Campo Grande, Brazil
Founded in late 19th century, Campo Grande is the capital and largest city of the Mato Grosso do Sul state in the center-western region of Brazil. Nicknamed ‘Cidade Morena’, this modern metropolis is a convenient take-off to the Pantanal – world’s largest tropical wetland – and other eco-tourism destinations in Brazil.
How to Reach Campo Grande
By Air – Campo Grande International Airport (CGR), also known as Antônio João Airport, serves the metropolitan area.
By Road – The long-distance bus station is on the main avenue, Afonso Pena. The federal highway BR-262 heads towards Bolivia to the West and the São Paulo state (and Rio de Janeiro) to the East. BR-163 links the city with the Amazon region and BR-060 links with the national capital, Brasília.
Places to Visit in Campo Grande
Relatively flat landscape and leafy avenues make Campo Grande an ideal city to explore on foot.
The Dom Bosco Regional Museum (Indian Museum), Museum of Image and Sound, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Lídia Baís Museum educate and entertain visitor’s soul. A three-hour guided tour (on bus) of the city takes visitors to no less than 40 prominent landmarks.
Things to Do in Campo Grande
Take a leisurely walk in Parque dos Poderes, catch performances by regional artists at Palácio Popular da Cultura, rent a bike and see capybaras (rodents) in Parque das Nacoes Indigenas, or escape from sounds of the city at Parque do Prosa.
Being a college town, the young-at-heart city has an insatiable supply of nocturnal entertainment with bars and live music venues. A bustling street market, Camelôdromo, sells leather goods. The open-air market, Feira Central, is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs. Pick up indigenous crafts such as ceramics, wooden carvings, and baskets at Centro de Artesao.
- The Three Powers Square are the area where the Supreme Court, the President’s palaceand the seat of the Congress is located. The bronze statue of two abstract figures called Os Candangos pays tribute to the workers who built the city.
- The Brasilia cathedral is an amazing modernistic cathedral with 16 curved pillars and stained glass windows.
- The Public works of art includes an open air exhibit of some of the finest art works produced by Brazilian artists.
- The Dom Bosco church is a beautiful church with blue stained glass windows and a huge chandelier.
- The City Park is a wide green hotspot in the city suitable for a number of sporting activities.
Accommodation :
While Brasilia offers a wide range of accommodation, hotels are somewhat expensive though huge discounts are often available during bargaining. The Kubitschek Plaza is a five star hotel while the four star hotels include Phenicia Bittar and Royal Tulip. The three star hotels include Bristol, Casablanca, Golden Tulip, Bay Park, Manhattan Plaza, and Brasilia Palace.