DESTINATION DELENG/2016/69841 | Volume 1 | Issue 7 | June 2017
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EXOTICA
EXPLORE THE WORLD
Blissful...
Reunion Island for extraordinary experience
Bali has it all!
Contents 10
Corners of the world
If you’re the kind of vacationer who prefers an adrenaline rush over sunburn, look beyond the traditional ‘beach resort destination’ and explore the beauty of Reunion Island. Find out for yourself...
6 MoT Update
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Ministry of Tourism has been accomplishing plenty of initiatives that consistently proffer the growth of Indian Tourism. Read yourself to know about the recent updates by MoT.
8 News
News from around the world on tourism, hospitality, travel, food, etc, know more about the recent developments in the sector.
16 Extraordinary Destinations
Embrace the city of Sultans, as we take you down a royal trip of Hyderabad. Go ahead and read about the picturesque destinations the city has to offer its visitors.
20 Get, Set, Go
Beaches, temples, spas and history – Bali has it all! So go ahead and take your pick!
24 Gourmet Delight
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FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER INDRANI GHOSH
Senior Designer ASHOK KUMAR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANURAG RAO GADDAM
DESIGNER UMESH
SENIOR EDITOR PRIYANKA SAXENA RAY
Administration Mayank Kandpal
destination exotica | june 2017
Marketing Bhawna Shukla, Aarthi Bhalla manager publications arushi bajaj
This summer season; let’s take you on an authentic Italian food journey… to the pleasures of dining at the local bistros in Milan and Venice.
Disclaimer: All information is derived from sources we consider reliable. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. Opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract or in interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s) without express permission from publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code. Destination Exotica is Published, printed by Indrani Ghosh on behalf of Global Buzz Makers Pvt. Ltd. 19-B/A, Lower Ground Floor, Kalkaji, New Delhi–110019. Printed at Perfect Impression Services: 43, DSIDC Complex, Kotla Mubarak Pur, New Delhi-110003.
28 Tee Point
Take a Golf-Vacation to spend leisurely time with a perfect blend of great golfing grounds and equally good resorts. Read out to find the best resorts and golfing grounds.
32 Gypsy Rhapsody
From The Editor’s Desk
A short walk through the little alleyways of Delhi is an attempt to traverse to the sights and smells of what have been historically the colours of shopping of Dilli (Delhi). Find out the bizarre bazaars of Delhi.
36 Miles and Smiles
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar is celebrating 20 years of Going Places Together. Read further for exciting deals and offers, the airline swears by.
38 Adventurous You
For an adventure enthusiast, the world is his ground... he can ski, jump, dive, float, fly, the way he likes, when he likes and how he pleases. Here are just a few out of the box options for the adventure aficionado in you!
42 Rooftops and Flip-flops
From big time foodies to ones with preferred taste buds, Cafe Pride, Oriental Spice etc. by Pride Plaza Hotel will not disappoint you in any manner. So dine with pride, the next time when you are in apriorism of the hotel. Read more...
44 Wellness and More
Realising the harmful effects that the sunshine after rain causes to our skin, many spas across India have designed a ‘monsoons special’ spa menu, which have therapies designed to uplift our senses and look. Find out here...
48 Stars Speak
Find out what the stars have in store for you this month.
50 Someday this day
Here’s a small taster of what the Robot Restaurant is all about, without giving too much away…
Dear Readers, Welcome to another issue of Destination Exotica! “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind” said Seneca. Nothing can be truer than this and we, at Destination Exotica, through our experiential articles and travelogues try and inspire you to be the traveller (rather than a mere tourist) exploring new places and making memories that no one else does.
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As always, we are here with some more exciting vibrant mix of articles to help your minds wander across the globe. To start with, we’d like to bring to you Reunion Island which we simply can’t have enough of! Experience the beautiful beaches, the gripping sporting activities and some really exciting culture all of which we present to you in this month’s issue. While we all know about Mauritius, there are few who are aware of an equally (if not more) island place located close, which is best experienced for its volcanic eruptions – Reunion Island. Moving on, we’d like to highlight some of the most beautiful locations here in our own motherland and we present to you Hyderabad – the city of Sultans. Our love for beaches never really gets old and that’s why this month, we also bring to you Bali a hop skip jump away exotic international destination that you can never be tired of! And as our attraction for Golf just doesn’t seem to die away we also know that our golf aficionado readers would enjoy a superior read. We present to you some of the golfing hotspots for the next golfing vacation. Lastly, experience the local Italian bistros at the comfort of your home with our delicious and indulgent recipes. Happy Reading!
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Anurag Rao Gaddam
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Editor-In-Chief
Senior Editor
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MoT Update
India jumps in International Tourist Arrivals ranking
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s per the UNWTO definition, International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs) comprises two components namely Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Arrivals of Non-Resident Nationals. The UNWTO in its barometer ranks countries in terms of their ITAs. So far only the figures of FTAs were compiled in India. However, now India has started compiling the data arrivals of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The number of NRI arrivals during 2014 and 2015 were 5.43 million and 5.26 million, respectively. Accordingly, the numbers of ITAs in India during 2014 and 2015 were 13.11 million and 13.28 million, respectively. The data of ITAs, containing both the arrivals of NRIs and FTAs, is now as per International recommendations. Due to this inclusion, India’s improved rank reflecting the true and comparable scenario has now been acknowledged by the UNWTO. As per the latest UNWTO Barometer for March 2017, Rank of India in International Tourist Arrivals in both 2014 and 2015 is 24 as against the previous rank of 41 and 40 in the year 2014 and 2015, respectively. With this inclusion the share of India in the ITAs has also increased from 0.68% (based on FTAs) to 1.12% in the year 2015.
Foreign Exchange Earnings witness revision (in Rupee and US Dollar Terms) through Tourism in India in April 2017
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inistry of Tourism estimates monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India, both in rupee and dollar terms on the basis of credit data of Travel Head from
Balance of Payments of RBI. The FEEs of 2016 and Jan-Mar 2017 (both in R terms & $ billion) have undergone a revision due to adoption of final figure of Foreign Tourist Arrivals of 2016.
The highlights of the estimates of FEEs from tourism in India for April 2017 and Jan-Apr 2017 are as below: Foreign Exchange Earnings through tourism (in R terms)
(FEEs) Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in US $ terms)
l FEEs during the month of April l FEEs in US$ terms during the month of April 2017 were US$ 2.278 billion as 2017 were R14,692 crore as compared to FEEs of US$ 1.726 billion compared to R11,495 crore in during the month of April 2016 and April 2016 and R10,091 crore in April US$ 1.609 billion in April 2015. 2015. l The growth rate in FEEs in rupee l The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in April 2017 over April 2016 was terms in April 2017 over April 2016 was 32.0% compared to a positive growth 27.8% compared to positive growth of of 7.3% in April 2016 over April 2015. 13.9% in April 2016 over April 2015. l FEEs during the period January- April l FEEs during the period January-April 2017 were US$ 9.275 billion with a 2017 were R61,605 crore with a growth growth of 20.5% as compared to the of 18.9%, as compared to the FEE of FEE of US$ 7.697 billion with a growth R51,812 crore with a growth of 15.2% of 6.7% in January- April 2016 over in January- April 2016 over JanuaryJanuary- April 2015. April, 2015.
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Cabinet approves initiation of the process of disinvestment of ITDC properties
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he Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the initiation of the process of disinvestment of hotels/properties of the India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC). The decision on disinvestment has been made, keeping in view that running and managing hotels on professional lines is not the work of the Government or its entities. Further, there has been considerable development in the hospitality sector in the country in past years, with world class hotels and all leading international chains of hotels present in the country and providing services and facilities of highest standards. As part of the disinvestment policy, it has been decided to lease/sub-lease the hotels/properties jointly with the concerned States or return the properties to the States, after fair valuation. The States would then have the option to upgrade and operate
the Hotels by involving the private sector or to utilize the properties as per their requirements. States have exercised their options accordingly, in each case going forward with the option best suited to their needs, in line with
the overarching principle that it is not the business of Government to run or manage hotels. In the first stage of the disinvestment process, three hotels listed below have been taken up for disinvestment: (i) Hotel Lake View Ashok, Bhopal (ii) Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok, Guwahati (iii) Hotel Bharatpur Ashok, Bharatpur.
Hotel Janpath checks out, MoUD to take charge
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he Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ‘In Principle’ approval to transfer the property of Hotel Janpath, New Delhi to Ministry of Urban Development. Hotel Janpath is located in a prime central location of the city. The property can be considered for construction of Government offices and similar purposes which would save government funds spent in hiring of government offices. Details of implementation of the project, land usages, etc. would be taken subsequently by a Committee of Secretaries to be constituted under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary. The building of Hotel Janpath has to undergo major rehabilitation work since the building structure of Hotel Janpath has been found to be unserviceable, in distressed condition and deficit in the context of seismic requirements, according to the inspection report of IIT Roorkee. june 2017 | destination exotica 7
News Vistara introduces self-service check-in at kiosks across airports in India
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n its commitment to offering a seamless travel experience to its customers, Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier launched self-service kiosk check-in at Delhi’s Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Mumbai’s Terminal 2, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Vistara is set to launch the same service across 17 other airports that it operates from by the end of June 2017. Customers will now be able to check-in, select preferred seats and print their boarding passes for their flights at the self-service kiosks without having to queue up at check-in desks. Customers with check-in baggage can simply print their boarding passes using the kiosks and drop off their baggage at the check-in desks before proceeding to security check.
Hilton Hotels has signed a partnership agreement with the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to be the official partner for the global body’s International Year of Sustainable Tourism 2017 programme, an initiative to support change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector in the world. The announcement comes ahead The self-service kiosk check-in is also available for Singapore Airlines and SilkAir customers who are flying on Vistara-operated aircraft under code-share tickets. Vistara will soon also extend the functionality of the service to offer greater convenience of opting for ancillary products/services on the self-service check-in kiosks to its customers.
Hospitality sector subject to four-tier GST rates of 5-28%: ICRA
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he Government of India announced a four-tier structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28% for various categories in the hospitality industry. Under the pre-GST regime, room revenues attract luxury taxes and service tax. Luxury tax, being a state subject, varies from state to state, and is computed using different methods and rates. While certain states computed taxes on actual tariff others use the rack rates. Post GST, these vagaries would get smoothened with all hotels across the country falling into four buckets depending on their tariffs: GST exempt for hotels charging less than R1,000; 12% GST for hotels with tariffs of R1,000-2,500; 18% on tariffs of R2,500-5,000 and 28% on tariffs greater than R5,000. Impact of GST on cost of hotel stay
would depend on the current tax regime the hotel’s location subjects it to; presently rates vary from 19% to over 25% depending on the State and irrespective of the rack rate/ tariff. For the premium category (above R5,000), the direct impact of GST is expected to be moderate while stay in economy and midscale hotels (R1,0005,000) is expected to become cheaper. Impact on dining out is expected to be largely neutral to marginally positive, as restaurants pass on benefits of 1%.
