NAMASTE endeavors to create a brand which stands for quality, reliability, trust, expertise and a platform for sharing memorable experiences through Tourism exchanges.

Follow Me
Follow Us
TOP
Image Alt
Amazing Tour

Hungary

Hungary

Hungary is a country with vast natural beauty & adventure experiences. It produces some of the best wines in the world. Many are attracted to the unique beauty of the Danube Valley, thermal spas, night life, exhilarating adventure sports & attractive cuisine...

Why Travel with Namaste Hungary?

  • A local concierge service with a 24×7 emergency contact number assisting you with all facets of Hungary – restaurants, shopping and local experiences
  • We focus on local experiences as much as important sounds and sights that you must visit
  • Our tailor made touring looks into finer elements including pace of travel and off beat as well as insider experiences where possible

Water Sports
Sailing is the most popular type of water sport at Lake Balaton. Besides sailing, swimming and surfing, the most popular sports are water skiing and water boarding which can be practised all around the lake and particularly in the main towns of Balatonfüred, Siófok and Vonyarcvashegy. It is also possible to do a six to ten day sailing course. Sunbeach, in the eastern region of Aranypart, is the most suitable place for kite surfing and wind surfing in Hungary. It is also possible to rent a water-scooter, surf a kayak or a catamaran almost anywhere. During winter, ice skating on Lake Balaton is a must do adventure. Individuals with experience can also try ice sailing and ice wind surfing.

Lake Balaton is the home to plenty of races of international ranking, of which the Kékszalag Tókerülő race (around the lake) is the rage amongst racing fans. This race, held in the month of July, is a 160 kilometres long race, while VinCe Balaton is the accompanying lakeside event where visitors are welcome to taste the best Hungarian wines and check out the culinary exhibitions and free concerts at the Tagore sétány (Tagore Promenade) in Balatonfüred.

In the capital Budapest, between spring and autumn the public ice rink in the City Park is transformed into a boating lake, where rowing boats can be hired. The artificial lake is surrounded by parks and is close to restaurants, the zoo, the national circus, Heroes’ Square and the amusement park. The best place for canoeing and kayaking in Budapest is on the River Danube at Római-part, which is on the east side of the river. The most convenient route is via the HÉV suburban line to Rómaifürdő.

Horse Riding
Horse riding is a popular activity in Hungary. The world famous breed of Lipizzaner stallions come from Hungary and are a breed closely associated with the Spanish Riding Academy, Vienna. Ancient Hungarians were nomadic tribes that excelled in horse riding. To celebrate and maintain this tradition each year in mid-September the biggest Hungarian equestrian festival, the National Gallop, is held in Heroes’ Square. There are many riding schools on the outskirts of Budapest city as equestrian parks are normally located in the countryside.

Climbing and Trekking
There are some opportunities for outdoor climbing and trekking in Budapest, particularly in the Buda Hills area. There are also many indoor venues as well as clubs for hill-walking, climbing and trekking. The Visegrád Mountains are situated halfway between Szentendre and Esztergom, close to the main road and can also be reached via a scenic boat route on the Danube.The distinct hiking trail network weaves through some of the most beautiful parts of Hungary and is about 11000 kilometres long, the most beautiful one being the “Országos Kéktúra” or National Blue Trail. Many tourist trails cut through Visegrád and once you’re on the top, your efforts will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the mighty Danube River, the green hills and the unspoiled villages in the valley.

Adventure Parks
There are a number of adventure parks in Budapest that are suitable for both adults and children. The Sherpa Adventure Park is located in Balatonfűzfő, where you can try the nine metre climbing tour, the adventure track and the Archer’s field. Additionally there is a bob sledding track operating all year round which gives great views of the Balaton region from its grounds. In Zánkaland Adventure Park, there are more than 100 obstacles in 10 hectares awaiting you. There are many more options like Full Extreme Sport Park, Siofok, for lovers of extreme sports, the Zamárdi Adventure Park and the Western Park at Nemesvita.

Andrássy Avenue
The elegant Andrássy Avenue is one of Budapest’s major cultural hubs with a range of museums, exhibition halls, and beautiful buildings. The 2.5 kilometre long Andrássy Avenue connects City Park (Városliget) with the centre of Budapest. The wide main road starts at Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) and stretches almost as far as the St Stephen’s Basilica. The Oktogon Square at Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút) divides Andrássy road into two sections.

Due to its historic and cultural blend Andrássy Avenue is aUNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. The avenue received its name after Count Gyula Andrássy, Hungary’s Prime Minister from 1867 to 1871 who supported the building of the road along with other major reconstructions in Pest at the time.

 

 

Museums
Budapest is packed with museums and galleries, and there are plenty of temporary exhibitions, particularly in summer. If you come to the Hungarian capital for more than a couple of days, make sure you visit some of the interesting exhibitions offered all the year round in over 100 Budapest museums. Budapest has some big museums offering large-scale exhibitions but there are a good number of smaller, more intimate museums too. Some of the famous museums include the Hungarian National Museum, Hungarian National Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, House of Terror etc.

Music and Dance
Traditional Hungarian music is one of the most entertaining aspects of Hungarian culture. Despite its size, Hungary has played a major role in the world with classical music and composition.Liszt and Bartok are famous names who have redefined Hungarian music. Two of Hungary’s most prolific composers, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály, are known for using folk themes in their music. All forms of classical, folk and gypsy music styles are popular and played throughout the country. Budapest has a new tempo towards jazz, and the city now holds jazz festivals in the summer alongside the year-round jazz clubs that have made their way onto the scene.

