Go Now August 2011 by Cross Section Interactive Private Limited

destinations ❍ footloose in mauritius ❍ 5 things to do in jamaica ❍ the fairytale village of alberobello, italy ❍ walking through the caves of ajanta & ellora

lifestyle ❍ india’s tryst with luxury ❍ the delhi couture week, 2011

its fun time for kids and family in dubai

plus varanasi through the lens of raghu rai london’s hakkasan comes to mumbai August 2011 GO NOW

GO NOW August 2011

gonow august 2011

in this issue... cover story

Dubai gets more attractive for a family holiday – children get complimentary accommodation, discounts on airfare and free access to leisure attractions

travel 8 International development: Indigo becomes first 10 12 24 28 36 44

LCC to popular cities Destination: Jordan is a bouquet of unique experiences Destination: Epic adventures in Mauritius Destination: Walking along the cobbled slopes of Alberobello, Italy Destination: Five things to do in Jamaica Destination: Varanasi with Raghu Rai; The city where every street has a story to tell Destination: Ajanta & Ellora

check out 30 Lebua: The glittering city of Bangkok from your luxury suite 46 Bungalow on the Beach, Tranquebar: A soulful stay in Danish luxury

dining out 52 Hakkasan, Mumbai: Authentic Cantonese cuisine served in contemporary style 54 21 Guns Salute, Gurgaon: A vintage setting for a royal dining 56 Nirula’s: Taste the change 58 Feature: Q’BA – Success story of 5 passionate friends

lifestyle 64 Feature: India’s luxury story finds new buyers 66 Keiken Spa 68 Seven Seas Evania

society 23 69 70 72

Lama Tours hosts the superstars of IIFA in Dubai High fashion store ‘Evoluzione’ opens in Delhi A peep into the Delhi Couture Week, 2011 The Big Eye

on the cover A family enjoys itself at a Dubai beach August 2011 GO NOW

this issue editor’s page from the editor Make the most of the extended weekend, courtesy Independence Day 2011 that falls on Monday, with the current edition of GoNow that opens up a treasure of destinations for you. For a domestic holiday, take your pick between a divine Varanasi, the marvelous Ajanta and Ellora caves and the singing beaches of Tranquebar, or for the long haul, choose between an adventure holiday in Mauritius and getting lost amidst the fairytale architecture of the Italian village of Alberobello. That is not all. For more overseas fun, decide between Jordan that provides you with the largest natural god-gifted spa, and Jamaica that will give you a chance to explore its exotic coral reefs and fish species. Along with these, take a look at Bangkok’s one of the most sought after luxury hotels, Lebua, which plans to launch its first hotel in Delhi very soon. We have something very exciting for the photography buffs this time. There are workshops which are going to take place in two of the most beautiful places in India – Ladakh and Sundarbans. Get yourself registered as soon as you read about them here and share the thrill with us

when you’re back. Also, flip through four pages of Raghu Rai’s photographs that the ace photographer has personally handpicked from his recently launched book, Varanasi-Portrait of a Civilization. To keep the traveller satiated, we have London’s Hakkasan opening up in Mumbai. Or sit with the vintage beauties and eat like a Maharaja at the 21 Guns Salute which opened its doors recently in the Millennium City Gurgaon. And yes! Do take your kids out next weekend to relish the newly-designed menu of your favourite Nirula’s. Want to know how the well-heeled spend their money and on which luxury goodies? Turn to our lifestyle pages. While we have news that you can use with travel offers by airlines as well as attractive stay options by hotels and spas from across the world, do check out the two newlyopened spas in town which promise hours of indulgence at the hands of experts. And yes, do keep us posted on what you think!

readers write in Glimpses of quaint little town called Pondy I'm a huge fan of Puducherry and love visiting the place at the slightest opportunity. Fortunately, it is just a fourhour bus ride from Chennai, where I live. As your story mentioned, the drive through the scenic East-Coast Route is indeed exhilarating. I lose all sense of time driving through this route. Thanks for the lovely pictures; they took me back to Pondy!

The call of the wind

Editor: Navin S Berry Group Editor: Archana Kumari Senior Editors: Ravi Shanker Kapoor Rahul Kumar Assistant Editor: Heena Menon Business Development: Sudhir Sud Design: Ashok Saxena

Holidays for me always had to do with sightseeing, shopping and enjoying the facilities of a hotel. I enjoyed reading ‘Adventure – the call of the wild’, that listed endless possibilities within access. How nice it would be to go white water rafting, fishing or ballooning, challenging yourself each time. It’s what living your life to the fullest is about, I suppose.