Tourism Australia introduces Great Australian Airfare Sale 2.0
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ourism Australia has unveiled the second chapter of its industry first initiative, Great Australian Airfare Sale 2.0 after a successful round one of the Great Australian Airfare Sale in November 2016. Launched in partnership with eight airlines, the campaign is aimed at bolstering inbound tourism from India to Australia. Airline partners such as Air India, Air Asia, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Scoot, Singapore Air-
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Hilton Hotels associates with UNWTO
lines, and Thai Airways have come onboard and are offering Indian travellers with top airfare deals to travel to Australia. Phase one of the campaign recorded over 10,200 bookings within a threeweek activity period. The next phase of the campaign will kick-off on May 22, 2017 and will last till June 11 and will be launched across digital, social and print media platforms. The advertised fares will be valid for travel until March 2018.
of the UNWTO’s launch of the ‘Travel. Enjoy.Respect’ campaign. The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development promotes tourism’s role in the following five key areas: (1) inclusive and sustainable economic growth; (2) social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction; (3) resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; (4) cultural values, diversity and heritage; and (5) mutual understanding, peace and security.
Nueva – Restaurant by Virat Kohli
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irat Kohli recently set up his new hotel, Nueva in Delhi. Virat Kohli now joins the long list of cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Zaheer Khan and other cricketers in setting up of their own restaurants. Virat, who already has a long list of ventures like fashion clothing brand, WROGN, ISL team FC Goa and others is now a proud restaurant owner. Virat Kohli’s Nueva serves authentic South American food and the menu has some more inspirations from Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Japan and Asian food. From pan-seared Duckes to Peruvian piscos, the restaurant has some unique signature dishes that are bound to woe you. While the restaurant is already open for the people and is getting brilliant reviews, Virat is yet to receive the alcohol license. Located in RK Puram, Delhi, this restaurant has already become extremely popular.
ITDC-ICPB hosts exclusive Road Show to promote MICE segment
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ndia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) – the public sector undertaking under the aegis of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India – hosted a Road Show in collaboration with India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) at The Ashok Hotel. Road Show aimed at creating better awareness of MICE for
driving national goals. The Road Show provided an excellent opportunity for stakeholders in networking and interacting with professional suppliers from the MICE industry, including conference organisers, destination management companies, travel agents, fabricators, etc. In turn, buyers met or-
OYO Townhouse debuts in Bengaluru
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YO introduced its mid-market offering OYO Townhouse in Bengaluru. After its maiden Townhouse in the Garden City at Indira Nagar, OYO plans to expand Townhouse hotels at other popular locations in the city including Koramangala, MG Road, Trinity Circle and Marathahalli. Priced at INR 2500 and upwards, Townhouse provides a unique hospitality experience in the heart of popular neighbourhoods. By the end of year 2017, OYO will establish 25 Townhouse properties in and around Bengaluru. OYO entered Karnata-
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Vistara receives its first Airbus A320neo with product enhancements, says its #NotJustAnotherNeo
V ka in September 2014 and today partners 500 hotels with over 6000 rooms in the standardized budget segment.
ATE 2017 witnesses participation from over 20 Indian travel companies
ourism Australia, in partnership with Destination New South Wales, marked the 38th year of its annual travel and tourism business-to-business event - the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) from May 15 to 18, at the ICC (International Convention Centre) in Sydney. The event witnessed an attendance of over 2,500 travel industry delegates
ganisers as well as conference planners from the medical, education, corporate and other sectors. Participating companies included IRCTC, Thomas Cook (India), Cox & Kings, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, RMB Events, M.P. Tourism, The Leela, Wizard Events, Stic Travels and The Taj Group, among many others.
from over 30 countries, with participation from 20 Indian travel companies. ATE is focused on building future tourism opportunities for the country. The event kicked off with an objective of showcasing products directly to tourism wholesalers and retailers from around the world, through a combination of scheduled business appointments and networking events.
istara, India’s finest full-service carrier, took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo (new engine option) at Airbus Headquarters in Toulouse, making it the 14th aircraft in the airline’s growing fleet. Apart from the technical advancements that come with the A320neo, Vistara has unveiled several enhancements to the product on the aircraft to provide an even more delightful travel experience to its customers. Vistara’s A320neo features mood lighting (first time in India for an Airbus A320 operator), more comfortable seating with a new seat bottom and seat back design, softer cushion, and a refreshing new look across all three cabin classes. The aircraft also carriers the Vistara and Airbus A320neo logos on the underbelly of the aircraft, a first for Vistara.
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Corners of the world
Reunion Island
for extraordinary experience
Located 210 km from Mauritius, Reunion Island is not just any other exotic island. It is a concentration of the best that the world has to offer all in one place. If you’re the kind of vacationer who prefers an adrenaline rush over sunburn, look beyond the traditional ‘beach resort destination’ and explore the beauty of Reunion Island...
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Priyanka Saxena Ray
n island of true contrasts, the French department of Reunion is unknown to many of the world’s travellers. This unique island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is simply one of the most intriguing spots on earth. Not as well-known as nearby Mauritius or the not-so-far-away British Seychelles, little Reunion seems but a speck in the vast ocean, dwarfed by Madagascar, located 500 miles to the west. The French know the island well but only the very well-travelled have ever stepped foot on Reunion’s varied and enticing terrain. With an active volcano on its south coast, 17 miles of warm, welcoming beaches in the west, and lots of mountains and forests in between, Reunion Island offers vacation opportunities ranging from relaxing to truly insane. If you’re looking for a place to “chill out” you’ll find it here. But if you’re the kind
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of vacationer who prefers an adrenaline rush over sunburn, the possibilities are endless. From hiking Reunion’s unique “cirques” or cannoning the island’s many
waterfalls to scuba diving or surfing in the clear waters that surround this tiny 30-mile-wide island, adventure activities abound for vacationers hoping to do something a little daring while on their Reunion holiday.
Adventure Activities Hang gliding
If hanging from a large kite while sailing above Reunion’s diverse topography sounds like the sport for you, then you’ll be among the many visitors to this island who will choose to try their hand at the sport of hang gliding. You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced hang glider to enjoy this sport while on holiday in this amazing island. Plenty of qualified guides are available to accompany you as you experience your very first ride on Reunion’s gentle trade winds and their guidance will insure your safety as well.
Paragliding
A cross between hang gliding and parachuting, paragliding involves riding a large “parafoil,” fashioned with a harness, from which riders hang while gliding from a height. Reunion Island is a paradise for this free-flying sport, with the weather providing more than 300 clear days a year to enjoy this pursuit, according to the island’s many paragliding experts. Riders can fly alone or in tandem. Even children can enjoy these two-person flights, sharing the fun of adrenaline sports with their adventurous parents. With 40 per cent of its 2500 sq km territory classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Reunion Island offers an amazing mix of authentic cultures and wild nature. As soon as you will arrive on the island, you will feel and see the extraordinary variety of cultures that coexist in perfect harmony. From Asian cuisine to creole markets, from Buddhist traditions to Tamil, Islamic or Christian rituals, Reunion is a melting pot of cultures. In a very short space of time, you will be able to travel from a volcanic desert to a dreamlike lagoon at l’Ermitage, and then move on to the most incredible green tropical forest in the cirques located at the heart of the island. In only a few days, you will have experienced a multitude of unique adventures and sensations, all in one single and exceptional environment, i.e., Reunion Island. Often referred to as an “intense” island, Reunion can be as different as night and day, depending on where you travel within the island. From the flat coastal areas where water sports are king to the mountainous interior where adrenaline sports offer nail-biting excitement, Reunion Island greets travellers with the most amazing holiday experiences. The fun is doubled by the island’s friendly
Kayaking
If you’re not intimidated by the prospect of paddling on the waters of a vast ocean, then you’ll probably enjoy sea kayaking. This sport has gained many fans throughout the last few decades, especially in places such as Alaska or island locations like Reunion. Sea kayaks are larger and faster than traditional recreational kayaks and the chance to explore Reunion Island’s coast and coastal wildlife can be quite fascinating. Many outfitters offer guided sea kayaking tours, providing all the equipment you’ll need for a safe trip on the Indian Ocean.
Rafting
The rivers in Reunion are perfect for white water adventure, with kayaks used most often in the narrow upper river reaches and larger rafts used to navigate the rapids below. You’ll find the sights to be breathtaking as you travel past magnificent waterfalls and through tall canyons on a wet and exciting adventure. Outfitters who lead guided rafting
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Corners of the world Adventure Activities
tours cater to rafters of all ages and skill levels, providing the latest state-of-the-art white water equipment to ensure your safety. Before you plan on rafting, however, check the water levels on the island. During the dry season, the rivers can be too low to navigate.
Cannoning
Cannoning isn’t a new sport but it’s only recently gained popularity with a growing number of adrenaline sports junkies. It’s best described as the process of hiking, climbing, or rappelling (or a combination of all three) to the bottom of a river canyon, then following that canyon to a logical exit point, usually a spot at which it’s fairly easy to hike back out. Reunion Island is one of the world’s premiere cannoning destinations, thanks to its diverse interior terrain, which includes mountains, waterfalls, craters, and plenty of other natural wonders. Grab a buddy, hire an experienced guide, and prepare to get wet!
Sea Water sports
A host of additional water sports will make your Reunion Island holiday memorable for years to come. Boating enthusiasts can choose from all sorts of vessels, from breezy catamarans to luxury yachts. If you prefer, climb aboard a jet ski or try your hand at water skiing or windsurfing. Ride the waves at St Leu on your custom surfboard or strap on a tank and get ready to hobnob with the fish that swim among the coral reefs that surround the island. If you’re an avid angler, you’ll want to experience some deep-sea fishing in the waters of the Indian Ocean, where you can catch blue marlin, sailfish, blue fin tuna, sea bream, and pompano.
Sky Diving
The thermal drafts of Reunion Island make it the ideal place for just about any kind of gliding sport, including sky diving. Even if you haven’t tried sky diving previously, there couldn’t be a more beautiful place to make your first jump. Novices can jump in tandem with an instructor, requiring a minimal amount of training before you step out of the airplane. Experienced sky divers will have a variety of choices for landing spots and will be awed by the site of Reunion from thousands of feet in the air.
