Gonow march by Cross Section Interactive Private Limited

GONOW

a cross section publication

VOLUME 14. ISSUE 9. MARCH 2014. ` 50

A L L A B O U T T R AV E L A N D T O UR I S M

EXPLORING KOCHI’S LUXURY STAY OPTIONS

ECT TOURISM CONN

ECO-TOURISM IN SANCTUARIES IS HERE TO STAY

STREET FOOD

IIFA 2014

TAMPA BAY HOSTS GALA

Experiences from around the world

this issue pg 20

niche destination

IIFA 2014 in Tampa Bay: Moving to USA for the first time, IIFA will take place in Tampa Bay, Florida this year

niche destination

14 A fling with Flanders: This

place is a treasure trove of history and culture situated amidst immense natural beauty. Street food experiences around the world: taste the local cuisines of the destinations around the world with best street food experiences. Go golfing in Hong Kong: we bring to you a handy kit of the best golf courses in Hong Kong, where it’s about more than just golfing.

metro travel

40 Exploring Kochi’s luxury

stay options: with a variety of hotels available, you can choose your perfect lodgings in this lovely seaside city. Park Street in Kolkata: with a combination of both old and new, this place has maintained its charm over

time and is all about the good life. 48 Delhi update: in this section we bring to you a detailed view of the recent events and developments that took place in the city.

tourism connect

56 Spicing up Goan tourism:

Goa has a lot to be seen beyond beaches, hinterland tourism is now being focused on and is there to stay. 58 The Tiger and the tourist: sanctuaries are taking up eco-tourism as they believe that tourists can actually help in the conservation of this endangered big cat. 62 What’s so special about Kerala: with some alluring destinations, its backwaters, beaches, hill stations, etc Kerala is a perfect holiday destination. 66 Best practices: Tight focus on you, the customer.

niche destination

pg 26

Taiwan – A must-visit destination for Indians: Noel Saxena, Country Head, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Representative Office in India lists down reasons for Indian travellers to visit Taiwan

Corrigendum On page 16 of the previous issue, in the introduction to the report, ‘From Queenland’s Cultural Sphere to the Cradle of its Natural Grandeur’, it has been inadvertently been described as being set in Western Australia when, in fact it is a description of events in Eastern Australia. The error is regretted.

From the Editor This issue we are back in the regular size – all the feedback we got was to say the bigger size was unwieldy. We believed it gave us more space for design and display, but we had to bow before feedback and genuine concern. We have taken the opportunity to strike out on some newer design elements and also a new range of features. As with the human personality, no magazine is meant to stand still and innovation and enterprise is meant to signal the ongoing journey of any successful publication. Starting with updates from airlines, hotels and destinations in our ‘with travellers in mind’ section, we have featured some bolder offers in standalone treatment. We take you to various niche destinations around the world. Discover the treasure of history and culture amidst natural beauty in Flanders. Moving on, we bring you a report on how Tampa Bay is preparing for the International Indian Film Academy Awards with Santiago Corrado, President CEO, Visit Tampa Bay and Andre Timmins, Director Wizcraft International and IIFA. Next, we have Noel Saxena, Country Head, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Representative Office in India listing out five reasons, why an Indian traveller should visit Taiwan. In the same section we also get you flavours of the local street food from different parts of the world. For golf lovers, we have a handy kit of the best golf courses in Hong Kong. Moving on to the metro travel segment, you can choose your perfect hotel out of the wide-ranging lodging options in Kochi, perfect for a tranquil getaway. Further, we take you on a stroll to the Park Street in Kolkata which was once an unpaved road and now has been turned into an entertainment and shopping centre of the metropolitan. Our new section, ‘delhi update’ will keep you informed about the happenings in and around the capital regarding events, food, developments and more. Next we have the tourism connect section where this time we are talking about tourism in Goa, beyond beaches. In this same section we have a discussion about tigers and tourism and whether the two are in conflict. This is followed by a discussion on what makes Kerala tourism special. We also have an exploration of the best practices of cruise shipping. An assortment of ideas on where you should go next. Not much need to wait and ponder any longer. It is time to GoNow. Happy Reading!

ON THE COVER (Clockwise from top) Trident Kochi Editor: Navin Berry Managing Editor: Priyaanka Berry Features Desk: Anupriya Bishnoi, Nikita Chopra Advertising: Saurabh Shukla Design: Ashok Saxena, Neelam Aswani Circulation: Chandra Tamang Go Now is printed and published by Navin Berry, on behalf of Cross Section Media Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Anupam Art Printers, B-52, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi - 110 028 Go Now is published from IIIrd Floor, Rajendra Bhawan, 210, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002. Tel: 91-11-43784444. Fax: 91-11-41001627. E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com This issue of gonow contains 68 pages

Redang Daging, a Malaysian delicacy Tampa Bay, Florida – IIFA 2014 venue Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve If travel excites you just the way it excites us, share your experiences on /gonowlifestylemagazine /gonowmagazine /gonowmagazine

drop us a line.

Like something we wrote? Wondering how to get somewhere? Or been to a place you want to talk about? Write to us and let us know. Don’t have the words to describe a place? Don’t worry – send us your best travel pictures and we’ll let them speak for you. If your letter or photo is published, you will get a year’s subscription to gonow absolutely FREE! Send your letters and photographs to E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com Material not used will not be returned

March 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

vSnippets Special Holi Packages by The Lalit Hotels & Resorts

Acacia - New Addition to Goa’s Stay Options in the North

oa has got a new property now. Located at the North Goa party lane Acacia is just 500 meters from the beautiful and picturesque Candolim Beach. The hotel features total 54 rooms and suites including 49 Superior rooms, 3 Deluxe rooms and 2 Suites. For dining experiences, Acacia Goa offers multiple options to its guests. The all-day dining restaurant E.A.T. – eat any time, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a choice of buffet or a la carte menu. The Roof Top Restaurant, Izgara – the Turkish grill brings the flavours of Istanbul to Goa. Lobby level Speciality Restaurant, Masala Art serves the right blend of authentic and contemporary Indian cuisine. S u n ken Ba r, a pool ba r serves snacks and cocktails around the pool. Organising the events Acacia Goa makes all the facilities available to its guests. Be it a small family

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event or corporate affair the meeting and banqueting facilities offer state of the art equipment combined with a superb selection of menus to choose from plus attentive service guaranteeing the event is the most memorable one. The Brown Room (Banquet Hall) can accommodate up to 75 persons and is designed in a theatre style. For the guests who are looking forward to unwind, the hotel also offers luxury Spa facilities with two Couple and one single private treatment rooms offering massage therapies that embrace the most effective Wes ter n a nd Ay u r ved ic styles of massage to promote a sense of well-being and nurture the spirit. Address: H No. 586/ A, Sequeira Waddo, Candolim, Bus Stop Junction, Village Candolim, Bardez, Goa Call: 0832-6714777 / 0832-2489361 www.acaciagoa.com

Along with the bright colours of the festival, delve in to the architectural and historical beauty of Khajuraho and natural beauty of Bekal this year. The Lalit Hotels and Resorts have introduced different special stay packages for guests to enjoy the festival at these destinations. A couple can enjoy a 2 nights 3 days stay package with a complimentary stay for 2 children at The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho. Similarly, Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal also offers a special stay package which includes discounts on food and beverage, Rejuve – The Spa and laundry. Price: The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal – `28,000; The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho – `25,999. When: Valid for Bookings from March 16th – 18th 2014

Varq at The Taj Mahal Hotel turns 5

Completing five excellent years of serving gastronomic journey to many, Varq, the contemporary five star restaurant at Taj Mahal New Delhi celebrated its anniversary with a new menu by Grandmaster Chef Hemant Oberoi. Signature dishes at Varq include Varqui Crab, Palak Patta Chat, Ganderi Kabab, Varqui Jalebi to name a few. The restaurant also has exclusive artworks by the celebrated artist Anjolie Ela Menon in its interiors complementing the theme of the restaurant. This 80 seater restaurant located at the lower lobby level also includes a private dining area for 14 people. Where: The Taj Mahal Hotel, Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi. For reservations, call: 011-66566162 / 23026162

with travellers in mind

SOFITEL MUMBAI

onjour Namaste may be a tough recall but they make it happen combining French sophistication with Indian tradition. This is the essence of Sofitel, at BKC in Mumbai, and there is no mistaking its nuances in cuisine, personalised service, motifs in wall coverings and in every piece of art. With its 302 rooms including 31 suites, the ambience is marked by heavy embroidered fabrics in tapestry on sofas and curtains. There is design in everything around you. Even the usual columns have a ornate glass facade. Little touches make the subtle difference – typically most hotels in public areas would show a current cricket match in action. Here at the Sofitel, the television in the bar area is showing football beamed live from Europe! Pricing is competitive and we particularly recommend its fine restaurants and bars. The spa experience is exceptional. French culture, design and gastronomy blend artistically with rich Indian tradition in a signature art nouveau style, offering multifaceted indulgences through cuisine, entertainment and relaxation; where buoyant business meets elegant lifestyle, and “Life is Magnifique”. Two key events that were recently held at Sofitel Mumbai BKC have signalled a new momentum. In alignment with the Sofitel’s brand pillar of Culture and Events, the hotel associated with the Tootsie Rollers on their maiden venture to India. The all-girl band from the UK rendered a passionate performance of old classics with a contemporary twist on Valentine’s Day. The hotel also played host to the prestigious sixth edition of TopGear Magazine India Awards, made the perfect launch pad for Hriday – the novel outdoor venue of 30,000 sq. ft. Forthcoming focus is on Gastromy and events. Artisan our Parisian Cafe in the heart of Mumbai will be relaunched to becoming the watering hole for corporate houses within BKC and the neighbouring districts. Another innovative platform will be to invite international Chefs from across the Accor family to showcase their culinary talents and provide the new generation of food connoisseurs a unique destination offering.

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with travellers in mind

Songkran – Thailand’s New Year Water Festival

vSnippets

8th Novotel property in India – Novotel Pune

nown as the traditional New Year’s Day in Thailand, Songkran is celebrated all across the nation with northern city of Chiang Mai being famous for its celebrations. Here, it is known to continue for six days or even longer. This is that time of the year when one must visit Thailand to have an experience of its local culture and traditions. The traditional way to celebrate this festival is with the elders, so most Thai people go back to their hometowns to meet their elders. The festival is celebrated during the week of 11th to 13th April every year. People in Thailand throw water on each other during the celebration of Songkran. They throw water with containers

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of water or water guns. As a blessing for the New Year, Thais smear beige coloured talc on faces and bodies of each other by mixing it with water or menthol. Various sections of the streets are closed by the officials to let the people come on the streets for celebrations. The Songkran festival is counted as a new life festivity in which many around the world take part in, but is mostly found in the country of Thailand. Some people make New Year resolutions – to refrain from bad behaviour, or to do good things. The practice of throwing water on each other is a way to show their respect as the water is believed to be first poured over the Buddhas for cleansing and then this blessed water is gently thrown on people to bless them with good fortune and with family. Tourists can delve into these festivities with the Thais to experience the local culture closely, like being one of them. These water fights also relieve people from the heat of the sun in the month of April, which is known to be the hottest of the year in Thailand. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Khon Kaen are the top five provinces of Thailand, worth visiting during this part of the year. More than just fun, Songkran Festival is also about worshiping Buddha. For someone who wishes a good karma for the present year, washing Buddha images, visiting temples and cleaning the house are things to be done. The officials have put designated signage around different areas to help tourists find the temples and places to worship during this festival.

After Novotel Goa Shrem Resort and Novotel Ahmedabad, the brand comes to Pune with the next generation of Novotel guest rooms. Contemporary design, flexibility and high-class technology, this property has it all. Serving a comfortable environment to its guests, the hotel offers a variety of room types from Suites and Superior rooms to Premier and Standard rooms. Also, the guests can relish flavours of international cuisines at five different food and beverage options including, The Square, Fuzion, Soak, BarCode and Crust. Strengthening its MICE network, the hotel features flexible banquet offerings along with its Eureka meeting room concept. Where: Weikfield IT City Infopark, Survey 30/3, Ramwadi, Viman, Pune For reservations, visit: www.novotel.com or Call: +91 20 67056000

The Lalit Chandigarh – Now Open

Inspired by the designs of the famous French architect, Le Corbusier, Lalit Chandigarh at Rajiv Gandhi IT Park Chandigarh is now open. The hotel offers 179 rooms and suites along with a host of options for dining and entertainment. The hotel also has The Lalit Legacy Lounge, which is exclusive for the use of the guests residing in Club Room and Suites. Its Crystal Ballroom, Convention Hall, Meeting Rooms and Seminar Hall are adequately equipped with technology to serve the needs of the discerning travellers. Rejuve – The Spa, the group’s signature spa offers its guests with eastern and western healing techniques and natural therapies. Where: The Lalit Chandigarh, Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, Chandigarh – 160101 For Reservations, call: 0172 3007777

with travellers in mind

TRIDENT GURGAON

ery often we use the word iconic loosely. Not every hotel is truly iconic, even though it may be a great institution. It is not just the physical product which it certainly does include - it is the sum total of the various parts that came together to create history. The Trident Gurgaon is perhaps one such hotel that has been truly inspiring. When it opened ten years ago, we went to experience it in the belief it would be at best another 4 star hotel. Our first impression was one of disbelief - surely, the hotel group knew what they were creating - a fairyland among hotels that were at best medium rung, a motley crowd in a city that was opening up to hospitality. Gurgaon was going through its first throes of ushering in some good hotels. The Trident was the first. Being a Trident, a second tier of The Oberoi Group, after its hotels in Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur, this one seemed to be more magnificant than many an Oberoi - it was truly a great 'รงreation' - and ushered in a new phase for the NCR. This year, it is ten years old - a good time as any other to experience its magic, its burning mashals, its open air experience, all in the heart of the city. And just a stone throw away from where stood the erstwhile inter state barrier, holding back the traffic flow between Delhi and its neighouring Gurgaon. The Trident has indeed moved closer to everyone.