Go Now is published and printed monthly by Navin Berry on behalf of Cross Section Publications Pvt. Ltd. and printed at Rakesh Press A- 7, Naraina, Phase II, New Delhi and published from IIIrd Floor, Rajendra Bhawan, 210, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002. Tel: 91-11-43784444. Fax: 91-11-41001627, 41001628. E-mail: info@gonow.in editorial@gonow.in

Lilian Nayantara, Delhi

Preeti Rajaraman, Chennai

Happy 11th anniversary 11 experiences world over I devoured reading the special on world experiences and felt amazed as well as proud to see some luxury Indian hotels and restaurants feature in that list. While I have been to Prego at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and love their cuisine, to know that it is among the best wine-centric restaurants in the world came as a pleasant surprise!

First of all, I would like to congratulate Go Now for completing 11 years. I picked up the magazine a few months ago at a hotel lobby and have been glued to it ever since. The July issue had a lot of interesting and important article which helped me gain a lot of knowledge about travel. The ‘11 things which spiced up the way we travel’ was truly fantastic and a delightful read.

PJ Thomas, Hyderabad

– Chandna Arora, Karnal

GO NOW August 2011

This issue of go now contains 72 pages plus 4 pages cover

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@gonow.in editorial@gonow.in Material not used will not be returned

August 2011 GO NOW

airline buzz air arabia to saudi from sharjah

turkish airlines brings its new business class to india Turkish Airlines, a Skytrax awardee for ‘Best Airline Europe’ brings to India its new business class which is operational on daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. The new business class offers fliers outstanding luxuries like a seat pitch of 61 inches and fully reclinable flat beds for comfort. Keeping in mind the long duration of flights, it also provides a new and improved in-flight entertainment system to ensure passengers have an enjoyable journey. The

entertainment system gives fliers the option of enjoying over 350 movies, a music library containing 600 CDs and multiplayer games. The games are available in several languages including Turkish, English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Brazilian, Portuguese, Spanish and French, thus enabling them to choose the language of their choice. There is also an integrated planet browser that will keep you connected to the web and give you minute updates on current affairs.

Not neglecting personal requirements, every passenger has access to USB connection ports, charging docks and personal screens providing digital AVOD service. Turkish Airlines also tantalizes the taste buds of its passengers by offering mouth-watering cuisines from all over the world that are conjured by the on-board chef. These facilities are available on the business class of all recently launched aircraft including A330-300 and Boeing 777-300 ER.

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa – connecting Sharjah to 13 destinations in India – recently announced the introduction of a new flight destination in Saudi Arabia, from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah, UAE. With this Air Arabia now connects you from – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram – to Gassim, Saudi Arabia. Beginning last month, it started offering four weekly flights to Gassim, making it easier and more convenient for passengers in India to visit friends and family located in Saudi Arabia. On Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays flights will depart Sharjah International Airport at 1.20pm arriving at Gassim Airport (ELQ) at 2.20pm. Return flights will depart Gassim at 3pm arriving Sharjah at 6pm (local time).

special program for student fliers Turkish Airlines announces an enticing program exclusively for its student fliers called the ‘Special Student Program’. This extraordinary program entitles students to a discount of 15% on all flights to destinations in North and South America, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Furthermore, this program allows students a first free date change option thus enabling them to re-book tickets without any additional cost. This exemplary offer stands valid for all student fliers until March 31, 2012. The airlines also announces a baggage allowance of 40kg for students. They can avail airfares as low as Rs 36,125 to Tbilisi in Georgia and Rs 18,275 to Kiev in Ukraine. Tickets to destinations like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles in USA are available for Rs 34,445.

promising privacy, comfort & space British Airways’ 90-year heritage in bringing glamour to the skies reached an innovative milestone with its new ‘First’ cabin, which launched last year. The new cabin is the ultimate in luxury – resultant of a GBP 100 million investment and is being rolled out across the British Airways fleet throughout 2011. First brings together balanced privacy, comfort, space and contemporary British design. It draws on the airline’s heritage, focusing on quality and attention to detail. The cabin avoids ostentatious gadgets and gimmicks and focuses instead on simplicity and quality. It features a 60% wider bed at the shoulders, a personal wardrobe, USB port, RCA jack and noisecancelling headsets, fully integrated ambient and mood lighting, an Anya Hindmarch wash bag and amenities by Britain’s classic D.R. Harris & Co. that carries a royal seal. 6

GO NOW August 2011

Each individual suite has a personal wardrobe and a leather-bound writing desk that converts into a dining table. It also features a new 15" in-flight entertainment screen and a buddy seat to enable customers to dine together. The seat

has a unique control unit to activate the bed and gives the customer precision control over the seat position and pneumatic panels to support the head and lumbar positions. And the feature that has received the most positive comments from their premium customers are the unique personal windows incorporating the first electronic blinds onboard a commercial aircraft that span two windows – reminiscent of a private jet. Customers have their own wardrobe complete with a shoe compartment, enabling them to easily access their clothes and belongings. The main table can also be folded in half to become a writing desk complete with leather trim. A new premium service style has been developed for cabin crew to ensure world-class service for customers who can eat, sleep and work whenever they want to.