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residents, representing a variety of cultures yet all living together in true island harmony. The rugged interiors at Reunion are formed by Salazies Mountain – an extinct volcano in the west and the Grand Brule Mountain in the east, where visitors will find the island’s still-active volcano, the Piton de la Fournaise. The interior’s highest point is Le Piton des Nieges, standing a majestic 3,069 m tall. The island’s three cirques, however, dominate the topography of the interior portion of Reunion. Often described as “natural amphitheatres” or “calderas”, a cirque – literally a volcano that collapsed upon itself-offers not only amazing photo opportunities but fun and adventure as well. But the interior of Reunion is much more than just lava-covered mountains and ancient crumbling craters. On this volcanic island, you will find amazing lush, green forests like the Bebour-Belouve, where you’ll view birds that you’d be hard-pressed to see anywhere else in the world. Waterfalls are abundant and spectacular as well, literally trickling in the dry months but offering crush-
ing flows during the rainy season, when monsoons are a natural occurrence. You might even stumble upon a dairy farm or two while exploring Reunion’s varied interior. Due to its more manageable and people-friendly terrain, the coastal lowlands of Reunion Island are where cities and villages have sprung up throughout the centuries, since the time the French settled on the island in 1642. The west coast towns offer warm, relaxing beaches as well as plenty of opportunity for enticing water sports. The lively town of St-Gilles-les-Bains attracts scuba divers with its nearby coral reefs and St Leu is the perfect location for avid surfers. Pretty St Paul boasts a fun outdoor street market and lots of traditional Creole houses for guests to admire. The northernmost coastal capital city of St Denis is really a Mecca for tourists, but often overlooked in favour of the beaches or mountains. You’ll find interesting island architecture on a tour of this friendly city as well as art galleries, beautiful gardens, and the island’s best variety of restaurants, ranging from formal sitdown establishments to island take-out june 2017 | destination exotica 13
Corners of the world
From the flat coastal areas where water sports are king to the mountainous interior, where adrenaline sports offer nail-biting excitement, Reunion Island greets travellers with amazing holiday experiences. joints, where you can grab some quick Creole finger foods to enjoy during your downtown stroll. East coast towns offer fields of sugar cane and vanilla, attractive architecture, luxurious vegetation, and lots of waterfalls. The sea, however, is rugged on this coast and not appropriate for swimming or other water sports. Reunion Island can best be described
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as a combination of French, African, Indian, and Chinese cultures. The 700,000 inhabitants of the island speak mostly French or Creole, and about threequarters of the island’s residents are Roman Catholic, though both the Buddhist and Muslim religions are represented as well. This is largely a society respectful of each other’s diverse cultures and the island has suffered no political or social unrest in almost
two centuries. Thanks to this delightful blending of cultures, you can walk down the streets of the cities and hear traditional ecclesiastic choral music emanating from one of the island’s magnificent churches and listen to the chants of the Muslims’ ringing from the mosque on the opposite corner. Folk music is lively and diverse, often heard during street fairs or performed in cafes or bistros. De
Extraordinary Destinations
Embrace
the city of Sultans
A multi-cultural and multi-religious city, Hyderabad enjoys a glorious past from the royal times of Nizam and continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the present day. It has garnered an image of being an exemplary IT hub, which is just one of its varied aspects. The city brings with it exquisite jewellery, pearls, embroidered clothing, and one can shop till he or she drops – literally! Go ahead and read about the picturesque destinations the city has to offer its visitors – Arushi Bajaj
Charminar Situated right in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, the Charminar is one of the most renowned monuments in India. It is the architectural icon for the city of Hyderabad, equivalent to the likes of the Taj Mahal of Agra or the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The magnificent monument
stands imperially tall amidst the multicoloured bangle shops in the premises of Laad Bazaar of the old city and symbolises a beautiful dazzling view after sunset. The Charminar is situated on the eastern banks of Musi River with the Makka Masjid, another famous Qutub Shahi architecture, in the vicinity.
Golconda Fort Situated 11 km from Hyderabad, Golconda Fort remains one of India’s magnificent fortress complexes. With walls ranging from 17 to 34 feet broken by 87 semi-circular bastions, some reaching 60 feet in height, and built on a granite hill that is 400 feet high. It was originally known as Mankal, and built on a hilltop in the year 1143. It was originally a mud fort under the reign of Rajah of Warangal. Later it was fortified between 14th and 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans and then the ruling Qutub Shahi dynasty.
Taramati Baradari A perfect weekend destination Taramati Baradari, generates a romantic aura because of the love fables associated with the site. Its dimensions are perfect for
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high sound quality while 12 doorways let in a cool breeze. In the 17th century, the inn stood alone at the top of a hill on the banks of the River Musi. Today the traditional building is surrounded by a modern entertainment precinct with restaurants, bars and a hotel.
Birla Mandir Located towards the southern end of Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, Birla Mandir, dazzles with glistening white structure dotting the skyline of contemporary Hyderabad. The construction took almost a decade to complete and was consecrated in the same year by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. Birla Foundation is known for constructing other similar temples across the country and it is also the patron of Birla Mandir at Hyderabad too.
Salar Jung Museum Located on the southern bank of the river Musi, Salar Jung Museum is commonly known for its one of the largest one-man collections of antiques in the world. Museum is in the vicinity of other important monuments of the old city. The historic Charminar, Mecca Masjid, High Court, State Central Library and the Osmania General Hospital are all within a radius of one mile from the Salar Jung Museum. It is a must visit place for Hyderabad sightseeing as it is the third largest museum in India.
Shilparamam
(The Arts & Crafts Village) Shilparamam, the arts, crafts & cultural village at Hyderabad was established in the year 1992 and is spread over 65 acres of prime land in Madhapur, Hi-tech City. Shilparamam is Hyderabad’s tribute to India’s natural beauty, richly diverse cultural heritage and vibrant ethos. It is a place where artisans from across India showcase their individual skills in a variety of arts, crafts and culture. From Indian pottery to a plethora of weaves, woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of each region of the country, Shilparamam is a kaleidoscope of India’s colour, diversity and talent.
Hussain Sagar Lake At as distance of just 2km from the heart
of the city, Hussain Sagar is one of the most admired tourist places in Hyderabad. The uniqueness of the lake is that it connects two parts, that is the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad to each other. The largest non-natural lake in Asia that holds water perennially, Hussain Sagar Lake was excavated in 1562 AD during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. Built on the tributary of River Musi, the lake has been named after Hussain Shah Wali. Hussain Sagar Lake was initially built to cater to the irrigation needs and other water needs of the city.
AP State Archaeological Museum A visit to this museum will be an absolute delight for those who admire art. Amidst the elegant public gardens, the
museum sigs its own praises as one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country. The museum is entitled as one of the best in South India. The site on which the museum has been built was explored by the known archaeologist Henry Cousens in the 19th century. The museum inhibits a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical and Jain gallery, Bronze gallery, Arms and Armour gallery, Numismatics gallery, Ajanta gallery and more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contemporary Art Museum.
Mrugavani National Park Placed at Chilkur, 25km from Hyderabad, the park has the endemic flora of Hyderabad and is an urban refuge for small mammals such as wild boar, junjune 2017 | destination exotica 17
Extraordinary Destinations
breathtaking sight. Adjacent to the lake are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake is the heritage building, Sagar Mahal, built as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad and converted now into a lake resort managed by AP Tourism.
Hyderabad Botanical Gardens
gle cat etc. and birds. The park is home to 600 species of plants and animals. The topography of the park supports woodlands, grasslands and rocky areas. Apart from the varied flora and fauna the Mrugavani National Park boasts of more than 100 species of birds including warblers, peacocks, lapwings, and flower peckers.
Shamirpet From 24 km to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet possesses an attractive lake and a deer park. Its peaceful environs makes it an immensely popular picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable
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cottage facilities for accommodation, while the forest lodges can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad.
Osmansagar Lake Also called Gandipet, is an exceptional picnic spot located on outskirts of Hyderabad. It is a major source of drinking water to the metropolis. The lake is a man made reservoir that was constructed with the help of a dam across the Isa, a tributary of Musi River. After a good monsoon, the reservoir is replenished and fills to the brim, which is again a
The Hyderabad Botanical Garden is situated along the Gachipoli-Miyapor highway, some 3 km from Madhapur, and some 16 km away from the Hyderabad Railway station. They are the first botanical gardens of Hyderabad spread across 120 acres. There are over 600 species of plants in the Garden and the entire place is dotted thick with them, except for the paced areas where visitors walk. There are sections for medicinal plants, fruits trees, ornamental plants, timber trees, aquatic plants, and soon. For those who are hesitant at visiting it alone, the garden management also regularly organises nature camps, which include a guided tour, some nature walking, bird viewing, and other interactive sessions.
Hyderabadi delights Biryani: Rice layered with meat (Lamb or Chicken) and herbs/spices Pearls: Hyderabad is known for its pearls. One can get them in most jewellery shops, or head to Laad Bazaar at Charminar. Irani Cafes: Highly iconic corner side chai shops
Chowmahalla Palace Visit to this palace will give the visitor a royal feel with a royal tour of one of the magnificent palaces in Hyderabad. The palace holds back the divine beauty. With a charm that is majestic, the palace continues to play a role of a perfect host and welcomes its admirers with great royalty. The palace supports a view of gushing fountains and opulent gardens. Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Chowmahalla is a location that is unmatchable for exclusivity, and offers an experience guests will never forget.
Chilkur Balaji Temple The Balaji Temple is located at Chilkur in the Hyderabad district. It is 33 Km away from Mehdipatnam. Chilkur Balaji is more popularly known as Visa Balaji. The temple is one of the oldest in Telangana, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. The temple has been visited by great Acharyas from time to time. A visit to the temple is a must for the Jeer of
Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Chowmahalla is a location that is unmatchable for exclusivity, and offers an experience, guests will never forget.
Khubani or Khobani is Urdu for apricot. This dish is made from dried apricots and generous amount of ghee and nuts is used. Chudi Bazaar or Laad Bazaar also known as “Street of Bangles” or “Bridal Bazaar of Hyderabad”, is a famous shopping centre for women.
Sri Ahobila Mutt every time he visits the twin cities, and in the temple is installed the idol of the first Jeer. The Tilakayaths of Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya have been regularly visiting the shrine. Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt and his disciple graced the efforts of the trustees in improving the temple.
The Nizam‘s Silver Jubilee Museum The stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam, is now renovated and transformed into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold shimmering wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, and a gold model of Jubilee Pavilion.De june 2017 | destination exotica 19
Get, Set, Go!
Blissful...
Bali has it all!