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with travellers in mind

vSnippets Marriott’s Spa by JW Comes to Bengaluru

Spa by JW, the signature spa of the brand JW Marriott has now launched its first signature spa in Bengaluru. This is the first time that the brand has been introduced worldwide and makes JW Marriott Bengaluru truly extraordinary. Focussed on lifestyle modification, Spa by JW offers exclusive facilities for rejuvenation and relaxation on a non-residential basis. The

Indian Heritage Comes Online

oogle in association with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India has brought in the 360˚ view of Indian heritage sites including the Taj Mahal and others by way of various panoramic images. With these experiences coming online, people around the world will get a new way to interact with and learn about some of the most important heritage monuments in India. It will help in sharing more of India’s diverse culture with new audiences, and help preserve this part of India’s identity for generations to come. Bringing Indian heritage closer to every person’s doorstep, this project will launch panoramic views of around 100 monuments from all across India. Currently, they have launched the first lap, which had a total of 30 monuments including the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar and Qutub Minar among others. “The Ministry of Culture’s aim is to

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(R-L) Rajan Anandan, Vice President, MD, Google India; Pravin Srivastava, Director General of ASI; Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Sanjeev Mittal, Joint Secretary, ASI unveiling the new 360-degree online imagery

preser ve, pro mote, a nd d i s seminate India’s art and culture. The last year has seen a number of celebrations and successes in the cultural sphere. This partnership with Google makes it possible for billions of people across the world to see and explore our magnificent heritage in the virtual world. People can take a walk at the Rock Cut Jain Temple, at the Nagarjuna Konda Buddhist Stupas and relive history in Fatehpur Sikri. With the release of these new panoramic images, we aim to create a dynamic, immersive online experience by which people within India and around the world can understand and engage more of India’s diverse cultural heritage,” said Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture Chandresh Kumari Katoch. Google created a ‘virtual walkthrough’ application using its ‘Street View Trekker’ technology to capture the experiences of all these 30 monuments which also included Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Raigad Fort, Nagarjuna Hill and more. “Google is deeply committed to helping preserve and showcase cultural heritage across the world. India is unique in terms of the sheer wealth of heritage and iconic historical monuments, and it has been our privilege to work with the ASI in collecting new 360-degree photos of 30 Indian heritage sites. We hope the imagery will help make India’s heritage and culture more accessible to people at home and abroad,” said Rajan Anandan, Vice President and Managing Director, Google India. For further information, visit: www.google.com/ culturalinstitute/home

therapies and techniques are ingeniously designed to provide holistic wellness of the mind, body and soul. The treatment options at the spa emphasises on the following points, Calm, Invigorate, Indulge and Renewal. Where: Level H, JW Marriott Bengaluru Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm For Reservations, Call: + 91 80 6718 8566

Punjab gets its first Hyatt Regency in Ludhiana

With the largest convention centre of the city, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, located on the National Highway 95 is a spacious place to unwind at in the bustling city. “It is an exciting time for us as we believe in the rapid growth of this city, mak-

ing our hotel ideal for state-of-the-art-meetings, conferences, social events and weddings,” said Glenn Peat, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana. Along with offering 168 contemporary guestrooms, it also has a number of dining options serving local and international cuisines. The hotel offers more than 614 sq m of meeting space including a 502 sq m ballroom which is ideal for meetings, conferences and private parties. Where: Site No. 4, Ferozepur Road, Housing Board Colony, Ludhiana, Punjab. For Further Information, visit: www.ludhiana.regency.hyatt.com

with travellers in mind

ir Asia is understood to be ready for its launch and should begin flights anytime now. It is awaiting the final government clearances , and possibly some changes in aviation policy, like the 5/20 rule that will permit to also fly international from day 1. It plans to operate a fleet of Airbus A320-200 aircraft, initially with 4-5 planes and quickly expand it to ten in a year and ten each the year after. It will operate point-to-point flights mainly from Tier-II Indian cities. It will target Tier-II and III cities in south India to begin with. Air Asia chief Tony Fernandes is committed to introducing ‘dramatically’ low fares in the country, the cheapest in the market and take air travel to the masses. And this is what the traveller is waiting for! Known to have revolutionised the airline market in Malaysia and some other Asian countries through lowcost airfares, their strategy for India will also be to offer the “cheapest” possible tickets as the main objective of this airline is said to make air

AIR ASIA TO LAUNCH SOON! travel affordable to people, especially families and particularly first-time air travellers. “What I want to say is that flying is a great economic driver and to get more people flying, we have to reduce the costs. This may be hard for the state governments, because aviation fuel tax is a good cash cow, but if you see in medium to long term, the benefits of flying are huge. You can see the success in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and many other places and we can do the same in India as well,” Fernandes has said. The other stakeholders in AirAsia’s Indian venture, include the TATA Group and Telstra Tradeplace High taxes and other costs have been a major reason for AirAsia thinking to start its domestic flights in India with Chennai as a hub and not the bigger centres like Delhi and Mumbai. AirAsia’s entry is likely to intensify the stiff competition in India’s domestic aviation market, and offer a cheaper alternative to the traveller.

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with travellers in mind

NOW BUY ITDC SERVICES ONLINE

ndia Tourism Development Corporation’s (ITDC) division Ashok Travels and Tours (ATT), launched a travel website on March 3, 2004. The travel portal, www.itdctravels.com, was launched at a function held at The Ashok, New Delhi. This website will offer real-time, travelrelated services, including tour packages

and in the business segments. The travel portal offers special group ticketing services, specialised Leave Travel Concession (LTC) booking service for government employees, secured payment options, and online credit facility for government or business enterprises. The portal will provide airline options, aiming to be at a par with the best online portals in India. It will provide hotel options across the world, sightseeing packages, car rental services, and self-booking tools with the option to initiate lastminute cancellations or rescheduling. Speaking on the occasion, Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary Tourism, Government of India and Managing Director, ITDC, said that the portal will offer best rates with no hidden charges, 24x7. He added that with the new platform, ATT will be able to serve not only government customers, but also general customers.

vSnippets IndiGo flies to Varanasi – its 31st Domestic destination

Connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hydera bad to Varanasi, IndiGo adds a not her domest ic dest i nat ion to its r o u t e s fo r i t s travellers. The airlines w ill be introducing three new daily nonstop flights to Varanasi from Delhi and one daily flight to Varanasi (via Delhi) each from Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The daily flight from Delhi to Varanasi will be operating at a fare starting from `2,909 and from Varanasi to Delhi at `2,948. Whereas, the fares on flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad to Varanasi are `3,718, `4,464 and `3,859 respectively. For Bookings and further Information, visit: https://book.goindigo.in

Jet Airways connects B’lore and Hyderabad to Abu Dhabi

MALINDO AIR NOW FLIES FROM MUMBAI TO KUALA LUMPUR

a l i n d o A i r, M a l aysia’s hybrid airline, af ter hav ing daily flights from Delhi and Trichy, has now launched five times weekly services from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur. The promotional one way fares are available now at `12,129 (all-inclusive) from Mumbai. Chief Executive Officer of Malindo Air, Chandran Rama Muthy says that after Mumbai, the next cities we are spreading our wings to in India are Ahmedabad and Kochi. And of course other cities such as Chennai are on our radar.” They will be launching the connection from Ahmedabad and Kochi from 19th March and 24th April 2014 respectively. For further information, visit: www.malindoair.com

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Effective from March, Jet airways is now flying its maiden flight to the Gulf from Bengaluru and a new daily direct service from Hyderabad. The flight from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport will depart at 2030hrs and arrive at the Abu Dhabi International Airport at 2330 hrs (local time), whereas, the flight between Hyderabad and Abu Dhabi will depart from Hyderabad at 2025 hrs and will arrive at Abu Dhabi at 2310 hrs (LT). The introductory return Economy fare on the Benagluru-Abu Dhabi route is `21,725 (including taxes) and the introductory return fare from Hyderabad to Abu Dhabi is `22,615 (including taxes). When: Flights effective from 1st March 2014. For Further Information, visit: www.jetairways.com

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Visit www.holidayinn.com or call 1800 1033 066 | +91 124 4551212 to get started. Terms & conditions apply.

STAY YOU TM holidayinn.com March 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

vSnippets Drukair travels from Bhutan to Mumbai

To Dream of Flight

Launching its maiden service to Mumbai, Drukair, The Royal Bhutan Airlines will be the only airline operating on the route from Paro international Airport to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. This three hour flight will operate on the route, twice a week i.e. on Thursdays and Sundays. This route will make travel

Indian Aviation 2014, Hyderabad

ith flying as well as static displays, the much awaited air show, India Aviation 2014, will be held at the Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad from March 12 to March 16, 2014. This is India’s largest exhibition and conference on civil aviation and is the only event in the civil aviation sector in India that is hosted at an airport. This air show is an excellent opportunity to market modern civil aviation jets as well as to see some of the latest transport flying machines that technology has to offer. India Aviation reflects the booming Indian Aviation Sector which offers tremendous opportunities for aviation companies to do business in India. The air show is an excellent platform to showcase products, services and capabilities to the civil aviation community, and to get exposure to business opportunities. Jet plane manufactures see a lot of potential in India and are increasing participation. Several outstanding planes are expected to be on show. The star of the show will be Air India’s 787 Dreamliner plane which will fly in directly from Boeing’s factory in Seattle, to be delivered to Air India at this event. Dubai-based Emirates airline will fly in the Airbus A380 plane, the world’s largest passenger airline, with India having lifted its ban on super jumbo jets this year. The A380 had been seen at

the last Hyderabad airshow but that was an Airbus sample plane, without complete fittings. Disappointingly, the newest aircraft from Airbus, the inter-continental Airbus A350 XWB, seen at the Singapore air show, will not be on display at Hyderabad but the company is bringing its corporate jet for the first time. The Russia-based Irkut Group will be present, with all its 25 companies, for the first time. The number of aircraft on static display will rise from 25 to 35 this year. Major helicopter manufacturers like Augusta Westland, Bell, Eurocopter and Sikorsky are repeating their participation. The show will also see the participation of global simulator companies from Switzerland, the Netherlands and Canada for the first time. Aircraft will fly low for a fly-past at the airshow while a two-aircraft team from the United Kingdom will perform aerobatics twice daily. The Indian Air Force will also be present at the event, with its helicopter display team, Sarang, having been invited. India is a big aviation market with the private jet market constituting about 12 per cent of the global market, making it bigger than that of China and Japan. The airshow has become a biennial event with this fourth edition being organised jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce. This year will be its third show.

Emirates Invites Indian Travellers to Boston

Launching its inaugural service into Boston on 10th March 2014, Emirates offers Indian travellers an opportunity to visit this historical city of America with fares starting from `65,010 in Economy Class and `1,95,570 in Business Class. “Regardless of why they’re travelling – leisure, education, business or to see loved ones - our new service to Boston is a benefit to passengers throughout India. Recognised for its tourism, academic and medical facilities, including Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, our Indian travellers have many reasons to explore this historic, multifaceted city,” said Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Vice President India and Nepal, Emirates. For Further Information, visit: www.emirates.com/in

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to Bhutan more convenient for both leisure and business travellers. On this occasion, Tandin Jamtso, Chief Executive Officer, Drukair says, “By offering this connection to passengers, we are confident that this new route will become immensely popular with our travelers.” The aircraft are configured with 16 seats in business class and 102 seats in economy class. When: from 1st May 2014. For Further Information, visit: www.drukair.com.bt

Travel to Asia with special fares by Singapore Airlines

Travellers on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir can avail of special, all-inclusive economy class return fares to Hong Kong, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. These special fares are on sale till 9th March 2014 and valid for travel from 3rd February till 31st July 2014. Bookings can be made from 11 cities in India – Ahmadabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Visakhapatnam. These special fares start from `25,500 for travel to Malaysia and Thailand and go up to `46,300 for travel to Japan. For further information, visit: www.singaporeair.com

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niche destination

A FLING WITH

Flanders Flanders, in Belgium, between the north sea and the Netherlands, and with France to its south, is the gateway to Europe. It is a treasure trove of history and culture situated amidst immense natural beauty. Its teeming cities and towns intriguingly retain a rustic charm. Text and photographs by NEETA LAL

“T

he temperature outside is one degree celsius’. My aircraft’s speakerphones crackled at touchdown at Brussels airport on a cold, frosty morning. `This weather should be manageable,’ I mused to myself, smug that I’d coped with far worse earlier in snow-encrusted Norway, Alaska and the Arctic Circle. Even so, I found my confidence crumbling as I emerged from the airport’s cozy innards to the whirligig outside. A gust of wind ripped through my jacket like a blade of knife forcing me to pull the woolly closer, press my cap tighter over my head while pushing the gloves further down my wrist. And so the gnawing cold remained the recurrent leitmotif of my five-day sojourn across Flanders, only worsening with a sporadic downpour that would send me scurrying to protect myself (as also my Nikon DSLR) from elemental assault! Not that the inclement weather diminished in any way the pristine beauty of Flanders. This Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium is wedged between the North Sea and the Netherlands in the north, and Wallonia and France in the south. Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, was my entry point to the region, followed by the cities of Ieper, Brugges, Ghent and Antwerp. With its Unesco World-Heritage medieval béguinages, belfries and town centers, 14

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Bruges’ exquisite downtown

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niche destination and unblemished canals, lanes and bridges, this region looks blessed indeed. And as I peered through my camera lens time and time again to capture snapshots of the land, or a slice of its life, I soon realized that there was really no need to ‘compose’ a shot here. From any angle, Flanders looked visually arresting anyway! The terrain teems with a trove of historical and cultural wealth which manifests itself through stunning architecture, beautifully crafted public works of art, medieval squares, shopping arcades, eateries, chocolate and beer shops and tony boutiques. It is also perhaps one of the most misjudged regions in Europe. It’s so much more than ‘beer and chocolate country’, although, admittedly, it was great fun sampling these in the interest of ‘good journalism’.

RUSSELS : Despite being the capital city, Brussels is shorn of the arrogance that typically characterises political capitals, even managing to retain a tad bit of rustic charm. At the heart of the city are its narrow labyrinthine streets (cobble-stoned of course), that spread out like arteries to its busy periphery. Intriguingly, the bilingual capital of Belgium – with French and Dutch as official languages – offers the experience of visiting several cities all at once. Being home to both the EU and NATO headquarters, it is also known by the moniker ‘Capital of Europe’ and draws a diverse European and international resident population into its fold. “You can find people from every corner of Europe here as well as communities from Africa, Israel and the Middle East,” our guide Didier Rochette informs us. “Plus there are local Flemish [Dutch speaking], Walloons [French speaking] and Bruxellois [bilingual] communities which add to the city’s cultural complexity.” The pluralism in demography extends to Brussels’ architecture as well. The city’s landscape is peppered with a smorgasbord of design styles from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, rococo and Baroque – imbuing it with a truly unique character. Stunning examples of Art Nouveau architecture abound throughout the city. Contemporary artists and designers are also leaving their imprimatur, upping Brussels’ eclectic quotient further. Leafy green parks, fine cultural institutions, chic art galleries and museums, you’ll find them all here, aug16

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menting Brussels’ richness. However, the best part about being in Brussels – I soon discovered – is that there’s really no need to wait in line at a gallery – or cough up precious Euros – to view ‘art’. Splendid works of art are on offer in all the streets and squares. All for free! Of course, this had a downside too. It posed a hazard to an overzealous photographer like me who often found herself clicking away furiously in public, unmindful of traffic and pedestrians! Near the city’s Town Hall (close to the famed Grote Markt), I’m drawn to the bronze image of a little kid pissing water (Manekin Pis or man who pees). The original was created in 1388, our guide informs us, but later destroyed. The people of Brussels were so outraged they demanded a replacement, which was granted to them in 1616. “For national holidays and special occasions, the pissing boy gets to dress up: he’s been Elvis, a samurai warrior and Mozart. He’s been known to piss beer and wine, too!,” Didier informs me. I head towards the resplendent GrandPlace – the pivot around which Brussels seems to flow. Basically a central square lined with ornate 17th-century guildhalls, it is studded with antique stores, quaint little cafes and fine chocolate shops, some of which are owned by iconic chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini and Jean Galler. European cities throw up a myriad ways in which to expand your waistline. However, Brussels elevates this activity into a fine art form. Temptation lurks at every corner. From crisply-fried potato treats, to froth-topped beer, vast vats of moules (mussels) or the national dish, waterzooi savored with hunks of bread, the city is a gourmet’s paradise. Overall, there are still 109 breweries in Belgium (of which nearly 30 percent are in Brussels) which produce 350 kinds of beer that are sold under more than a 1,000 brand names. But chief among the city’s culinary delights is chocolate. The fact that Belgium produces 170,000 tonnes of chocolates every year in over 2,000 chocolate shops is hardly surprising. Chocolatiers sell light, dark or white chocolate with every conceivable variation in between. Individual pieces are wrapped, coated or patterned individually and beautifully. As well as the ubiquitous pralines, you’ll find sculptures and artisanal creations whose mere sight sends saliva rushing to your mouth!