travel buzz

enjoy an extravagant family holiday in phuket Unique holiday concepts for families and children are in the making as the new Angsana Laguna Phuket prepares for its launch in December this year. In response to the needs of today’s young parents, the resort is focusing on more dedicated family facilities which include a comprehensive children’s program to be offered at its novel tree house-inspired double-storey Kids Club. The Banyan Tree Group is pulling out all the stops as Angsana Laguna Phuket which is located within Laguna Phuket in Bang Tao Bay. Asia’s first integrated resort will be the flagship resort under the Angsana

brand with 409 keys. It will be the fourth hotel in Thailand that is managed and operated by Banyan Tree. Introductory Offer For bookings from now till February 27, 2012, Angsana Laguna Phuket will be offering an irresistible introductory rate starting from THB5, 400++ per room per night (exclusive of service charge and taxes), with breakfast for two persons, for stays between December 1, 2011, and February 28, 2012. Guests booking for two nights will also receive a THB 3,000 credit for F&B or spa use during their stay while those booking for three nights will receive THB 3,000 in hotel credit and a complimentary 90-minute massage treatment at the renowned Angsana Spa. For more queries email reservationslagunaphuket@angsana.com

courtyard by marriott, bali unveils innovative spa concept

chedi muscat spa to open this month The Chedi Muscat is counting down for one of the most important spa openings in the Middle East. The five-star resort is in the process of enlarging its current spa and wellness offering. The Spa at The Chedi Muscat will bring about new standards in the wellness segment. It will be managed by The Chedi Muscat, a GHM hotel. The

The Courtyard by Marriott, Bali, Nusa Dua, the 900th hotel in the Courtyard global portfolio, has opened the doors to its exceptional new spa - C Spa - which welcomes everyone in the family. Expertly trained and experienced therapists perform treatments on all members of the family offering children between the ages of two and 12 uniquely designed treatments. This new concept spa is further

evidence that the whole family can enjoy the highquality service and premium standards of the Marriott. A wealth of

treatments are on offer for adults, including C Spa’s signature massage, traditional Balinese massage, bamboo massage and reflexology, as well as beauty treatments such as body scrubs, body wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures. Guests booking a three-treatment package will receive a 15% discount and a 30% discount while booking four treatments. For more queries visit: www.marriott.com

beauty products used at The Spa will include REN, Naturelle D’Orient, ILA, VOYA, Sparitual and Abahna. The Spa is dedicated to restoration of strength and beauty ensuring balance of mind, body and soul using ancient healing traditions from the East. For more queries visit: www.GHMhotels.com August 2011 GO NOW

travel buzz

take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life Experience the beauty and serenity of Koh Samui with Amari Palm Reef Samui located on the popular Chaweng beach. Just five minutes drive from the Samui airport, Palm Reef is a perfect place for souls craving for a longing break from the hustle and bustle of the city life in crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees. Stylish and sophisticated Amari Palm Reef Samui caters to both leisure and business travellers featuring an array of dining,

banyan tree in singapore gets a spa at 55th floor Unveiling an oasis in the sky, Marina Bay Sands has launched Singapore’s first Banyan Tree Spa. This marks the renowned Banyan Tree’s debut in its home ground after its phenomenal success globally. Set to be the tallest Banyan Tree Spa on the 55th level of the spectacular Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Banyan Tree Spa Marina Bay Sands opens up a world of tranquility and calm in

the heart of the town. The spa infuses the sleek glamour of its modern interiors with Banyan Tree’s tradition of staging sensual Asian-inspired experience to exude a unique sense of place. Themed on the Tree of Life design, the 1,213sqm urban spa offers its suite of distinctive treatments in 15 uniquely designed rooms with panoramic views. Designed by Banyan Tree’s design arm Architrave,

eden resort & spa offers sri lanka getaway for Rs 12,420 Relax on a beach chair with a tropical cocktail and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Walk on miles of pristine beaches as the sky and water merge. Let the experienced massage therapists of the Eden Resort and Spa in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, melt away the stress from your body. Select a bottle of wine from the resort’s elaborate wine cellar and sit down to a fine dining experience. Curl up in your luxurious room and drift into dreams without a care in the world. Couples get this five-star luxury by Eden Resort and Spa for just Rs 12,420. Offer valid till October 31, 2011. For more information visit www.anything.lk 8