Festivals
Festivals are a big part of Hungarian culture and you should experience at least one during your visit. Budapest hosts several cultural festivals, sport events and concerts. There are a couple of events that are organised regularly each year like the Spring Festival and the Cafe Budapest contemporary art festival in autumn, the Sziget Music Festival at the beginning of August, the Festival of Folk Arts around August, the Wine Festival in Buda Castle, the Christmas Market, or the Mangalica Food Festival in February. Besides these major events, Budapest has several others gastronomic festivals too.

Fine Arts
Throughout Hungary’s varying historical influences, fine arts developed in strong interaction with European art, and though they reflect European tendencies, they retained a strong character of their own. Hungarian art follows diverse trends, from Romanesque wall paintings and architectural sculpture, to Gothic and Renaissance miniatures, winged altarpieces and carvings, baroque, classicist and romanticist period works. These started at the end of the 19th century and concluded with an abundance of great artists and artworks in the first half of the 20th century. In spite of the great quantity of invaluable artworks, Hungarian fine arts are somewhat underrated outside the country.

Budapest International Circus Festival
The Budapest International Circus Festival is held twice a year over a period of five days from the end of January into February. This celebration of circus acts draw performances from all over the world to the capital. Fire-eaters, clowns, dancers, acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists and more present 30 shows over a five-day event, ending in a gala performance featuring famous talents.

Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix
In early February the town and motor racing circuit of Mogyoród come alive for the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix race. Car enthusiasts from all over Hungary and Europe fill the hotels in Mogyoród and spill over into Budapest some 12 miles (20 kilometres) away. The streets are crowded with fans of the various drivers.

Budapest Spring Music Festival
This legendary musical event draws visitors from all over the world to its 200 concerts in March. World-class artists in opera, classical, jazz, rock and folk perform in great buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera House and the National Gallery, as well as in basilicas, churches and less exalted venues.

Valley of Magic Festival
This much-loved summer festival kicks off in June and runs through July around Lake Balaton and its little towns of Pula, Kapolcs, Öcs and Monostorapáti. More than 50 venues in Hungary host over 800 individual events of all kinds, attracting local and international visitors to this beautiful setting.

The Danube Carnival
Multi-cultural, exciting, and full of music, the Danube Carnival takes place in Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square and other venues every June. Professional and amateur contemporary dancers, folk musicians and artists from across Hungary and Europe join in for 10 days of performances, street entertainments, concerts and parties.

Budapest National Gallop
Lovers of horses and riding will want to be a part of this September event, which is a yearly occurrence over three full days which feature the superb Hungarian stallions. A celebration of the Hussar culture and its military traditions showcase many assorted events which end with the impressive National Horse Race in Hero’s Square, with riders from villages, towns and cities all competing for the big prize.

Budapest Pálinka (Hungarian Brandy) and Sausage Festival
Foodies will love this event, held every October on Castle Hill. It features at least 20 different varieties of the famous Hungarian brandy – pálinka. The makers are on-hand to explain their details along with the makers of the enticing Hungarian sausages. Street entertainment, music, dance performances and general merriment are all part of the fun.

Budapest Christmas Fair and Festival
Despite the cold weather, Budapest is a magic place to be at during Christmas, with carollers, pre-Christmas parties and the largest Christmas Fair in the country held in Vörösmarty Square. Loved equally by locals and visitors alike, gifts, local artwork, paintings, crafts, Christmas decorations, traditional food and drink and mulled wine are in plenty.

Buda Castle
Buda Castle is amongst the most iconic historic sites in Hungary. A huge palace in Budapest’s Castle district, it is home to museums like The Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery.

The Budapest History Museum (Budapesti Történeti Muzeum) records the history of the city, Buda Castle and the region as a whole. The Budapest History Museum covers a range of eras which include pottery and ceramics from prehistoric times to the late Bronze Age including Roman Hungary as well as pieces from the middle ages, including Gothic art.

The Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria) in Budapest contains several historical art collections including medieval and gothic pieces, such as stonework, sculptures and altars.

Located within Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery is also home to the Habsburg Palatinal Crypt (Nádori kripta), the burial place of the Hungarian line of the Habsburg Dynasty.

 

Danube Palace
The Danube Palace is a concert hall in Neo-Baroque style, completed in 1885 as part of Budapest’s massive expansion for the millennium. The Danube Palace was built to commemorate a thousand years of Hungary in 1896 by the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was built between 1894 and 1897. The Danube Palace has always been a place for entertainment. The beautiful halls and rooms of the building provide an excellent opportunity for several events.

Aquincum
One of the lesser known but still fascinating historic attractions in Hungary is Aquincum, a large Ancient Roman site in Budapest housing the ruins of an important military base and city. Today, the site of Aquincum has much to offer visitors and history enthusiasts alike, including the ruins of a city wall, an amphitheatre (one of two in Budapest), temples, homes and burial grounds.

Budapest Museum of Military History
The Museum of Military History (Hadtörténeti Múzeum) in Budapest holds a series of collections relating to Hungary’s warfare from medieval times to the world wars and more. As the Museum’s exhibits of weaponry, armour, flags, uniforms and coins is impressive, it is a must do for the military enthusiast. However all of the explanations are provided only in Hungarian language.

Christian Necropolis of Pécs History
The Christian Necropolis of Pécs is a fourth century Roman grave in Hungary, and these ruins are UNESCO listed.The remains of the Roman town of Sopianae can be seen here. An aspect which makes the Christian Necropolis of Pécs special is its unique architecture. The site is made up of two levels, with deep tombs and above-ground chapels.Visitors to the Christian Necropolis of Pécs can see the ruins as well as several fascinating funeral murals.