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RUGES: Enveloped in loveliness, this is picture-postcard turf. The city has a glittering canal encircling it like a bejeweled necklace. Upon these glutinous water bodies, you may opt for a gondola ride, or stand at the rim to soak in graceful swans/ducks gliding on it or simply marvel at the light reflecting on the water’s surface. Bruges was the economic capital of northern Europe in medieval times and still carries the stamp of affluence. Its sheer wealth of architecture – the Basilica of St. John, the Town Hall, the Law Courts, the Church of Our Lady, the St. John Hospital, the bell tower and more – is awe-inducing. Being Belgium’s most-visited city, camera-toting tourists can be seen everywhere – exploring the city’s narrow cobble-stoned streets on foot or skimming its canals by boat. Should you feel like it, bicycles can be hired from rental companies. Carriages are another interesting way to take in the sights and sounds of this very pretty city. Cars are a rarity. The most popular tourist destination in all of Belgium – Bruges welcomes over two million tourists each year. To meet the need of so many visitors, Bruges has exploded with small B&Bs where you can spend a night or two at a nominal price. The schizophrenia of Bruges is indeed arresting. One moment you could be immersed in the shadows of low-ceilinged rooms and the rich textures of brick walls and cobble stoned courts. The next you could be gawping at al fresco art in an ancient square or tucking into delicious food in a 13th century restaurant with a haunting past.

Flanders is dotted with beautiful sculptures, installations & bronzes in public areas such as this one

HENT: Ghent’s delightfulness took me entirely by surprise. Unlike Bruges, which is dominated by tourism, Ghent has a buzzy workaday feel to it. Even so, it remains a vibrant metro with a busy cultural calendar, offering a jazz festival in July, a film festival in October and sundry other events to enamor visitors throughout the year. Ghent isn’t a big city. In fact all its main attractions – its churches, old stone facades, canals and bridges – are concentrated within a single square kilometer of the historical center. Galleries, cafés, weekend markets and waterside activities on the banks of the River Leie are the order of the day. Once the most important centre for wool and cloth in medieval Europe, Ghent March 2014 GO NOW

wears its historical significance lightly. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe. The impact of this rich past can be witnessed in its imposing architecture of churches and the houses of rich traders. This city of a quarter of a million people offers an interesting crossover between open cosmopolitanism and the quiet atmosphere of a provincial town. Many young people choose to live here instead of in the countryside or the crowded and disintegrating city centers of Brussels and Antwerp. Ghent also boasts the largest student population in Flanders and gives out a fun and energizing vibe. It is a university city 18

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with more than 60,000 international students flocking to its alma maters. Youngsters can be seen everywhere – chinwagging at cafes, snapping `selfies’ in streets, striding past in trendy apparel laughing and joking on the sidewalks. What really grabbed me about Ghent is its Gothic centre, an imposing building patinated with gold and rich decorous details. A fine panorama is also provided by climbing the turrets of Ghent castle. The 91 m-high belfry, which adjoins the Cloth Hall, is perhaps the most photographed. The highlight of any visit to St Bavo’s Cathedral is the extraordinary altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. A beautiful medieval

fish market, now morphed into offices and a brash modern brasserie, is also one of the city’s star attractions. But what came as a revelation to me was that Ghent has been declared the ‘vegetarian capital of Europe’. It observes vegetarian cuisine every Thursday – a socalled ‘Veggie Dag’ – that is aimed at helping combat climate change through eating less meat. Hewing to the city’s tradition, I enjoyed an all-veggie lunch at the Max Ghent restaurant – located smack dab in the heart of town – and felt quite virtuous! Inclement weather notwithstanding, we opted for a canal ride post lunch even though it meant being ensconced in fleece and blankets. Good call. The ride

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(Above) Discover all the things to do in Brussels from the top deck of an open top bus (Left) Flanders -- known as the land of chocolates & beer, has beautiful shop displays of choc products such as this one in Brussels

turned out to be a splendid way to soak in the city’s architectural marvels inaccessible through any other means!

filefact How to get there Many international airlines – including Jet Airways – fly directly from Indian metr os to Brussels Accommodation Flanders offers a gamut of B&Bs, bout ique establishments and bigger hotels start ing from US$ 80 per night. Best to book in advance. What to carry While summers (April to August) requ ire no special clothing, winters are extreme. Carry thermals, thick woolens, overcoat, sock s, cap and muffler. Flanders is best explored on foot; so walking shoes are a must. Oh yeah , and don’t forget umbrellas for those spor adic cloudbursts and sunscreen for exten ded walking spells in the toasty sun. What to eat From decadent waffles bought off stree t side kiosks to sinful chocolates, the world’s best beer and gourmet cuisine, Flanders will leave you spoilt for choice.

ntwerp: This thriving Flemish city – still the hub of diamond trade in Europe – is best described in three words – busy, baroque and cosmopolitan. More than 70 percent of world’s diamonds are traded in Antwerp. It also boasts of a distinct diamond quarter which hosts some of the world’s leading cutters, polishers and makers of diamonds. As a major international port, Antwerp has benefited from its geographical advantages. It has embraced the Spanish, the Austrians, the Dutch and the French whole-heartedly over the years, people who enrich the city’s cultural tapestry today with demographic diversity rarely seen. At the crossroads of northern and western Europe, Antwerp is also Belgium’s `style capital’ with a crop of beautiful hotels, restaurants, and – yes – fabulous places to shop. The city thus seeks to synergise the history of one of Europe’s oldest (and richest) ports with the energy of a contemporary fashion capital. NoMu, Antwerp’s popular fashion museum that feeds its reputation as a leading European capital of la mode is a much-thronged tourist destination.

Kammenstraat – the mecca for the fashion-forward – is a delight not only for its wares (shoes, apparel, fashion products) but also for a fine study it offers in the art of window dressing. The area also houses shops of famous Antwerp fashion designers, such as Walter van Beirendonck and Dries van Noten. In close proximity is Kloosterstraat flaunting many antique shops. Antwerp is a city with many faces, a dynamic place juxtaposing the trendy with the traditional. Due to its long and culturally rich history, the city houses many intriguing historical buildings from different periods, as well as museums. Antwerp is also a big draw for Flemish and foreign artists, writers, intellectuals, and actors. I get to the Antwerp flea market one weekend morning. In no time it engulfs me with its atmospherics. Traders hawking all manner of goods – from trinkets to treasures, shoes, apparel, handbags, curios, food, cheeses to even live chicken – are a treat to watch as they conduct their businesses! I rifle through the racks of a bookseller, rummage through the assorted wares of a curio seller selling African masks, lamps, ivory bangles, picture frames and more. Eclecticism is clearly the overarching narrative at this market, microcosm of a warm-hearted city that embraces all people to enrich its core! March 2014 GO NOW

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N I 4 1 0 2 IIFA 20

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niche destination The much awaited award show of the Indian film industry, IIFA is going to Tampa Bay, Florida in its 15th year. The event will be held on a weekend at various venues around this large, natural harbour and the main award show is scheduled to take place at the Raymond James Stadium. The award show will take the film fraternity to various locations and venues around Tampa, including, Curtis Hixon Park, USF Sun Dome, Tampa Convention Centre, Raymond James Stadium and more. Anil Kapoor has been at the forefront of organising the IIFA Awards this year. He has said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing as unique as Bollywood, and Tampa is in for a treat this year! The IIFAs are a great platform for us to showcase our work to the world. This April, IIFA will bring the magic of Indian Cinema to America.â&#x20AC;? Every year the film industry travels to various destinations around the world for the award show and this is the first time that it will be held in the United States of America. The IIFA Weekend and Awards will start from 23rd April and go on till 26th April 2014.

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niche destination GoNow talks to Santiago Corrada, the President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, the economic development organisation responsible for tourism development in Hillsborough County.

an you tell us a little about the initiative to hold the IIFA awards in Tampa Bay? Well, we met the IIFA team briefly and they liked what they saw of Tampa Bay. We fell in love with each other and with the idea of holding the awards here. The IIFA team fell in love with the city. We realised that there was a spiritual connection between us. For us, the IIFA festival can transform the whole city. We understood the power of IIFA to transform a destination. We understood how the IIFA Awards transformed the destinations where it was held earlier. We want to become India’s favorite city. IIFA is the biggest thing to happen to Tampa Bay in a long time. For us, IIFA is a gateway to India. Our teams have worked together over the past six months to ensure a successful production. Our entire region is enthusiastically preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors. We look forward to serving as hosts to the biggest and best International Indian Film Academy awards in history.

and four Superbowls. IIFA is just one of the biggest. In Tampa, Florida, and the United States of America we understand the immense power of IIFA and we are privileged and honored to serve as its host city in 2014. Can you tell us something about Tampa Bay? We have beautiful destinations. Apart from great beaches, we have great people, wonderful accommodation, incredible shopping and dining, culture, museums, aquarium and adventure and eco-tourism. It is great for families and for children. It is a great city. We feel we have all the attributes of an international city. IIFA opens us up to the world. Have any Bollywood films ever been filmed in Tampa Bay? Not to my knowledge. I think there was one in Miami. But this may happen now. I have met many stars – Anil Kapoor, Sohail Khan, Priyanka Chopra and others. What is the cost of the event? Well, the tickets are priced at 35 dollars

This is a superb destination. We have great venues. In Tampa, Florida and the United States of America we understand the immense power of IIFA and we are privileged and honored to serve as its host city in 2014.” SANTIAGO CORRADA

President & CEO, Visit Tampa Bay

How big is big? We expect at least 35,000 people to be present for this event. There may be a jump in tourist arrivals. Bollywood is big in India, even bigger than Hollywood is in America and we expect to draw a lot of people. There is a large Indian community in Tampa Bay and in the United States. Many stars from India are expected. We want as many people to come as can. We want this relationship with India, we know what India is worth. Why choose Tampa Bay for IIFA? Well, this is a superb destination. We have great venues. We hold large events the year around. We have stadiums that can hold 60 to 70 thousand people, amphitheatres, concert venues, university venues and a large number of large performing theatres. We have an incredible airport. We have held many events here including political rallies 22

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PHOTO: TAMPA BAY

to le p o e p 0 0 ,0 5 3 t c e p x “We e ” t n e v e e th r fo t n e s e r be p

PHOTO: ROBERT LA FOLLETTE

each. These are still available. The ones for 400 dollars have all sold out. For us the event is beyond money. It is about establishing a relationship with India and Bollywood. What are the likely returns of IIFA Awards for Tampa Bay? There are spin-offs. We want more visitors to come to Tampa Bay. The IIFA Awards build a bridge for cultural and economic exchange. March 2014 GO NOW

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Tampa become

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a could well be the platform to e the ‘Gateway to USA’ for India Andre Timmins, Director, Wizcraft International and IIFA further tells us about what are their plans for IIFA in Tampa Bay, Florida, how they choose a particular destination and more.

How to reach there You can reach here through a flight to Tampa International Airport. It has direc t flights operated by British Airways to/ from London Gatwick. The airport is just 20 minutes drive away from downtown Tam pa. Where to stay Tampa has more than 22, 000 hote l rooms offering guests a variety of bran ds, price points and locations. From budg et, mid-range, to luxury categories, Tam pa has a number of hotels to offer. Some of the hotels where you can stay are; Hilton Tampa Downtown, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Tampa Marriott Westshore, Hampton Inn & Suites, Tampa Airport Marriott, etc. Must-Visit Places Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Theatre, Davis Islands and Harb our Islands, Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, Walking Tour of Ybor City, etc.

PHOTO: BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

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hat are you looking forward to for IIFA 2014? IIFA has travelled a phenomenal journey over the past 14 years across the world and we are now all set to make our debut in the USA with the 15th Annual Edition of 2014 IIFA Weekend & Awards being hosted in Tampa Bay, Florida. There is unprecedented excitement and buzz within the city of Tampa Bay and the state of Florida and we have been overwhelmed with the warmth and welcome shown by the people of Tampa for IIFA. IIFA is equally excited and looking forward to providing Tampa the platform to become the ‘Gateway to USA’ for India and the global Indian diaspora. As this is the first time that IIFA Awards are travelling to the United States, so I am sure this time it will be different and bigger and better than before. This is expected to be a gala event as this time Bollywood will be in the land of Hollywood. With Tampa having great connectivity from New York and other parts too, it is very easy for the whole fraternity and other visitors to commute. Also, we travel with thousands of people and we’ll be taking most of the people in advance. This time we are also taking around 500 – 600 volunteers from Tampa for the show. This being our first time here, we are taking more precautions with everything. What do you take care of in selecting the location of the awards? It is mostly about being wanted by the destination. We check whether the place has the proper infrastructure, connectivity and accommodation available to host this huge event. While we were already berserk about Los Angeles and Chicago, we wanted to explore Tampa as here the whole focus will be on us. So it is all about being wanted by the people, by that place. It also completed our endeavour of coming to the United States of America. What is your biggest challenge in organizing IIFA?

There is unprecedented excitement and buzz within the city of Tampa Bay and state of Florida and we have been overwhelmed with the warmth and welcome shown by the people of Tampa for IIFA.” ANDRE TIMMINS

Director, Wizcraft International and IIFA Getting the stars on the plane, visas and ticketing are the biggest challenges that we face. We have enough time in advance, everything else is well planned but having the entire industry on leave for a week is a big task and proves to be a challenge for us. But we love doing this. Why did you choose America? And how will this help the industry? We have wanted to go there for a long time. After India, it is the biggest market for us and the entire industry and this is because it is the home of the entertainment industry. We want to go large with IIFA; they have great arenas, huge venues and many more facilities. This is a chance to globalise Indian cinema and bridge relationships between the two industries. This will further enhance our business opportunities. As told to AMIT JETLEY and NIKITA CHOPRA

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hopping

Taiwan’s tourism set a new historic record in annual international tourist arrivals – when the 8 millionth visitors touched down on 31 December, 2013. New York Times puts Taiwan at No.11 in its recently released list of ‘52 places to go in 2014’. It is also known as one of the top safest Asian countries for female travellers. Noel Saxena, Country Head, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Representative Office in India, lists five reasons why an Indian leisure traveller should visit Taiwan.

TAIWAN

A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION FOR INDIANS Taipei 101

From north to south, Taiwan is dotted with large shopping centres and department chain stores. Combining diverse leisure and entertainment facilities, these venues offer designer clothing, lifestyle products, food outlets, bookstores, movie house, wholesale warehouses, amusement centres, and others, providing the ultimate shopping environment. Moreover, several theme streets have sprung up, exhibiting an exciting blend of history and style, including Taipei’s Ximenting and Kaohsiung’s New Juejiang commercial area, attracting different consumer groups. Other venues, including the weekend jade markets and computer lane in Taipei’s Guanghua commercial plaza, are very good places to find unexpected bargains. The area around the intersection of Zhongxiao and Dunhua South roads has become a major shopping area in Taipei’s east district thanks to its convenient location. High-end boutiques are packed along Dunhua South Road between Xinyi and Zhongxiao East roads, presenting a tempting array of brand clothes, jewelry, shoes and leather items. The section between SOGO department store and Taipei Metro The Mall is an especially good bet for the fashionably acquisitive, with Cartier, Louis Vuitton, DKNY and other top brand boutiques to choose from. The Xinyi Planning District is Taipei’s newest trend-setting commercial district, embracing dozens of fashionable malls, restaurants and hotels between Xinyi Road sections 4 and 5. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store’s New Life Square and A4 branches, Novel Hall for Performing Arts, New York New York mall, View Show Cinemas, Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel, and Taipei 101 are just a few of the many places where you can satisfy your consumer cravings. By day, the Xinyi Planning District bustles with the fast-paced energy of business as Taipei’s commercial and financial center. But at night, the skyscrapers come alight with eye-catching displays of LED lights, setting the mood for evening fun.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 was opened to the public on December 31, 2004 with 101 stories and reaching 1,671 ft (509 m) high. The multiuse steel-and-glass skyscraper echoes a traditional Chinese pagoda with its soaring podium base, eight tiers of eight stories (a 26

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niche destination number that is a homophone for prosperous growth in Chinese), and narrow pinnacle tower and spire. An 18-ft (5.5-m), 882ton (800-metric-ton), ball-shaped damper located near the top counteracts swaying during earthquakes and typhoons.

vided by the tiny but beautiful Lalu Island; the eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name “Sun Moon Lake”.

