delete
  6. Oops! I just commented from Amfas tech's account!!

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  7. I totally agree with your wife - the way to a city's heart is also through the food :p Would love to do hot air ballooning someday over the Yarra valley and of course see the sunrise or the sunset, that would definitely be the icing on the cake. All the best - I wish your 'someday' comes very very soon for you. :-) Keep blogging!

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    1. Yes indeed Arti. I could visualize the scene you just explained about Yarra valley. Amazing! Thank you for the blessings. I am waiting :-P

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  8. Gowthama , Your blog-post makes us visit Melbourne , virtually. Wish to visit it physically for the tantalizing itinerary of Yarra Valley. Hot Air Balloon rides , trams , winery ,chocolate factory all are exciting places to enjoy. Happy new year and all the best

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    1. Thank you Sujata. My best wishes for you and Yarra valley be the best and value addition in your tasty menu :)

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  9. My best wishes for the contest!

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  10. Ahaa !! Wish My wifey and i were on the bank of Yarra river !! Romantic !!
    Agree to Rohan. The way you have narrated has made me drool over Melbourne.

    Cheers. Loved your post.

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    1. Glad you liked it Ajai. Thank you. And my best wishes for your dream to become true :)

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  11. Wonderful post, all the best... and I think the MCG is common in all wish lists for Melbourne...

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    1. Thank you prasad for dropping by and spending some time with Creatikaa. You valuable time is much appreciated and thanks for the pleasing words. Indeed buddy, MCG seems to top the wishlist w.r.t. Melbourne. World Cup fever ;-)

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  12. Agree with Prasad Np. If I visit Melbourne MCG would be my first destination in the city :) Nice post! Best wishes for the contest

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    1. I am desperate for MCG Moon, such an exciting place to visit in Melbourne. Thank you Moon for your time on Creatikaa. Keep visiting and share your feedback. You opinion will be valued :)

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  13. Great post! After reading your post & watching all the videos, I’d most like to visit the Dandenong Ranges for it’s scenic beauty, breathtaking view and cool breeze blowing through my hair. :P I’d give anything away for driving through the winding roads which are present throughout the ranges. I’d love to stay at one of the bed and breakfast cottages and go on frequent excursions in the forests with my camera which provides excellent views. And not to forget the famous ride in the Puffing Billy, a day reserved especially for that. To add to that, there are also several picnic spots for me and my friends to spend a fun-filled day and the ranges are a perfect spot for hiking and cycling.

    Pingback: https://cruxrebels.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/melbourne-the-place-to-be-see/

    Wish you and your blog a happy new year! :D

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    1. Welcome Abhishek to Creatikaa and thanks for such a refined comment. I could visualize the scene that you described, at Dandenong Ranges. My best wishes for you buddy.

      Happy new year. Keep visiting :)

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    2. Thank you so much Gowthama! :)

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  14. Wonderful post and interesting videos that make me feel that
    Melbourne invites the eternal romantic in me to hold hands with my beloved and go see the Twelve Apostles .Go on long drives on the great ocean road. In the middle of nowhere in a vineyard spread a table and enjoy a meal and a glass of wine with my dear one. Enjoy the sunsets holding hands and do lots of shopping at the Queen Victoria Market and see all the graffiti being created at the hosier lane.
    Great Post and interesting videos watching them I am sure to visit Sovereign Hill for spending some time in the era gone by. The lure of gold and panning for some nuggets is a temptation that is too much to resist. After I have found the gold I am bound to celebrate it with some wine so I will visit the vineyards and enjoy some great wine from the Yarra region .Visit the Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and have my fill with this yummy delight.
    therisingstarz.blogspot.in/2014/12/melbourne-selfie-capital-of-australia.html
    http://goo.gl/ByJqvP
    therisingstarz.blogspot.in
    http://goo.gl/59Omjz

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    1. Thank you Hemaa for such a refined reply. I could sense the real excitement that you dream about Melbourne here in this comment. However, welcome to Creatikaa. Keep visiting and happy blogging :)

      Happy New Year and my best wishes for the contest.

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  15. Being a nature lover, Australian flora and fauna appeals to my inner senses. If I ever have a plan, I would like to explore the flora and fauna, quite unique to Australia. Maybe, cuddle a koala bear as well, in one of their national parks.

    - Ranjith (http://www.alightheartedtalk.com)

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    1. Cuddle a koala bear? Lovely man. Honestly Ranjith, you seem to be of my type (nature lover). Thanks for spending your time with Creatikaa and appreciate your comment. Keep visiting and share your opinions. Your opinion is my encouragement.

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  16. Great post..... Nicely presented indeed...... Everything is special about Melbourne. But, the first thing I will love to go after reaching Melbourne is the botanical garden, where I can cherish the serenity of a countryside in the middle of a bustling city.......... Thank you again for such a nice post and my best wishes for the contest..........

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    1. Thank you Debopam for dropping by and spending sometime with Creatikaa. Botanical garden is a beautiful yet eternal choice buddy. Keep visiting and my best wishes for the contest.

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  17. Great post! After reading your post & watching all the videos, I would definitely want to visit all those amazing places when I get to visit Melbourne :) But of all, my top pick would be a visit to Yarra valley for a beautiful sunrise balloon flight. After seeing the video, I can't stop myself from dreaming a romantic magical flight above the scenic vineyards and watching the sunrise from up above! Throw in my favorite wine, I will doubly enjoy the ride sipping my glass and taking sensational selfies all the way :) Now I can't think of a better way of spending a vacation!!