Dohány Synagogue
The Dohány Synagogue “Dohány utcai zsinagóga”, also known as the Dohány Street Synagogue and The Great Synagogue, is the world’s second largest synagogue. Originally built in 1854 and completed in 1859, the Dohány Synagogue was bombed by the right-wing Arrow Cross Party in 1939 and restored in 1996. It has a distinctive Moorish exterior and ornate interior. It is open to the public and is the place from where tours of the Jewish district of Budapest begin. Next door to the Dohány Synagogue are the Budapest Jewish Museum and the birthplace of Theodor Herzl, the Hungarian journalist, playwright, political activist, and writer.

Fisherman’s Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya) along the eastern part of Budapest’s Castle Hill is a beautiful set of footpaths and terraces built between 1895 and 1902. Its stunning turrets and towers would not look out of place in a fairytale. The Fisherman’s Bastion is one of the city’s most iconic sites. It has seven towers in all, each representing one of Hungary’s tribes. It is also a part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Heroes’ Square
Heroes’ Square “Hősök tere” is a symbolic monument in Budapest built in 1869 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the origin of Hungary in 869AD. This memorial, known as the Millennial Monument, consists of a semicircle of Greek columns, several statues representing important historical Hungarian figures and a tower topped with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel. Also located at Heroes’ Square is the Hungarian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

House of Terror
The House of Terror “Terror Háza” is a moving memorial museum about the two extreme regimes which ruled Hungary in the twentieth century, the pro-Nazi Hungarian Arrow Cross Party and the Soviet Political Police. Today, the House of Terror stands as a commemoration, with exhibitions about its history, its owners and its victims. The House of Terror is located within Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage listing area.

Hungarian National Museum
The Hungarian National Museum exhibits a complete collection of historic artefacts, documents and works of art. Its collections are incredibly diverse, ranging from bone tools from the Primitive era to twentieth century posters related to major political, social and cultural events. The museum’s archaeological department oversees exhibits for the Palaeolithic era, the migration period of the early Middle Ages and a general overview of the Middle Ages and the Hungarian Conquest. The Hungarian National Museum also houses an impressive Roman collection which displays alternately,65,000 artefacts including an incredibly large mosaic from Balácapuszta from the third century. The Roman collection also includes Roman gravestones, sculptures, milestones and statues of Roman gods.

Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building “Országház” is one of the oldest in Europe and was built in the nineteenth century in the Gothic Revival style. It is reminiscent of the UK’s Houses of Parliament with peaked towers, an ornate limestone exterior and a magnificent dome. Today, the Parliament is home to the National Assembly of Hungary as well as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy the many works of art both inside and outside this incredible building, from frescoes and stained glass to statues throughout. The Parliament can only be visited by way of a guided tour. It is part of the main Budapest UNESCO World Heritage site.

Matthias Church
Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom) is an ornate medieval structure which has been the location for royal weddings and coronations. The name Matthias Church is actually a reference to the monarch Matthias Corvinus who was married here twice. Its official name is the Church of Our Lady. The diverse and often turbulent history of Buda is reflected in the design of Matthias Church, which includes a gothic dramatic exterior and a vibrant interior with mentions of the various rulers of the city, including the Ottomans.Upstairs in Matthias Church is a religious museum and, in the basement visitors can view its crypt. It is part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is Budapest’s largest church. Its construction began in 1851 and completed in 1905, St. Stephen’s Basilica was consecrated in the name of the canonised King, Stephen I of Hungary (reign 1001-1038). One of the king’s relics, his right hand – known as the Holy Right and symbolic of his incorruptibility – is housed within the church. The tower of St. Stephen’s Basilica is also a good place to enjoy views of the city.

The Iseum
The Iseum, also known as the “Isis Szentély Romkertje”, in Szombathely is a restored 2nd century AD Roman temple site dedicated to the Egyptian Goddess Isis. Excavated since the 1950’s, the ruins of the two temples of the Iseum can be seen today and part of the site has been rebuilt. The remains of the original site, some of which have undergone modern restoration, are now contained within a wider museum complex.

Bollywood Movies shot in Hungary

  • “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
    • The Danube River and various locations around Budapest: About fifty percent of the film was shot in Hungary
    • Széchenyi Chain Bridge: Climax Scene
  • “Aks” (2001),directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
    • Széchenyi Chain Bridge: Bridge shown when Amitabh asks to change the plan
    • Heroes’ Square: Shown during the scene when the cars are moving towards the bridge
    • Royal Castle: Shown as Ministry of Defence, Budapest, Hungary

Some notable Hollywood films shot in Hungary include, Munich (2005), Transporter 3 (2008), Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol(2011), A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) to name a few.

 

Lake Balaton – The Largest Freshwater Lake in Central-Europe
Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central-Europe and covers almost 200 square miles at the foot of basalt cliffs of extinct volcanoes. The north, mountainous region is a popular wine region, and the flat southern shore is known for its beautiful resorts.Local wine makers claim that the taste of Balaton wine is due to its pristine climate. The lake has many shallow swimming areas as well as many restaurants in its surroundings. Moreover, Europe’s largest natural warm water lake in Héviz is next door to the Balaton. The same water is accessed by the pools of the Hotels by the lake. Sárvár, also renowned for its medicinal water, is just a few miles from here.

The Thermal Spas – The Home of the Healing Waters
A visit to Hungary provides a unique combination of cultural experiences and medical, health or wellness treatments. An abundance of hot springs gushing out medicinal waters makes Hungary the Home of Miraculous Healing Waters. Thermal waters are recommended for a wide variety of conditions like stress, joint pain, gynaecological and skin complaints, kidney metabolic disorders and gastric complaints.

The key to Hungary’s thermal culture is its location on the Carpathian Basin. The earth’s crust is very thin here, allowing water to rise easily to the surface. Thus it is a land of more than 1,000 hot springs. The ancient Romans prized the healing effects of Hungarian thermal waters and developed the bathing culture in Hungary more than 2000 years ago. During the Turkish occupation in the 16th century, the Turks added their own beautiful Turkish Baths, some of which are still in use today.

