September2016

Corporate

September 2016 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 9 • ` 50

PhetchaburiPrachuap Khiri Khan Thailand from a different perspective!

Celebrate Happiness!

Trek in Bhutan Ancient man made shelter:

Huliyurudurga September 2016 | Corporate Outbound 1

Contents

24 Other Stories

Managing Editor: Anurag Gupta Editorial: Garima Singhal Marketing: Don Jose Creative: Raj Toppo Printed, Published & Owned by Anurag Gupta @ 348, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur Bangalore - 560 071 Ph: +91 80 41224331 Email: corporateoutbound@gmail.com Printed at Cosmos Printers & Publishers, Wilson Garden, Bangalore - 560 027

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Aviation News

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Hospitality News

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Young Indians driving Indian travel landscape: MakeMyTrip

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Celebrate Happiness!

Trek in Bhutan

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Ancient man made shelter: Huliyurudurga

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Savour Corner

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08 Phetchaburi- Thailand from a different perspective!

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Buzz

Aviation

Indore st nd rd 21 , 22 , 23 Oct 2016

Mangalore th th 18 , 19 , 20 Nov 2016

Madurai th th th 16 , 17 , 18 Dec 2016

Nagpur th th th 27 , 28 , 29 Jan 2017

Vijayawada th th 24 , 25 , 26 Feb 2017

Bhubaneshwar th th 24 , 25 , 26 Mar 2017

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Air passenger traffic increases by 23% in July

GoAir announces Hyderabad as its 23rd destination

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Turkish Airlines to operate flights to Seychelles

Chandigarh Airport goes international

uring July 2016, the air passenger traffic in India increased by 23 % which is a substantial growth over previous year same time to 21.7 million. In the first four months of FY2016, the passenger traffic has reported a y-o-y growth of 19% and aircraft traffic has grown by 15%.The passenger growth in July has been driven by significant y-o-y increase in both domestic and international traffic. Domestic passenger traffic has reported a 26% y-o-y increase in July 2016 as against 20% growth in June 2016.

International passenger traffic, which had reported sub 10% growth rates over the last twelve months, has risen by 13% y-o-y in July 2016 as against 6% growth in June 2016.

This growth can be primarily attributed to discounted airfares offered by major airlines on both domestic and international routes in order to spur demand in the traditionally lean season of July.

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urkish Airlines will increase its flight network by adding Seychelles as another destination from October 31st 2016. Three weekly return flights will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and the passengers will depart from Istanbul at 01:05 on board TK748 arriving at Mahe, Seychelles at 10:55, with a return service on TK749 departing from Seychelles at 12:25 to arrive in Istanbul at 18:10 on the same day.This brings the total number of destinations that Europe’s best airline serves to 243 worldwide.

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oAir announced the launch of its 23rd destination on its network with flights to Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. Hyderabad will also be connected to Port Blair via Bangalore which will provide leisure travellers additional travel option. GoAir will operate up to 184 daily flights by the end of December from current 144 daily flights.Hyderabad is a key market in South & Central India and a significant base for business and tourism in the region.

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year after Prime Minister inaugurated the Chandigarh international airport, its first overseas Air India flight took off and arrival from Sharjah. The commencing of international flights from this airport would give much needed boost to the economy of the state by connecting it with the rest of world. It was a magnificent gift of the government to the Punjabis settled across in different parts of the world as it would enable them stay well connected with their roots.

International air connectivity from “Mohali” was all the more important because it would connect the entire Northern region comprising Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttrakhand and even the western part of Uttar Pradesh with the other parts of the world.

September 2016 | Corporate Outbound 5

Buzz

Hospitality

Eastin Residences Vadodara announces its Opening

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astin Residences Vadodara announced its Four Star Premium Apartment Hotel, “Service Apartment and Residences”, for extended stays and for regular business and leisure travel. Room configurations include studio and one bedroom well-appointed apartments, with contemporary design and stylish décor. The attached kitchenette provides a distinctive edge to the functionality and convenience of every apartment. All Studio Apartments are furnished with twin / king beds, which comprises of a sofa cum bed in the sitting area, walk-in wardrobe, kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator and heating facility, beds with exclusive 10 inch pocket spring mattresses, air conditioning with individual control units, IP TV with international news channels, broadband wireless internet, tea and coffee maker and electronic in-room safe.