Sun Moon Lake

For Indians the Night markets of Taiwan are great places to shop for bargains and feel the pulse of Taiwan’s night-life. These markets bustle with uninhibited noise and energy, and you will find friendly restaurant owners calling out their menus, stall holders selling their wares, and crowds of onlookers, shoppers and diners walking around enjoying the balmy night air. Here you will find a variety of clothing, household items, watches, jewelry, toys, at bar-

Of special interest to Indians who travel for leisure would be the picturesque Sun Moon Lake that enjoys the unique distinction of being the only natural big lake in Taiwan. Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the hills and mountains which rise on all sides and are a great spot for young couples and lovers! Sun Moon Lake, situated in Nantou County’s Yuchi Township near the center of Taiwan, di-

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Night Markets

gain prices. Night markets are also where visitors can sample authentic Taiwanese food. Shopping in Taiwan is always a steal with great bargains in electronics, designer clothing, lifestyle products, food outlets, bookstores, movie house, wholesale warehouses, amusement centers, and others, providing the ultimate shopping environment. Moreover, several theme streets have sprung up, exhibiting an exciting blend of history and style, including Taipei’s Ximenting and Kaohsiung’s New Juejiang commercial area, attracting different consumer groups. Other venues, including the weekend jade markets and computer lane in Taipei’s Guanghua commercial plaza, are very good places to find unexpected bargains.

niche destination Food Small eats, and a lot of them, are very popular in Taiwan. The culinary trend in Taiwan is to eat often and eat well. The Taiwanese capital, Taipei, has around 20 streets dedicated to snacking. Taiwan is known for its bao, stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, dimsums, five cup chicken and prawns and fish that is just lightly flavoured and baked in its own juices with a salt crust. Taipei also has a number of Indian and vegetarian options and can also cater to Jain, Halal and other dietary preferences and restrictions.

Noel Saxena, Country Head, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Representative Office

Taiwan’s tourism set a new historic record in annual international tourist arrivals – when the 8 millionth visitors touched down on 31 December, 2013. New York Times puts Taiwan at No.11 in its recently released list of ‘52 places to go in 2014’. Taiwan was also selected as No.3 in the list of the top 10 safest Asian countries for female travellers according to the Skift Report that documents intelligence on the international tourism industry. Also in 2014, Star Cruises has flagged off a new route from Hong Kong to Taiwan.

As told to NIKITA CHOPRA

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Street Food EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

Penang, Malaysia

nown as a culinary hotspot around the world, Penang serves food influenced by its mix of cultures. These food streets are mostly visited by the Malays, Singaporeans, Thais, Philippines, Vietnamese, and tourists from Hong Kong, China, Australia and Europe. Generally these streets are open from 8am and go on buzzing till late night, but there are some stalls which are open from 4pm to mid-night. Further talking about the food capital of Malaysia, Manoharan Periasamy, Director, Tourism Malaysia, says, “Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia and is ranked as the world’s top culinary destination. It is also a carefully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving you not only a sense of history through an area seemingly frozen in time, but a delicious sense of its rich cultural heritage through its extraordinary food.” 30

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Georgetown

MULTITUDE OF CHOICES It has a multitude of choices for eating available in its streets, like Chinatown, Little India and more hawker stalls and food courts. Some of the best and cheapest food in Georgetown is found at the numerous stalls dotted along the streets. Street food is available all around the city, but there are some special places known to serve the most authentic experience to its guests.

Gurney Drive

GASTRONOMY ALONG THE COAST

Located north of Georgetown is one such street which serves best of Penang, it offers delightful street and high-end cuisine. It has a variety of eating outlets ranging from food courts to open-air hawker stalls

Various places around the world are known for their food, but to have an authentic experience, one needs to move to the streets. Various places have dedicated food streets with the aromas and flavours of the local cuisine. GoNow takes you to the top streets at various destinations for you to savour the local flavours.

that stretch along the seaside. Along with this it also has an upmarket kopitiam, an exclusive fresh sea-food restaurant, a dim sum restaurant and a hip bistro. The excitement at this coastal street comes alive after 6pm and goes on till late night. For a delicious breakfast with bak-kut-teh you must visit 62 Gurney Drive or the 24-hour Mr Pot for sandwiches and toasts.

Chinatown

IT COMES ALIVE AT NIGHT

The streets of Chinatown should also be visited at night. Here, you can find carts selling noodles, dumplings, and treats on skewers. It is so authentic that you would rarely find an English sign board on the stalls. Running from Penang Road to the Carnarvon Street and through the heart of Chinatown is Lebuh Kimberly where one should not miss having the almond cream, Char Koay Teow, Economy Bihun and Koay Chiap, which are some of the local favourites.

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Singapore

ating out is a delight in Singapore, and it connects the diverse population of the country, which includes, Chinese, Malays and Indians too. Various restaurants in Singapore are open round the clock and offer various cuisines from all across Asia. Chee Pey Chang, Executive Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa for Singapore Tourism Board says that the fastest way to appreciate Singaporean culture is through the street food. He further added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The inventive use of Indian spices within our local cuisines over the years has created popular favourites such as seafood laksa (a coconut milk based seafood noodle soup) and sambal stingray (stingray steaks marinated in a chilli and onion paste, and barbecued on a banana leaf), many of which can be easily enjoyed at our hawker centres and food courts today. These familiar, yet distinct flavours invite Indian visitors to get a taste of our multi-cultural heritage but more importantly, establish an instant connection with Singapore.â&#x20AC;?

Maxwell Road

Old Airport Road

This is the hawker centre which is strictly monitored by the government for health and hygiene purposes. With such a clean and tidy environment, it serves a variety of local food that you can relish and get the real taste of Singapore. It can easily be accessed by the metro through the Chinatown MRT Station (NE4). Some of the must try delicacies for an Indian include, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken, fish porridge, fried Chinese dough fritters treats from Chine Street Fritters and stirfried noodles from Marina South Delicious Food. It is open from 8 am and shuts down around 10 pm. This is the best place to have an experience of a lazy weekend breakfast like a local. The food being sold here ranges from $10 to $30.

The Old Airport Road is another place that serves a variety of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian dishes. It is packed throughout the day with locals and tourists and is a must try for hefty dinner and an experience of authentic local fare. The street is open from 7 am to 8 pm and can easily be accessed through Dakota MRT station. Some of the must try dishes here, include, white-pepper crab, Hokkien prawn noodles and Rojak, which is a traditional fruit and salad dish and is popular as a starter but can also be had as a fresh meal.

FOR A LAZY WEEKEND BREAKFAST

AN ECONOMICAL HEFTY DINNER

Newton Circus Food Centre LATE NIGHT SUPPERS

Different from others, at Newton Circus Food Centre you can have a late night dinner as it is open from 12pm to 2am. It offers a great variety of carrot cake, Chicken and mutton satay, barbecued chicken wings, barbecued seafood dishes and more.

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Rome, Italy

Testaccio

To start with, Testaccio has a lot of restaurants like, Pizzaria Remo which is considered amongst the best in Rome and every pizza is baked to order. Pizza bianca con fiori di zucca is a must try here. If you want to visit a place in Testaccio where you can find everything from pizzas to sandwiches and more, then you can visit Gastronomia Volpetti on Via Marmorata 47. There are a few places here where

treet food may not be the first thought for everyone visiting the city, but this must be on the to-do list of every tourist visiting Rome. Food in Italy is not only about pizzas and pastas but a lot more. Rome has some very impressive fine dining restaurants and also street food options which serve delicious and authentic food within your budget.

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AN ASSORTMENT OF PIZZAS

you can find fresh vegetables, meat and cheese and a whole variety of pizzas.

Nomentano

ITALIAN SEA FOOD

Moving on further, you can visit Nomentano, which is a district in Rome with a number of eating and drinking outlets. Here, you can enjoy sea food dishes like tassista, risotto and the favourite of many, Affogato, which is a home-made custard ice cream, sprinkled with espresso. You

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can have these delicacies at II Tunnel which is located at 11, Nomentano and is open for lunch and dinner. Another place is Da Armando which has a great selection of traditional roman delicacies including pizza and homemade pasta as well. La Fraschetta del Pesce, Bar delle Scienze, and Arancia Blu are a few more must visit places in Nomentano.

California, USA

ith a different style of food, California has something for all kinds of food enthusiasts, from barbeques, local organic food, and more. California is home to some of the most delicious and innovative food trucks. These restaurants on wheels offer upscale cuisine on the go from Vegan to Thai, Swiss style hot dogs to American classic grilled cheese sandwiches and more. There are some food trucks which are known around the place for the quirky experiences they provide. All these trucks have to take an approval from the respective counties before starting their business, Caroline Beteta, president and CEO, Visit California tells us why California is a mustvisit for the food enthusiasts. “For culinary travellers, California is the leading wine and food destination in the U.S., producing 90 percent of the wine and boasting nine of the top ten producing agricultural counties – giving foodies the truly locavore experiences they crave,” she said.

Kogi BBQ

THE ICONIC TACOS

An icon of Los Angeles’ street food, Kogi BBQ serves tacos of different kinds within your budget. Their short rib taco is a favourite for many and is double caramelised with Korean barbeque, salsa roja, cilantro-onion-lime relish and a Napa Romaine slaw tossed in chili-soy vinaigrette. They have a different schedule everyday, which they update on their website, www. kogibbq.com. They start around 11:30 am and go on serving the scrumptious Tacos all day long till 11 pm.

The Lime Truck

FRESH ORGANIC FOOD

Started in June 2010, The Lime Truck prides itself on local, organic, and sustainably sourced fresh ingredients, paired with hip, inventive recipes. They have a fun menu with a variety of Mexican inspired items from ahi tuna poke nachos to carnitas fries. They started with an aim to serve amazing fresh food to people on the go and provide delicious food with high quality ingredients late at night also. To check the schedule of the truck, visit www.thelimetruck.com/schedule/.

OTHERS

The burger Kings There are some more well-known trucks which focus on a single delicacy or a single ingredient. Like Dusty BunsBistro & Bus are serving up local organic sandwiches with fresh California flavour! They hand make each bun and bake them daily. The Fivetenburger truck on the other side takes its name from Oakland’s area code, which is 510. It caters to a long line of people. It serves a classic griddled patty-bun-cheese combo along with a healthy portion of garlic oil fries which are ultra-crisp. March 2014 GO NOW

Vietnam

Soc Trang Province

In the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam lies the Soc Trang Province serves a new dimension of Vietnamese street food ranging from Bun Goi Da to Tube Cakes, Pia Pastry and more. Bun Goi Da is a mixture of vermicelli with shrimp, bean sprouts and roasted peanuts. The way it is cooked and the correct balance of ingredients bring out the correct flavours of the dish. There are many dishes which were originated from the province of Soc Trang and are now known as some of the iconic dishes of Vietnamese Street Food. So,

ietnamese food is known around the world for its interesting flavours and different kinds of dishes. Vietnamese Beef Noodles or Pho Bo is one of the most popular dishes from the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cuisine around the world. The street food available is totally distinct and includes a lot of sea food.

Lo Duc Street

GRILLED DELICACIES

The Lo Duc Street in Hanoi City in Vietnam is known amongst teenagers for its specialised grilled version of street food. Grilled Pork Side is one of the typical dishes that you would find here. Various shops on the street grill the food manually as they believe it brings in different kinds of flavours than smoking it up. Grilled rolled beef with corncobs, honey bread are a few more delicacies that you must try here. The best time to visit this street is from August to December, that is, during the winters as the cold weather makes the food taste much better. A meal for two costs around 200, 00 VND. The aroma of the grilled dishes can be smelt across the street. 34

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FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

this place holds great significance in the gastronomic journey of Vietnam.

CĂ Mau

SEA FOOD DELIGHTS

This is another place where you can find an array of sea food with grilled snakehead fish and salted turtle being the favourites of the locals. Fish is served on large green leafs, which would give you a taste of the authentic local experience. The food served in Ca Mau has a rustic origin but a distinct taste with the authentic Vietnamese flavours.

niche destination

Tokyo, Japan

erving the refined tastes from the Japanese cuisine, created by using seasonal ingredients is how one can appropriately define the food streets of Tokyo. On the streets of the city, one can find unique menus, incorporating flavours from all around the world and serving flavours that are different from the traditional Japanese food. Tsukudani, Tsukemono and Miso are some of the most relished local specialities in Tokyo. Hideki MANABE, Executive Director, JNTO, Singapore explains a typical gastronomic experience in Japan. He says “Eating in Japan is a visual as much as a gastronomic experience, to be aesthetically appreciated and savoured forever. Standing up and eating noodles, drinking at Izakaya, learning to explore the supermarkets, and munching street eats can help one stick to their budget. Eating like a true local is the way to explore the real cuisine of Japan”.

Shinyokohama Raumen Museum FOOD THEME PARK

It is located at a walking distance from Shin-Yokohama Station and has an entrance fee of 300 yen per person. It serves different varieties of Ramen, the national food of Japan. There are around eight to nine ramen shops in the museum, each serving small sized portions. With a set

up like a downtown area, various events also take place in the museum. It is open from 10:30 am from Monday to Friday all round the year. Counter seating is the style of seating that you will find at most of the ramen shops around the city.

Shinatatsu Ramen Mentatsu Shichininshu SEVEN RAMEN DELIGHTS

To savour more varieties of this national food you can visit Shinatatsu Ramen Mentatsu Shichininshu, which houses seven famous ramen shops and is located just next to Shinagawa station. Tokyo Ramen Street, the first basement floor section also houses eight famous Tokyo ramen shops. Also, in addition to ramen, some shops

serve other items like ‘gyoza’ (fried dumplings) and ‘chahan’ (fried rice) as well.

Yakitori Yokocho (Yakitori Alley)

THE RETRO FLAVOUR OF JAPAN

Japanese styled taverns are known as Izakaya, they have an expansive selection of drinks and complimenting delicacies as a part of their menu. Yakitori Yokocho (Yakitori Alley) in Shinjuku is an area that preserves the retro flavour of Japan from 60 years ago. On a corner of this area stands Torien, a traditional izakaya. Enjoy food made from fresh ingredients and a plentiful selection of alcoholic beverages. “Tachinomi Torien” next door has stand up drinking around a table. Researched by NIKITA CHOPRA

March 2014 GO NOW

GO GOLFING IN HONG KONG Hong Kong is an energetic, noisy and vibrant urban space with a plethora of tastes and smells. Golfing in Hong Kong dates back more than 100 years, giving its patrons a much tested sport to experience. Gonow gives you a handy kit of the best golf courses in Hong Kong, where it’s about more than just golfing.

