What would you put on the itinerary if you had just four days to visit Taiwan? Celebrity icon Mandira Bedi and her buddy, Karishma Aziz Lalani, went on a tour for two from 18 to 21 November that covered some of Taiwan’s most well-known and beloved attractions, including Taipei 101, delectable night markets and Sun Moon Lake.
A stay in Taipei called for a stop at Taipei 101, the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan. The first few floors of the tower house a luxurious shopping complex, while the uppermost floors have observation decks providing panoramic views of the sprawling city.
Taiwanese night markets, though brimming with trademark meat dishes like beef noodle soup, braised pork buns and oyster omelettes, can cater to the vegetarian foodie as well. Stinky tofu, fruit jelly pops, sugar bread and oreo souffle were some of the memorable delicacies Mandira and Karishma sampled. One can also look out for delights like sweet potato balls and shaved ice dessert. Amid the fun and activities, fitness sensation Bedi did not neglect to complete her 100-day fitness challenge while in Taipei.
A few hours’ drive away in Nantou County in central Taiwan is where the glistening Sun Moon Lake resides. Many a picturesque scene can be captured, whether one chooses between cycling along the bike path, riding the gondola lift, cruising across the misty waters or simply reclining by the water’s edge. The pair also visited the Kuanghsing Paper Factory near Sun Moon Lake. Visitors can try their hand at the calligraphy, printing and DIY paper-making courses, and even have a taste of the many different flavours of edible paper available. It is the only paper-making factory in Taiwan that is open to the public.
“This delightful island has it all — scenic beauty, scrumptious cuisine and the most hospitable crowd,” enthused Bedi. “The weather was fantastic and the atmosphere in the evenings even better. I thoroughly enjoyed my morning run and cycling session by the Sun Moon Lake. I’m sure I will visit Taiwan again!”