From the young back-packers to the super rich affluent class – there is something for everyone in Bali. It is quaint, beautiful, clean, safe and a perfect haven for honeymooners or anyone who is keen on spending some quality time with either one’s partner or Mother Nature – that does not mean it’s not a haven for party people – the place is full of life and adventure. So go ahead and take your pick! Priyanka Saxena Ray
B
ali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture. With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world’s most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the
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super-rich. The island is home to a vast majority of Indonesia’s small Hindu minority. Around 93.18 per cent of Bali’s population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. Their culture reflects in their hospitality – their warm and helpful nature and radiant smiles. Bali’s reputation as a tourist destination is already established in the minds of so many people around the world. It is known as a beautiful island with mountains, temples, palaces
and visits of terraced rice fields. Bali is known as a place where traditions of art and culture predominate, where the village way of life based on their strong religious beliefs is still in place. But, it is also a place where modern sports such as diving, sailing, rafting and above all surfing have taken hold and are enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. It is a place where the ultimate luxuries of life: fine dining, spas and massage have reached the peak of perfection. Bali is perfect for backpackers and for super luxury holiday seekers looking for a private villa with cook, driver and spectacular views. The amount of choices at hand can be quite overwhelming. You might look for one of the best surfing experiences Indonesia has to offer. If you are seeking a relaxing, luxurious time
out and keen on discovering a different culture authentically, stay in the best hotels and resorts that offer you great value for money, Bali is the place to be. Try the Ayodya Resort or the Westin Nusa Dua, which are truly outstanding in their hospitality. If you wish to go beyond, try the Grand Nikko and you will truly be impressed with its ‘grandness’.
Activities in Bali Most well known among Bali’s beaches is the Kuta Beach, the best spot to watch dramatic sunsets. Further back along this stretch are an array of hotels – ranging from five stars to simple home stay – restaurants and shops and cafes, while in the evenings the area throbs to the beat of disco music. Those looking for a quieter evening enjoy the beach at Jimbaran, a popular spot to eat fresh barbecued seafood in the evenings, while watching from a distance the lights of planes landing and taking off from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport. Located here are some of Bali’s best hotels like the Four Seasons and the Bali Intercontinental hotel. Jimbaran is also renowned for the Barong trance dance.
Further, west of Kuta are Legian and Seminyak. On the other side of the peninsula is the more sedate Sanur Beach, which is also dotted with hotels and restaurants, or visit Nusa Dua, where more private beaches can be enjoyed with super de-luxe hotels.
Surfing and Diving in Bali A good start for surfers is Kuta beach. But
the best waves in Bali are at Uluwatu, at the southern tip of Bali, which is the site for international competitions. Here are the long, and perfectly formed hollow-barrelled reef-breaks at three unique lefts, while at Nusa Dua and Sanur three complementary rights can be found. The best time to surf is during April through September when winds are predomijune 2017 | destination exotica 21
Get, Set, Go!
dives, where you can find cardinal fish, black snappers and damsel fish.
Rafting, Cycling and Mountain Climbing
nantly east-southeast. Surfers also love the waves at Nusa Lembongan near Nusa Penida, sister islands due south east of Bali facing the Indian Ocean. Here the waves are known as Playground Surf Break, Shipwreck Surf Break, Ceningan Reef Surf Break to Lacerating Surf Break. For thrilling dives Bali offers excellent underwater challenges, with a range of
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options to suit beginners, while others should only be attempted by advanced divers. At Nusa Penida, there are strong currents as this strait separates Bali from Lombok. At Nusa Penida’s south western coast are the Manta Point and the Malibu point where divers can swim with Travally, big rays and even sharks. At Blue Corner find Moia Moia fish. At Bali‘s most eastern end is Padang Bay and Cemeluk, better known as Amed Beach for great
Bali offers first class adrenaline pumping white water rafting down the spectacular Ayung River by Ubud. Here you can also go bungee-jumping from a cliff down to almost touch the river. If you enjoy cycling, Ubud and its surroundings are a wonderful town to bike around, as found by Elizabeth Gilbert, written in her bestselling novel “Eat, Pray, Love”. There are also good cycling paths at Uluwatu in the south. Mountain climbers may want to climb up Gunung Agung. Begin your ascent from behind the temple or through the village of Sebudi. However, make sure to ask permission first from the temple authorities, as Balinese religion prescribes that no one may stand higher than the sacred temple especially when ceremonies are being held. The tough climb takes 6 to 8 hours, and you are recommended to start out early in the morning, and be led by an experienced guide.
Bali Barat National Park For serious trekking, head for the Bali Barat National Park at the western part of the island. This is a large park covering 76,312 hectares in the districts of Jembrana and Buleleng. Entrance at the Jembrana side is at Melaya off the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway. The Park offers pristine tropical nature, and is the last home of the most endangered Bali starling with only some one hundred remaining. These are very pretty white birds, with black wing tips and a brilliant blue streak around their eyes. Here is also the endangered wild Javan buffalo or banteng, with only 30 to 40 left living deep in the forest. Other animals are the rusa deer, the mouse deer, leopards, civets, macaques and a number of species of monkeys. Visitors to Bali Barat must first obtain a permit available free of charge at Cekik, at Labuhan Lalang or at the Forestry Ministry office at Renon, Denpasar. Although shelters are available, trekkers must bring their own bedding, mosquito protection, food, water and utensils. There are simple hotels at Labuhan Lalang or at Gilimanuk and Negara.
creative trinkets. If you wish to buy dried food stuffs, Bali coffee is most aromatic. You may also want to buy aromatherapy essential oils to sprinkle your bath with.
Spa and Wellness Bali today has become the leader of Spas in South East Asia. Almost all deluxe hotels offer unique top class Spa facilities where guests enjoy luxurious treatment and pampering, for which Indonesia is so justly famous. Here you will be spoilt with aromatherapy massages, herbal wraps and scrubs with essential oils, foot reflexology, detoxification, from highly respected traditional treatments
For thrilling dives Bali offers excellent underwater challenges, with a range of options to suit beginners, while others should only be attempted by advanced divers.
Shopping Bali is an island that produces great artists and artisans, where creativity exudes from every village. Painters, woodcarvers and dancers are experts, with artistic traditions handed down from generation to generation. Your best buy in Bali, therefore, will be paintings. For best paintings visit at leisure the galleries at Ubud, and admire artists at work, before you decide which painting you like best. Most Balinese paintings go best with a Bali carved wooden frame. For fine woodcarvings, go to the village of Mas, where are the master woodcarvers. If you are looking for gold or silver jewellery, head to the village of Celuk. But if you are thinking of bringing home souvenirs for friends and relatives, your best bet is the souvenir market at Sukowati, where you may be overwhelmed by choice. For casual and chic summer wear the place to browse is Kuta, which has a large variety of boutiques and shops, selling everything from bright T-shirts, surf- wear, flip-flops to
once only enjoyed by princesses in the ancient courts, to modern technology methods. Two spa resorts in Bali offer thalasso therapy, based on the restorative powers of the sea rich in miner and oligo elements that are massaged in and absorbed into the bloodstream to restore the balance in the body. A number of spas are set amidst breathtaking views of green hillsides and winding rivers or jut out to sea where the lapping of the waves of the Indian Ocean provides peace and rest. Each spa has its own unique feature. Most incorpo-
rate salon treatment for facials, cream bath, manicures and pedicures, everything to make you feel refreshed and come out feeling completely different person. A weekend at Bagus Jati provides the opportunity to enjoy delicious, healthy food, lots of activities and pampering in a tropical forest. Here the Indonesian herbal treatment or “Jamu� restores the body, mind and spirit, cleansing the body from all toxins. Regular Yoga exercises complete the course.De june 2017 | destination exotica 23
Gourmet Delight If you thought Italian food is all about Pizzas and Pastas, well, you couldn’t be far from wrong for there is Italian food and then there is Indian – Italian food… This summer season; let’s take you on an authentic Italian food journey… to the pleasures of dining at the local bistros in Milan and Venice…
An Italian
gastronomic journey
F
Priyanka Saxena Ray
ood is one of the cornerstones of Italian culture and even if times are changing and life is getting more and more hectic, Italians still find great pleasure in sitting at a table, at home or at the restaurant, and share a good meal together: this is because to the people of Italy, Italian food and wine are part of their culture and, very often, also of their
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own family history. Each Italian will tell you about their family way to cook a specific dish, using recipes often passed on through generations. If this is somehow common also in the rest of the world, in Italy it truly has a deeper significance. This, however, doesn’t mean that Italians don’t enjoy discovering new foods or new ways of preparing familiar dishes, maybe matching them with a different
wine: this is, once again, a sign of how much Italian food and wine mean to the people of Italy. The importance it has in their everyday life is immeasurable. Although Italians are known throughout the world for pizza, pasta, and tomato sauce, the national diet of Italy traditionally differ greatly according to the region. Prior to the blending of cooking practices among different regions, it was possible to distinguish Italian cooking simply by the type of
Italians are known for their use of herbs in cooking, especially oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage. Cheese also plays an important role in Italian cuisine. There are more than 400 types of cheese made in Italy. cooking fat used: butter was used in the north, pork fat in the center of the country, and olive oil in the south. Staple dishes in the north were rice and polenta, and pasta was most popular throughout the south. During the last decades of the twentieth century (1980s and 1990s), however, pasta and pizza (another traditional southern food) became popular in the north of Italy. Pasta is more likely to be served with a white cheese sauce in the north and a tomato-based sauce in the south. Italians are known for their use of herbs in cooking, especially oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage. Cheese also plays an important role in Italian cuisine. There are more than 400 types of cheese made in Italy, with Parmesan, mozzarella, and asiago among the best known worldwide. Prosciutto ham, the most popular ingredient of the Italian antipasto (first course) was first made in Parma, a city that also gave its name to Parmesan cheese. There is no doubting the fact that Italians are very much attached to their food and wine heritage. Infact, walking along the bustling streets of Milan, Venice or Rome, you often see huge groups of family or friends, chatting and enjoying their food and wine. If, for some years, the trend of foreign cuisines did become popular in the country, espe-
Try at home Recipes Pasta e Fagioli (Noodle and Bean Soup) Ingredients l 5 cups water l 1½ cups dried white beans: navy, baby lima, or northern l 1 onion, coarsely chopped l 2 cups canned Italian-style tomatoes, with juice l 1 cup each of celery and carrots, finely chopped and sliced l 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped, or 1 teaspoon garlic granules l ½ pound cooked smoked ham, chopped l 3 bay leaves l ½ cup macaroni (shells, bows, or elbows), uncooked l Salt and pepper, to taste l ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish Procedure l Place water and beans in saucepan. l Bring to a boil over high heat for 3 minutes and remove from heat. l Cover and set aside for 1 hour. l Add the onion, tomatoes, celery, carrots, garlic, smoked ham, and bay leaves. l Mix well and bring to a boil over high heat. l Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook until beans are tender (about 1½ hours). Stir frequently. l Add macaroni and mix well. Cover and continue simmering until macaroni is tender (about 12 minutes).
l
Remove and throw out bay leaves before serving. l Serve hot soup in individual bowls with a side dish of Parmesan cheese for the guests to sprinkle into their soup. Serve with crusty bread to dip in the soup. *Serves about 6.