Budapest is known as the ‘City of Baths’ as it remains the only capital city in the world, rich in thermal waters with healing qualities. Some Spas in Budapest are housed in beautiful old buildings in Classical or Turkish style dating back anything from 100 to 400 years. The largest spa complex is located in Hajdúszoboszló. Another natural wonder is Lake Hévíz, with an annual average water temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).

Tourists enjoy the sensation of swimming in a huge, warm lake, even on a cold wintry day. Hungarian spa hotels also offer cosmetic and beauty treatments of the highest quality, combining the benefits of healing thermal water and the latest treatment methods.Some of the other noteworthy springs are at Eger, Sárvár, Zalakaros and Szeged.

Wine Districts
Due to the diverse climate and soils, Hungary produces a wide range of wines in 22 wine-growing regions. Out of these,Tokaj and the Sopron Regions are also World Heritage Sites. Tokaj, Villány & Szekszárd, Eger and the wine regions around Lake Balaton (Badacsony, Balatonfüred, Csopak) are most suitable for wine excursions. These regions are within easy reach of Budapest, offer excellent quality of wines and have a well-developed infrastructure. In addition, the wineries and cellars in several towns and villages are conveniently clustered together. If you are touring the Hungarian countryside, other wine regions such as Pannonhalma, Somló, Sopron and Neszmély are definitely worth a detour. Many of Hungary’s wine regions are within a few hours’ drive from Budapest.

National Parks
Hungary has 10 national parks, 36 landscape-protected areas and 142 nature-conservation areas. Its different habitats include lowland plains, bogs and marshes, wetlands, pasture land, forests and grasslands. These landscapes are home to a number of native flora and fauna, and modern facilities such as visitor centres, exhibition sites and nature trails allow you to experience these.

Aggtelek National Park is located in the Aggtelek Karst region. It is popular for the largest stalactite cave near Baradla-Domica cave, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The whole cave is approximately 25kilometres long.The oldest rock formation can be found in the Jósvafő section. Hungarian Grey cattle can be seen at the National Park of Hortobágy, glimpsethe colourful birds of the Lake Tisza Bird Reservation, watch the buffalo at the Buffalo Reserve of Kápolnapuszta and climb the mountains of Pilis.

Nagycsarnok
Nagycsarnok is Budapest’s biggest market. It is a tourist magnet since its renovation in 1996. The 1st floor has Hungarian folk costumes, dolls, painted eggs, embroidered table cloths, carved hunting knives and other souvenirs. Foodies will appreciate the treats available at a fraction of what they’d cost in the shops on nearby Váci utca street – shrink-wrapped and potted foie gras, garlands of dried paprika, souvenir sacks and tins of paprika powder and as many kinds of honey as you’d care to name.

XD Design & Souvenir
A great place to look for contemporary and traditional Hungarian handicrafts, XD Design & Souvenir showcases the work of a number of novel enterprises. For instance, Matyo Design, which preserves the art of embroidery with intricate hand-stitched designs, and Folqa which produces a line of wooden figurines that humorously depict the many faces of the nation. Great prints, fashion pieces and jewellery as well are on offer here.

Ecseri Piac
This is one of the biggest flea markets in Central Europe, selling everything from antique jewellery and Soviet army watches to Fred Astaire–style top hats. Saturday is the best day to visit this market. There are direct buses that can take you there.

Bálna (Whale)
The Bálna, Budapest’s newest state-of-the-art cultural, entertainment and shopping centre opened in 2013. Located on the banks of the River Danube near Liberty Bridge and the Central Market Hall, the Bálna is the place to be. It offers galleries, exhibitions, shops, cafés, restaurants and much more.The contemporary design is combined with two beautifully restored historic warehouses from 1881. Due to its shape it is called Bálna (whale) in Hungarian.

Festive Xmas Markets in Budapest
Budapest has a couple of fairs during the Advent period (Pre-Christmas season), the best known and the largest is the one at Vörösmarty Square in the city centre. The market at St. Stephen’s Basilica has the most romantic Christmas ambience among all the holiday markets.

Cuisine
Hungarian food is often spicy, due to the common use of hot paprika. Hungarians are especially passionate about their cuisine and the Goulash is an internationally appreciated traditional recipe. Other characteristics of Hungarian cuisine are soups, desserts, pastries and stuffed crepes. Hungarian cuisine uses a large variety of cheeses, but the most common are Túró, a type of cream cheeses, ewe-cheese (Juhturó), Emmentaler, Edam and the Hungarian cheeses Trappista, Pálpusztai and Pannonia cheese.

Halászlé
Halászlé or Fisherman’s soup will appeal to the taste buds of the Indians. It is a Hungarian cuisine dish and is a paprika-based river fish soup. It is hot, spicy and bright red in colour. The hot soup is prepared by adding sufficient amounts of paprika-based river fish and carp. It is particularly prepared in the Danube and Tisza river regions.
Halászlé, an emblematic Hungarian dish is one of the best hot and spicy dishes of the European continent.

Things to do in Hungary

GEMS OF HUNGARY

Hungary in One Go
Visit the major icons of Hungary in one go. Gems of Hungary takes you through the “Paris of the East” – Budapest , the capital city which is divided into Buda and Pest by the river Danube which cuts through the city also known as the Pearl of the Danube. Szentendre – the artist village, Lake Balaton – the largest lake in Central Europe, Thermal Bath of Heviz are some of the places which should be included in your “must see list” whilst planning a holiday.