Sheraton Salzburg Hotel upgraded to Sheraton Grand

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heraton Hotels and Resorts announced the designation of Sheraton Salzburg Hotel as a Sheraton Grand, welcoming it to the brand’s premier tier of hotels recognized for their enticing destinations, distinguished designs, and excellence in service and guest experiences.

The hotel has added 29 new rooms and suites. The hotel also boasts an elevated dining experience with the addition of a show kitchen to the Mirabell Restaurant, providing guests a first-hand insight into culinary creations.The Sheraton Grand Salzburg also features 166 spacious and elegant rooms, including six Sky Suites and a Penthouse Suite, all with city or park views of the famous Mirabell Gardens and Salzburg’s mountain scenery. Sheraton Club rooms and suites offer exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a private space where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day.

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Hyatt launches integrated marketing campaign for Hyatt Place & Hyatt House

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yatt launched its first-ever dual-branded marketing campaign, “You’ve Come Too Far to Settle Now,” for the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands. This integrated marketing campaign will run through November 2016 and includes digital and out-of-home advertising featuring real people and real stories, in addition to public relations and social media support. Today, business travellers are traveling with a purpose – whether that’s making a sale, getting a promotion or building new relationships which is why Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels are designed around business travellers to make their journey easier, more productive and successful.

Sterling Holiday Resorts introduces ‘Anaikatti - By the Siruvani’

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terling Holiday Resorts Limited, presents its latest riverside resort ‘Anaikatti - By the Siruvani’ located near Anaikatti, a destination on the Tamil Nadu - Kerala border and blends in luxury and comfort surrounded by dense coconut and palm orchards.

‘Anaikatti - By the Siruvani’ is a getaway offering guests with 33 rooms chalet accommodation, located on the banks of the Siruvani- a river known for sweet water. Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats and an hour away from the Silent Valley National Park Anaikatti is a green heaven hardly touched by civilisation.

The pool will help relax while the resort’s Subuthi spa will soothe senses. This resort is also a great location for MICE with two air-conditioned resort style conference halls with capacities of 40 and 80 people each. A fully equipped Holiday Activities Centre and Mini Golf within the resort ensure the guests have a fun and memorable holiday.

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Fe at ure d

Phetchaburi-

Prachuap Khiri Khan Thailand from a different perspective!

Even though Bangkok has its own uniqueness in its food, shopping, architecture, customs and much more, far away there is rain fed network of rivers, vast field, nature parks, day and night markets from traditional lifestyles to modern city. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s initiatives on reviving heritage handicraft and handloom, creating awareness to protect environment, Eco system learning centres, Hua Hin Artist village, Phetchaburi – Pran Buri has it all. So why should boys have all the fun!!!

Phetchaburi, a province in central Thailand is located 123 kms; about 2 hours drive from Bangkok.

Predominantly an agricultural province, the city is one of the oldest dating to 8th century in Thailand.

In addition to various beaches, parks, caves and palaces, the city has its unique cultural and learning centres.

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Established in the 1920s by King Rama VII as a getaway from Bangkok, Hua Hin has developed from a quiet fishing village to a famed beach resort town.

SIRINART RAJINI ECOSYSTEM LEARNING CENTRE

With 314.4 acres of area, this is the biggest man-made mangrove forest in Thailand. The land followed by Royal initiative was integrated in the reforestation Program in the honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Accession in 1996.

The rejuvenation stage of this learning center has 6 stages from land survey to collecting water in pond, digging ranch,, saplings the mangrove plant and plantation. The community as whole from government to school, to private stakeholders participates in the reforestation project. The forest has about 98 types of species and about 850 meters of natural trail with Chakram Tower to have a 360 degrees view of the forest with dancing trees.

THAI SONG DAM CULTURAL CENTER

A group of minority people settled in for more than 200 hundred years having their own culture and traditions. They usually wear black clothes with intricate hand embroidery for special occasion’s clothes. They have their own language and script. The cultural center showcases their culture, food, handicraft they make for their living, etc. the visitors are welcomed by their traditional dance, offered homemade spirits fermented from rice, their unique style of weaving and basket making, local delicacies both vegetarian and non vegetarian. These dishes are freshly made of rice flour, jaggery and coconut without preservatives and are must try. The savouries are blend of local grown spices made into a real spicy paste to be eaten with sticky rice. The center also has age old very skilled traditional handloom units weaving fine cotton and silk.