    Next of course, cruising through the great ocean road in a open-top car to enjoy the coastal scenery and the iconic 12 apostles for the nature's amazing work at play. Then a ride around the city in the vintage trams to enjoy its urban splendor and the legendary puffing billy to enjoy its natural splendor. Finally a day at the hot springs to unwind and totally rejuvenate myself :)

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    1. Thank you visiting my blog and spending sometime with it Suji. Even my favorite is Yarra Valley, such an exciting place to visit. And for sure you gotta have some company for romance sake :-P My best wishes for the contest.

      Keep visiting and happy blogging :)

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  18. Thank you Alok for such a elaborate comment, much appreciated. I could rather feel the serenity around your words, instead of mere reading it. You comment itself is like a post here as you have described every place beautifully :-P.

    My best wishes for the contest and a very Happy New Year 2015.

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  19. Hi!
    We know beauty never need words but without words it cannot be explained and when you get wordless after seeing it... your mouth still get open wide and WOW comes out. Dear! Your explanation about Melbourne is wonderful and picturesque description. I am a person who always attracted to nature first of any place so I would love to see the Melbourne Nature & Wildlife. The 12 Apostles rock formations is world famous rocks which changes its color in sunrise and sun set. And then I will see the Phillip Island Nature Park where I want to see the animals which I hardly see in India. I never saw Penguins, Koala and other animals.
    Driving on a smooth road with natural beauty around you, it always gives you a feeling of heaven on Earth. I would love to drive on Great Ocean Road which is also famous in world to give you a scenic experience and the pleasure of that driving is amazing.

    Bhawna

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    1. Thank you so much for spending sometime with Creatikaa Bhawna, much appreciated. And your comment, simply loved it. I read it almost 10 times in less than 10 minutes but I still cant stop reading it. You have such a beautiful style, I admire you for that. See you on your blog :)

      And you seem to match up with my wavelength, as I am a hard-core nature enthusiast and love to explore it at any cost. My best wishes for you and a happy new year.

      Keep visiting and dont hesitate you share your feedback. Your comment is my encouragement.

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  20. What a lovely Post! After reading your post and watching all the videos, I feel I am witnessing a kaleidoscope called Melbourne! To answer your question, I'd love to go to the Queen Victoria Market, operating since 1878, to watch the locals sell fresh fruits and vegetables in such a vibrant environment! :)

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    1. Thank you Canary for pleasing words and welcome to Creatikaa. I am sure, Queen Victoria market is beautiful place to visit and experience their culture. My best wishes.

      Keep visiting and a happy new year 2015 :)

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  21. This is truly an awe-inspiring post, Gowthama! Sorry I took so long to visit your post and now that I have done it, I feel your wish might just come true :) And well, I am not vying for the voucher :)

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    1. Thank you Sangeeta for such a pleasing words. And salute you for not vying for the vouchers. Keep visiting and happy blogging. My best wishes for the contest.

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  22. This contest has made people write their posts really well... and I have noticed a fair degree of creative expression in almost all the posts that I've read so far. And I must admit, that this too was a rather refreshing read.

    Now, if I were to be there in Melbourne and if I were to choose one thing... I'd say ART. I'll tell you why this will be a smart way to see the city.

    ART in Melbourne is all over the city:
    - Public art by the river-side near the Yarra
    - Art galleries and museums
    - Architecture which is both contemporary and heritage
    - Wall-art or graffiti

    And to see all of these I will opt for:
    - A Segway ride along the Yarra to see the public art displays
    - Tram rides to go to the galleries and museums
    - Elevator to go to the Skydeck and watch the architecture from top
    - Walk through the lanes and bylanes to discover graffiti

    This plan does make Melbourne rather exciting, doesn't it?

    Arvind Passey
    www.passey.info

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    1. Wow, you have given me a different perspective or dimension in exploring the city. ART, I never saw or imagined Melbourne in that way. Lovely Arvind. This is the best comment I have received so far. Good that you commented way before the deadline. Exciting to visit your blog now.

      And thanks for visiting my blog, please make it a habit of sharing your views. Let us not stick this commenting thing just to MELBOURNE. Loved the way you shared your view. Keep visiting.

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  23. Aha! Adventure lover huh! Cheers. I can feel your post rather just reading it, pumping my adrenaline Jhilmil. Thanks for visiting my blog and spending sometime reading as well as sharing your words, much appreciated.

    Keep visiting and happy blogging. My best wishes for you.

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  24. It's a beautiful place. Lovely narration and good luck for the contest.

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    1. Thank you Saru and my best wishes for you too.

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  25. Wow! I had always wanted to visit Melbourne and I didn't know about Yarra valley at all!
    The place seems lovely and the way you say, I am sure it's perfect for a stroll :)
    I wish you all the best for the day coming for the stamp in your passport :) It will be soon :)
    Nice to see your wife is a food critic :) All the best to you both :)
    Smiles,
    Kaarunya :)
    *p.s. I am not commenting for the contest, I just came across the page and commented :) *

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    1. Thank you so much Kaarunya for dropping by spending sometime with Creatikaa, much appreciated. And yes, Yarra Valley sounds very romantic as well as adventurous to my concern and hence it tops my list. Awww! I am also waiting for that 'someday' Kaarunya :-D

      Keep visiting and happy blogging :)

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  26. Melbourne is the best place to visit I have ever been. Just awesome. Loved the place the most. Will surely visit once more. All the best. Keep posting with your experiences.

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    1. Wow, you have been to Melbourne? Awesome! I am waiting to explore the city Shreya. Let see. Thanks for your pleasing words and keep visiting. Happy blogging :)

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