Location / Language of Slovakia
Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. Slovakia's territory spans about 49,000 sq kms and is mostly mountainous. The population is over 5.4 million and consists mostly of Slovaks. The capital and largest city is Bratislava, and the second-largest city is Košice.
The official language is Slovak, which is spoken by almost the entire population.
Visa Requirements / Currency (please note these procedures / exchange rates can changed from time to time…please get an update from the embassy prior to travel)
As India is not part of the Schengen Area, if one is an Indian passport holder you will need to apply for the appropriate type of Schengen Slovakian Visa for travelling to the country. To be eligible for a Schengen Visa for Slovakia one will mainly need their current passport, along with certain documents, to be submitted with the Visa application form.
Currency : Euro (EUR)
Conversion: Rs.1 INR = 0.013 EUR
1 EUR = Rs. 78.04 INR
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Slovakia
- High Tatra Mountains – Forming the border between the nations of Poland and Slovakia, this range is considered to be the tallest range in the country of Slovakia. Majority of the mountain range is situated well above 900 meters and its highest peak at Mount Gerlach rises more than 2,655 meters above the sea. Because of its altitude, the Tatra Mountains have become a popular skiing and spa destination in the country. Some of the most beautiful places to visit in the High Tatras include Popradské pleso, or Zelené pleso.
- Bratislava City/Old Town – It is the capital of Slovakia and is also the largest city and can be found along both of the Danube and Morava river banks. There are countless museums, art galleries and other notable attractions and getting lost in its narrow cobbled lanes and admiring its historic buildings is one of the best things to do in Bratislava. It is here that one will find Michael’s Gate, a medieval tower gate that offers a picturesque view of the Old Town.
- UFO’s Observation Desk – Constructed during the height of the Communist regime in the 1960s, the Bridge of Slovak National Uprising (also known as the UFO Bridge) has quickly become one of Bratislava’s most interesting landmarks. Its creation unfortunately resulted in a massive demolition of some of the city’s old town just below Bratislava Castle. Today, the bridge stands out due to its futuristic design and travellers can’t miss visiting its unique Observation Deck. Propped up at 95 meters above ground-level, the UFO Observation Deck offers an unbeatable view of the city and houses one of Bratislava’s most popular restaurants.
- The Blue Church - The Church of St. Elizabeth is one of finest examples of Art Nouveau with its blue walls (inside and out!) make it pop in the midst of the other historic buildings in Bratislava’s Old Town. Dedicated to Elizabeth of Hungary, the church features one simple nave and a cylinder tower. Beauty is often found in simplicity – and the Blue Church is no exception to the rule. The church is actually so popular that there is actually a model of it in Mini-Europe in Brussels.
- Liptov Region – It is one of the jewels in the crown of Slovakia, where one will find the largest ski resort in Slovakia, Jasná, to try both skiing and snowboarding options. If one prefers water to snow then visit Aquapark Tatralandia, one of the largest water parks in all of Central Europe, where all the water comes from thermal springs, and said to have healing properties. For those interested in the local folklore, a trip to the sleepy village of Vikolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-do, and one will find log houses, a quaint wooden chapel, and a folklore museum.
- Slovak Karst Caves – Slovakia has almost 2,500 caves, with some 400 having been explored to date. The entire Slovak Karst region of caves has UNESCO World Heritage Site status, check out the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave. If one is feeling brave, also visit a section of Domica Cave that features boat rides on a river known as the River Styx, the river in Greek mythology that passengers had to cross to reach the Underworld.
Things You Must Do in Slovakia
- Walk/Cycle along the Danube - Flowing peacefully along the Danube River, a walking and cycling path will take you along both sides of the river. On the way, one will find riverside restaurants, two shopping malls, a beautiful park and the Slovak National Theatre. The best route is to start at the UFO Bridge and work your way into the city. One should be able to complete the path in approximately one hour, but make sure to stop along the way to really experience Bratislava by the river.
- Visit a Mining Town - Central Slovakia is famous for its mining history. The mountains in the area used to be full of non-renewable resources. Several towns got very rich thanks to the extraction of metals and minerals. We can say that these towns are truly beautiful. Visiting Kremnica or Banská Štiavnica are one of the top things to do in Slovakia.
- Get Spooked By the monsters - One of the most popular things to do in Slovakia is to attend the International Festival of Ghosts and Monsters in Bojnice. It takes place every year in April or May. There is a different topic each time and the organizers are trying to make it exciting for both children and adults. Moreover, the castle where the whole thing takes places looks like taken from a Disney fairy tale.
Food on the Plate
Slovak cuisine varies slightly from region to region across Slovakia. The origins of traditional Slovak cuisine can be traced to times when the majority of the population lived self-sufficiently in villages, with very limited food imports and exports and with no modern means of food preservation or processing..
Slovak food one must try includes:
- Bryndzové Pirohy - One of the Slovak national dishes, this heavy meal consists of potato dumplings filled with sheep cheese and topped with sour cream, spring onion, fried onion and crispy bacon pieces.
- Zemiakové placky – Potato pancakes with flour and garlic fried in oil filled with fried cheese and sheep cheese.
- Parené buchty – Steamed dumplings filled with jam, sweetened poppy seeds, cheese or chocolate.
Overseas Travel Medical Insurance Slovakia
Since Slovakia is a country which is part of the Schengen countries in Europe, the Indian traveller needs to purchase Travel medical insurance for Slovakia.
Travel health insurance for Slovakia is relatively cheaper when compared to destinations in Americas, and most insurance companies offer a specific
Schengen Insurance Plan. One must ensure that the minimum Accident & Sickness (A&S) sum insured for a Schengen plan must be €30,000 (around $50,000), and a visa to visit any Schengen country will not be provided without this minimum coverage.
The insured must purchase an “Excluding Americas” Plan, if they are travelling to other destinations that don’t include only Schengen countries.
Illustration for 15 days Schengen visa travel insurance for Indians to Slovakia.
Sum Insured($USD or €Euro) / Premium in Rs. INR |
Insured Age 34 |
Insured Age 64 |
Schengen - €30,000 |
Rs.733 |
Rs.1,561 |
Schengen - €50,000 |
Rs.830 |
Rs.1,694 |
Excluding - $50,000 |
Rs.1,028 |
Rs.1,714 |
These premiums are across different plans and different benefits.. please log in to
www.eindiainsurance.com to compare and buy the best Indian travel medical for visiting Slovakia satisfying most visa requirements.