HIDDEN TREASURES OF HUNGARY

Go Beyond the Popular Icons
Visit Visegrad, Esztergrom and Szentendre – the three major settlements that mark the scenic bend of the river Danube. Hungary is the Home of the Miraculous Healing Water and has the unique distinction of being amongst the top three thermal natural spas in the world. The bathing culture of this region has a 2000 year old history. One of the caves – the Josvafo cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

À LA CARTE

Choose your Experiences
You like a party night cruise in Budapest? Lets add it. You want to do sailing on Lake Balaton? Done. You want horse riding in the wilderness or even a wine tasting in Tokaj? Added. A la carte is for the customized holiday traveller who wishes to add experiences based on his time and interests.

CITY MAGIC

Spice Up your Short City Stays
Travelling to Hungary on business or visiting friends and want to extend your stay in the Pearl of the Danube? Why not plan day trips to nearby attractions ? Whether it is Lake Balaton – the largest Freshwater lake in Central Europe or Lake Heviz – the only biological active healing lake in the world that is suitable for bathing all year round, whether it is Szentendre, Visegrad or Budapest, city magic adds spice to your trip in terms of shopping, art, food , culture and more during your short visits into Hungary.

LUXURY AND FAIRY TALES

Indulge without Boundaries
You could do a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the Pearl of the Danube or stay in some of the iconic luxury hotels or spas across the country or experience fine dining at Michelin star restaurants. Namaste Hungary helps you in planning a tour without any strings – filled with indulgence and experiences royale.

THEMES AND INTERESTS

Pursue a Hobby on Vacation
Whether playing golf, enjoying F1, horse riding, cycling, hiking or even pub hopping, Hungary has it all and has it big – over 3000 kilometres of cycling path and 11000 kilometres of marked hiking trails besides 17 Golf courses, 10 National parks and over 170 Nature Conservation areas. Enjoy your stay and experience one of the 3000 odd festivals that are organized each year in Hungary.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Winners do Things Differently
Have you had enough of the stereotype holiday? Are you looking for something totally different and are willing to take back some interesting memories such as a visit to the valley of beautiful women or a city in the north known for its castles, thermal bath and wine too? Why not go retro – back in time and experience life of the 1960s and 1970s? You cannot get more off beat than the experiences that you can encounter in Hungary.

SELF-DRIVE

Experience Stunning Sceneries on your Own
Whether it is from Budapest to lake Balaton or from Budapest to Seged – the University town or the city of Eger – the second largest city of northern Hungary, also known for its finest wines, you may traverse through 22 wine regions including Tokaj and Sopron – wine regions which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore on your own by getting behind the wheel and with a word of caution ! There is stunning scenery everywhere.

GUARANTEED TOURS

A Great Mix of Budget and International Friends
As Hungary is situated in Central Europe, it offers the best value deals and Budapest – the Paris of the East, offers better value than Paris. Enjoy activities and experiences in all inclusive Escorted Tours that the Namaste Hungary team can put together for you, at times combining it with other countries of Central Europe. Engage in local experiences and as a bonus also get to travel with people from across the world and make global friends, some of them for life.

EXTENSIONS

Elongate the Fun
Hungary is in the heart of Central Europe and within reasonable driving distances you may explore the other Imperial cities in Austria and Czech Republic as well as Slovakia or go further down south to Slovenia and Croatia or up north into Poland. Our destination planners can help you plan a unique Visegrad 4 itinerary . Incidentally Visegrad is a small castle town in the Pest County of Hungary, not to be missed during your visit.

H.E. Dr. Revai-Bere Norbert says:

 

” I wish to express my sincere gratitude and happiness regarding the initiative of launching the Namaste Hungary website. Hungary has much to offer as a tourism destination for the ever growing number of Indian travellers either by its scenic beauty and unique natural heritage or its charming towns and villages as well as its diverse culture deriving from the special blend of the Asian origin of its people and the thousand-year-old European history of the country. We are looking forward to welcoming many more Indian visitors in Hungary during the coming years.”

Celebrating Hungary National Day

October 23rd commemorates the start of the Revolution of 1956, when the Hungarians rose up against the Soviet ruled communist regime. It also commemorates the ‘Day of the Republic’ as in 1989, after the fall of communism, Hungary was declared a Republic.

In 2014, Hungary established its first Consulate office in Mumbai and this would be the first celebration of the National Day in Mumbai after the commencement of the Mumbai office. Hungary has taken giant strides in both tourism and trade and recently the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Hungary, H.E. Dr. Laszlo Szabo was in India to forge alliances and exchange in trade between India and Hungary.

Last year, H.E. Dr. Norbert Revai-Bere started the Consulate of Hungary office in Mumbai and within a few months of opening the Consulate, Dr. Bere also took the onus of creating awareness of tourism to Hungary along with H.E. Szilveszter Bus, Former Ambassador of Hungary to India and currently the Deputy Secretary of State and together launched a website in collaboration with Mr. SubhashMotwani, Founder of Namaste Tourism. In this way, the first and only dedicated website for the Indian outbound Traveller to Hungary was initiated. The Namaste Hungary website offers holiday ideas to the discerning outbound traveller seeking unique experiences that Hungary has to offer.

The Consulate General of Hungary in Mumbai in collaboration with Namaste Tourism is glad to present this 16 page “Namaste Hungary” special print edition to further bring the Indo-Hungarian relations closer, for years to come.

Consul General Speaks
H.E. Dr. Norbert Revai-Bere is the Consul General of Hungary in India and here he shares his views on Trade, Tourism and Indo-Hungarian relations.

 

Why is 23rd October being celebrated as National Day in Hungary and what is its significance?

October 23rd is one of our National holidays in Hungary. Besides, August 20th is the Foundation of Hungarian Statehood with the Coronation of our first King, St. Stephanus in the year 1000 AD. March 15th commemorates Hungarian Civil Revolution and War of Independence in 1848.