GO NOW August 2011

responsible for the Group’s inspiring designs around the globe, this is the first Banyan Tree Spa to be holistically themed around the timeless concept of the Tree of Life. Decked in earth tones with black as accent, the Spa uses a clever combination of textured materials to evoke the themes of nature in a mystical rainforest. For more queries visit: www.marinabaysands.com

entertainment and relaxation options in the comfort of warm Thai hospitality. Smart Stay Package for 3 nights/4 days is priced at Rs 28,196.49 and includes: ● Stay in Superior Room with breakfast ● Roundtrip airport transfer ● Welcome drink ● Six hours Wi-Fi Internet access. The offer is valid till August 31 Samui Hot Deal Package for 4 nights/5 days is priced at Rs 30,926.06 and includes: ● Stay in Superior Room with breakfast ● Roundtrip airport transfers ● THB 1000.00 credit on spa treatment ● THB 1000 net credit F&B ● 10% discount on Extra Night(s) ● 12 hours Wi-Fi Internet Access with 15 days Validity. The offer is valid from August 1-October 31. For more queries visit: www.amari.com

travel buzz

leading hotels offer oneof-a-kind experiences ritz paris the luxury hotel is offering travellers the opportunity to step back in time with an experience that includes an excursion by private car to the Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte, located about 35 miles southeast of Paris. This masterpiece of baroque architecture belonged to Nicolas Fouquet, one-time finance minister to Louis XIV, who upon seeing the magnificent palace and grounds, had his

the romantic escape of a lifetime! With the wonderful Romantic Escape Package at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, you can follow in the footsteps of The Bachelorette Ashley Hebert or, if you’ve already found your special someone, celebrate it with a romantic holiday! The luxurious resort was the enchanting setting for a recent episode of the ABC romance reality TV series The Bachelorette, in which Ashley continued her search for love with 12 eligible men. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi,

Chiang Mai was one of just two resorts in Thailand to feature in the primetime show’s seventh edition, which began in Los Angeles and focuses on exotic Asian locations. Available till June 30, 2012, the Romantic Escape Package is available for a minimum two night stay and is priced at THB 47,840 + + + in a Deluxe Colonial Suite and THB 52,160 + + + in a Deluxe Villa. The offer includes: ● Two nights luxury accommodation in Deluxe

Colonial Suite or Deluxe Villa ● Daily breakfast for two at Akaligo restaurant ● Roundtrip airport transfer by private limousine ● One romantic candle-lit set dinner for two (Deluxe Colonial Suite) or private BBQ Dinner (Deluxe Villa) ● One 80-minute traditional spa therapy for two at the award-winning The Dheva ● A bottle of wine, chocolate plate, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival ● Flower bath For more queries visit: www.mandarinoriental.com

minister arrested, confiscated the property, and proceeded to build Versailles to an even grander scale. Modern-day guests will enjoy a guided tour of the palace and gardens, complete with lunch. The package, which requires a twonight stay, includes daily American breakfast served in the room or in L’Espadon restaurant. Prices start at EUR 1,243 (Rs 79,666.6) per night on single or double occupancy.

the merrion, dublin and ashford castle, county mayo Irish eyes won’t be the only ones smiling with the “Town and Country” holiday that offers guests the chance to enjoy stays at both The Merrion in Dublin and Ashford Castle in County Mayo. The offer includes three nights' accommodation at each hotel, and welcome cocktails at both. Other elements are daily full Irish breakfast, tickets to the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin as well as a copy of The Merrion’s Art Catalogue, a one-hour massage per person at each hotel, a limousine transfer from one hotel to the other with a picnic lunch along the way, the choice of a one-hour falconry lesson or golf with club rental at Ashford Castle, and round-trip airport transfers. Prices start at EUR 2,900 (Rs 18, 5867.5) for a sixnight stay on double occupancy.

amari coral beach offers value holidays in phuket For travellers looking for a value summer escape, Amari Coral Beach Phuket offers you the perfect family getaway this season. Amari Coral Beach gives you mesmerizing views from each suite of the most famous beach in Phuket, the Patong beach. You can also experience extreme relaxation using the recreational facilities at the resort by exploring the swimming pools, jogging tracks and a number of

excellent restaurants to dine-in. One can visit the famous historical sites in Phuket along with a leisurely relaxation experience at the yacht on the beach. You can also enjoy the local Thai curries suited to the taste buds of Indians. Phuket has a lot more to offer to its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. A 5 night/6 days stay will cost Rs 28,717.67.