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Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Golf Club is situated on a mountain above the upscale community of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, one of Hong Kong’s many outlying islands. Conveniently located within 25 minutes of the Central financial district; 10 minutes from Hong Kong Disneyland and 20 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport, Discovery Bay Golf Club offers an unique

golfing experience within easy reach of the city. The club is firmly established as one of Southeast Asia’s premier golfing venues. Founded in 1983, the club offers three interesting and testing layouts; the Diamond, Jade and Ruby nines. The original 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is both spectacular and difficult offering a challenge to golfers

niche destination of all skill levels. An additional nine holes was constructed and opened for play in June 1992. The severe and mountainous terrain surrounding the course calls for accuracy and confidence. This Golf Club possesses spectacular scenery 230 meters above sea-level with panoramic views of Victoria Harbor, Sunset Peak and the South China Sea. Sitting on the verandah with an after golf drink and watching the sun go behind Sunset Peak can be one of life’s most pleasurable experiences. It is located in Discovery Bay so visitors can experience alfresco dining, Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel and other leisure fa-

cilities such as hiking. It is also located near Hong Kong Disneyland. Some of the services available at Discovery Bay Golf Club are- Accommodation for members and members’ guests, swimming pool and tennis court. J&J Golf Academy brings the Discovery Bay Golf Club into the 21st century of golf instruction with two high speed color cameras, hi-tech golf analysis software and Hong Kong’s largest touring pros swing database, allowing J&J professionals and students to analyse all parts of the golf swing in minute detail. For those players who want to play more by feel, J&J has also purchased many of the game’s most successful training aids which will

help students physically get into the swing positions they wish to attain. For those players who process information verbally the J&J team has formulated a simple and easy to understand swing theory which throws off the shackles of 1980’s and 90’s X-Factor Methodology promoting smooth flowing motion throughout the swing versus tension creating coiling of upper body against lower. RATES: Weekdays: HK$ 2000 Weekends: HK$ 3100 factfile Discovery Valley Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Call: 852 2987 7273 Website: www.dbgc.hk

Discovery Bay Golf Club March 2014 GO NOW

niche destination The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course KAU SAI CHAU, the only public golf course in Hong Kong, was created with funds donated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club to meet the growing demand for golf in the region. Located along the rugged coastline of Kau Sai Chau within the scenic port shelter area, the three 18-hole golf courses; the North and South Courses designed by the legendary Gary Player, and Nelson and Haworth designed East Course offer challenging golf in a spectacular setting with sweeping views of Sai Kung and the South China Sea. Set in the Sai Kung Peninsula, Kau Sai Chau has become an environmental sanctuary. Golfers share its 250 hectares with eagles, egrets, and pond herons, as well as the occasional barking deer. The Golf Course has been recognised for its efforts in environmental stewardship through certification as a ‘Certified Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary for Wildlife’.

In addition to the three golf courses Kau Sai Chau offers superb golf instruction and facilities including a 60-bay floodlit driving range and short game practice area, a golf shop, and picturesque catering facilities making it an ideal place for organising corporate or society events. RATES: All operational hours- $40 per 30mins per bay. Swing enhancement Package- Single player at $80/hour for 1 bay, two players at $150/hour for 2 bays, three players at $210/hour for 3 bays, four players at $260/hour for 4 bays. (Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays). Ultimate Practice Day Pass- HK$300 (Unlimited use of Driving Range Ba, Unlimited use of putting green, Ferry and Shuttle, One set meal + drink). factfile Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong Call: 852 2791 3388. Website: www.kscgolf.org.hk

Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course The SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course is a nine holes training (9 holes) and a Short game which includes golfing facility that is designed to challenge. Set in a an hour of training in the various aspects of Golf. purposely designed environmentally friendly land- RATES: Individual Green card- Annual Fee (HKD) scape, this ‘unique airport golf course’ offers players 13,888, Joining Fee (HKD) 2,000, Validity- 1 Year, of all levels the exciting opportunity to improve their Entitlement Weekday only. golfing skills. Engineered by a renowned Scottish To know about the rates in details visit www. golfing architect, the nine hole course configures nine-eagles.com/eng/annual/index seven Par 3 holes and two Par 4 holes set amidst factfile rolling terrain, undulating greens and extensive 20 Sky City Road East, Hong Kong International Airport, bunkering, reaching to USGA Standard – a true test Chek Lap Kok, Lantau, Hong Kong. Call: 852 37606688 for the best. But nothing is left to chance, at “Nine Website: www.nine-eagles.com Eagles” experienced help is at hand through golfing professionals who are well equipped in providing tuition to ensure everybody stays right on course. This golf course is operational during extended hours. Fully equipped Between 2004 and 2006, the Club continued to undergo a range of renovations with night lighting throughout the and upgrades both on golf courses and in its clubhouses. They have engaged course, golfers can now experience the resources of a professional golf course designer and redesigned their 27 play in a whole new light. The course holes to improve playability, consistency, and general appearance. They have is located approximately 10 minutes also introduced a reverse osmosis plant to take in seawater, desalinate it and away from the International airport; use it to irrigate the lands. With all these changes taking place, the Club is one thus making it an apt place for busistep closer to its mission of “To be the Best Club in the region”. ness travellers to unwind. Some of the eating options that you can find in this golf course is the Oasis. Some of the facilities provided by This restaurant provides al fresco dining and is the ideal place for family dining Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course are and gatherings. Ocean View offers traditional family style Cantonese food with a Night Golfing, Golf Bag Storage, Pracselection of live seasonal seafood from the fish tank and refined dim sum platter. tice putting Green, Practice Sand BunFine wines and teas are offered to complement your meal. The Wine Cellar offers kers and Shuttle Bus Services . Also a wide range of Old and New World wines, Poolside café and many more. Nine Eagles Golf Academy has the exAlso The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club provides spa facilities for the pertise and extensive experience to fatigues players. The spa here is designed to create the perfect balance between customise various golf programmes rejuvenation and pure relaxation, is an excellent escape from the stress of city life. for different skill sets. The training is RATES: To know about the rates call 852 2335 3700. divided in two types – the On Course factfile

The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club

139 Tai Au Mun Road, Clearwater Bay, New Territories, Hong Kong. Call: 852 2335 3700 Website: www.cwbgolf.org

Researched by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

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niche destination

Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course

March 2014 GO NOW

metro travel

S Exploring Kochi’s Luxuury re as Lodgings as close to nat

Featuring a tropical monsoon climate and being strategically located, Kochi as a destination has an advantage over others; this lovely seaside city is skirted by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Being the most densely populated city in the state, Kochi also makes for a tranquil getaway. Historically, too, Kochi has importance, making it popular among explorers. GoNow welcomes you to the city of unfathomable diversity and beauty and helps you locate luxury lodgings suiting your taste and preferences.

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LE MERIDIENA

Most exclusive address in a luxuriant setting LOCATION

Within easy reach from the International airport, the railway station and the bus terminal, Le Méridien Kochi is located in the Maradu region of the Ernakulum District. Le Méridien Kochi has been regarded as one of Kochi’s most exclusive addresses. Housed amidst 18 acres of pristine greenery fenced with the romantic backwaters on one side and the National Highway on the other, this property becomes an alluring place to stay. ARCHITECTURE

Designed in a contemporar y style and equipped with modern amenities, Le Méridien Kochi’s 223 guest rooms and suites inspire discovery for both business and leisure travellers. Views overlook the manicured gardens, picturesque backwaters, and threetier pool. The Deluxe Rooms present a unique style and elegant décor. The Club Rooms offer sophistication and warm colour palettes to inspire creativity. Across the backwaters, Le Méridien Towers has 72 state-of-the-art suites with large bay windows that capture the area’s exceptional scenic beauty. The Presidential Suite features a separate living area with stimulating décor that encourages

and indulges curiosity. Its marble bathroom exudes luxury. WHAT TO EXPECT

With modern and state of the art audio visual and conferencing equipment and technology, multiple breakaway halls, creative theme breaks and a tantalising selection of culinary experiences. Le Meridien Kochi has the biggest convention Centre in the state and has hosted events, both of International and National stature, making the convention centre a preferred MICE destination. The hotel manages to make every Sunday interesting with possibly Kochi’s largest spread. Sunday is a family fun day at Le Meridien hotel starting at 10.30 am and offering an extensive selection of salads, seafood, grills, street food and the largest dessert bar to indulge into. Inspired by cartography – a key component of Le Méridien’s visual identity, this signature Le Meridien coffee bar name stems from the hotel’s position on the globe. Each bar has its own unique number. This draws the creative guest to the sights, sounds and smells of

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Stay Options

s the city

the coffee bar on arrival which is truly unique to the brand. By day, Longitude 76 bar is infused with the rich aroma of freshly brewed illy coffee -underscoring its welcoming atmosphere in the open lobby. This is further complimented by the signature Éclair Program which has guests discovering some of the traditional classics and also some unique Local creations. At night the space is transformed into a sophisticated whisky and wine bar that serves an impressive list of premium international spirits alongside the signature sparkling program which includes an array of cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres. OFFERS

Stay 3 nights, Pay for 2 Enjoy the third night free at Le Méridien Kochi with MasterCard. Get the third night free from 2 December 2013 to 31 March 2014. So go ahead, take one or more vacations. factfile Address: Maradu, Service Rd, Nettoor, Maradu, Ernakulam, Kochi Call: 0484 270 5777 Website: www.starwoodhotels.com/ lemeridien/property/overview

VIVANTA BY TAJ MALABARA

Classic amidst magnificent views LOCATION

Situated right at the tip of Willingdon Island, Vivanta by Taj Malabar offers the perfect entry point to God’s Own Country, Kerala, with magnificent views of the Kochi harbour and beautiful backwaters. The hotel is a 80 km drive from Mangalore Airport and a 15 km drive from Kasaragod railway station. ARCHITECTURE

The lobby of the hotel is a unique mix of chic and classic. This arrival zone sets the tone for guest rooms and banquet facilities that deliver the ultimate in urban relaxation. The heritage wing, built in 1935, has graceful Victorian interiors that aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin and the tower wing houses newly renovated guest room suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary. For example The Superiors Charm carries a perfect harmony of comfort and aesthetics. Superior Charm Heritage rooms have the old world charm with their wooden floors and carved ceiling true to the culture of the region, Deluxe Allure Suite in the Tower Wing have a separate living room and bedroom with traditional carved ceilings and warm wooden floors. WHAT TO EXPECT

The hotel entices guests to explore the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites. ‘Pepper’, the multi-cuisine all-day diner overlooks delightful views of the backwaters and lush gardens. ‘The Rice Boat’ is a fresh take on speciality sea food with an ac-

cent on local Kerala cuisine. ‘The Thai Pavilion’ is Kerala’s only authentic Thai restaurant. ‘Dolphin’s Point’ is spot on for its bay side location serving outstanding bar-be-que and grills in season. You can grab your favourite spirit at ‘Mattancherry Bar’. ‘The Aquarius Pool bar’ is another cool favourite to sink in and suss. Jiva Spa offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honoured Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps. To learn about local culture, the hotel’s village backwaters trip takes you through the canals into the heart of the local community. Gain some first-hand knowledge of rope making or preparing a meal, under the expert guidance of the locals. OFFERS

With accommodation and buffet breakfast for 2 adults and a meal credit of `3,000 per room per stay, Vivanta by Taj Malabar – Cochin offers its guests an exciting package. This also includes a one half day family excursion of the Jew Town, Dutch Palace and the Spice Markets by car, sunset cruise, and a host of activities for kids under the supervision of an expert, 10 percent discount on laundry and telecom, all taxes inclusive. This offer starts at a price of `29,000 (single occupancy) and `31,000 (double occupancy). factfile Address: Willingdon Island, Kochi Call: 0484 664 3000. Website: www. vivantabytaj.com/Malabar-Cochin/Overview

March 2014 GO NOW

TRIDENTA

An intimate customised holiday

LOCATION

Trident, Cochin, is located on Willingdon Island, 20 minutes from business district of Ernakulam. The hotel is within easy reach of the city’s shopping centres and other attractions and is 75 minutes’ drive away from the International/domestic airport and 20 minutes’ drive away from the railway station. ARCHITECTURE

The elegant low rise hotel with its traditional terracotta-tiled roof merges with the features of the local architecture styles of Kerala. The architecture style of Kerala is in total harmony with the topography of

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the land, so the height of constructions is always kept below the level of a coconut tree. The design of Trident, Cochin is in a courtyard style with lot of greenery and water bodies. Some of the old existing trees were retained during construction. There are two such large mango trees in the inner courtyard of the hotel. Even though Kerala is a lush green state, with the different treatment in landscape architecture a tropical ambience is created in a unique way at the hotel. The theme of the hotel is based on a ship, since the hotel is located inside the Cochin Port area. Wood is used lavishly in rooms and corridors.

A few striking artefacts kept in the lobby, like the single piece wooden pillar with intricate carvings, the ‘uruli’( traditional cooking vessel made of bell metal) with floating flower petals, the ‘churulan’(spiral) boat’s head as the pedestal of the ‘uruli’, give guests a true Kerala feel on entering the hotel. The wall mounted Chinese Jars (used in Kerala for keeping tender mango pickles) and the large wooden spoons (used for community cooking) displayed inside the Travancore restaurant take the guests back to the rich culinary tradition of the state. With its unique architectural features Trident, Cochin gives a boutique feel to the guests who would like to stay in a very intimate place, where their holidays

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are highly customised. WHAT TO EXPECT

Trident, Cochin is an elegant edifice stands out for its spaciousness housing 85 Superior Rooms, Deluxe rooms and Suites for guests to select. The Hotel offers three areas of rich and appealing dining experiences along with a bar, meeting rooms, and banquet and In-Room Dining options. ‘Travancore’, the regional restaurant overlooks the pool and serves international, Indian and Kerala specialities, while ‘The Seafood Grill’, presents the finest selection of fresh lobster, scampi and red snapper prepared to suit personal preferences. Guests can avail light meals and round-theclock snacks from ‘The Patio’ or choose to

relax with a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails at ‘The Cochin Trader’ bar. The hotel offers guests one of Kerala’s most well-kept secrets – Ayurveda treatments at its exclusive Ayurveda Centre. The hotels’ swimming pool and the well-equipped fitness centre with its wide range of equipment and relaxation areas helps cater to the needs of the health enthusiasts. The hotel features excellent banqueting facilities with three designated areas and with facilities to accommodate up to 90 guests, is an ideal location for business meetings, conferences and small events. OFFERS

Some of the offers at Trident are- Discover India with Trident where Trident Hotels

takes you on a magical journey through the magnificence of India. They will help you plan a trip like none other, across the wondrous destinations in India, including: Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur. Select the number of days you wish to stay in each destination and fix an itinerary across the destination you wish to visit. Another offer is Trident Holidays that brings you the best there is to offer with a wide range of activities in a warm and caring environment. In short, a perfect family getaway that promises something special for everyone. factfile Address: Willingdon Island, Kochi. Call: 0484 308 1000 Website: www.tridenthotels.com/cochin/hotel