October 23rd commemorates the Revolution of 1956, when Hungarians rose up against the Soviet ruled communist system. October 23rd marks the first day of the Revolution of 1956. Peaceful demonstrations were held on this day throughout Budapest, many organized by students, demanding free elections, freedom of the press, and withdrawal of the Soviet troops stationed in Hungary. The events later turned to a War of Independence. By November 4th, Soviet leaders sent in their tanks with reinforcement to bring a bloody end to the Hungarian Revolution. Thousands of people died and over 200,000 fled the country.

October 23rd, also commemorates the ‘Day of the Republic’, as in 1989, after the fall of communism, Hungary was declared a Republic on October 23rd.

 

 

How long has the Consulate General and Promotion Centre of Hungary been in Mumbai and what are the roles and responsibilities of the Consulate’s office?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Mumbai during his official trip to India in 2013 and, recognising the economic, political and cultural importance of the city and the state of Maharashtra, decided to open Hungary’s first ever Consulate General in Mumbai, with consular district that spreads over the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and the Union Territories of Pondicherry, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The new Consulate General of Hungary in Mumbai started its operation in 2014. The Hungarian Consulate General is the focal point of interaction in its jurisdiction for promoting economic, cultural and political relations between India and Hungary. Besides promoting bilateral economic and trade co-operation, we also try to increase the visibility of Hungary in India and the knowledge of Indian people about Hungary with particular attention to our common heritage such as Amrita Sher-Gil and other eminent personalities. Many other sectors and fields of collaboration like education, academic exchange, film industry, and tourism have huge potential. It is our aim to identify and develop further our ever diversified relations in these and other areas. And of course, we do issue visas for Hungary and the Schengen-territory in Mumbai.

 

 

How has the role of your office in areas of trade promotion, tourism and cultural exchanges evolved?

As mentioned before, we have tasks in multiple sectors to develop relations and to identify potential partners from India and Hungary. We only started our operations about a year ago, however we have already achieved initial successes. To mention a few: the number of Indian tourist arrivals in Hungary has grown by almost 60% during the last one year and we see further potential in this regard. We have managed to reach out to the Bollywood film industry and at the moment a great Indian movie production is currently shooting in Hungary with the lead actors comprising of John Abraham and SonakshiSinha. We are looking forward to the premier of the film directed by AbhinayDeo and produced by Vipul Shah and hoping for more movies to come. We also managed to bring several Hungarian artists and musicians to Mumbai, and we shall bring many more in the coming years.

 

 

Is this your first stint in India in the official capacity? If not, then please share the experiences of your earlier visit and how different is it this time as compared to the earlier times?

I have spent three years in Delhi earlier, at our Embassy as Deputy Head of Mission. It was an exciting experience then and it is an exciting experience now, in Mumbai. India is changing rapidly but one thing seems permanent, that India has millions and millions of faces, characters and surprises, and we never get bored to experience what this beautiful country offers us day by day.

 

 

How aware are the people of Hungary with regards to India in terms of trade and tourism opportunities and what is the overall perception of Indians and India as a whole in Hungary?

India was always in the hearts of Hungarian people. Hungarian intellectuals for centuries looked at India and were inspired by India and the Indian culture. It must have something to do with the Asian origin of the Hungarian people. With over 1000 years of European history, we still maintained a great understanding and openness towards Asian civilisations and the way of thinking by Asian people and a great curiosity for the wonders of this continent. India, however, is being recognized more and more in Hungary. We have religious and ethnic communities in Hungary with strong Indian backgrounds and many people with admiration and interest towards Indian cultural heritage such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Art, Music, Dance and others. On economic terms our co-operation is also evolving, with Hungarian companies entering India and with many more Indian companies and investments in Hungary, using our country as a Gateway to Europe.

 

 

How do you plan to create awareness of Hungary in India that goes beyond Hungarian Goulash and Folk?

Goulash, or as we call it: Gulyás is an important and unique feature of the Hungarian cuisine, which of course has much more to offer, blending Asian and European traditions. We are proud of our folk traditions as well as our achievements in Science and Modern Arts that contributed greatly to the world. However, we try to show both our traditions and new achievements which of course cannot be really separated as they are deeply interconnected on many levels. New innovations and start-ups are also trying to find their way into the global presence including in India, and we are here to help them in their endeavours.

 

In which areas can India and Hungary exchange ideas and expertise and how does your office play a role in forging these alliances?

There are many areas and opportunities which are constantly identified by us and our partners. There are fields of course where our expertise can offer more or different things that might suit Indian requirements better, such as sustainable water management, renewables, agriculture and food productions, as well as scientific collaboration in many areas. We try to connect Indian and Hungarian companies, universities, Government organisations and personalities whose co-operation can mutually benefit both our nations.

 

 

What is the nature of delegations who have visited India and what has been their feedback?

There have been many delegations and there are many more to come from different sectors. Their overall feedback is very positive, seeing huge potential in India and in working with Indian partners. I think the secret for successful co-operation however is to find a trustworthy and capable Indian partner.

 

Compared to other European destinations, how is Hungary different in terms of value?

As it has been mentioned before, besides our millennium old European history, we have also proudly acknowledged our Asian origin, which creates a special and unique blend of hospitality with the spiciest food in our continent, and unparalleled musical and architectural heritage. I must also mention the natural beauty of our country having one of the largest lakes of Europe with historical vineyards having thousands of years of wine-making traditions and one of the greatest reservoirs of thermal water with centuries old bath culture developed over it. We still maintained to a certain extent our nomadic traditions in the Great Plain of the East of Hungary where beautiful horses roam the fields freely. Prices in Hungary are still among the most competitive ones for accommodation and food and for shopping as well.

 

 

What does Hungary have to offer to the discerning traveller and what is the duration of stay you would recommend to suitably experience Hungary?