The package includes: Stay in Superior Room including breakfast, extra nights at 10% additional discount on online rates, fruits and flowers in room, welcome drink on arrival, roundtrip airport transfers, one Thai Set Dinner at Kinaree Restaurant and guaranteed late check out till 6.30pm. The offer is valid till October 31. For more queries visit: www.amari.com August 2011 GO NOW

international development

indigo becomes first LCC to popular cities India’s leading LCC, Indigo, completes five years this month. It has announced its international operations from September. To know more about the airline’s plans, GO NOW met airline CEO, Aditya Ghosh, on his plans, and more importantly, what makes the airline tick

“We take pride in our integrity. In our entire system, there is only information chain running down. There is no human intervention. Our on-time performance is recorded digitally. The control room at the headquarters in Global Busines Park, Gurgaon, monitors each aircraft movement from take-off to touchdown. That same information is shared between the customers and the staff. We take pride in the integrity of our entire operations. In matters of salaries, promotions, increments, sharing of information, payment to vendors – we remain transparent and fair. We have not faulted once in our five years… Our staff-to-aircraft ratio remains the lowest among Indian carriers – Indigo has 100 staff per aircraft, while Jet and KFA have between 250 to 300, Spicejet has about 140, and Air India has around 400!” – Aditya Ghosh, CEO, IndiGo Airlines 10

GO NOW August 2011

When Indigo started five years ago, it opted for unconventional routes – it did not start with the typical DelhiMumbai sector, for example. Instead it started with Delhi-Ahmedabad. But when it has launched its international operations, it is flying to very traditional cities like Bangkok, Muscat and Dubai. Does this reflect a change in strategy? Indigo has endeared itself with the traveller with its trademark delivery in on time performance and inflight service. How will this transform for the international operations? What can we expect from the LCC when we fly international with it? The choice of routes is deliberate – these are among the most popular routes out of India. But there has been no LCC carrier on them so far, either from overseas or from India. These are therefore fresh routes presently. We see a gap, an opportunity. We have seen since we started operations, that whenever we start a route, we grow the market. We have seen the market expand, and we expect the same to happen on international sectors as well. For instance, we started a new city – Patna in April, 2009. This was a first after five years and met a dire market need. Within one year, traffic increased by 80%. We see our first international forays as on nascent routes, from an LCC point of view. How will you grow hereafter? Which new cities get added and when? We don’t plan like other airlines, we are not just mindlessly planning to increase our network, so to say. We are presently flying

within India to 26 cities. We are the second biggest airline in the country. Others are connecting to 60 to 70 cities across India! We prefer to increase penetration into cities rather than expand the network. So, in our second phase of international route expansion, we will prefer to increase our presence into Dubai - from Trivandrum and Kochi this winter. We will then connect Singapore to Delhi and Mumbai, and later to Chennai. The strategy will be the same. Phase 1 will see an expansion to Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai and Muscat. In phase 2, we will add Jeddah, and then only strengthen more capacity into these same cities. In the coming years, how does the airline plan to distribute its resources between domestic and international? Our heart will remain within domestic. Presently we have 42 aircraft, to grow to 48 by December 2011, 55 by March 2012 and to 60 by December 2012. As we go from 42 to 55, by the end of this fiscal, we expect that around 15 - 18% of our capacity will be deployed on international routes. It is often said that most international airlines, with whom we presume you will be competing, are actually carrying through traffic, to other popular destinations across. Indian traffic is not point to point. Therefore, what will you do when you start competing in numbers? In Dubai, Indigo will use the same terminal as EK, and in Singapore the same terminal as SQ. Therefore, the opportunity for our passengers to fly onwards on these airlines is immediate. We are confident that we will create additional traffic, and also that both these hubs have regular traffic throughout the year, in that these are not seasonal. What kind of experience do you promise to provide compared to what you have on the domestic routes? When we fly international, our aircraft will be the same as those that fly domestic. There is no change, no difference between the two. The aircraft will have the same seat configuration, same experience, the same feel. Except that we will provide some extra meal preferences. There will also be duty free shopping on board. We will also not be serving hot snacks or hot drinks, as we don’t on domestic routes. (Does the airline make that much savings by serving only cold drinks – Ghosh says it does not mean so much savings as making their life simple).