BAN KHAO TAO PROFESSIONAL HANDICRAFT CENTRE

Another project initiated by Their Majesties the King and Queen way back in 1964 when they visited Ban Khao Tao and learned that the villagers who were mostly then fishermen stayed away from shores during monsoon and had could barely earn for their living. This project of cotton handloom weaving with a special training to these villagers including women was given so that they earn extra income especially during monsoon. The silk-like durable texture fabric is made of 100% cotton thread and the technique is by using traditional looms. A woman of age as old as 80 years is still active in handloom weaving which is worth experiencing.

HUA HIN BAN SILLAPIN

Stimulate an artist in you! As they say “VISIT THE VILLAGE! PHILOSOPHERS TRAVEL AND LEARN THE THAI WAY OF LIFE”.

Also known as Artist Village, located just short drive from Hua Hin is spread over 4 acres was founded in 1998 by Tavee Kesangam a renowned painter and Chumpon Donsakul, an art collector. A quaint place with large galleries of arts and antiques, art studio, house of sculptures and a cof10 Corporate Outbound | September 2016

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fee shop where one can test their own skills in drawing and painting or learn while doing under their guidance. Several pieces of art sculptures are displayed at the entrance and spread over the entire village. There is a separate section for water colour paintings. For art lovers this cultural tourist attraction cum learning centre is worth a visit.

cold. You can also enjoy and learn how the rice is separated manually.

KANGHUNTONG SEA SALT SPA

Try a body massage, facial massage or a foot massage or make your own aroma salt. Pamper your senses at this sea salt spa from the salt fields in Phetchaburi, mixed with local herbs making into many superb quality skincare products to smoothen the skin while giving a magnificent glow and complexion. Sea salt is widely used as one of the cooking ingredients, for its qualities rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, fluoride and iron is a good source for skin cosmetics to help to clean dead skin cells. You can also buy these products after experiencing quality. All the treatments right from soaking your feet in salt water to give you clean soft feet while relieving all tiredness. The special turmeric based facial herbal pack leave your skin soft and supple and has a lasting effect. Other products include moisturisers, face packs, body lotions, scrubs etc.

Hua Hin is increasingly being recognized as one of Thailand's premier golfing destinations

SOMDET PHRA SRINAGARINDRA PARK

Spread across 142 acres, this land was once degraded when His Majesty the King took over and made into an agrotourism site based on integrated farming system, for environmental conservation and forest rehabilitation. Located at Mu 8, the park is approximately 65 kms from Chumphon town.

You will learn about sustainable agriculture that protects the environment, public health, human communities and animal welfare. The lunch at this park is served in a wrapped water lily leaf. The vegetarians can enjoy the delicacies of fresh flowers from the park mixed with natural herbs deep fried and served with warmth and love. A special drink in different flavours is also prepared from the extracts of fresh flowers from the farm. Away from hustle bustle of city life visitors get to learn rice planting, seeding through slingshot, making pain relieving herbal compress ball and herbal balm for aches and

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Thailand that you are lucky if you get a chance to offer alms to Buddhist monks and seek their blessings. It is called as Merit-making whereby one offers daily essentials to monks and get blessed not only yourself but also your ancestors.

The divine feeling of being blessed by monks is something one must experience.

Where to stay and eat!

Other places of interest in Phetchaburi includes Laem Phak Bia environmental Research and Development Project, one of the most important projects of His Majesty the King aimed at improving methods of water conservation and mangrove restoration.

Royal Sea Farming project developed by Her Majesty the Queen to solve the problem of dwindling marine resources and have a sustainable marine farming.

Another attraction in Hua Hin is its night market where you get variety of souvenirs, clothes and knick-knacks. Treat your eyes and tastes buds with delicious freshly made sea food. It is believed in

Dine at Udom Pochana

The most authentic sea food restaurant by the sea side in Pranburi is Udom Pochana. This spacious eating joint is one of the oldest local joint for squids, crabs and other fishes. Do not to forget to order beer or fresh coconut water to quench your thirst.