Bruschetta (Toasted Garlic Bread) Ingredients l 6 slices of crusty white bread, cut ½- to ¾-inch thick, slices each cut in half l 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed l ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil l Salt Procedure l Grill or broil the bread on each side l Rub each slice with a crushed garlic clove, letting the juices sink into the bread l Sprinkle olive oil and salt on the bread l Serve warm, if possible
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Gourmet Delight
Whether eating at home or in a restaurant, Italians take food seriously. They prefer to dine in a leisurely fashion, savoring their meals over a bottle of wine and conversation. Wine and bread are always served during main meals. cially among young professionals, it is this very category that, today, has been rediscovering the pleasure of traditional Italian cuisine in all its regional varieties, along with a marked desire to source produce in an environment friendly manner. The love and flavour for Italian food and wine has risen manifold in India and Italian restaurants are today among the most popular ones, however, not all of them serve the real stuff! For starters, their pasta is not seasoned with green chillies as many a times ours is!
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Whether eating at home or in a restaurant, Italians take food seriously. They prefer to dine in a leisurely fashion, savoring their meals over a bottle of wine and conversation. Wine and bread are always served during main meals. Even children are often allowed a taste of wine. In southern Italy, where people take a long break during the hottest part of the day, dinner (la cena) is served later than in the north, often after 7:30 pm. In addition to their main meals, Italians have two traditional snack times – Spuntini (midmorning snacks) and
the mid-afternoon merende and both usually serve a type of bread dough with toppings. Some typical merende are bruschetta (usually a long loaf of bread, cut into slices and topped with seasonings), focaccio (an Italian flatbread), and crostini (fried slices of polenta). Originally a rural tradition, these snacks lost popularity following World War II as people migrated to Italian cities. However, increased interest in traditional dishes and consuming healthy, lighter meals has helped these snacks become popular again, even in the United States.De
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Tee Point
Have you taken a
Golf-Vacation yet?
The early morning breeze, the greens of the field and the assurity that your family is being well-taken care of, leaving you to spend leisurely time at the course is perhaps every Golfer’s dream. Turning this dream into a reality are the various Golf Resorts of our country, which offer the best of both the worlds – great golfing grounds and equally good resorts to relax and have fun. Priyanka Saxena Ray
Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar
T
he Royal Springs Golf Course is one of the most stunning and breathtaking golf courses you would play in India with the Zabarwan hills in the background and the Dal Lake around the corner. The course is spread over 300 acres of rolling hills, native deciduous forest, lakes, wilderness with the occasional marsh. Don’t be surprised if you spot the rare Hangul lurking in the thickets. A wide variety of bird life can be spotted on the course including a large number of kites at the 9th and 18th hole as they feast on the fish that thrive in the water bodies adjoining these holes. The
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course was built out a forest and has huge changes in undulations and scenery making it a pleasure to play on. The Royal Spring Golf course (RSGC) is located close to the Mughal Gardens, Chashma Shahi, at the foothills of Zabarvan hills and overlooks the tranquil Dal Lake. The designer of this beautiful course is the globally acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr. II. He has designed over 500 golf courses around the world including some of the longest courses in the USA. Clubs are available for hire and buggies are mandatory as at this altitude it could be foolish to walk the course unless you have been playing high altitude courses. Expect your ball to travel atleast 10 per cent further on this course. The biggest challenge is handling the rough
on this course and reading the lines and slopes on the greens. A tip we picked up – if you are putting in the direction of the hills – it is often an uphill putt even if it looks downhill! That could save you a few 4 putts (yes you heard that right – 4 putts are common the first time you play here) Important Tip: While planning a trip to Srinagar, try and get a booking done at Srinagar’s newest five-star hotel, Vivanta by Taj – Dal View and the old favourite The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar overlooking the Dal Lake.
JAYPEE GREENS GOLF & SPA RESORT, GREATER NOIDA Located at Greater Noida, Jaypee Greens is the first Greg Norman signature course
in India. The course is an 18-hole championship layout, designed with the firm belief of setting new standards for championship golf in India and at the same time remains enjoyable for golfers of all levels. Built on what was previously a flat featureless site, the design of the course involved the creation of several lakes. The earth from these lakes has been used to generate a dynamic, soft and undulating landform suitable for the laying out of 18 very exciting and challenging holes. Each half of nine holes has 2 Par 5s, 5 Par 4s and 2 Par 3s making an overall par of 72. From championship tees, the course is strong and one of the longest in the world with a length of 7347 yards. It wouldn’t be an idle boast to say that Jaypee Greens has the finest fairways in India. Its gently rolling fairways are grassed using an imported Bermuda grass called Evergreen. This grass has been selected for its exceptional performance and superior playing surface. The greens’ surfaces are intended to be firm and fast and careful management of the Tifdwarf Bermuda grass, selected again for its well-proven performance, achieves this. A fully automatic irrigation system is used to water the turf. State-ofthe-art turf care machines are used for upkeep and maintenance of turf surface. The bunkering style at Jaypee Greens sets it apart from other courses in India.
The bunkers are reminiscent of classic Melbourne Sand belt courses including the world famous Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath layouts. Deep, with steep sand faces and cut edges, the bunkers are visually striking. They are carefully located to provide strategy and to duly reward the thinking golfer who challenges them with accurate shot making. Apart from bunkering, the other hazards of the course include some of the lakes, which at times cross the line of play. The course landscaping includes considerable planting of open and closed woodlands, understory shrub lands, wetlands and wild-grassed area. Important Tip: The Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort has 170 well-fur-
nished rooms and suites with all the modern facilities that offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in.
AAMBY VALLEY CITY, MAHARASHTRA Around 2700 feet above sea level, nestled in the hills, set in a 10,000 acre project development, the Aamby valley golf course is often spoken about in hushed tones. No wonder it had been voted and judged as the top course in the country in 2005 and is a must play course. It’s a course which challenges you to think and play each hole. Immaculately maintained with world class training and practice facilities the course is a visual delight and
june 2017 | destination exotica 29
Tee Point
a challenge. Located amongst the Western Ghats and spread over 250 acres the 18 hole championship course is a 7087 yard, Par 72 layout designed by David Hemstock (UK). Some modifications and the driving range were then added by PGA Design consulting (UK). It is part of the Aamby valley city which is a 10,000 acre oasis. With mountains and hills surrounding the course on all sides and a vast expanse of lakes within, the air here is crisp and fresh. The front 9 has a different DNA from the back nine – with hazards running across the fairways. The back 9 has more water bodies in store. There is a plethora of wildlife – expect a variety of birds, peacocks and the occasional deer. With a world class clubhouse, pro shop and a training academy the Aamby Valley Golf Course is an experience which is unique. Important Tip: Aamby Valley City offers a wide range of accommodation, from chalets inspired by Switzerland to Spanish-style cottages.
PRESTIGE GOLFSHIRE CLUB, BENGALURU Set to the backdrop of the picturesque
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Nandi Hills across 275 acres is Bangalore’s most premium property – Prestige Golfshire Club. Dedicated to perfecting the art of luxurious living and a culture of leisure, it comes complete with ultra luxurious mansions, a planned 300 bed luxury hotel and the piece de resistance, an 18 hole championship golf course by PDA Design Consulting. Measuring 7004 yards from the championship tees and employing the wild shaping of links courses and a distinctive bunker style, this 18 hole course offers rugged beauty as well as a toughbut-fair golfing challenge. The most distinctive feature of British architect Bob Hunt’s creation is its amazing rippling
fairways, reminiscent of the links courses of old. But there is plenty more to Golfshire Club to get the blood pumping. The mature landscape of the old farmlands has been retained as far as possible to provide a serene setting for the front nine while the back nine is more exposed to the elements. The course was built with undulating greens- several of which are two-tiered and deep, shapely bunkers. Vast lakes and streams run through the course providing challenging golf hazards as well as year round irrigation storage, ensuring that this golf course is one of the most luxurious in the country. This is India’s first course to be managed by the TROON GOLF company
mercial districts as it is away from it all. Important Tip: There is no dearth of good hotels in Bangalore. From the JW Marriott to The Leela to The Taj, Bangalore has it all, and more.
KAZIRANGA GOLF RESORT, JORHAT Kaziranga Golf Resort near Jorhat in Assam is set in lush tea estates and is a unique golf resort. Set in the Sangsua and Gatoonga tea estates in a 150 acre area this is an 18 hole, 6830 yard, Par 71 course. Beautifully maintained you will find lush green fairways, smooth greens and roughs that are memorable – they are all Bermuda grass. With bungalows and cottages this is a perfect holiday spot in a colonial tea environment. The resort also allows you to pick up and learn the
and you can expect exceptional service levels here. The Golfshire club also has a fully equipped 100,000 sq ft club house replete with a restaurant (The Falcon green), a Pro shop, Gym, Swimming pool and a wide range of amenities that will provide the perfect end to a challenging game of golf. The Golfshire club is a 45 minute drive from the heart of Bangalore and 10 minutes from the new Bangalore International Airport. Golfshire Club is as close to Bangalore’s business and com-
game of golf with a large Golf Academy. Designed by Ranjit Nanda this course is tight, with fast and true greens and water in play on 6 holes. Bad shots are punished – sometimes severely and playing to your handicap on this course will test your skills. The shortest hole from the back tees plays to 185 yards and that should give you an idea of the challenges that lie ahead. Opened in 2011 this course is open to all golfers making it an ideal golf breakaway site. The driving range is a unique double sided ac-
cess design allowing 72 people to use it at any given time. A game of golf here will be played amidst tea plantations, paddy fields and in settings that are in sync with nature. With the climate in Jorhat ranging from a min of 12oC (winters) to a max of 35oC (in June, July and Aug) this is a yearlong golf destination. The Kaziranga Golf resort is owned by the B and A group. Important Tip: North East is the undiscovered gem of India and has plenty to indulge in and see. If your family likes adventure in the lap of nature, pick this particular Golf Course to play in and be assured that your family will not bother you!