Talking shop or business, how does route allocation work on international routes? How does the government decide which Indian carrier will fly to which city? Is there any clash of interests among Indian carriers? Far from it. In fact, from the Indian side, there is so much under-utilised seat capacity, there is an ocean left to fill. At last count, the seats available for the Indian side, as per the bilateral agreements signed between the respective governments, was that from Dubai, India had 22,402 seats available, from Nepal the number was 19,600 seats, from Thailand 11,466 seats and from Singapore the number was 7870 seats per week. Presently, no LCC was flying on these routes from the other side. Indigo has introduced some very attractive fares. How long will these last and what kind of pricing do we expect from the airline in the coming months? These low introductory fares are all inclusive and will surely grow the market. There are 25,000 seats over the first six months on offer on these fares. These will typically constitute some 18% to 20% of the total seat capacity offered on the airline. These are on the lowest side of the fare spectrum - on the higher side, the fares will be no different from what the airline offers on the domestic sectors. Typically, the last 2% of the passengers will be paying twice or 2.5 times the lowest fares. What makes the airline tick? ● Last year, Indigo registered 0.09% flight

cancellation factor. This year, so far this is zero percent. The airline has 259 daily departures which speaks of the airline’s operational efficiency. In the last five years, Indigo has registered 99.91% technical dispatch factor, a record that Airbus has noted and awarded in its worldwide Airbus family. ● Indigo decide upfront to buy new aircraft and, it may be recalled, placed an initial order for 100 aircraft. So far, 42 have been delivered, not a single has been delayed. Other LCCs started with leased or old aircraft. Today, the average age of the fleet is 2.1 years. ● As the aircraft are inducted, the latest technology is available to the airline. Some of the older aircraft have been retro-fitted with the latest. ● Indigo has the latest engines with its fleet. Select 1, is the newest engine, and burns less fuel. ● Maintenance agreements are in place with the best in the business, no compromises with safety. ● The airline maintains it is low-fare only on the customer side. In all departments it spends like any full-service airline. ● The airline spends enormous time and effort measuring on-time, maintaining its own meteorological reports, centralized flight dispatch system, and please note, the customer and the back-end share the same data. There is total transparency in the operations of the airline. ● No wonder then, the Airbus manufacturers have declared Indigo as the best performing Airbus family - that means better than SQ, Emirates, SAA and others. by NAVIN S BERRY

August 2011 GO NOW

destination jordan

EXPERTSPEAK NAYEF H AL-FAYEZ When an Indian traveller comes to Jordan, he expects a unique experience full of activities and a lot of shopping. And the fact that it’s a small beautiful country with a lot of diverse products, we believe we can cater to their needs in equally unique ways, says the Managing Director of Jordan Tourism Board

jordan is a bouquet of unique experiences Jordan will celebrate 200th year of rediscovering Petra in 2012

he most interesting thing about Jordan is that it just takes five hours to drive down from north to south. And in those five hours, the traveller can indulge in plenty of exciting activities without having to worry about the travel time. Nature & well-being Inscribed as one of the seven wonders of the nature, The Dead Sea is the largest natural god-gifted spa in the world and also located at the lowest point of the earth with high amount of oxygen and healing power which makes it different from any other places in the world. It has unique minerals and the highest concentration of salt in the water which also work as important

beauty products. Visitors who come to see the Dead Sea must also explore another nearby wonder, Hammamat Ma’in (Ma’in Hot Springs). The springs are located 264m below sea level in one of the most breathtaking desert oases in the world. You can enjoy the mineral-rich waters of these hyper-thermal waterfalls which originate from winter rainfalls in the highland plains of Jordan and eventually feed the 109 hot and cold springs in the valley. Situated in this exquisite spot is the 97room Evason Ma’in Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa where travellers can get a wide variety of professional services including mud wraps, hydro-jet baths and showers, underwater massages, mud facials, electrotherapy and cosmetology treatments. A shopper’s paradise We know Indians love shopping and it is a very important factor for our tourism as well. To promote Indian footfall, we are doing a lot of things to attract Indian visitors. The latest addition being a mall named ‘Taj Mahal’, which will be opened in October this year. It’s going to be a high-end luxury mall that will have exclusive products for our Indian customers. Shopping in Amman can be an exciting experience. Designer boutiques, particularly those in Sweifieh, Abdoun and Jabal al-Hussein, offer the latest in clothing and Jordanian food is becoming popular worldwide

GO NOW August 2011

accessories. Amman also boasts a wide assortment of shopping centres such as Abdoun Mall, Amman Mall, Mecca Mall, Barakeh Mall, Sweifieh Avenue, Istikalal Mall, City Mall and the Zara Shopping Centre. The Gold Souq, located in the downtown area, is famous for its dazzling array of very competitively-priced handmade gold and silver work. Come here anytime, any season It’s the all-year pleasant weather that also makes Jordan a must-visit destination for our Indian travellers. The winters are not very cold; the summers are not too hot and there is hardly any humidity in the air. This is what makes Jordan a favourable getaway, as you never have to think or plan your holiday around a particular season or month unlike other countries. Rich history and culture We all know that Jordan, more than anything, is famous for its rich history and culture. Year 2010 is going to be a very important year for us as it will celebrate the 200th anniversary of rediscovering the lost ancient city of Petra, for it is the gateway to the many wonders of Jordan. The prime minister has formed a committee headed by ministry of tourism, senators, parliament committee for tourism and chief commissioner of Petra to decide the schedule of the celebration that will continue throughout next year, especially the months of July and August, when the city will come alive with special events. The inscribing of Wadi Rum by UNESCO as a new World Heritage Site has also added value to our tourism. It has recently won the designation as a mixed site displaying unique natural beauty and cultural significance which will be very helpful in attracting