Though Phetchaburi – Pranburi- Hua Hin has various hotels and resorts to suits all budgets, here are few which must be experienced while you are there.

Black Mountain Golf Club

Nestled in the backdrop of mountains, this Golf Course resort is winner of Thailand’s best Golf Course for years together in a row. As the name says the course is surrounded by black granite covered mountains and is located at 25 minutes drive from Hua Hin. Even if you are not staying there, you must try their array of western and Thai dishes over looking Golf Course and mountains.

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Situated at just 3 hours drive from Bangkok in Hua Hin this beach resort with 24 delightful rooms and villas is perfect for weekend getaway. Vintage yet classy ambience, infinity pool, serene beach and unmatched food with personalised service to die for, makes this resort a must visit.

Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa

Gorgeously designed self contained posh rooms facing pool and beach is an ideal place to stay in Hua Hin whether you are there to explore Hua Hin’s rich cultural heritage or for golf or just to relax at the immaculate beach. With 310 spacious rooms and 12 suites the hotel has all the elements of a class property like fine dining, spa, fitness center, never ending swimming pool and empathetic service all but with a difference. The hotel is well equipped with 8 meeting rooms and 9343 sq ft of total meeting space ideal for MICE.

Young Indians driving Indian travel landscape: MakeMyTrip

Aleenta Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Spa

An award winning boutique Luxury Sea facing resort with each residence having a private pool is highly recommended.

A resort which is based on the concept of sustainable development that is everything in this resort is home grown.

Right from bakery to condiments to groceries to spirits from natural resources to the world class toiletries is made at the resort. Approximately two and a half hour drive from Bangkok this resort should be experienced to be believed.

Rise in mobile bookings & impromptu travel plans has dominated 2016

Phetchaburi is an old royal city, dating back to the 8th century

Coco 51

Another restaurant located by the sea side in Hua Hin offers great sea food at great prices. One must reach there just before the sunset to enjoy the ambience with live acoustic music in the background with cold breeze.

A perfect evening is guaranteed with your romantic partner or even with your family.

Devasom Hua Hin Resort

Express Info Distance- Phetchaburi- Hua Hin is about 130 kms from Bangkok and is best travelled by road.

There are number of buses and taxies available.

The city can be travelled by tuktuk a regional mode of transport. Hua Hin is linked by highway to Petchburi and the rest of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Currency- 1 Thai Baht (THB) = 1.92 INR Visa- Tourist Visa for Thailand is on arrival for Indians for 30 days with a valid return ticket. The visa cost is 1000 Baht and is subject to change.

Food- Street sea food is a must try while you stay in Thailand.

Telecom Connectivity- It is always advisable to stay connected when you are travelling. Dtac offers Thailand’s best selling SIM card for travellers @199 B for validity of 7 days with free data usage and 15B call credit.

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akeMyTrip released a report highlighting the travel behaviour seen among Indian travellers from January 2016 to June 2016.

The study provides consumer behaviour trends in the travel space and compares the same with last year.

According to the report, there has been a significant change in the travel behaviour vis-à-vis last year. A major trend observed is that Indian travellers have now become increasingly younger. Smartphone penetration and adoption led by the young travellers is driving shift from offline to online in the travel industry. Young Indian travellers are also very spontaneous, as demonstrated by the surge in last minute bookings. The other top trends observed this year include higher spending on luxury travel experience within India & abroad by travellers, rise in solo-women travel amongst others.

With higher disposable income, people have started spending more time on their holidays (12-14 nights) by clubbing multiple destinations in their itinerary.

The average holiday frequency has also gone up due to extended weekends and average vacation time period is up by 10%.More people are taking 3-4 long

Information Courtesy: Make my Trip

weekend breaks in a year and a couple of short-holidays, especially during the festive season. The findings say that the travellers are becoming younger i.e the young Indians are the driving force behind the changing travel landscape in the country. 66% of the total trips were made by travellers in the age group 18-35 years. Young Indians prefer to book Hotels last minute with 72% of the last minute bookings being done by travellers in the age group 18-35 years.

