The hills are alive with the sites and sounds of church bells, chirping birds, rolling hills, vibrant meadows, manicured lawns and dandelions, the fascinating flora and the fauna, a treat for the senses.

With anticipated eagerness and open arms we welcome sunny days that unleash new life, energy and action in the mountainous terrain and the hills come alive with a swarm of tourists, busy airports and crowded train stations; the fresh mountain air, the raw power of roaring bikes in the quiet country side sporting an impressive display of Harley Davidson, a string of cyclists and many a lone jogger.

Summer time, the quintessential steeple church in every village, the architecture of the typical Swiss chalets, and the accompanying red geraniums complete the perfect postcard picture.

As a hopeless teenager infatuated with the psychedelically beautiful backdrop of the timeless musical ‘The Sound of Music’, we have all loved the ‘Von Trapp’ family singing feverishly in the Bavarian Alps, a close cousin to the Swiss Alps and have searched far and wide with little success for the elusive ‘edelweiss’ in the alpine heights.

A road trip to the majestic Matterhorn proudly rising 14692 feet above sea level and looming over the Swiss town of Zermatt, a glamorous ski resort and car free town is an enthralling drive. Matterhorn, an aesthetic emblem of a nearly perfect pyramid peak is also the iconic image behind the world famous toblerone chocolate. A bird’s eye view from the dizzy heights of Zermatt is a chilling reminder of the winding roads and hairpin bends of the treacherous Furka pass. Luck prevailing; the privileged are gifted with an awesome photo-shoot opportunity of a cloud free Matterhorn in unisense with its reflection, in the calm and crystal clear waters below.

The touristic hotspot of Interlaken, a haven for para-gliders and hot air balloon rides is the most picturesque valley surrounded by a trio of mountain peaks, otherwise known as the three sisters of Eiger, Monk and Jung frau. Glacier encrusted Jung frau (young maiden) at a height of 11,333 feet is beyond captivating in its beauty and breath-taking views.

Notoriously made famous by Bollywood, Yash Raj productions and saree-clad heroines, serenading the Swiss Alps in their flowing chiffons, Bollywood has a huge presence in many popular and touristy Swiss destinations, Interlaken and Jung Frau being the most popular.

Cruising on lake Lucerne offers some of the most spectacular views with idyllic bays along Weggis, Vitznau and all the way to Brunnen and travelling from Alphachstad in the world’s steepest cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus is an exciting experience.

Witnessing one of the oldest traditions of the region, the annual wrestling and alpine sports festival by farmers and herdsmen held in Mount Rigi is an earthy display of cows in ritual procession and their clinging bells, sweet music to the soul. Thanks to Bollywood and Shahrukh Khan, the Swiss cowbell is now a prized possession adorning many living rooms.

And as I make my morning cup of coffee opening the blinds to a most amazing and refreshing sight of Pilatus and Rigi, with farms in a distance and a farmer on his tractor, I salute the Almighty for this majestic Alpine Country and am reminded of an old hymn by Carrie Underwood…

Oh Lord, my God! When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed…

As tourists we vowed to return to this paradise and as residents realise, how much in love we are with this landscape in all its hues.

And we shall remain, truly in awe of the Alps!

Photo Courtesy: Thomas Udhayasingh