Amman offers both modern architecture and remnants of Jordan’s rich history

more Indian travellers. The Jerash Festival, which was held in July, is another crowd-puller. The festival transforms the ancient city into one of the world’s liveliest and most spectacular cultural events. The festival features folklore dances by local and international groups, ballet, concerts, plays, opera, popular singers and sales of traditional handicrafts, all in the brilliantly floodlit dramatic surroundings of the Jerash ruins. In the years to come, we plan to invite Indian artistes to be a part of this festival so that we can build more healthy relations. Bounty for nature lovers Nature enthusiasts have many options in Jordan. The Red Sea resort of Aqaba is always warm, balmy, and enticing for divers and other water sports enthusiasts. Aqaba offers a full range of facilities for speed boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wind surfing, or simply loafing and sunning in the warm crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. The sparkling purple mountains surrounding Aqaba beckon

hikers who seek new adventures, and unconquered terrain. Guest is God Indians always feel welcomed once they put their feet in Jordan. We are known for our hospitality all over the world. In fact, there’s a phrase among Jordanians that “the guest is the guest of God” and this is visible in the fact that we show tremendous importance towards all our visitors. In order to make our Indian visitors feel at home, we have Indian food available in almost every corner. In fact, Indians love Jordanian food as it is a lot like the Indian cuisine. We don’t believe in mass tourism but like to cater to a niche segment. We have a limited number of rooms which is enough to accommodate everyone who comes from India. We want our guests to make the most of the country through experiences and get value for their money at the same time. The majority of our hotels come in five star categories as we want to focus more on quality rather than quantity. We don’t want people to come here for two nights. Instead, we want them to stay here for a week to explore the

Turkish bathtub in one of the five-star hotels

country in every way. Attracting the MICE India is a very important market for us. The first five months of this year have seen 43% growth in tourist arrivals from India and we are continuously working to increase the number. The competition is global, but with so much diversity to offer, we want to portray Jordan as a country which is beyond Petra. We want the Indian traveller to take the opportunity of 2012 and come to Jordan to experience its many attributes as a MICE destination. From shopping to adventure and leisure, there are countless choices for the incentive market. All of Jordan’s top hotels have fully-equipped conference and banqueting rooms with dedicated staff.

Both the Zara Conference Centre in Amman and the King Hussein Conference Centre at the Dead Sea provide world-class facilities for very large events. These are backed by a full range of support facilities to ensure every event – large or small – is a resounding and memorable success. Whether it is a conference for 5,000 people, a lavish dinner in the peerless desert of Wadi Rum, a barbeque at the shores of the Dead Sea, or a reception atop a medieval castle overlooking the Jordan Valley, the amicable and competent people of Jordan will ensure a oncein-a- lifetime experience. Text by HEENA MENON Photo courtesy JORDAN TOURISM

August 2011 GO NOW

destination mauritius

epic adventures in

mauritius

An island that is supposed to rekindle togetherness, turned into an adrenaline pumping paradise. Wonder how the gorgeous beaches and pure blue waters of Mauritius would look from 10,000 feet with clouds in between? Read on for Radhika Mehta’s adventures...

n the urban dictionary, epic adventures usually start with a single idea that grows and grows beyond the definition of the word ‘amazing’. I experienced the true colours of epic adventure during my sojourn at Mauritius. A destination that has been listed as the top grosser in the “honeymoon packages” list had few more shades, which I discovered during my week-long Mauritian journey. I have to admit that even my idea of Mauritius was a beautiful island where all I was going to do was to unwind. take spas, and play golf. It is often reassuring to know when one lands in a new country, that communication won’t be a problem. And I was pleasantly surprised when a man named Roshan received me at the Mauritius airport, and said “Namaste, main aapka driver hoon.” The former French colony has many residents with ancestors from India, and their off-springs have surprisingly carried the Indian culture well. Speeding along curvaceous roads with the sea in the backdrop, Roshan told me all about the attractions and adventure activities in Mauritius. “Undiscovered beaches, divine waterfalls and numerous islands offer endless opportunities for exploration while the shopping malls of Port Louis, the capital

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of Mauritius, and tourist spots provide an energetic and extraordinary experience of life,” he added. I was quite excited by this brief intro by the chauffeur and wanted to indulge in all the activities immediately after checking into the Tamassa Resort. The resort itself was full of life as the tourists could be seen engaged in not just the swimming pool but also in some interesting games that one plays to bond with new people. So as I was bending my back to the 145 degree angle to pass below the two-feet bar, I knew that this was going to be an extremely adventurous week. Next morning, I headed straight to my first experience at the Ile Au Cerf Island.

