The view from Dracula’s Castle in Bran, Transylvania.Romania was under the iron hand of communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, who ruled the country from 1965 until he was finally overthrown and killed in a revolution in 1989. In Bucharest, we dined at the 125-year-old Neo classical restaurant Cera Cu Bere. Mind you, the local cuisine is rather bland for the Indian palate.* The average temperature is 5 degrees on most days and even goes down to -7 degrees, so travellers are advised to plan an extensive winter wardrobe and layer themselves well. We opted for a five-star property in Bucharest, and unlike the rest of Europe, accommodation will not cost you more than 120-150 Euros per night, at a star hotel.Bucharest deserves the title of capital city with its old world charm, wide roads paved with imposing trees that are deprived of leaves in harsh winter.   But getting back to their attitude, the Romanians pretty much don’t care that despite being one of the poorest European countries, they’re still fitness equipment not open to tourism. The closely-knit, colourful in bright hues (you do find such houses in Goa’s bylanes) houses are eye-catching as is the modernised clock tower, which doubles up as a museum and is the prime attraction for visitors. Maybe it could have something to do with the Dracula effect, because on a shivering *-7 degree afternoon, most restaurants — ironically even our local Udupis are bigger — were shut, save for one, which despite having tables, had an extremely cantankerous receptionist, insisting that there was no room available.Even the rooftops in smaller towns are peppered with snow, making the landscape stand out like a fairy tale land.Be forewarned: the Romanians are not exactly the friendliest lot, waiting to welcome visitors with open arms. Europeans take their holiday season very seriously, so many restaurants are short staffed, and there it is not uncommon for guests to wait up to an hour for a meal. Arcul De Triumf, Bucharest in Romania. Most cafes and eateries face the main shopping area, and going by the high-end brands available, this tiny town is also a shopper’s paradise.  

She was instantly given a lecture on the importance of opening doors to outsiders, thereby earning revenue, by a rather miffed group member.Exploring the relatively virgin destination of Romania, with its colourful landscapes and Gothic influences. So, hire a guide to make life easy. And communication can be an issue, unless you are staying in a luxury hotel. According to one legend, it got its name when people, who stood on this bridge and lied, found it moving and making noises. Under his dictatorship, the average Romanian had not stepped out of his city, and that hangover from the colonial past still exists. Be that as it may, Sighisoara is apt for a day visit as it is just a 1. Besides the constant curious glances coming your way, one even got asked, “Where are you guys from?”Early morning view of Brasov City in Romania.. While eastern European countries like Croatia have become a huge draw for Indian tourists, Romania,  located in Southeastern Europe, is relatively a virgin destination for Indians.In the somewhat remote medieval town of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Dracula, people are not open to new faces. It also houses some of their trendiest restaurants like the Trip Advisor-recommended Kullinarium and Strada. While it would be easy — and somewhat pessimistic — to dismiss this as racism and hostility, one has to understand the country’s background before passing judgment. That is why they are extremely wary of tourists.  

The iconic Palatul Parlamentului or Palace of the Parliament with its 1,100 rooms occupies the pride of place in the city.5 hour drive. This is why, unlike the rest of Europe, where you will inevitably bump into a desi face at every nook and corner, that doesn’t happen in Romania.Our next halt was the city of Brasov, which is a three-hour drive from Bucharest. The whole vibe is chilled out and feels like you are dining at a friend’s home. Their national dish Michi (grilled minced meat rolls), and sarmale (cabbage rolls) are flavourful, but the diet here comprises a lot of red meat (more pork than beef), potatoes and diary products. The food is a mix of European cuisines at most of these places, but the wait can be endless. Dining out is very affordable, and you can get a good meal for fewer than 30 Euros per head. You can spend hours gazing at the stunning architecture here.  Austrian architect Siegfrid Kofczinsky designed this gothic revival building in 1899.

Visitors driving in from the airport will pass the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, which showcases authentic village life, with reconstructs of farmlands and homes from the hinterland. Cobblestone Pathways in SibuiAs you savour your meal, music fills the air, a group of young men and women perform a modern dance for guests. Brasov, located in central Romania, is the perfect location from which you can head to other smaller towns like Sighisoara. The Bridge of Lies in Sibui                                                    If you have a soft spot for snow-clad mountains, freezing temperatures, and visualise yourself spending your winters in a picturesque environment, then Romania is the perfect country for you.Sibiu has a very Florence-like vibe, with cobblestone pathways that lead to the Bridge of Lies, which is one of Romania’s oldest cast iron bridges. An oversized, brightly lit Christmas tree occupies that pride of place, and is the prime landmark for visitors who lose their way. It is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, and is popular for its Black Church and the Council Square, locally known as Piata Sfatului.The meal turned out to be sumptuous. The prettiest town has got to be Sibiu, which is a four-hour drive from the capital city Bucharest, and offers you a stunning panorama of the Transylvanian topography, which appears to be straight out of a nature magazine. This is where the famous Christmas market is set up every year, where little shops are huddled together, and you get everything from fur coats and piping hot chocolate to mulled wine.