March 2014 GO NOW

metro travel HOLIDAY INNA

Unwind at the infinity pool LOCATION

Strategically located just 26 kilometres from the Kochi International Airport, Holiday Inn Kochi promises to satiate the wants of both the discerning business and leisure traveler. Located right in the heart of the city, overlooking the National Highway Bypass, this plush hotel is easily accessible by air, road or rail. Holiday Inn Kochi is a perfect choice for everyone from a food lover to someone who is longing for a luxurious getaway making it Kochi’s fresh destination for everyday people. Holiday Inn Kochi is one of the fresh international products in city and has easy access to commercial and tourists places alike ARCHITECTURE

The contemporary décor spells luxury and attention to detail ensures that the guests come back to the hotel for more. Guests can now experience the same ser-

GO NOW March 2014

vice standards, value and comfort which Holiday Inn epitomises globally. The lobby is bursting with class and sophistication offering a casual yet elegant ambience to all the guests. WHAT TO EXPECT

Apart from a modern health club and gym facilities, the guests can rejuvenate themselves at the Jacuzzi, steam and sauna which are complimentary to all guests and can unwind at the infinity pool which overlooks the Kochi cityscape. The hotel houses five speciality food and beverage outlets. ‘Masala’, the all-day dining restaurant at the lobby level offers authentic cuisine ranging from traditional Kerala to continental flavours at this elegant dining area. The Sunday Brunch, from 1200 to 1600 hrs, has a sumptuous spread of local and international cuisine and it is also tailor made keeping the little kids in mind offering unique options like the kids buffet zone, games, caricature and face painting .You can keep it light and try some short eats with a hot cuppa at ‘Deli KC’, where the smell of freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries wafts will entice you. An eclectic dessert, a coffee and tea bar with a high tea menu at this 24 hours coffee shop provides a much needed energy fix in the midst of a shopping spree or a hectic day at work. Head to ‘Stadia’, the sports bar if you want to groove as well as enjoy a vari-

ety of cocktails, fine wines and appetising nibbles. There are also two pool tables and live screening of sports for the sports enthusiasts. ‘Roma’ will take care of your Italian passion and serves hand tossed pizzas to perfect risottos to scrumptious dessert with élan. The intimate dining area here is perfect for you to enjoy a lingering meal with that special someone. ‘Oasis’, the open air bar is an ideal hangout for an evening with buddies where the view over the infinity pool just adds to the aura. Periyar, the banquet hall can be used as one large banquet area or can be divided into 3 halls to accommodate various types of meetings and gatherings. It can accommodate up to 150 people in theatre style seating and there is also a large pre-function area with 2 attached terrace for designing events making it a premiere choice for business and social meets alike. OFFERS

Holiday Inn is offering Seafood Mania – Dinner at Masala from March 01 – March 09 where you can explore the tempting world of seafood from the Indian, Pan Asian, Far East, American and Continental regions. factfile Address: National Highway Bypass, Vennala 33/1739 A, Chakkaraparambu Junction, Cochin. Call: 0124 4551212 Website: www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/ en/cochin/coker/hoteldetail

metro travel

CROWNE PLAZAA

A feather in the Crowne LOCATION

Crowne Plaza Kochi is ideally located on the NH 47 Bypass with easy access to Cochin International Airport, IT-Hub, major tourist locales and scenic backwaters and beaches. The cool interiors and glamour of the hotel are a stark contrast to the financial capital of the state that it is based in. This new feather in the Crowne of Intercontinental Hotel group in South West Asia Region is a great place for both leisure and business travellers. ARCHITECTURE

Crowne Plaza Kochi is often referred to as Kochi’s landmark to discover and celebrate. Since the hotel is classified as an upscale business hotel, from the lobby to the bed everything has been set up in a business class style. The lobby, elevators, dining options everything has been furnished in a contemporary and clutter free style. WHAT TO EXPECT

Crowne Plaza Kochi offers 269 spacious

business rooms and suites in three different categories. Speaking of indulgence, the hotel plays host to five excellent options for the travellers to tantalise their taste buds according to their mood. While ‘Trilogi’ is the innovative and contemporary seafood restaurant that will deliver an uncomplicated authentic experience; ‘Mosaic ‘ the all-day dining, serves Asian and Western cuisine either as a la carte or in buffet style and a perfect option for a quick breakfast, business lunch or an intimate evening meal. ‘Aroma Lounge & Deli’ which serves a fine selection of Indian and international tea and coffee is a great place to enjoy a cuppa along with a guest or business partners. You can also enjoy an aperitif or some light snacks along with your afternoon tea or coffee. It’s also a great place to pick up cakes, desserts and festive delights. ‘Connexions’ is a place for guest to have informal meetings to unwind or network during evening hours with a wide variety of International and Indian beers, wines and cigars. The

newly opened poolside bar ‘SpiceCabana’ also is a fine option to unwind. The Grand ballroom is divided into three rooms and all are equipped with drop down screens and in built projectors. It has got outdoor lawns with a perfect view of backwaters which can host up to 1,500 persons for any function. OFFERS

Some of the offers in the month of March are – Kerala food promotion by their south Indian Master Chef Rejimon featuring mouth-watering delicacies from across Kerala. At Mosaic – The All Day Dining Restaurant, Buffet food promotion starts from March 3rd till 30th March where you will be taken on a journey across continents. There will be regular international and local favourites with a designated section for the featured cuisine. Mexican – Mondays Pan Asian – Wednesdays BBq- Fridays factfile Address: Xi/641a, Kundanoor Junction, Nh-47 Bypass, Maradu, Kochi. Call: 0484 286 5000 Website: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza

Researched by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

March 2014 GO NOW

metro travel

Park Street in Kolkata

ALL ABOUT THE GOOD LIFE

by PRITI SALIAN

ast month, I made a hurried visit to Kolkata for work but kept aside a day for visiting a few touristy spots. Park Street topped my list because I had missed seeing it during an earlier visit. But when I checked into The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass after a long and difficult commute from the airport, I wondered if I would be able to realise my dream of reaching the most talked about entertainment hub of the City of Joy. The city’s traffic was a big deterrent to me in fleshing out any plans for city tours. But, the General Manager of the hotel and the warm and helping staff made a trip to Park Street sound really easy since it was “just about seven km from the hotel.” Not much of a distance going by Kolkata standards.

cold environment surrounding 1600 mausoleums. So I started my walk through Park Street from here. Located at the junction of Park Street with A J C Bose Road, the South Park Street Cemetery bears testimony to the short life spans of the British who likely died of the squalid living conditions in Calcutta at the time. The tallest tomb is of Sir William Jones, the founder of The Asiatic Society. The sons of Charles Dickens and Captain Cook are also interred here. Once inside the cemetery, it is difficult to imagine that beyond the walls lies the bustling dining hub of the city. A road which was once just an unpaved “Road to Old Burial Grounds” because it connected Fort William to the cemeteries of Kolkata, later turned into an entertainment and shopping centre of the metropolitan. The name Park Street also has a peculiar

Time has not altered the charm of this famous Kolkata street which continues to draw visitors because of the unique juxtaposition of the old and new. very popular Park Street restaurant, where she is also said to have met her husband. Blue Fox is now replaced by Mc Donald’s but Trincas still exists and though its old loyalists still spend evenings at the joint, most youngsters do not enjoy the food. Walking up from the cemetery, I encountered St Xavier’s College, a children’s park and the Police Commissioner’s office. Several original buildings on Park Street seemed to have been converted to offices or high rise apartments. A few that remain are Queen’s Mansion and Karnani Mansion. A legend is that the owner of Queen’s Mansion was fond of racing and lost and won the building thrice while pursuing his passion. The original Park Mansion housed the famous Sky Room, which closed down in 1993 due to labour

that beyond the walls ine ag im to ult fic dif is it y, ter me ce Once inside the unpaved “Road to an t jus ce on s wa ich wh ad ro A y. cit dining hub of the of Kolkata, later tur ies ter me ce the to am illi W rt Fo ted ec because it conn the metropolitan. entertainment and shopping centre of To add to that, they sat me down with a drink and filled me in with some amazing legends associated with Park Street, creating an irresistible urge to go see it. The very next afternoon I set out, absorbing the sights on the way. “The entrance from the South Park Street Cemetery side remains closed post 1 p.m.,” was the word of caution I’d received from a member of my hotel so I entered from Chowringhee Road and came down till the much talked about cemetery. Opened in 1767, South Park Street Cemetery is home to the graves of many of the early British inhabitants of Calcutta. My aim was to see this unique burial ground before the sun showed any signs of setting in the eerie and 46

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history. It came from a deer park at the residence of Sir Elijah Impey, Chief Justice of British India’s Supreme Court. However, at some time, Park Street was also named Mother Teresa Sarani, not a very suitable association for a street known for its nightlife. Park Street is just a thoroughfare, I had heard people say. But a lively one at that. Once the music and dance street of Calcutta, it has witnessed the likes of Pam Crain and Usha Uthup croon. Crain was just a 17- year-old chanteuse when she became a regular at Blue Fox, a restaurant where people danced till they were thrown out. Uthup, who was Usha Iyer then, was perhaps the only non Anglo-Indian crooner who performed at Trincas, a

s lies the bustling Old Burial Grounds” rned into an

problems. So famous were the prawn cocktails at Sky Room that they would be packed in ice and flown down to Delhi for Indira Gandhi. A little ahead on the left I came across the famous Peter Cat restaurant and remembered that my able guides at the hotel had insisted I stop there for a snack. “While you’re there, you must try the Chelo Kebabs at Peter Cat,” I was told. Peter Cat shares its owner with Mocambo, India’s first nightclub. Mocambo, which now welcomes guests from all backgrounds, was once visited only by the well-heeled and its doors did not open for men without dinner jackets. Flurys, the famous tea-room which I encountered ahead was once famous for its rum balls and English breakfast. It still bakes some awesome confectionary though I didn’t enjoy the rum balls as much. One of the stories that goes about the Flurys and Trincas families is that they were both Swiss and great friends, but fell apart when the wife of one eloped with the other. A little ahead on my left was Magnolia, an eatery that was home to India’s first ice-

cream outlet and was the first in the country to serve hamburgers. Hall & Anderson, the subcontinent’s first department store was also a first at Park Street. To my right I encountered the famous Oxford Book Store, The Park and Trincas before I reached The Asiatic Society which bears the coveted address 1, Park Street. Founded by Sir William Jones and designed by architect Captain Lock, The Asiatic Society opened its doors for the Calcutta populace in January 1784 and houses a library and a museum. Park Street hides a large number of stories in its closet, many of which are known only to the old-timers of Kolkata. For a nonchalant tourist, who hasn’t heard the legends, the place appears like any other shopping and dining area in the country. It isn’t very different from Connaught Place in Delhi or Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bangalore. But for the discerning traveller, who can look beyond the neon lights, it is a rich boulevard depicting the culture that the British left behind in India. For me, it was an unforgettable lesson from the timeless history of my country. March 2014 GO NOW

delhi update

Biography of Apollo Hospitals’ Chairman released

Celebrating Literature at the World Book Fair

ranab Mukherjee, Honb’le President of India, inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair 2014 at Hamsdhawani Theatre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The book fair went on for nine days starting from 14th till 22nd February 2014. Poland was the guest country at this year’s book fair and the focus of the fair was ‘Kathasagara’ which means celebrating children’s literature. Pranab Mukherjee said that The New Delhi World Book Fair is a manifestation and celebration of a liberal, democratic, multilingual, multicultural and secular society. The fair saw people from all across the country coming up for the love of literature. Where: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. When: from 14th till 22nd February 2014

A CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE ASHOK

‘F

eel India’ is an initiative of Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to showcase the myriad shades of culture to tourists. The cultural programmes are being organised at the Amphitheatre, The Ashok every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm till 29th March. The event was formally launched by Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India with the launch performance “Classical Dances of India” led by Yogi and Danseuse Reela Hota with Narmada Cultural Association, Swati Sinha and Group and other eminent artists. The subsequent programmes consist of a mix of classical, folk, fusion and contemporary dance and music. When: 20th February 2014. Where: Amphitheatre, The Ashok, Delhi

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inance Minister P Chidambaram launched the biography of Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals in Delhi. The event was attended by Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Chiranjeevi, Jaswant Singh, Ambika Soni and others. The biography is titled ‘Healer: Dr. Prathap Chandra Reddy’ and the ‘Transformation of India’ by Pranay Gupte and has been published by Penguin Books India. The event included reading of passages from the book, passages that best described Reddy’s journey. Where: The Ballroom, The Oberoi, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg When: 30th January 2014

delhi update

Surajkund International Crafts Mela

colourful representation of handicrafts and art works of various states of India is presented at the Surajkund Mela every year. The 28th International Crafts Mela 2014, like every year was organised by Haryana Tourism with Sri Lanka being the partner country. The theme state for this year was Goa. A group of craftsmen from the partner country, Sri Lanka showcased the best of their culture and artwork. The festival is a serious effort by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism to provide a platform to craftsperson and weavers to directly market and promote their products. Folk dances were being performed by dancers from different states and cities which were held at the Chaupal from 11 am every day.

AUTO EXPO 2014

eaturing more than 300 new vehicles by 32 different manufacturers, the Auto Expo this year had a huge variety of automobiles on display from sedans, SUVs, to economical and luxury cars. Various automobile manufacturers unveiled their latest models for 2014. This mega event is used by the top companies as a platform for their global launches. The 12th Indian Auto Expo this year took place at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. This biennial automotive show is the largest motor show in Asia and second largest in the world. People from all across the country came in large numbers to see the show and be amongst the best automobiles in the world. Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and John Abraham were seen launching and promoting different cars and manufacturers at the Auto Expo 2014.