ROYAL KOLKATA GOLF CLUB Royal Kolkata Golf Club affectionately known as the “Royal” is synonymous with the game of golf in this country. Founded in 1829, Royal is the oldest golf club outside the British Isles, the oldest being the Royal and Ancient, St Andrews in Scotland, the home of golf. The Royal truly has a history that would be a treasure for the archives of the game of golf. In 1911, the club was honoured by King George V and Queen Mary, who conferred on it, the title of “Royal” to commemorate their visit to Kolkata. Much of the memorabilia connected with the history of the club is still preserved in the club house. The course is today an 18 hole, 6978 yard, Par 72 course with a 73.6 /136 rating and hosts a multitude of tournaments. Located in the heart of Kolkata at Tollygunge it is easily one of the most revered and talked about courses in India. Playing at the Royal for a lot of golfers is a matter of pride. The course started as a 9 hole course and by 1925 had 36 holes. The clubhouse, as we see it today was constructed and completed in 1914. Originally located near the Kolkata airport, the club moved to the Maidan and finally to its present location at Tollygunge in 1910. Meant exclusively for the use of gentlemen, ladies were very reluctantly admitted to the club in 1886! Important Tip: There is no dearth of hotels and resorts in Kolkata in addition to sightseeing galore. De june 2017 | destination exotica 31
Gypsy Rhapsody
The Bizarre Bazaars
Brands, food courts and kids play zones – malls in Delhi NCR offer a complete cosmopolitan shopping experience – at par with any mall experience in the world. What stands apart as the USP of Delhi shopping are its bustling street markets – the “real shopping” as they say can only be done in the “bazaars” of Dilli. The clustered streets of Khari Baoli, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh and Janpath, dotted with plenty of food joints offer an out of the world shopping experience giving you the best of textiles, jewellery and bags that are unique to the region.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
S
hopping, the word today has come to be synonymous with the continued journey into vertically constructed metal, stone and concrete structures called...malls. Bustling with neon signs, big brands, artificial light and controlled temperatures, these structures present consumerist paradises of the world. The last decade has seen the city of Delhi and its people succumb to many of these, and only with partial complaint. But my rant here is not about this mono-culture of the world. On the contrary, I seek a short walk through the little alleyways of Delhi. It is an attempt to traverse to the sights and smells of what have been historically the colours of shopping of Dilli (Delhi). I must confess, I am not much of a
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bazaar (market) person. Stepping into some of these bustling spaces has to have a reason, and one that does not necessarily include the act of purchase. So it could be associated with culinary delights, watching the mosaic of colours around, or simply taking observer’s notes of the small and big negotiations that take place there. It is for various such reasons that one lands up in the new and old ‘shop till you drop’ destinations. Let’s start with the walled city of Delhi; one that has fascinated the residents and visitors equally for generations. This part of Delhi once boasted of mansions of nobles and members of the royal court, along with elegant mosques and gardens. Today it amalgamates the grandeur of the past and the humour of the present quite significantly. This is both
when it comes to the variety of what it sells and the spiritual experience it presents. Most popular would be Chandni Chowk, especially when it is wedding time for ornate garments stitched to size and a range of jewellery. Chandni Chowk is famous for its chikan and zari work on cloth, intricate traditional lace work and embroidery. This charged up trading hub of Delhi has necessary diversions called Dariba Kalan for traditional itar (perfumes) and parathe wali gali (the street for a variety of Indian bread-Paratha), which are trying to live up to their reputation. Not so far away is Chawri Bazaar, where you will find paper of every shape, size, colour and grade. Choosing from thousands of wedding card designs is quite an experience. So, if you must desire to unravel the heavy human traffic, then it can be a “thrilling” experience. One tip, carry little luggage and keep it
close to yourself. While the walled city might not be an everyday thing for the Dilli wallahs, the shopping joints at both central and south Delhi offer great hubs for varying temperaments. Janpath, a long street leading up to Connaught Place has an array of organised Tibetan shops selling artefacts, jewellery, trekking gear and much more. Mind you, these are not cheap, and the first price is likely to be over the top. But a bit of pleasant discussion with your friendly shopkeeper might just do the trick and get you a great buy! Janpath can be combined with well stocked emporia representing the essence of different states of India, the Cottage Industries Emporium is a must do experience of Luteyan’s Delhi. The whistle I blow here: though they assure you of the authenticity, these government run shops can run a heavy bill at the end of the shopping extravaganza. If you move a little towards the southern part of Delhi then there is the choice of Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar. These are places for anything and everything you want, but more specifically for low cost shoes, garments, woollens and shoes. In Lajpat Nagar, you might be surprised to see some of the most interesting picture framing shops along with those with direct links with Chawri Bazaar wedding card wallahs. It also houses some amazing shops with bangles of mind-boggling colours created out of metal, glass
and plastic. Matching the duppatta you’ve just got died there with the bangle as an accessory is a fun experience. The culinary detour here is a small lane where you get range of hot pakoras (a fried savoury snack) and lassi (yoghurt based drink). But do this when you don’t have too many shopping bags because the lane is narrow and the food requires all your attention. And then there is Sarojini Nagar, a very popular student destination. Export reject garments mostly in very good condition can be purchased at very good prices. Sarojini Nagar also gives cheaper and fairly good replicas of curtains, cushion covers; bed spreads etc that you might get in up market shops in central and south Delhi, only for maybe double the cost. Delhi offers a lot for the geek in all of us. Once a haven for “imported” electronics, videos, CDs and telephones, the underground spread of Palika Bazaar in the inner circle of Connaught Place
Chandni Chowk is famous for its chikan and zari work on cloth, intricate traditional lace work and embroidery. This charged up trading hub of Delhi has necessary diversions called Dariba Kalan for traditional itar (perfumes) and parathe wali gali (the street for a variety of Indian bread-Paratha), which are trying to live up to their reputation. june 2017 | destination exotica 33
Gypsy Rhapsody
can leave you sweating and swindled in you are not careful enough. Organised in its disarray, Palika is for the bold and adventurous geek who can dare the lack of ventilation for love of the electronics. From the smallest of repairs to the big configurations, Palika offers a solution. A differently equal gizmo world is the open expanse of Nehru Place, known to be one of Asia’s biggest markets for computers and other IT related bargains. CDs, e-Games, computer peripherals are seen sold here just like they would be
Organised in its disarray, Palika is for the bold and adventurous geek who can dare the lack of ventilation for love of the electronics. From the smallest of repairs to the big configurations, Palika offers a solution. 34
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in a veggie market. Quite a contrast this place is! An ardent foodie like me cannot let go of this sharing without disclosing the spice wonders of Delhi. Once the whiffs of Khari Baoli spice market have entered into you, you won’t ever be the same without them. Located in the western end of Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli presents a massive range of spices, dry fruits, nuts and seeds. This old time market has several merchants selling all the
“equipment” one needs to store, blend, mix and cook the spices purchased from there. But, as exciting as it might sound, it might not be a great idea to venture there without someone who knows their way around or without the help of a guide. The market streets can be a maze and the crowds leave you in a daze. Over the years, another “food” hub has come to be the talk of the city. You get just about anything you need here, including fruits, vegetables, utensils, gifts, glassware, clothing, shoes etc. But this INA market located near the AIIMS hospital has a great collection of packaged foodstuffs from all over the world. From cheese to foods from the middle east, South East Asia, Central Asia, Europe and America as well as the savouries from both north and south India. If Khari Baoli is not where you reach, INA market is a good bet too. Right opposite the INA market are the festivities of Dilli Haat. It is one place in Delhi which never fails you. A Delhi Tourism initiative, Dilli Haat blends in arts and crafts from all over India along with amazing local flavours. One can have long conversations with local artists who are able to directly deal with consumers. As one sips the kulhar wali chai (tea in an earthen container called Kulhar) you can pick up great paintings, rugs, decorations, cloth bags, scarves,
wooden ware and much more. And the best part of the Dilli Haat is that it is dynamic. Artisans come in at different points of time for short periods to give us a glimpse of not just their creations but their lives, struggles and histories. If you catch the place when it’s thriving through one its festivals like the Nature Bazaar, it will be tough to leave there without a few shopping bags. Delhi also gives its visitors some very exquisite and stylish shopping experience. Visit Khan Market, N-Block Greater Kailash I or Mehrauli-Gurugram road for high end designer clothes, candles, lamps and many other home wares. Popular brands from Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi and other parts of the country have their displays here for those who are able to afford it. These markets also offer a great range of book shops and charming cafes with wide range of coffees, teas and desserts. Many of these book shops have been running on for generations and are able to give that personal interface while purchasing a book. Their space might be small but collections range much wider. After this up market extravaganza, what I share now is one of the lesser known hustle-bustle of Delhi, one that starts around 4 am and winds up by at the max by 9 am. This early morning escapade is towards the Rajiv Gandhi
Handicraft Bhavan in Connaught place, to witness one of the largest flower markets of Asia, popularly called as the phool mandi. This market is not one amongst the authorised and systematic scheme of things. But trust me, its worth every foot you might step into it. The variety of flowers, the fun of colours and the smells
of fresh flowers can be intoxicating. Even though the list for a confessed non-shopaholic runs long, I cannot but leave without a mention of the Hauz Khas village. Interspersed between 13th century monuments, a lake, urban forests and gardens like the Deer Park, this village is a rustic yet pleasurable experience. Small and big time art survive together; creative restaurants thrive along with expensive Bistros; a range of curio shops can leave you aghast or amazed. In many ways it represents the encounter of the contemporary with the ancient history. Taking more than a peek is likely to be fun. The length and breadth of this shopping experience is vast — reflecting the nature of the Dilli Shahar (city of Delhi). These places can be reached both through public and private transport each having their advantages, or, on the contrary, troubles. In the former, there are people to navigate and in the other, people and their cars. But, if you’re going to be in Delhi do try and get to at least half of these places depending on what draws you. It’s not just clothes, jewellery or spices but real taste of culture, conversation and living history, which is what shopping in Dilli all about. De june 2017 | destination exotica 35
Miles and Smiles
Fly with Qatar Airways
this holiday season
The Qatar Airways Group provides everything you’ll need for a smooth journey including airport ground services, onboard catering, private jet travel, and much more. Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar is celebrating 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across more than 150 businesses and leisure destinations.