Mobile is the most preferred booking platform. 74% of the bookings made via app were made by travellers in the age group 18-35 years. Compared to this, the travellers’ mix preferring desktop as the medium comprises of more travellers in the age bracket of over 35 years, accounting for 40% of the total bookings made via the desktop. In terms of international travel, young Indians prefers short haul destinations. 65% of the trips made in short haul destinations were made by travellers in the 1835 years age bracket. Compared to this, of all Long Haul Trips made, only 50% were in the 18-35 years age bracket.

63% of the young travelers have taken more than 4 trips in H1 2016 versus 54% inH1 2015. South East Asia and Middle East/Gulf continue to be the

top searched international destinations for Indian travellers. Mumbai-Dubai was the top searched route in 2016 and saw the highest growth (71%) as well during the same period. While Thailand, Singapore, Dubai and Europe continue to be the top international destinations, highest growth in room nights bookings have been seen for Bali (192%), Salzburg (170%), Prague (130%) and Genting Highlands (375%). While travellers from Delhi continue to top the list for searches for international flights & international hotels, Bangalore has seen the highest growth (28%) for the related searches as compared to last year.

The mobile saw a high usage with more than 8 million out of the total 23 million downloads of the MakeMyTrip app (till June 30th 2016) happening between January 2016and June 2016.

Mobile transactions saw a growth of 313% and constitutes for 54% of the total transactions, versus 25% last year.

For MakeMyTrip, mobile now accounts for over 73% of the total transactions in the strategically important online Standalone Indian Hotels segment in Q1FY17.

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Celebrate Happiness!

Trek in Bhutan T

here is no good season to visit Bhutan because every season is the best season to visit this wonderful and happy country. Bhutan not only attracts the tourists who love it for its nature and Himalayan beauty but it also never fails to attracts various adventure enthusiasts be it trekking, biking, rafting or kayaking. You name it and it has it all.

Trekking in Bhutan will allow you to discover the incredible beauty, clean air, unspoiled nature and fascinating nomadic lives in the far flung Himalayan regions. The journey will awaken you above the clouds, amidst the snow sprinkled mountains and into the arms of serenity.

Whether you are looking for a day's hike or a grueling 31 days adventure, Bhutan has it all. Pristine mountain lakes, imposing glaciers and some of the world’s most endangered species await you in the mountainous amphitheater of the Himalayas.

With just a couple of months away until the trekking season begins, let us give you a selection of some of the country’s finest treks.

Druk Path Trek The most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient Lhakhangs, Dzongs and villages.

The capital city, Thimphu, has no traffic lights– just white-gloved traffic officers.

The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m.This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest un-scaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.

Duration: 6 Nights camping/ 7 days Trek Start Point: Paro End Point: Thimphu http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/druk-path-trek

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek This trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more.

During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes. The best time to embark on this trek is 16 Corporate Outbound | September 2016

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is in spring or autumn.

Duration: 2 Nights Camping/ 3 Days Trekking Start Point: Ngang Lhakhang, Bumthang End Point: Ogyencholing, Bumthang http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/bumthang-cultural-trek

Merak Sakteng Trek Merak-Sakteng stands out as a distinct attraction in Bhutan.

Unlike anywhere else in the country, it offers a visitor to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle, culture and vernacular in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in the protected area of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Trashigang Dzongkhag (District), in Eastern Bhutan.

The campsites have been designed aesthetically to blend with local architecture and ambiance. Enclosed by a stonewall (with a gate to bring in the ponies to unpack trekking paraphernalia), the campsite is equipped with facilities such as tenting sheds, toilets, kitchens (in some), dining area and water supply.

Bhutan is not merely carbon neutral, it’s also a carbon sink— making it one of the few countries in the world to have negative carbon emissions.

Duration: 6 Nights Camping/ 7 Days Trekking Start Point: Chaling, Mongar End Point: Phongmey, Trashigang http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/merak-sakteng-trek between April-June or September –October.

Duration: 5 Nights Camping/ 6 Days Trekking Start Point: Gyenekha, Thimphu End Point: Chamgang, Thimphu http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/dagala-thousand-lakes-trek

Gangtey Trek Although the trek is possible throughout the winter, the best time for the Gangte Trek is between March-May and September-November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route.

