~ by: Toshan Tamhane
When one thinks of a Swiss holiday, a fairly predictable fairy tale unfolds almost automatically—snowclad Alpine slopes, cable cars that seem to float rather than climb, iconic train journeys designed to fill memory cards in record time, and villages so pretty they look suspiciously curated. Add efficient cities, heroic quantities of cheese and chocolate, and luxury watches that practically whisper “we are Swiss, and yes, we are on time”.
Thanks to Poorti from Infinite Holidays, we were able to step straight into this dreamland for about a week. And in rare travelbrochure fashion, reality didn’t disappoint. Not even slightly.
Rather than rehashing the obvious (yes, it’s beautiful; yes, everything works), I wanted to write about five things that struck me beyond the postcard clichés with a few unsolicited observations thrown in for good measure.
Geography, History, and the Fine Art of Mind Your Own Business
Switzerland is surrounded by Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein—and has somehow managed the remarkable feat of being landlocked without ever feeling boxed in. In fact, it has optimised its position so well that every neighbour seems to think Switzerland is partly theirs.
Head north or east and you’re in German speaking Zurich. Go west and it’s Frenchspeaking Geneva. Travel south and Italian flavours dominate. Borders feel almost theoretical – languages, culture, and commerce flow seamlessly.
Then there’s Switzerland’s most impressive longterm strategy: political neutrality. For over 500 years, the Swiss have gracefully opted out of wars, invasions, and global drama. While neighbouring nations were busy building armies, fighting over territories, and later writing regretful history books, Switzerland stayed neutral, stayed calm, and stayed rich.
Neutrality, it turns out, is excellent for business. Switzerland’s reputation as a global safe haven has turned it into the world’s most trusted money vault. Banks, asset managers, luxury boutiques, and highend brands are everywhere and it shows.
Travel note: Do admire Swiss luxury watches in Switzerland BUT do not buy them there. Local taxes ensure they cost significantly more here than in the US, Dubai, or Singapore. Precision is priceless; VAT is not.
CH = Chocolate and Cheese (Mostly)
Officially, CH is Switzerland’s country code. Unofficially, it stands for Chocolate and Cheese – both of which are available everywhere, in spectacular quality, and in dizzying variety.
The Swiss are the highest consumers of chocolate in the world, clocking in at roughly 10 – 11 kg per person per year. This is not recklessness; this is expertise. Switzerland has been at the forefront of chocolate innovation for over two centuries.
Milk chocolate? Thank Daniel Peter.
Smooth chocolate? You can thank Rodolphe Lindt.
The first mechanised chocolate factory? FrançoisLouis Cailler.
The Lindt Museum and factory outside Zurich is a must visit, featuring an 8 metre tall live chocolate fountain that feels both magical and mildly dangerous if left unsupervised. Free tastings, chocolate trivia (Toblerone’s triangular shape is inspired by the Matterhorn), and unapologetic indulgence follow.
As luck would have it, we had done the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour, which offered spectacular views of the Alps – and thousands of skiers who appeared suspiciously fearless whereas we were praying to all the Gods as our cable car ascended the peaks.
A Nation Held Together by Cheese
If chocolate is Switzerland’s spirit animal, cheese is its national glue. The country boasts over 450 varieties of cheese. We managed to taste nine, which in hindsight feels like a disappointing lack of ambition.
My favourite was Gruyère, best enjoyed in its natural habitat: traditional Swiss fondue. Fondue involves dipping bread, potatoes, or meat on long forks into a communal pot of melting cheese heated from below.
It is:
- Heavy
- Glorious
- Highly social
- Completely unconcerned with your cholesterol
Fondue comes from the French word fondre, meaning “to melt” – which, incidentally, is exactly what happens to your resolve to not put on weight and eat healthy food.
Random Swiss Fact thrown in between – just as Switzerland is thrown between 5 nations, remember?
CH actually stands for Confoederatio Helvetica, or the Swiss Confederation – dating back to 1291, when various cantons banded together to resist the Habsburg dynasty.
This information is entirely unnecessary for daily life, but deeply satisfying to know.
Everything Works. Exactly As Advertised.
In Switzerland, everything works. And not in a “mostly functional” way – in a disturbingly precise way.
A train scheduled to depart at 07:37 will leave at 07:37:00. If it departs at 07:38, there will be a delay announcement, an apology, and possibly quiet national shame.
A train conductor explained this to us calmly, in a German accent that brooked no argument:
“The train will leave at 10:14 from the platform – with or without you.”
Switzerland does not negotiate with latecomers.
From door handles and elevators to luggage belts and cable cars, everything functions flawlessly. Instructions are clear and usually available in four to five languages, eliminating all confusion and most excuses.
Also, the Swiss do not joke about time. Or jokes. At least none that I could understand.
MiniIndias (aka Comfort Zones Abroad)
Despite all the efficiency and alpine grandeur, parts of Switzerland can feel surprisingly like home.
At Interlaken station, the first sign we spotted- strategically placed behind an SBB bus—was for a restaurant called Chotivala. We took this as destiny. Eleven Indian restaurants later (many Pakistani or Bangladeshi, serving outstanding North Indian food), we concluded that butter chicken has quietly conquered the Alps.
There was mango lassi, kadak chai, South Indian filter coffee – and happiness.
In Zurich, our goto comfort restaurant became Sarvanna Bhavan, just outside the train station. After eight days of Swiss, Italian, Mexican, Lebanese, Japanese, and Chinese food, this was emotional nourishment disguised as masala dosa.
Even on the Jungfrau, there is a Bollywood restaurant (sadly closed). We still managed decent dal tadka and butter chicken in the cafeteria.
As for the Glacier Express – the famous eighthour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz – the number one lunch order was Chicken Tikka Masala.
In culinary terms, India wins in Switzerland. Hands down.
Beyond food, we were struck by the number of Indian and South Asian locals working in hospitality. Many had left India years ago via Portugal or Spain before settling here. In several tourist towns, we happily escaped with Hindi and even Marathi.
When God and Swiss Engineering Collaborate
Switzerland’s natural beauty makes you suspect divine favouritism – towering Alps, crystal clear lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and valleys that look filter ready at all times.
But what truly elevates the experience is how thoughtfully the Swiss have built around it. Railways like the Glacier Express, carefully designed mountain villages, post card perfect chalets, and an intricate web of cable cars make even remote beauty accessible.
It’s not just preservation; it’s partnership – between nature’s generosity and human perseverance.
The Inevitable Goodbye (Right on Time)
We spent just over eight days across Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Zurich, and still left feeling we had barely scratched the surface.
Our bags were heavier with chocolates.
Our stomachs were full of cheese, steak, and beer.
And our hearts wanted more Switzerland.
As expected, the plane departed exactly on time. Somewhere between takeoff and cruising altitude, we realised we had left a small part of ourselves behind.
I’ll be returning to collect it.
Possibly with another fondue.
~ Toshan Tamhane