PHOTOS: CHANDRA TAMANG

What: 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2014 When: 1st to 15th February 2014. Where: Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana

REDESIGNED SKODA SUPERB COMES TO INDIA

koda Auto India launched the redesigned Superb in India at a price of Rs. 18.87 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The launch had Sudhir Rao, Chairman & Managing Director and Pawel Szuflak, Director Sales & Marketing, Skoda auto India showcasing the features and design elements of this new version of the car. Talking about the new Superb at the launch, Sudhir Rao said, “The introduction of the redesigned Superb is part of our ongoing model offensive strategy. The refreshed Superb is even more appealing than its predecessor and retains the features and comforts that our customers have become accustomed to. Our renewed focus on customers will further add to the overall ownership experience with the brand.” Where: ITC Maurya, New Delhi. When: 10th February, 2014

What: 12th Auto Expo 2014. Where: India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, India. When: 7th to 11th February 2014 March 2014 GO NOW

delhi update

New Entrants Benihana

Dining choices galore at newly opened JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity

ith multiple hotels opening in the vicinity of the Delhi Airport, relaxing in transit while grabbing a quick bite has become easier. In fact travellers looking for fine dining options will not be disappointed too. The first JW Marriott in the capital offers an indulgent experience with diverse fine-dining options. For a cup of tea and some nibbles, you can unbend at the JW Lounge which is designed like an exclusive living room with an exciting array of food and beverage offerings. K3 – The all-day dining restaurant is open 24 hours for the guests. So for those terrible hunger pangs you can land here and choose from the three live kitchens displaying three distinct cuisines: North 50

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Indian, Cantonese and Tuscan. The restaurant also has a special al fresco service with an open bar that serves as a juice bar in the morning and a wine bar in the evenings. All those who are looking for a cuisine different from the usual towards the evening can definitely dine at Akira Back that serves Japanese cuisine with a Korean essence. The interiors will fascinate you as it encompasses one the biggest (an eight-metre tall) sake wall which houses some of the finest sakes and wines in the sub-continent. For casual dining, we found Delhi Baking Company different from the usual patisseries of the Capital. It was refreshingly pleasant and vibrant. While you can indulge in a wide range of grab-and-go gourmet products including baked goodies, coffee and culinary lifestyle products, literature options are made available for the avid readers, so they can enjoy their cuppa in leisure. Travellers looking for some drink and cocktail options can try The Oval Bar that offers a wide range of premium wines and spirits, even the rare ones. This sophisticated retreat, for both the business and leisure traveller, is the perfect place to unwind. Address: Asset Area 4 - Hospitality District, New Delhi. Call: 011 4521 2121 Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ delap-jw-marriott-hotel-new-delhi-aerocity by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

The famous Benihana, the Japanese Grill & Sushi Restaurant has come to the capital now. Rediscover the personalised experience of having your choice of succulent seafood, tender chicken, juicy steaks, and gardenfresh vegetables grilled to delicious perfection in an extraordinary theatre that will feed the senses and entertain the appetite. R 5, Lower Ground Floor, Epicuria Food Mall, Near Nehru Place Metro Station, Nehru Place, New Delhi. 011 26488884

The Hungry Monkey

The Hungry Monkey has redefined the smart casual dining experience. The food has a strong focus on a global palate and a surprising fusion of flavours. Transition from laid back lunches to spirited sun downer sessions over drinks and music, savour a stylish dinner and then indulge in some late night grooving. B 6/6 DDA Market, Safdarjung Enclave, Opp. Deer Park, New Delhi. 011 46049801

Charlie’s Bar Exchange

Like in a stock market, where figures and numbers of various listed companies keep on tumbling, Charlie’s Bar Exchange does the same with the choicest of brands in beers, vodkas, tequilas, cocktails and more. It’s a modern pub, aiming to satisfy the ‘value for money’ desire of the urban youth. G-02, Rasvillas Mall, Saket, New Delhi. 011 64250003

March 2014 GO NOW

delhi update

New Entrants

PHOTO: ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

Yauatcha A Michelin-starred restaurant from London, Yauatcha is now in the Capital. It is a contemporary yet casual teahouse that offers an all-day dining experience. Keeping guests satisfied with traditional Dim Sum, a variety of wok items including stir-fried vegetables and an exceptional offering of Chinese and Indian loose leaf teas. Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. 1800 266 1000

Smokeys BBQ and Grill

Republic of Noodles is among eateries at Lemon Tree Premier menu. What we felt delighted about was the Slounge, the hip bar of the hotel. Not many bars in the capital offer a pool table, PlayStation and a playlist of your favourite tunes. Slounge has all of these with some of the famous finger foods. Also the interiors were quirky, which makes it an ideal for the leisure travellers.

djacent to Lemon Tree, is Red Fox Hotel, which is famous for its fresh and eccentric interiors. Though this hotel is not loaded with multiple food outlets, but Clever Fox Café entails some of the basic food options. A traveller, not looking for huge options to indulge in, can stop over to have a bite on the run. This fun café serves to all appetites-light meals, healthy snacks, wholesome meals or munchy fads. You can choose from a wide range of Indian, regional and continental cuisine. In any case, if you are looking for something specific, you can go to Lemon Tree, just across the pool. Address: Hospitality District, International Airport, IGI Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Call: 011 4165 0101. Website: www.lemontreehotels.com/red-fox-hotel by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

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Plot 2, VIPPS Centre, Masjid Moth, (GK) 2, New Delhi. 011 4143 5531

Address: Asset No. 6, Aerocity Hospitality District, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Aerocity, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Call: 011 4423 2323 Website: www.lemontreehotels.com/Lemon-treepremier/delhi/delhi-international-airport

Red Fox Hotel

Inspired by the ubiquitous BBQ joints that dot the Mid-West, Smokey’s reflects the spirit of a quintessential barbeque restaurant – two floors of wood and brick, but with pops of colour and artwork to give it a contemporary feel.

Barrels

PHOTO: ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

ne of the prime reason why Lemon Tree will soon gain popularity among travellers and foodies, is its soon going to be launched Republic of Noodles, a restaurant touted as the spot to sample some of the best Southeast Asian cuisine. Since it hasn’t been launched yet, a limited menu is offered to the guests. People waiting to explore this restaurant in its full form, will have to wait a month more. Residents as well as walk in guests of the hotel can dine at Citrus Café which is a multi-cuisine restaurant. Also this café is famous for its ‘GharKaKhana’

BARRELS brings for th the simple philosophy of embodying the spirit of this ever changing and unpredictable world. With a splash of graffiti, sculptures and music depicting a new world order in its own uncharacteristic way, you can now enjoy a selection of pan-ethnic dishes influenced by Asian, African, American and European cooking traditions. The PVR Priya Complex, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. 011 41075881

March 2014 GO NOW

delhi update

Radisson Blu has a new exclusive Plaza Lounge

he guests staying at the Business C l a s s Ro o m s a nd S u i te s a t Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi now exclusively have access to the newly launched ‘The Plaza Lounge’. T he Pla z a loun g e of fe r s com for t , privacy and maximum productivity for business guests. Guests can enjoy these complimentary offerings at The Plaza Lounge during their stay. Along with private meeting rooms, the lounge also offers daily buffet breakfast and cocktails plus pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres. Situated at the first floor of the hotel, Plaza Lounge with its comfortable seating and the plush aura is perfect for an exclusive experience the business guests are looking for. The Lounge offers its guests with a personalized seated check-in and

check-out facility. Guests staying in Business Class and Suites can use the meeting rooms for business or social meetings for complimentary two hours. The exclusive and complimentary services include an elaborate buffet breakfast served from 06:30 am to 10:30 am on weekdays and till 11:00 am on weekends and complimentary evening cocktails with hors d’oeuvres from 06:00 pm until 08:00 pm and unlimited servings of tea and coffee through the day. The lounge opens into a spectacular, well-maintained garden serving complimentary tea and coffee. The guests can also enjoy a book from the private library of the lounge along with their favourite drink.

New Entrants Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar is India’s first gastro pub. Monkey Bar set a benchmark for its innovative food and oftenirreverent take on the concept of traditional cuisines. Also the bar at Monkey Bar keeps abreast offering you trendy and affordable yet fabulous tasting cocktails. Plot No 11, Pocket C 6 & 7, Commercial Complex, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 011 41095155

Harry’s

For Further Details, visit: www.radissonblu.com/ hotel-newdelhi

Promotion Your chance to win unlimited dim sums at Shiro Shiro has launched 13 novel dim sums where on creating the fourteenth one, you can win unlimited Dim Sums and Sublime Tea for 2. Those having a knack for cooking can surely try their luck. Address: Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Call: 011 26876310 54

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Singapore’s iconic bar chain; Harry’s unveils its latest outlet in the heart of the city in Khan Market, New Delhi. True to its legacy, Harry’s offers a fine range of handpicked cuisine from across the world. Grounded in a strong bar culture, Harry’s offers an array of beers from across the world in both bottle and tap variants. Flat No.62, 2nd Floor, Above CBTL, Khan Market, New Delhi.

91 98184 53166

March 2014 GO NOW

tourism connect

SPICING UP

GOAN TOURISM Goa has alluring destinations besides its glorious beaches. Its aromatic gardens skirting the western ghats draw with their combination of natural beauty and a bounty of spices. Hinterland Tourism is now here to stay.

Text and photograph by DINESH PATEL

ith the sea, sun and sand slogan gradually losing sheen, promoters are now keen to add extra value benefits to international and domestic tourists and have gradually begun shifting focus towards hinterland tourism. And for some time now spice plantations and organic gardens too have aimed to claim their share of Goa’s seemingly inexhaustible tourism pie. Today innumerable green spots dot the landscape and are thriving under the large umbrella of eco-tourism that has lured tourists under its green canopy. In fact now no tourist’s Goa visit is complete without a spice garden etched prominently on their itinerary. What began as a curiosity quotient for Westerners has today emerged as a distinct tourist attraction avenue. So much so, that even newer players have entrenched themselves to avail the bounty. The talk of promoting hinterland tourism has been echoing in Goa for decades now. Yet each new government, though realising that beach tourism options were reaching a saturation point, do nothing more than pay lip service do not announce comprehensive plans. While several spice gardens have mushroomed over the years, few really offer tourists the actual authentic display. Many divert attention by offering elephant rides, bird watching, crocodile spotting, folk dance, 56

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boating and promoting restaurants with Goan Hindu cuisine. Two spice plantations are generally accepted as the pioneers - Pascoal’s Spice Village and Savoi Plantations. The temple town of Ponda also has in its vicinity plantations like Sahakar Spice farm, Tropical Spice plantations, Rustic Plantations, Sai Herbarium and Parvati Madav Park Plantation. These have been getting their share of curious visitors. According to Mialgres Fernandes of Pascoal’s Spice Village, the success of the spice plantations only means that the government needs to focus more on facilities and infrastructure to veer tourism towards the region, known as Goa’s cultural capital that has been neglected for years. Spread on 50 acre land, Pascoal’s Spice Village has some unique collections of spices and about 2500 species of garden plants and flowers, some of which he claims are not found anywhere in the country. “Proper roads, street lights and informative sign boards are necessary to lure tourists,” he asserts. Tourists can see well-arranged and scientifically classified and categorised varieties of spices and medicinal and aromatic plants. Popular spices available include cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, areca nut, curry leaves besides a variety of fruit and flower bearing trees in the sprawling farms in the area.

During the last ten to twelve years there has been a spurt in tourists visiting spice farms. Today there are at least 150 to 200 tourists visiting my Spice Village alone during the season, he adds. Spice Village was awarded ‘The Best Farm Award’ in 1992, by the Goa Government and subsequently ‘The Second Best Farm in India Award’ in 1998. In 1993, Spice Village was officially declared as a tourist destination, by the Department of Tourism. Blessed with adequate natural surroundings, at the foot of the Western Ghats and the flowing River Khandepar, the traditionally agricultural region is both fertile

tourism today

The spice plantations also provide tourists ample opportunity to be out in the open and even observe the variety of flora and fauna. filefact and conducive to spice plantation. Old timers throw a word of caution to tourists who cannot distinguish between plantations and have constantly urged the government to step in to classify and grade plantations according to age, area and facility. “Many guides and taxi operators sometimes take tourists to the closest plantation and do not bother about taking them to the genuine farms that have a variety of spices. Today anybody with a small farm wants to promote it as spice plantations, as they see tourists flocking to our farms. Goa government’s tourism department needs to clas-

sify the plantations according to its value and capacity,” Mr Fernandes suggests. The spice plantations also provide tourists ample opportunity to be out in the open and even observe the variety of flora and fauna. About 65 different types of birds have been spotted in this area, including the Kingfisher, Malabar Pied hornbill, the Paradise fly catcher, besides small animals like the common langoor and Indian giant squirrel among others. Some spice plantations also house nurseries, where fruit-bearing and flowering plants are sold.

Pascoal Organic Spice Village It is located 7kms from Ponda on Natio nal Highway (NH4A) towards Belgaum, 45km s from Panaji, 25 kms from Margaon and 55kms from Vasco www.pascoalfarm.com Tel: 09923749059/ 094220554 55 Savoi Plantation Situated in the village of Savoi which is 25 kms from the capital city Panjim, 40km s from Calangute in North Goa and 30km s from the city of Margao in South Goa www.savoiplantation.com Tel: (091832) 2340272/ 234024 3

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tourism connect

THE TIGER

AND THE TOURIST ECO-TOURISM IN SANCTUARIES MAY BE HERE TO STAY

he case of the tiger versus the tourist is known. The tiger went to the Supreme Court of India through a friend to complain about noisy and pesky tourists. It happened in the year 2012. The outcome, one and a half year later, since the Supreme Court stepped in to intervene in the dispute between the big cat and cat lovers, is that tourists still visit tigers deep in the heart of tiger territory but in lesser numbers. The tiger and the tourist thus remain friends but it zealously protects its privacy. The government may have allowed too many visitors in the parks in the past. Toby Sinclair, vice president for the eco-tourism Society of India, had said at that time that, “The eco in eco-tourism has changed to economy”. The Supreme Court had taken the tiger’s side. It immediately banned tourism in the core areas of reserves and sanctuaries. This caused an outcry from those whose livelihoods were threatened and the Supreme Court reviewed its decision. It vacated its interim ban order and permitted tourism in core areas but it wanted this to be low impact, and asked all authorities to strictly adhere to the guidelines notified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. These guidelines now set the standards for tourism activities and for tiger conservation in Project Tiger in the buffer and core areas of tiger reserves. As a result of the Supreme Court intervention, the government now allows some activity in the core area for “regulated, low-impact tourism.” So what is the issue anyway? Are ti58

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The tourist is more than a casual onlooker. He may be the tiger’s friend. Tourists can help in the conservation efforts to preserve this endangered big cat. gers and tourists in conflict? Is there a tug of war between tiger conservation and tourism? Does commercial activity harm tigers? Tigers are a popular big cat and are good to watch. Yet they are also a protected species and an endangered one. There are very few tigers left in the world. A century ago there were estimated to be 100,000 tigers in India. There are less than 2000 of them in the country and these may well be half of them in the world. The tigers live in several scenic tiger reserves across the country. Hunting in the past and poaching and conflicts between the tigers and people living in and on the periphery of the tiger reserves that continue till this day have caused a drastic decline in their numbers and they are on the verge of extinction. It is only humans who are responsible for the decline in tiger numbers and tourists are very human. A rise in the number of tourists in tiger territory and the growth of tourism infrastructure can mean an increasing pressure on the environment and on the tiger. The pressure affects the carrying capacity of an area, which is the maximum number of individuals it can support. When applied to human activities, this translates as the maximum amount of human disturbance an area can support without deterioration. There is an urgency to the situation and tigers must be protected. If tourists are to see tigers without threatening the survival of these animals

or of their habitats, their wildlife watching practices must be properly managed and can hardly be unregulated. So does this mean that tourists cannot see them? Not necessarily. Tourists can be a tiger’s greatest friend. Watching animals is inspiring Responsible and regulated tourism can forge a human connection to wildlife and its preservation. Many of the tourists who see tigers are motivated to support conservation. Moreover, tourists can act as watchdogs against poachers and lax forestry officials. Like the body parts of elephants and the rhinoceros, the bones and body parts of tigers are poached for enormous sums. Poachers are a bigger danger to tigers than tourists. The guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority indicate that tourism in the context of Tiger Reserves is ‘eco-tourism’ This is ecologically sustainable nature-tourism which is now becoming important for the tourism industry and is distinct from ‘mass tourism’, It is sustainable, equitable and helps improving the living standards of the local, host communities living on the fringes of tiger reserves while protecting the tigers themselves. The guidelines allow tourism in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in areas now designated as core or critical tiger habitat. This is regulated low impact tourism. However, now no new tourism infrastructure can be permitted in such core and critical tiger habitats. Further, the buffer forest areas are also to be developed as wildlife habitats with the active involvement of local people living in such areas. This provides an extended habitat to tiger population besides benefitting local people from eco-tourism activities in such areas. The tourists still permitted but the tiger is protected. It is no wonder that the tiger has a smile on its face. by AMIT JETLEY

PHOTO: TANMOY DAS

tourism connect

So what is the issue anyway? Are tigers and tourists in conflict? Is there a tug of war between tiger conservation and tourism? March 2014 GO NOW

tourism connect

THE BEST PLACES TO SPOT THE TIGER Corbett Tiger Reserve

The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is a must for the wildlife enthusiast. It is one of India’s oldest parks, First established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park, it was named after the legendary hunter-turnedconservationist Corbett in the 1950s. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the park has a wide variety of terrain, from forestland to marshes. In addition to tigers, you can see leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, sloth bears, jackals, chital, sambal and barking deer.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is probably the place you are most likely to see a tiger. With 50 or so tigers and a core area of 105 sq km, Bandhavgarh boasts the highest density of tigers in the world. Bandhavgarh is also home to over 150 species of birds. The park is known as the land of the white tiger, even though white tigers no longer exist here. It is named after the highest hill in the park (807m), which is where the Bandhavgarh fort is situated. The park offers more than just wildlife and has temples, 10th-century shrines and hand-carved hermit caves. It also has steep rocky hills and valleys,

Satpura Tiger Reserve

Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the park is relatively new and was established in 1981. Spread over the Satpura ranges and rising to 1,352m at its highest point, walking is permitted in the Satpura Tiger Reserve. It also allows kayaking on its large reservoir

PHOTO: TANMOY DAS

Pench Tiger Reserve

Also in Madhya Pradesh, this 758sq km reserve was another inspirational setting for Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Pench Tiger Reserve though now better known for its leopards than its tigers, is also home to over 250 species of bird as well as several of mammals. Animals gather at the reservoir to drink, which is an excellent spot to observe wildlife.