Q
DE Desk
atar Airways is inviting travellers to turn their layover into a stay-over with discounted fares and a free-of-charge hotel stay and transit visa when stopping over in Doha. Travellers can now enjoy discounts of up to 50 per cent on flights on board the airline’s award-winning Business Class from 9th to 22nd May for travel until 21st June 2017. Passengers are also invited to add Doha to their travel plans and experience a true taste of Arabian hospitality with a free one night hotel stay in one of the Qatari capital’s luxurious four
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or five-star hotels and a free transit visa. Passengers can enjoy the world’s best Business Class with fares from India to America (starting from 180,000 INR, Afl Qatar airways offers passengers at-
tractive business class fares
l Free transit visa and Doha Hotel
stay as part of Qatar initiative
l Free luxury hotel stay and free
transit visa for passengers who add Qatar to their travels l Passengers can take advantage of discounts of up to 50 per cent on board the airline’s award-winning Business Class cabins
rica (starting from 100,000 INR) and Europe (starting from 150,000 INR), applicable from 9th to 22nd May. Fares are valid for travel with immediate effect until 21st June 2017. Qatar Airways is delighted to be able to offer its passengers fantastic offers on flights on the award-winning premium class cabins. This unique offer will allow them to extend their layover into a stayover, giving them the opportunity to experience the many delights Qatar has to offer. Adding Doha to their itinerary with this unique offer of a free transit visa and five-star hotel stay in many of Doha’s finest hotels will be absolutely thrilling. Passengers transiting through Doha
can extend their stay to make the most of their journey taking in the sights of Doha with a completely free night courtesy of Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority or stay a little longer with a second night’s stay for a modest $50 booking fee. Passengers can choose from hotels such as The Four Seasons, Marriott Marquis, Radisson Blu and Oryx Rotana. The free hotel accommodation, available throughout the summer, will offer passengers the opportunity to explore Doha and the chance to experience city tours, desert safari adventures or a dinner cruise aboard a traditional dhow, giving visitors a taste of authentic Arabian hospitality, courtesy of Discover Qatar. The airline revealed its latest premium class product “Qsuite”, a transform-
able suite of seats that allows parties of two, three or four to create their own unique space within the Business Class cabin. This game-changing patented design is set to transform the face of aviation and Business Class travel by bringing a First Class product to the Business Class cabin. QSuite also features the first ever double bed in Business Class, another ground-breaking innovation brought to passengers by Qatar Airways. The airline was named the World’s Best Business Class by Skytrax in 2016, and its home hub, Hamad International
Airport, was also recently given five stars at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, as well as being named the World’s Sixth Best Airport. Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, with a network of more than 150 destinations. The airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2017, including Chiang Mai, Dublin, Nice, Skopje and many more. Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together. De june 2017 | destination exotica 37
Adventurous You
Hop-on-Hop-off world
Adventure Express For an adventure enthusiast, the world is his ground... he can ski, jump, dive, float, fly, the way he likes, when he likes and how he pleases... With the growing populous of adventure lovers, the options to indulge in are also gaining momentum. From the game drives of South Africa to the adventure activities in the Yas Island in Abu Dhabi – options are plenty! Here are just a few out of the box options for the adventure aficionado in you!
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Kruger National Park, South Africa
T
his is perhaps one of the biggest wildlife hubs in South Africa and a game drive through this national park will not only offer you the
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best glimpses of the wildlife ever but will also leave you with pictures and memories that will last a lifetime... One of the main reasons people choose to visit South Africa is to be able to experience the great outdoors and witness wildlife like never before. South Africa, in the recent past, has secured a
favorable position at the top for all nature enthusiasts who have been visiting the destination in large numbers to experience its various National Parks and Sanctuaries. The most famous wildlife reserve in South Africa is Kruger National Park in the north-east. The park covers an area of two million hectares (250km long and 60km wide) and incorporates six different ecosystems (such as woodland and sand-
veld). It is home to more than 100 reptile, 500 bird and 140 mammal species. All of ‘the big five’ mammals – leopards, lions, buffalo, rhino and African elephants – can be found at Kruger, where they can be seen in their natural environment. South Africa’s diverse geography, encompassing deserts, forests, mountains, grasslands and coast, supports an astonishing variety of wildlife. Kruger National Park alone
has 16 different vegetation zones fed by six rivers, sustaining a multitude of game including 10,000 elephant, 20,000 buffalo and endangered species such as black and white rhino, wild dog, cheetah and lion.
Tampa Bay, Florida In Tampa, the key to life is adventure. So whether you seek your thrills by land, air
or sea, Tampa Bay has it all. Make toys and treats, watch a training session, learn the history and interact with a variety of wild cats at Big Cat Rescue during an exclusive, two-hour behind-the-scenes tour. At Busch Gardens Tampa go behind-the-scenes at the Animal Care Centre with the Wildlife Docs or into the Heart of Africa on a 90-minute walking tour to get up-close with hippos, cheetahs, lions and more. You can also become a ‘Keeper for a Day’ and work side-by-side with the zookeepers or learn the ins-and-outs of Bengal tigers and Bornean orangutans as a Jungala Insider. And, for some amazing photo opportunities and sights, jump aboard the 30-minute open-truck Serengeti Safari tour for a unique look at the Serengeti Plain. One of the Florida Aquarium’s newest exhibits – Stingray Beach – allows guests to touch a variety of different species of stingrays and sharks, including White Spotted Bamboo Sharks, Coral Catsharks, Southern Rays and Blue Spotted Ray, just to name a few. You’re sure to have your hands full of slimy creatures, that is – at the No Bone Zone, which is full of colourful, touchable animals such as sea stars, sea urchins and much more. You’re also invited to touch horseshoe crabs, whelk, urchins and snails at the Horseshoe Crab Lagoon. For serious or casual golfers alike, the all-new Golf’s Grail Indoor Golf & Tap allows you to play more than 60 courses from around the world on indoor, stateof-the-art golf simulators. Whether playing a round or taking a lesson, guests can also enjoy the sports bar-like atmosphere with hi-definition TVs playing sporting events, craft beers on tap and fine wine selections. A new laser tag game starts every 20 minutes at Q-ZAR Laser Tag with a two-level arena, video arcade area, food court and more. Get up to 50 MPH on an electric ProKart at Tampa Bay Grand Prix. The indoor go kart racing facility offers two different tracks for a real racing experience for adults and children. Feed a giraffe, hold a lorikeet, touch a stingray, ride a pony, get up-close with a white rhino and more. At Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo – recognized as the #1 Zoo in the U.S. by two national parenting magazines, featuring more than 1,000 amazjune 2017 | destination exotica 39
Adventurous You
ing animals on nearly 60 acres of natural habitats.
AUSTRIA The destination, known for its spell-binding beauty and breathtaking sights is a haven for ski lovers. Alpine skiing here is a way of life. If a ski area expert could do a freeflow design of his terrain, he would come up with the Austrian Alps. The relatively low elevation of the villages, 750 to 1,500 m (2,500 to 5,000 feet) above sea level, treats vacationers form low-lying metropolitan areas gently, eliminating altitude discomfort and making adjustment easy. Austria, small as it is (83,858 square km/32,368 square miles) is a world power
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in uphill transportation: more than 4,000 lifts of all types make short work of getting skiers up to the starting points of ski runs. One ski complex often incorporates 50,60,70 lifts, all available on one lift pass; “ski seesaws” open up two opposite faces of the same mountain, tying villages in different valleys together into one practical, shuttle buses, generally free for holders of valid lift tickets, provide the links in far-flung winter sport districts. Learn Skiing in Austria: The task is anything but easy, especially if you do not have any knowledge of skiing. Beginners-friendly facilities such as slopes and lifts can be found almost in every glacier area throughout the year. It is fun and with the help of a lift conveyer belt and
an English speaking instructor one can make it to the top easily, safely and comfortably. After reaching the top one can rest for a bit in an Alpine hut, eat some food before the attempt to ski down and to achieve a somewhat better perspective. There are many places where Indian travellers will not only benefit from the newest technical advances in skiing instruction that make learning to ski truly “children’s play”. “Gemütlichkeit” - The Magic of the Mountains: Few people can pronounce it, nobody can define it precisely, everybody can feel it, the uniquely Austrian mood that pervades the old inns, flavours meals, flows from all the traditions, sparkles in the folklore. Gemütlichkeit is an appreciation of time and leisure, a celebration of friendship old and new, the savvy of finding and enjoying the good things in life, a warm casualness, the instinct to find the right allies in the pursuit of a good time, the essence of convivial gatherings. It welcomes you when you linger in a hut or in a rustic little bar with fellow skiers as you come off the slopes. It makes the zither tunes at the wine tavern vibrate. It enhances the flirtation at the nightclub as you dance, sip and converse. It embraces and warms you as you take a sleigh ride to an inn outside the village for dinner. It turns back time as you stroll through the streets of the town, taking a breath of fresh air. With its roots deep in the traditions of the mountains, it gives your stay in Austria the fantastic touch no
other destination can duplicate. Come and let it happen to you!
ABU DHABI You could be discovering wrecks in the ocean, seeing the world’s tallest tower, swimming with the dolphins, dinner cruising on an Arabian dhow, dune bashing, exploring heritage sites, shopping or more, at any given time in Abu Dhabi.
Wadi Adventure The region’s first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surf facility built in the foothills of the majestic Jebel Hafeet. The park’s 3.3 metre man-made surf wave is the world’s largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking channel network is the world’s longest. Bringing together water and adrenaline-filled adventure, Wadi Adventure makes a great day out for water sports enthusiasts and families. Lessons are provided by certified trainers for all levels of competency; guests can bring their own equipment, rent or buy gear from the resort’s shop.
Desert safari & dune bashing The vast expanse of desert that lies outside the Liwa oasis in the Western Region is perfect for adrenaline fuelled off-road driving. With 300 metre dunes and long sand valley, you’ll never get bored of desert driving. Rent a four wheel drive from Abu Dhabi, get a good map and ex-
plore to your heart’s content – but never go out alone, always make sure there is more than one vehicle. The Liwa safari experience invites visitors to Marvel at the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), crane their neck at Moreeb Hill and the Empty Quarter’s 300-metre high sand dunes and enjoy smoky sunsets and luminous sunrises. Your trip to Liwa (a two hour drive from Abu Dhabi city), will start with a thrill-a-minute spot of dune bashing as the Net Tours 4x4 navigates a bumpy trail through the meandering sands. Take in ‘Camel Rock’, ‘Saddle Rock’ and the ancient ‘Fossil Rock’ before stopping for a light snack in the golden surroundings of the stark desert. From there, the safari party heads to old settlements and camel farms for what is a truly fascinating look at traditional nomadic desert lifestyles. After lunch in the four-star Liwa Hotel, guests can enjoy a few hours down-time, or take a trip to see a splendid cadre of desert live-stock and animals, before settling in to their tents for a night under the stars.
Yas Island Attractions & Activities l Unwind and relax on the beautiful Yas Beach which offers a fully licensed
bar and light food options for guests. The adventurous can book eco-tours of the mangroves, while stand-up paddle boards and kayaks are also available for rental. l Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first and only Ferrari-branded theme park in the world and also boasts being the world’s largest indoor theme park. It features high-adrenaline rides including the world’s fastest roller coaster, family-friendly attractions, state-of-the-art simulators, live shows, an inspiring treasure of racing memorabilia l Yas Waterworld is the UAE’s first mega waterpark, YasWaterworld Abu Dhabi brings together 43 rides, slides and record-breaking attractions in an exciting destination that’s perfect for individual adventures, fun and family experiences. l Seawings is a breathtaking seaplane excursion across Abu Dhabi with a thrilling water take-off and landing at Yas Marina, whilst you soak in panoramic views of the capital city’s iconic architecture and stunning landscape. Or get onboard a 40-minute aerial trip from Abu Dhabi to the pearl of the Gulf, Dubai. De june 2017 | destination exotica 41
Rooftops and Flip-Flops
Dine with pride... Grandeur at its best
From big time foodies to ones with preferred taste buds, Cafe Pride, Oriental Spice etc. by Pride Plaza Hotel will not disappoint you in any manner. Dining options include specialty and multi-cuisine restaurants, with indoor and al fresco seating. The next time when you are in apriorism of the hotel, come and relish the exotic cuisines which the hotel has in store for its royal guests.