Hungary has a lot to offer, I would say that a life-time might not be sufficient to see everything. We like to say that once someone arrives in Hungary, they might find it difficult to leave: the Ottomans were here for 150 years, the Austrians for 200 years and even the Russians for almost half a century. I am just kidding of course, but the more time you spend in Hungary the more interesting adventures and experiences you may discover. A week, however, could be sufficient to explore our beautiful capital, Budapest and Lake Balaton, but then you can find many more amazing towns, villages, mountains and vineyards if you stay for another week. And so on…

 

What local experiences should a traveller to Hungary include to understand the lifestyle of the Hungarians?

Try our cuisine and wines, go to the marvellous historical baths and wander on the streets among the architectural miracles of our cities, go to the markets and enjoy your time in Hungary with Hungarians as much as you can.

 

Besides Budapest, what key locations should a traveller visit in Hungary?

Lake Balaton, the Bend of Danube with Visegrád and Szentendre, The Great Plain of the ‘Puszta’ and all the beautiful cities and towns, like Szeged, Pecs, Debrecen, Gyor and many others.

 

 

According to you, which are the famous icons of Hungary?

Having the highest ratio of Nobel-laureates per capita, there are many excellent personalities: Scientists, Artists, Writers and Musicians. It is difficult to name only a few without mentioning all of them for which the space of this publication might not be sufficient. Those who are interested in Hungarian innovation may also look at the website: http://hungarian-inventions.com/eng/indexregi.htm for old and new inventions.

 

Are there any famous icons common to India and Hungary and how do you plan to use the same in enhancing relations between the two countries?

We have many eminent personalities in our history, whose work and life-time achievements became the common heritage of India and Hungary. However, the painter Amrita Sher-Gil, born to a Hungarian mother and an Indian father in Budapest, is undoubtedly one of the greatest icons of our nations. Her outstanding life and work represents a great common cultural heritage of our countries.

 

 

Which Bollywood films have been shot in Hungary, which are currently on the floors and which are those that are likely to be shot in the near future? Also, how will this help to boost tourism in Hungary?

There were a few movies shot in Hungary before with stars like AishwaryaRai, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in ‘Hum Dil De ChukeSanam’ for example and also with Amitabh Bachchan, while currently ‘Force 2’ is being shot in Budapest with John Abraham and SonakshiSinha. We are looking forward to many more in the coming years as it is the best way to raise awareness among the Indian public which will in turn obviously help to boost tourism to its new heights between India and Hungary.

 

 

Are there any typical Hungarian events or festivals?

Many, some with folk traditions, some with more modern background like the annual Sziget Music Festival in Budapest, which is the biggest of its kind in Europe. We have regular art and theatre festivals in the capital and other cities, particularly the open-air theatres during the summer months. I must recommend though the Christmas Markets and Fairs in December with their unique ambience and atmosphere in every big city around the country.

 

 

Why is Hungary considered as one of the finest spa cum medical destinations in Continental Europe?

Hungary, after Iceland, has the second largest thermal water reservoirs in the world, with centuries old traditions of bath culture in beautiful historical buildings. It is a unique experience, particularly to visit the world’s largest thermal lake in Héviz with warm, healing water all year long. Swimming in warm water during winter with all the snow around is a lifetime experience and a must.

 

What aspect of your role as Consul General do you find most interesting and challenging?

Time Management – India has so much to offer and Mumbai in particular is so alive, with so many things happening all the time, so many interesting people to meet, it is difficult to find time for everything. Traffic, not to mention, sometimes makes it even more difficult though.

 

On a more personal front, what kind of hobbies and interests do you pursue and when?

I love to travel, explore new things, and meet new and interesting people. I like to read as well and paint, if I find the time. Swimming and running are also a favourite activity, as and when I can manage.

 

Which are your favourite holiday destinations in Hungary?

Besides my hometown Szeged, I love the Balaton Lake and its surroundings, particularly the Northern Shore.

 

 

Which is your favourite holiday destination in India and what has been your overall experience during this tenure?

I love all the places we have visited so far, however, the Himalayas and Darjeeling on one side and Kerala on the other end of the subcontinent was the most exciting experience till today. For long I wish to visit Hampi, I hope that one day I will make it there.

 

What is your message to our readers and how can they benefit by partnering with counterparts in Hungary in various fields?

Hungary has a lot to offer and it is still relatively unexplored for the Indian tourism sector. Our partners shall use this opportunity as Hungary is a new upcoming and exotic destination.

 

What are the opportunities of Hungary as a MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition) destination and have you seen a growth in MICE travel out of India?

MICE tourism and also Indian Weddings are choosing Hungary and Budapest in particular more often. We are seeing an increasing number of travellers in these sectors, with lots of further opportunities. Hungary offers great facilities and unrivalled unique experiences.

 

 

What is your opinion on Namaste Hungary (www.namastehungary.com) – a dedicated website generating awareness for the Indian outbound traveller to Hungary?

Namaste Hungary and our collaboration with Namaste Tourism were among the first initiatives since the opening of the Hungarian Consulate General in Mumbai and the 60% increase of the number of Indian travellers to Hungary in the last one year only is a clear proof of our successful co-operation.

 

Consulate General of Hungary, TCG Financial Centre, #803, C-53, G-Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400098, India.

Tel: +91 22 67701637 Email: mission.mum@mfa.gov.hu Web: http://www.kormany.hu/en

Budapest through pictures

The Parliament Building stands on the banks of one of the most famous rivers – The Danube (2860 km). It houses The Holy Crown of Hungary, which is also depicted in the Coat of Arms of Hungary.