The trail winds through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons and over small streams of cold, clear mountain water. This trek is an excellent choice for those visitors not accustomed to trekking in the mountains as it offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between SeptemberMay. Duration: 2 Nights Camping/ 3 Days Trekking Start Point: Phobjikha End Point: Tikke Zampa http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/gangtey-trek

Bumthang Cultural Trek This is a fairly easy three-day trek that takes you through beautiful valleys and along clear, trout-filled rivers. Bumthang is often known as the ‘cultural heartland’ of Bhutan and there are plenty of ancient temples to visit during the hike.

In addition to the numerous Lhakhangs there are also a number of small villages where you can stop and rest. The only segment of the trek that may prove challenging is a 500m ascent to Pele La pass. The best time to embark on this trek 18 Corporate Outbound | September 2016

The Bhutanese government provides its people with free education and healthcare despite poverty.

Express Info To reach:

By Air : Paro is the international Airport and DrukAir flies from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and Bodh Gaya.

Snowman Trek The Snowman Trek is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek, and leads from Laya into high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It takes tough and enduring trekkers into the Lunana region and further on to Gangkhar Puensum and Bumthang or down to Sephu in Trongsa district, depending on which route you choose. The Snowman trek leads through the most remote areas up to very high altitudes. Trekkers have to camp in altitudes above 5,000m more than once, and depending on the seasonal temperatures, the camps are sometimes on snow.

Duration: 24 Nights Camping/ 25 Days Trekking Start Point: Gunitsawa Village, Paro End Point: Sephu, Trongsa http://www.tourism.gov.bt/trek/merak-sakteng-trek

By Road: The town of Phuentsholing in south-west is located approximately 170 km east of the Indian national airport at Bagdogra. After crossing Phuentsholing, you begin your journey to Thimphu, the capital city with travel time of about six hours for the 170 km stretch.

Currency: Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country.

Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

Visa: Visa is on arrival for Indian passport holders and is free of cost.

For more Info check out : http://www.tourism.gov.bt/ activities/trek

Information and Picture courtesy: Charson Advisory Services Pvt.Ltd., Mumbai September 2016 | Corporate Outbound 19

Weekend Getaway

L Ancient man made shelter:

Huliyurudurga

ocated close to Savandurga, the hill is a solid mass of rock and has the peculiar appearance of an inverted cup. The fortification of the hill commanding the place is about 845 meters above sea level and were said to have been erected by Kempegowda, the Magadi chief. Maybe the warlords back in the day wanted a fort here on this hill because of the elevation, or perhaps, they just lost interest along the way. But the stones of the fortifications show no sign of ever being dressed. This is an incomplete fort that was abandoned midway. There are springs, ruined houses, powder magazines, granaries, durbar hall and other remains. The temple close to this hill is said to have been built by Kempe Gowda or by Chikkadeveraya Wodeyar. It has well worked granite pillars in the Navaranga or the nine colors. The temple of Mallikarjuna is situated on the summit of Hemagiri hill, which is by the side of Huliyurudura. A shrine of Vadiraja locally known as Hemagiriyappa is on the eastern slope of Hemagiri where the object of worship is a round stone and on the southern slope is a shrine of Bhairava. The hill is loftier and greener than Huliyurudurge and easier to climb, but not fortified.

The ideal way of getting to Huliyurudurge is to leave Bengaluru early, and stop along the way, after Magadi, for a roadside breakfast picnic. It is a short drive, and it is best to reach the destination before the sun is high in the sky.

The climb can get treacherous under the hot sun. There aren’t any easily

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marked routes and markers along the way, but locals and farmers are friendly and will happily guide you along to the Betta.

Once you get a view of Hemagiri, rest assured that you aren’t far away. There are beautiful ponds and water bodies along the way, which are teaming with water lilies in the right season.

The climb itself can be a little treacherous for the novice climber. The hill’s sides are pretty steep and covered with dense vegetation. Steps are made till the Ganesha temple, about quarter way up. There are guiding painted arrows pointing the way up from here. It is not an easy climb and there are several feet tall vertical hurdles that need to be ascended. This is an ancient flagstone path and has been washed smooth and slick by many centuries of monsoons and can be difficult and slippery along the way. Good climbing and bouldering shoes will make the climb easier. Many a times, you will find that the path ends and the steep rock face is the only way up. The ruins of the fortifications and the fort walls are visible from many spots along the climb. Climbing up is fairly easy, but climbing back down will often require climbing gear.