Arushi Bajaj
CAFE PRIDE The all-day dining restaurant offers world cuisine with a trendy interactive kitchen. Guests can enjoy flavours from across the globe besides a huge variety of Indian regional cuisine, complimented by true Indian hospitality. The Café offers a huge choice of elaborate buffets & and a-al-carte options. Location: Lobby Level Timings: Open round the clock Breakfast Buffet: 06:30 Hours –10.30 Hours Lunch Buffet: 12:30 Hours – 15.00 Hours Dinner Buffet: 19:00 Hours–23.00 Hours
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ORIENTAL S PICE T
his Pan-A sian fine dining re rant offers staudelicacies East where from the Far in guests can enjoy meals coo their ked to perf ection by ter chefs m in a live k itchen. Th asnic artefa e ethcts and p ersonalise vices mak d sere sure tha t you enjo experienc y the e of watc hing the dexterousl chefs y slicing and dicin ingredien g the ts. Location: Lobby lev el Timings: 19:30 Hou rs – 23:30 Hours
STALLION Imprinted with alluring decor, lounge bar, Stallion lets you unwind after a long day with invigorating cocktails, mocktails and world-class beverages. Let your hair down in the soothing ambience, and let your spirits be uplifted. Location: Lobby level Timings: 11:00 Hours – 01:00 Hours
MR. CONFECTIO THE PASTRY SHONER P
Mr. Confectio ner – the past ry shop offers a wid e selection of bakery and patisseri e items along with an elaborate choi ce of Tea/Cof fee and various soft beverages. G rab & go facility of wra ps, rolls & sa ndwiches is also avai lable for gues ts in a hurry. Location: Lobb y level Timings: 08:0 0 Hours – 11:0 0 Hours
About the hotel l Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity - New Delhi is a modern property l The hotel proffers blend of splendid comfort l The hotel is just 3 km away from Indira Gandhi International Airport l The ideology of the hotel lies in being truly Indian
and promoting the Indian traditional culture of beautification l The hotel also tops the charts for facility management, all the needs of organizing any kind of gathering, from a dinner date to a social meet-up or an office outing
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Wellness and more
Magical Monsoon
As Mother Nature spreads her arms wide to welcome the monsoon waters, there is humidity in the air along with remnants of the summer tan that makes our skin look dull and drained. Realising the harmful effects that the sunshine after rain causes to our skin, many spas across India have designed a ‘monsoon special’ spa menu, which have therapies designed to uplift our senses and look... Priyanka Saxena Ray
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Wellness and more
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Extended and personalised programmes, which include yoga and meditation sessions, are also available at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. These are undertaken under the guidance of the resident Ayurvedic Doctor and Yoga Instructor.
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Stars Speak
What the stars say…
Horoscope June 2017 ARIES (March 21 to April 20) From the 5th of the month until the 19th Mercury transits its home sign of Gemini which is in your third house of communication and the mind. Clarity and perception are very sharp now. These resources will serve you well with family issues this month. Be patient with your burgeoning innovative ideas. They will see the light of day but let the Universe help you with the timing of their implementation. Be here now! It is vacation time, so unwind a bit.
Pandit Parashar is a well-recognised professional Astrologer based in California and has been practicing astrology for more than 34 years. His work and predictions are carried on regular basis in prominent nationwide Indian newspapers, magazines, periodicals and on Internet. He can be contacted at Parashar@parashar.com
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your sometimes overused right brain and underappreciated left brain. Take action to step out of your safety zone a little bit. Roll with the flow. Step out of responsibility mode a little and stand in your joy. Ask how you see yourself becoming freer to be who you want to be in career and relationship. You may feel there are some new talents or skills to learn or bring into what you already do. Plant some of those seeds now. The Sun will oppose Pluto in your relationship house on the 12th.
TAURUS (April 21 to May 20) During this month the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn take up occupancy in your first three houses of identity, values and the mind. It is a rich time to explore what makes you tick and what you want. Challenge yourself. There may be a hiccup of unbullish self-doubt early on and even a little reticence about reaching beyond your safety zone. On your path, however, there is no going backwards so embrace the new currents. Creative energy is strong this month and giving full expression to it will be a steadying influence.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Saturn, the lesson bringer of the zodiac, normally indicates a time for introspection, focus and discipline with respect to developing who we want to be. This month Saturn reaches the middle degrees of your birth sign and thereby provides an opportunity to get some perspective on your progress in these matters over the last year. In addition dynamic, innovative Mars inspires us to action and stirs our creative passion through the 23rd. You may be inspired to go back into your shell for respite and safety but consider the ramifications if you do. Communications, teaching or writing are generally strong now.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Happy Birthday to you, Gemini… both of you! Your birthday gift this month will be a great adventure. It’s all about feeling, passion and possibility this month but don’t be alarmed, intelligent one. It’s really an awesome opportunity to re-balance
LEO (July 23 to August 22) It is time to hone in on creative fulfilment through career. Your energy and talents need to be expressed more fully and opportunities in this area are coming into focus. You might feel you are bursting at the seams for some creative
shift, but don’t take any short cuts. Be as clear as you can be about your goals and what you need for cellular level creative satisfaction. If you can be clear about what you want, then what you want will come to you. This is a good time for emphasis on purification, health and service to others. You may feel like indulging yourself by buying something nice. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This month, the energy of expansion abounds. Keep these energies well harnessed and in balance. Keep your perspective. What are your most important priorities and goals? This is the best time to practice the art of conscious intention and thereby let go of some of those encumbering control issues. What do want to manifest? Remember that the practice of intention presumes that there is a Universal intention that is the guiding creative force of the Universe. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your ruling planet is Venus which is the highlight of the planetary show this month. Energy should be pulsing through your veins when retrograde Venus moves across the face of the Sun on the 8th. Insight and inspiration will be sparked. Retrograde means that we are re-considering ideas or going back over old territory we visited just a couple months earlier. The best way to handle a retrograde period is to go within rather than try to make sense out of unsettled external circumstances. This is a period for the Soul and not the mind. Venus is retrograde in your 9th house of philosophy and higher teachings. Maybe you are searching for answers to some of your deepest questions or looking for the right path for you. Keep yourself inspired. Things have been spacey or uncertain recently. Let that be okay. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 22) You are on a roll as the month begins. Things will be heating up as time goes on. The energy of trans-
formation abounds and we all know that is appealing to scorpions. If you could sit down at a drafting table and re-design who you are, what would the new you look like? Think about it while this deliciously intense energy abounds but don’t set yourself up to become a martyr to your own idealism and expectations. Your optimism is on an uptick. Friends are looking for you to be the life of the party. This could be a month for profound illumination. Balance fun and inspiration. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 to December 22) Wow! Benevolent Jupiter remains in your career house through September. Healer asteroid Chiron occupies your second house of talents and money. Spiritual Neptune occupies your third house of the mind. Things are building toward a crescendo later this year. This month gives you an opportunity to clear away thoughts that might block your optimism and confidence about those approaching changes. Feelings and passions may get stirred up but clarity and wisdom will win the day. Friends might disappoint you but maybe it is a message about being among those who are more supportive of you. Vacation or rest and relaxation are a requirement this month.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Retrograde Neptune spends the month smack dab in the middle of your sun sign. The uncertainty continues, but don’t fear. Watery Neptune will ultimately energise your airy, thought-filled energy field with feelings of passion and creativity. Avoid the temptation to escape to your ivory tower of idealism. Being smug simply won’t solve anything now. Focus instead on home, nest and comfort. Nurture yourself big time. Be on guard about falling into an old rut at work. Your developing more patience now will pay huge benefits in a couple of months. A summer romance is possible now. Do something wonderful with the family. Make a meaningful connection with the children.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Healer asteroid Chiron completes its transit of your sun sign over the next nine months and won’t return there for almost 50 years. These nine months are the perfect gestation period for creating a more healthy relationship with your sense of responsibility. Go easy on yourself in this department, particularly in the area of relationships. The ruler of your sun sign is Saturn which is transiting through your relationships house. Put yourself on notice… I am not responsible for his or her happiness.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) As the month begins there is some tension between your fourth house of needs/ emotions and your tenth house of career/ showing up to others. Take a look at how you put the needs and expectations of others above your own needs. Take notes, keep a diary, communicate, be honest to yourself. Get things out in the open. The sky is not going to fall if you define your life on your terms! Be with the family. Keep the company of like-minded, inspiring friends. Start a new, self-nurturing discipline like a yoga class or membership at the gym. De june 2017 | destination exotica 49
Someday this day
Get crazy with
Robot Restaurant
A concept that exceeds bizarre, this is futuristic, disco space crack for the electronics obsessed, gaming generation and it’s apparently one of the most exotic restaurants placed anywhere else than in Tokyo. The shows conducted are jaw-dropping and absolutely insane. Here’s a small taster of what the Robot Restaurant is all about, without giving too much away...
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destination exotica | june 2017
er-skate and dance while swathed in a rainbow of neon lights. The place is a $1 million investment that sprung up on the ‘themed’ scene just over one year ago. Two of the giant robots are frequently paraded on Tokyo’s roads, which certainly captures your attention, although you quickly become accustomed to strange and quirky sights here. It’s not exactly a restaurant because what it mainly offers is its specialWhat to know There are three one hour long performances ly-curated LIVE show. Rest assured, they serve food here should you ever each night start at 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm Tickets cost ¥ 5,000 (Yen) per person which get hungry: their ‘special’ bento box includes a snack box and a soft drink. Alcohol of sushi for an extra 1,000 yen ($10~ is sold separately prior to the performance and to be booked beforehand & paid beduring the intervals. Photography is allowed during the show and fore show in cash) as well as some with the robots afterwards. You are not al- other extras that are of the same kind lowed to touch the girls or take close up im- to snacks offered in cinemas such as ages. This might be a crazy, sexy show but re- popcorn, drinks, and chips can be spect is still due purchased during the show. To reach Kabukicho go to Shinjuku Station and Take a moment to marvel at this use the East Exit. The Restaurant is based on bizarre concept, the next time you Sakura Dori, off the main road on Yaukuni Dori are here. De
apanese are prominent for robot revolution, leading the way for machines to aid the human race. But the Robot Restaurant, in Tokyo’s Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district are robots that blow the sensible notion out of the window. Here, robots get engrossed in mock battles with beautiful bikini-clad, drumming and ninja fighting Japanese women riding neon tanks and giant fembots; other robots roll-
Posting Date 8 & 9 June 2017. No. of pages 52
PR: DL(S)-17/3514/2017-19 RNI: DELENG/2016/69841