The Parliament is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, one of the oldest Legislative Buildings in Europe, as well as one of the most popular tourist destination of Budapest. It lies in the Pest part of the city. The other part being Buda – thus combining to form the city of Budapest.

The construction of this iconic building commenced in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th Anniversary of the country and was completed in 1904. It is the largest building in Hungary and its architecture is in the form of Gothic Revival Style.

 

 

The Buda Castle, a historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian Kings in Budapest was first completed in 1265. In the past, it has been called The Royal Palace or The Royal Castle.

The Buda Castle was built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, bounded on the north by what is known as the Castle District, which is famous for its Medieval, Baroque and 19th-century houses, churches, and public buildings. It is linked to Clark Adam Square and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge by the Castle Hill Funicular.

The castle which was declared a Heritage Site in 1987 is a part of the Budapest World Heritage Site.

 

 

The Heroes’ Square is one of the most visited sites in Budapest along with The Parliament, The Buda Castle and The Great Synagogue. The Millennium Monument which dominates Heroes’ Square was built as a mark for the Existence of Hungary as well as the Millennium of the Magyar Conquest. The building was started in 1896 but it was finally completed in 1929. The Andrassy Street which is the longest street in Budapest (2.5 km long) also runs into Heroes’ Square. The area around Heroes’ Square is one of the most prestigious addresses in Budapest.

 

 

The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark, it was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary and was opened in 1849. The bridge was opened in 1849, after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and thus became the first permanent bridge across the Danube in the Hungarian capital. At the time, its center span of 202 metres (663 ft) was one of the largest in the world. The lions at each of the abutments were carved in stone by the sculptor, Janos Marschalko.

 

 

The Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest has a unique place in Jewish history. This is the second largest Jewish house of worship in the World and the biggest Jewish house of worship in Europe.

The complex has many artefacts of Jewish Religion housed in a Museum including religious relics of the Pest HevrahKaddishah, rituals objects of the Sabbath as well as a Holocaust Room. The Synagogue was opened to the public on September 6, 1859 and can hold upto 3000 seated and 2000 standing worshippers.

The Founder of Zionism – Theodor Herzi (1860-1904) was born and raised in the house on which at present the Jewish Museum stands. The Jewish Museum was constructed between 1930-1931.

Hungary Beyond Budapest – The Past and the Present

Hungary is well located in the heart of Central Europe and shares it borders with 7 countries connecting it with other Central European destinations such as Austria and Slovakia, the Eastern European countries of Ukraine and Romania and further South are Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. Read More...

Hungary Fact Sheet
  • Hungary is a landlocked country with Slovakia to the north, Romania to the east, Serbia to the south, Croatia to the south-west, Slovenia to the west, Austria to the north-west and Ukraine to the north-east.
  • Capital of Hungary is Budapest which is the country’s most popular tourist attraction. The official language is Hungarian and its currency is Hungarian Forint. Population of Hungary is around 10 million and the female to male ratio is higher.
  • Hungary was a part of the Imperial territories ruled by the House of Habsburg which was one of the most important Royal Houses of Europe. It is believed that the first significant attempt to topple the rule of Habsburg was initiated in Hungary.
  • Rubik’s Cube, a 3-D combination puzzle was invented in 1974 by a Hungarian Professor of Architecture named Erno Rubik. It was originally called as Magic Cube.
  • Hungary is known as the land of thermal waters.
  • International tourism in Hungary grew by 17.5% in the first half of 2015 as per the data provided by the World Tourism Organization. It is the only Central European country to post growth on such a scale.
  • www.friendlyhungary.com is an initiative of Hungarian Tourism Ltd. to show the country’s special culture, history, nature, tradition, etc through photographs clicked by them and also by the tourists visiting Hungary.
  • Hungarian fencer AladarGerevich, known as the greatest Olympic swordsman won gold in six Olympics.
  • Hungary has the highest ratio of Nobel Prize winners per capita in the world.
  • The first railway line in Hungary was built between Vac and Budapest.
  • The banks of the river Danube and the Castle district in Budapest have been granted World Heritage status.
  • The Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world and it contains 3000 seats.
  • Heroes’ Square is the most iconic city square in Budapest.
  • Heviz has one of the most well known spas in Hungary. Together with the surrounding district it is a nature reserve.
  • The Hortobagy National Park has a World Heritage status. The fish farm at the Hortobagy is one of the largest in the world.
  • First Vedic church of the believers of the Krishna Consciousness in Hungary was founded in Somogyvamos. The Indian Cultural Centre is located at 38 High Street.
  • Important Hungarian personalities include Michael Curtiz, Drew Barrymore, Paul Newman, Estee Lauder, Calvin Klein, Paul Simon, Nicolas Sarkozy, Leo Szilard, and many more.
  • Inventions made in Hungary are Ballpoint Pen, Plasma TV, Electric Motor, Turbo Prop, Telephone Exchange, Transfomers, Dynamo, etc.
  • Amrita Sher-Gil is an eminent painter of her times, born to a Punjabi Sikh father and a Hungarian Jewish mother, who is also known as India’s Frida Kahlo. She is considered to be the most important woman painter of 20th Century India.
  • The Tagore promenade in Balatonfured, Lake Balaton is named after Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize winner and World renowned Indian poet.

Discover Central Europe Road Show 2016, Mumbai & New Delhi

V4 which promotes Central Europe: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia conducted a workshop to showcase destination of Central Europe and Namaste Tourism presented a journey through V4 countries to assist the travel trade partners present in Mumbai & New Delhi to create itineraries which includes travel to the V4 countries.

Event at Trident, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai on September 30, 2016

Event at PHD Chamber, New Delhi, on October 1, 2016

Media - Print & Online

Leave a Reply

Do you have some comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you! Don’t be shy! Feel free to drop us a message!

    You don't have permission to register