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Kanha in Madhya Pradesh may possibly be the most beautiful of India’s parks. A mix of

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deciduous forest and savannah grassland. Kanha National Park may have provided the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s novel, The Jungle Book. It is rich in lush saal and bamboo forests, lakes, streams and open grasslands. The reserve harbours herds of gaur (wild cow), spotted deer, barasingha deer wid dog and leopards besides the tiger. Large grasslands allow excellent viewing opportunities

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, on the Bramaputra floodplains in Assam, is the home of the tiger. It is also home to a large numbers of Indian one-horned rhinoceros and wild Asian elephants, as well as some of the last herds of wild buffalo left in the world.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

This small reser ve is on the Vidarbha mountain range, in the north-east corner of Maharashtra. Its rocky and undulating terrain is covered with thick teak forests, which support healthy populations of animals, including tigers, leopards, jackals and hyenas.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

The Sundarbans national park in West Bengal is also home to an astonishing range of flora and fauna. It is spread over 54 islands and is only accessible by boat. It has numerous tigers – at least 70 – and lots of smaller cats, including the fishing and leopard cat. These often remain well hidden but you can see the highly endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, sharks and even saltwater crocodiles.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies in the Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts, at the junction of the Aravali and the Vindhya hill ranges in Rajasthan. Ranthambhore’s thin forest cover and open grassy meadow make it a relatively good area to see tigers. Inside the park is a fort built in the 10th century. The park is characterised by rocky plains and steep cliffs and supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, besides the tigers. The Reserve represents the north-western limits of the Bengal tiger’s distribution range. Researched by AMIT JETLEY

tourism connect

The big cats are elusive and sightings cannot always be guaranteed March 2014 GO NOW

tourism connect

here has been some exciting news for Kerala this year. Kumarakom, near the city of Kottayam, has become the first tourist destination in India to win the prestigious United Nations Award for Sustainable Tourism. Kumarakom is picturesque, with a variety of flora and fauna, set on the banks of a famous lake, and known for backwater tourism. Kerala has become justly famous in recent times for its tourism. Beaches and backwaters, mangrove forests and winding rivers, hill stations and monsoons, Kalereipatam and Kathakali –these are all synonymous with Kerala and Kerala tourism. Priya J. Nair, Marketing Manager of Summit Suites says that, “Kerala is best for tourism because it has a little of everything attractive for a tourist and all within 150 kilometres of each

other.” It is not just that Kerala has some unique features. A superb marketing effort has propelled Kerala tourism to the forefront of national and international consciousness. As a consequence, there has been no dearth of visitors to Kerala. The graph of their arrivals has been constantly rising. If there were 7.33 lakh foreign visitors in Kerala in 2011, there were 7.94 visitors in 2012. Even more popular with domestic tourists, 1.01 crore of them visited God’s Own Country in 2012 as compared to 93.88 lakh in 2011. Indeed, in years when foreign arrivals have been lean, the number of domestic visitors has more than made up for their lack in numbers. Kerala has several projects and schemes in the pipeline to attract more visitors. It has a ‘Seaplane Project’ to improve last mile connectivity to a few prime destinations. It has a ‘Project

KERALA

Muziris’ which is to re-invigorate the historical and cultural significance of the legendary port of Muziris. There is the Spice Route Revival Project which is Kerala’s initiative to revive and promote for tourism the two millennia-old spice route that links the south western coast of India to Europe; a project supported by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. There may be ropeways on the hills and much more of the traditional healing arts of Ayurveda. Kerala tourism is reaching out to new markets such as Japan and West Asia. The coming years will see more on offer for discerning tourists. Director of Kerala Tourism S. Harikishore is of the opinion that the reason Kerala tourism has taken off while other states have lagged behind is because it was the first in recent times to sense the potential of tourism. Yet, is that all there is to Kerala

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT? 62

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tourism connect

The reason Kerala tourism has taken off while other states have lagged behind is because it was the first in recent times to sense the potential of tourism.â&#x20AC;? S. HARIKISHORE

Director - Kerala Tourism

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tourism connect tourism? Kerala may well have redefined tourism in India, offering a new model of it. Unlike other states such as Goa, Kerala tourism has been the result of deliberate planning by government. Rather than relying on beach tourism alone, Kerala has adopted a multi-pronged approach and a carefully crafted mixture of beach tourism, natural medicine tourism, backwater and boating tourism, hill-station and spice garden tourism, wild-life and jungle tourism and cultural tourism. Kumarakom is a favorite destination of tourists yet it is not ordinary or classical tourism that marks it. It is the concept of sustainable tourism that places it and Kerala tourism at the forefront of tourism initiatives. Kerala has been first state in India to initiate the concept of ‘responsible tourism’. There can indeed, be little quarrel with the concept of responsible tourism or of the need for sustainability as governments go about attracting more visitors to their states. Kerala, like many other parts of India’ suffers from unfettered growth. It has a fragile eco-system and a high density population. It also has a history of socialist struggles. Responsible tourism or sustainable tourism need not necessarily be oxymorons in such a situation. So what does responsible tourism entail? For one, it is about multi-stakeholder participation. It is an initiative that integrates a region’s residents, practices and culture with the tourism industry. It is also, in part, a response to the United Nation’s millennium development goals of poverty

alleviation and environmental sustainability, which meld with India’s similar constitutional responsibilities. Responsible tourism is about economic responsibility, social responsibility and environmental responsibility. It is about sustainability planning which maximises the social and economic benefits for the local community, protects and enhance cultural heritage and reduces the negative impact of tourism to the environment. It has been done well in Kumarakom. The government’s initiatives have involved the local community, particularly farmers and fishermen who now participate in the growing tourism industry. Government subsidies and incentives have been offered to those who align themselves with responsible tourism. Hoteliers have signed agreements to procure produce from the state government’s Kudumbashree poverty eradication scheme. Families have benefitted economically through the supply of goods and services. Cultural groups and souvenir and handicraft production units have all benefited through more employment and income and through capacity building initiatives. Women have been empowered through agriculture, in retail and through art and culture. Kerala Tourism Secretary, Suman Billa, has said that, “We have got a model which is brilliant and which is accepted by the local community. Now the challenge is to extend this to other parts of the state.” Indeed, such has been the impact of Kerala’s responsible tourism project that the Government of India’s approach paper to the 12th Plan notes, “The learning experience from Kumarakom responsible tourism initiative provides a successful pro-poor tourism model for replication across the country with suitable localisation” It’s been said that pro-poor tourism is about the redistribution of resources and opportunities and not just about the creation of a new product. So what lies beyond sustainable tourism for Kerala? There are no clear answers as yet. For the moment, this is it. Kerala’s coastal strip is limited and fragile and it is questionable how much pressure it can take. It is also not that Kerala tourism is flawless. There are problems galore with infrastructure and with waste management. Hoteliers and tour operators complain of high taxation. The government is working on these problems. Till these are fully addressed, the state will remain a tourist paradise but an imperfect one. by AMIT JETLEY

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Kerala , Gods Own Country, i of rich cultures and tradition holidays, hill stations, wildli alluring destinations in Kera Munnar

Munnar is among the most beautiful places in Kerala. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – and located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Munnar also has Anamudi, which is the highest peak in South India which towers at over 2,695 m. The lush green mountains are adorned by tea and coffee plantations. There are waterfalls and trekking paths for the adventurous traveller.

Wayanad

Wayanad is all about nature. The mountains, waterfalls, the winding lanes and thick forests are a memorable experience. The Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is in the heart of Wayanad and animals like the Indian elephant, spotted dear, bison are easily spotted as are the tiger and leopard. The Edakkal caves have 4000 years old paintings. The Bamboo forests are an excellent picnic spot. There are ample trekking opportunities in Muthanga,Edakkal and Pakshipathalam. The Jain temple the Meenmutty waterfalls, the Kuruva

is a land of lagoons and palms, of elephants and tigers, and ns. It draws with its backwaters, beaches, Ayurveda health ife, festivals, monuments and vibrant art forms. Here are some ala. islands and the Soochipara waterfalls are other places of interest.

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) offers numerous places of interest. Kovalam is one of the finest beaches in the whole of India and is only a half an hour ride from the city. Varkala is another beach and a pilgrimage centre Kanyakumari is only two hours away from Trivandrum. The hill station of Ponmudi is close to the city. The Ananthapuri temple, right in the heart of the city, is a historic monument.

Kumarakom

Komarakom is a place to relax in. it is located close to Kuttanad , known as the Venice of the East, with its mangrove covered lagoons and houseboats made of bamboo. You can sail through the calm waters of Kumarakom or enjoy an ayurvedic massage. Kumarakon is also a bird watchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; paradise.

Thekkady

Thekkady is probably the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife and nature. Elephants, deers, boars, bisons and lion tailed macaques are a common sight in the reservoir area. The tourism department offers treks into the heart of the forest either on foot or atop elephants. Boating on the lake is a very

pleasant experience and you can observe many waterbirds at close range. This place is ideal for wildlife photography. The best time to visit is between September and March.

Kochi

The merging of the backwaters with the sea gives lot of opportunities for boating and rafting in Kochi. The famous Bolgatty Palace and the Jewish Synagogue are situated on the banks of the lagoons. The Thripunithura Palace is one of the biggest of its kind in the whole of Kerala.

Thrissur

Thrissur or Trichur is famous for the Thrissur Pooram, one of the biggest festivals in the whole of India. The city is also famous for many of the traditional art forms of Kerala like Kathakali. The Guruvayur temple located near the city is a famous pilgrimage spot. The two major waterfalls of Kerala, Athirappally and Vazhachal, are only a few hours ride from the city.

Vagamon

Vagamon is a pilgrimage and a picnic spot. It is in the district of Kottayam and has hillocks stretching over a large area with a beautiful lake. This is the ideal family picnic spot. There are pine forests nearby.

Kollam(Quilon)

Kollam is a mixture of hills and, backwa-

ters, religion and culture. The Ashtamudi lake is the largest in Kerala and boating in the lake is a tranquil experience. The Thankasseri lighthouse built by the Portuguese is a famous historical monument. The Thenmala hills on the farside hosts the first ecotourism project in Kerala and the butterfly part is just awesome. Palaruvi falls near Thenmala is believed to have herbal ingredients mixed with the water. The place also has an adventure zone offering rock climbing and mountain biking. For the traveller seeking religious refuge, the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram in Vallikkavu is world famous.

Agastyakoodam- the abode of biodiversity

Agastyakoodam (Agastya Malai)is a forested peak of 1868 metres. It and the adjoining forests form the most diverse ecosystem in Peninsular India. These forests, habour many species of plants that are unique to peninsular India. The undulating hills, especially those at lower elevations, are also known for their abundance of medicinal plants. A sizable proportion of around 2000 medicinal plants used in the traditional systems of medicine are found here. Researched by AMIT JETLEY

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tourism connect

Best Practices

Tight Focus on You, the Customer Text and photograph by HUGH & COLLEEN GANTZER

he Assam Bengal Navigation Company has got its priorities right. During a fourteen-day cruise on the Ganga, we analysed the secret of their success. Clearly, they’ve fine-tuned their product to meet the perceptions and needs of their clients. Predominantly, their client-profile seems to be foreign, uppermiddle class, retired, affluent and pre-

compressed-bamboo bulkhead (wall) cladding, sturdy cane and wood furniture and local textiles. Such choices also cater to the eco-consciousness of their clients: two of them were vegetarian by choice. Each had a large, river-framing, picture window. The buffet offered a fine blend of western and Indian fare: not too spicy, not overly bland, and always very imaginatively presented. We noticed that, over

Breakfast on board, before the excursions begin

dominantly British. These people have their meals much earlier than we do in India. The generator, which is switched off at 11 pm, is switched on at 6 am, coffee and biscuits in the saloon at 6.30, breakfast at 8 am, departure for the morning excursion at 9. Because of the nature of the river, and its shifting and often concealed sandbanks, the cruise ship sails only during daylight hours. An early-to-bed-early-torise routine suits both the operators and their clients. So does the d´ecor and fixtures and furnishings on board. Theirs is a North-East company and there was an emphasis on the products of that area: 66

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the cruise, our fellow-travellers got more and more adventurous in their tastes and the alert Cruise Director and his chefs tailored their buffets to cater to these evolving needs. We also noticed that hygience was very strictly, though fairly unobtrusively, enforced. A waiter stood at the dining room door offering a dab of disinfectant lotion for the hands, mesh screens excluded insects and the on-board laundry was very efficient. On returning on board after every excursion, passengers removed their shoes, which were often caked with mud. These were cleaned and left outside the cabins within fifteen to thirty minutes.

To encourage passengers to bond with each other, a passenger-cabin list was displayed on the notice board. After returning from the excursions we met, every evening, in the saloon and, over drinks got to know each other. Beer seemed to be the favourite tipple, along with gin and tonic and the occasional whiskey. These people were not single-malt and vintage wine drinkers though some did drink Indian and Australian wines with some of their meals. Nostalgia for pre-colonial and colonial India seemed to have motivated most passengers to sign on for this cruise. The evening pretour briefing was tailored for such expectations. So were the interesting excerpts from histories and memoirs reproduced at the back of the next-day's programme. The excursions were in the hands of a competent in-house guide who had clearly done indepth research of his subjects and gave clear, to-the-point, answers. We were particularly impressed by the fact that, when we stood at the obelisk marking the historic Battle of Plassey, he carried a large hand-drawn chart clearly illustrating the strategy adopted by the warring armies. It was a masterly presentation. While for most of the excursions we were transported in a fleet of cars, not in coaches, a few were done in cycle-rickshaws. These were particularly enjoyed by our shipmates because it was both a new experience and it also give them a better feel of ‘the lifestyle of the people’: as one of the tourists put it. The most memorable take-away from this cruise was the feeling that everyone on board was genuinely warm and very concerned about every passenger’s well being. Every employee we met radiated this empathy and was the essential USP of this exemplary cruise.

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Date of Publication: 03/03/2014

RNI No. DELENG/2000/3645 Posting Dt. 4-9/03/2014 Licence No. U(C)-299/2012-2014 W.P.P. at MCB-1 Reg No. DL-(C)-01/1250/2012-14