Rustic wonders around the worldGo beyond cities and enjoy the irresistible charm of some of the most pretty villages across the globe

shore and Smita Iyengar

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Take the gravelled path to rustic discovery. Get up close with hinterland secrets and seaside jewels that radiate inimitable charms. Come and enjoy these little countryside havens that will leave an unforgettable imprint on your globetrotting memories.

A picturesque delightCockington — Devonshire, England

A leisurely drive into the delightfully picturesque Cockington is full of surprises. Charming leafy lanes, quaint and stately thatched cottages radiate the quintessentially English welcome. The old watermill, a working forge, a lush cricket pitch among others are a must visit. It’s an unhurried little place that’s perfect for romantic weekends and lazy times.

Other attractions are the beautiful Norman church, Gamekeepers Cottage and the cosy old granary gift shop. A cheery traditional horse-drawn carriage ride along the colourful lanes is recommended, as it totally relaxes your nerves. The fabled Cockington court is home to a working studio of a variety of gifted artists creating amazing takeaways. It’s worth a visit.

Little Cockington offers mouth-watering Devon cream tea, so go to fabled landmarks such as the Drum Inn, Rose Cottage Tea Gardens or Weaver’s Cottage Tea Shoppe. The nearby waterfront town of Torquay offers a good selection of restaurants, fine bars and theatres too, but this little Devon village allures like none other. You’ll want to return someday.

Laid back lilt Richmond — Tasmania, Australia

Picture perfect Richmond is the pride of Coal River Valley wine region. Reflecting Tasmania’s past, the village has more than 50 Georgian buildings finely restored and now frequented as lively cafés, restaurants, galleries and boutique accommodation.

The slow-mo trail, crossing over Australia’s oldest and quaint Richmond Bridge, uncovers the heritage architecture. Be it the Court House, St John’s Evangelist Catholic Church, St Luke’s Church of England or the celebrated Richmond Arms Hotel, the experience is laid back and truly enjoyable. The walk is invigorating and rejuvenating.

Super Tasman cheese, aided with spicy plum cake, is a perfect gastronomic introduction to local Tasman delights. Richmond attracts visitors with great options of good food and wine to savour, offered by traditional bakeries and pubs in town and boutique vineyard cellar doors and restaurants serving up the best Tasmanian produce.

Mediterranean moods Puerto Banús

This year marks 50 years since the creation of picturesque Mediterranean jewel Puerto Banús. According to locals, this sparkling seaside cool spot has captivated international cognoscenti such as Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, Audrey Hepburn, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lady Gaga among others. And there’s a reason for that. Though tiny and easy to explore, its port docks the most impressive yachts in the world. The world’s finest luxury brands jostle for prime space, as fine café and bars, salubrious sunny times and fashion command pelf at all times.

Along the pier shores, high-end Andalusian Haciendas with blazing neon bougainvillea blooms grace the canvas and luxury sailboats, while schooners add crest to this village on the Spanish Riviera. On quieter days and nights, the port glows with mellow luminance, as you can catch the strums of Spanish guitar and sonorous gypsy Flamenco tunes colouring the languid summer evenings.

Alpine appeal Kitzbuehel — Tyrol, Austria

Kitzbüehel is a small, inviting and appealing village. The medieval charm entices the senses with easy connect. This is also one of the world’s finest Alpine ski wonderlands. The local Hahnenkamm ski run is considered one of the most challenging experiences in the world. The place has a magnetic allure.

The Gothic St Catherine’s Church, near the village centre; the Protestant Christ Church and the Baroque Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) are worth visiting. People are totally relaxed and the vehicle-free precincts are home to fabled global shopping brands. The Kitzbuhel Wine Festival is held annually.

One can ride a gondola to the top of the snow-clad Hahnenkamm summits and visit Berghaus Holzmeister, the log pine edifice that offers spectacular grandstand views of the Austrian Alps around. It is recommended for the ultimate experience.

Fairytale fantasy Niedermorschwihr — Alsace, France

This picture perfect, little hillside village is surrounded by the glorious vineyards of Grand Cru Sommerberg. It’s a scenic flower-decked wine village par excellence. Interestingly, there’s a fascinating blend of French and German cultures here with both languages spoken in equal strength. Although very French, you can be comfortable ordering from the menu in German too! The tiny Alsace village has brightly-painted, timber-framed and plastered villas and homes in German architecture. The remarkable towering crooked spire of the Niedermorschwihr Church is an iconic landmark seen from miles away.

Maison Ferber of Confiture Christine Ferber is famous for her fantastic local pastries and her unbeatable array of delicious jams and marmalade here. The vineyards around Alsace boast some of the finest white wines that can be savoured at wine cellars in this miniature village.

Azure allure Sidi Bou Said — Tunisia, North Africa

A stone’s throw from the colourful Tunisian capital Tunis stands the fairytale village of Sidi Bou Said. With dazzling views of the deep blue Mediterranean, the village built in traditional Andalusian style is an abode of tranquility and endearing Tunisian tradition.

A pretty and ornately-decked Persian garden with a leitmotif fountain, a musical instrument museum and a quaint traditional market offer a colourful kaleidoscope of miniature musical instruments, traditional attires and pottery.

Known for its cozy blue and white homes — azure blue windows and doors contrasting the sparkling whitewashed facades, the architecture is reminiscent of the cultures of Moorish Spain and Greece. Inhabited by some of the friendliest folks in the world, sharing tantalising ‘shaayi bi-n-nana’or Tunisian mint tea with the locals is purely exhilarating! An afternoon of local shopping or just relaxing by the Mediterranean marina, washed by cool summer breeze caressing your senses, is quintessentially Sidi Bou Said!