Along the climb, one will come across many quaint little landmarks. A beautiful Basavanna temple with the Nandi inside or the crumbling fort walls, this man made rock formation appears to be an ancient shelter. A temple complex with a towering shikhara or dome, a deepastambha or lamp pillar, walls on four sides and a Dwarabagilu or Nandi, Kumbi Betta and the first water little pond all are easily visible from many points along the climb. On the summit is the Mallikarjuna devasthana or temple with a small tank right opposite it. Dur22 Corporate Outbound | September 2016

ing monsoon the tank is full of water and teaming with little water wildlife.

Preparations for travel: The nearest town is the Kunigal district, which is about 20 kms from the little hamlet that is the village of Huliyuru. The facilities, in terms of boarding and lodging, even in the town of Kunigal are minimal. Tumkur, which is nearly 45 kms away from Huliyur is the next town and there are some mid to high range hotels available, which can cost you anywhere between Rs. 2000 to 8000 per night. The ideal way to travel to Huliyurudurge however is to camp during the night. The village of Huliyur and the bottom of the hill provide some good camping spots, but this is also bear and leopard country, so it is good to be prepared accordingly. Carry your rations, precooked and ready to eat food is ideal.

During the monsoon season, the place can get a little soggy and marshy, and carrying a flashlight, mosquito repellent ointment and plenty of drinking water won’t be a bad idea. There is no source for camping gear nearby, so it is best to bring your own, along with first aid kits, because the village itself is very sparsely equipped and the nearest medical facility is in the town of Kunigal.

The climb is a satisfying one, both for a nature lover, a connoisseur of history of one just looking for a little excitement and adventure. This is one of those hidden treasures of the state of Karnataka, that needs to see more people and it needs to be explored a little bit more.

Express Info

Getting there: Located 95 kms west of Bangalore Kunigal tehsil of Tumkur district in Karnataka, it is situated 22 kms away from the sub-district headquarter Kunigal and 52 km away from district headquarter Tumkur and has a village code 612728.The easiest way of getting there is by road.

It is best to carry overnight camping gear as well as climbing gear as the fortification is a tough climb and requires a little expert handling.

There is no accommodation close by, except for the villages of Kunigal or Tumkur, but it will take a traveler away from the hill that has to be climbed.

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INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

150 gms boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes 200g firm tofu, cubed 4-5 tbsp soya sauce 3 Limes 2 red chillies Sliced 2 tbsp vegetable oil 400 ml Coconut milk 1 courgette cut into chunks 50 gms pea aubergine 50 gms carrots 80 gms broccoli ½ red pepper 50 gms mushrooms 20 gms baby corn 20 gms thai basil 1 tsp brown sugar Jasmine rice

For paste

Chef Vipul, a Professional in Industry with over 11 years of experience in India and Abroad, specializes in South East Asian and Modern Continental Cuisine. Currently, he is inspiring and nurturing young chefs as a Chef Trainer at IHM PUSA New Delhi.

• • • • • • • • •

3no red chillies 1 lemon grass 3no shallots ½ red pepper , desseded and chopped Lemon rind 20 gms coriander 20 gms ginger 2 cloves garlic Salt/ pepper

Thai vegetable curry Method • •

• •

Blend the paste ingredients in a food processor. Marinate the tofu in 2 tbsp soy sauce, juice 1 lime and the chopped chilli.

Heat half the oil in a large pan. Add 3-4 tbsp paste and fry for 2 mins. Stir in the coconut milk with 100ml water, the courgette, aubergine, broccoli, babycorn and pepper and cook for 10 mins until almost tender.

Drain the tofu, pat dry, then fry in the remaining oil in a small pan until golden.

Add the mushrooms and most of the basil to the curry, then season with the sugar, remaining lime juice and soy sauce. Cook for 4 mins until the mushrooms are tender, then add the tofu and heat through. Scatter with sliced chilli and basil and serve with jasmine rice.

24 Corporate Outbound | September 2016

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