Parasailing at Ile Au Cerf Island The sunny day was a perfect setting for adventure sports. As I moved in a speedboat that was racing at the speed of knots, my adrenaline was pumping up every minute. I reached a wooden platform from where I was about to take my first parachute flight. Tied with a secured certified harness, having donned a life-jacket, the next minute I was 100 feet above the ground, err… water. Hanging in a gutsy wind for about 10 minutes, the boat with which I was tied suddenly stopped and my heartbeat gave a miss as I descended at a rapid pace to touch the water. As my feet kissed the gorgeous water I was again pulled back in the air. The perfect landing thereafter on the launch pad saw me taking a sigh of relief. A thing with adventure sports like parasailing is to trust the experts, and just give in to the sport to enjoy it. Mid-air, one mustn’t hold the rope tightly, but just let it free to have the ultimate experience. After the parasailing and a few other water adventures like Banana Boat and water scooter, I went for a famous four-course lunch on the banks of Ile Au Cerf Island which is served in the traditional Mauritian way. Don’t forget to have burnt banana dessert if you happen to go there.

Hopping on Quad bikes across the jungle terrains is a fantastic experience

THINGS TO REMEMBER ■ No particular physical conditions are necessary ■ This attraction is offered from the age of six ■ Operating hours are between 9am - 2pm ■ 1-2 people can parasail on the same parachute at the same time ■ Price per person – 29 Euro (Approx Rs 1,850)

An instruction session before zip lining

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Let yourself free

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Quad Biking in Valriche Nature Park For all you Corbett maniacs, Valriche nature park’s quad biking is one miracle of an experience. Four-wheel drive is a thing of past, having the quad bike hop across the jungle terrains is a fantastic experience, especially in Valriche which is home to not just unique and protected fauna and flora but also some beautiful wild animals. The Nature Park covers an area of 2,500 hectares where a mixture of dry and coastal rainforest is found. Plenty of space for me to drive my quad bike and even with few last-minute brakes I used, using my India’s driving experience well in the Mauritius forest. Before leaving for Valriche, I was told by my hotel attendant that insect repellent is a must. My advice to you would be to just bathe in the spray bottle if you want to enjoy the ride to the hilt. On a rainy day, you can find lions, but you have to be really lucky to first notice them and then to be not noticed by them. THINGS TO REMEMBER ■ The Quad biking tours are all accompanied by trained guides ■ Children under 12 years are not permitted ■ 2 people can go for biking at one time ■ The timings are 9.30am - 5.30pm

■

All tours have special stop-overs and a 5-minute walk to discover and admire the viewpoints Price per person starts from 66 Euro (Approx Rs 4,200)

Zip lining at Domaine De St Felix Zipping into the wild of Domaine De St Felix is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and doesn’t require any athletic ability. After a ride of about 20 minutes in the jungle by a small bus, I reached the first platform of zip lining. Staring down at a depth of 100 feet, I was scared to let myself free, but a demonstration by an expert urged me on to do it first amongst my group. Hanging alone on a zip was fearful but electrifying when you are on the Tarzan moves. Every kid who has read Jungle Book and adventures of Mogli, would love to do this, as was visible with five-year-olds who by the fourth zip were even doing acrobatics. Although one has to walk through the bushes to reach your zip lining points, there is a welcome waterfall break. One has to cross at least 14 zip lines to complete the journey and every zip line allows a unique view of mountains and valleys. Altitudes vary from 20 meters to 40 meters but all zip lines offer different sensations depending on the positioning. Don’t forget to do the upside down August 2011 GO NOW

factfile How to go: Three airlines operate between Delhi and Mauritius (Air Mauritius, Emirates and Air France). Air Mauritius flies non-stop from New Delhi and both Air Mauritius and Emirates are economical. Must visit: Port Louis (capital of Mauritius), Pamplemonsses Garden, La Vanille Crocodile Park, Casela Bird Park, Black River George, Ganga Talao Places to shop: Port Louis, Grand Bay, Curepipe, Beau Bassin, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas, Phoenix Must see: Blue Penny Museum, Natural History Museum, China Town, Champs de Mars, Blue Safari, golf courses Must eat: Hearts of Palm salad, Dholl Purri, Farata, Gateaux Piment and Samosas Best time to go: Mauritius is a year-round destination depending on your purpose of going there. For example, diving is best from December to March while surfing is best between June and August. Temperature: 27 degrees Celsius in summer, 19 degrees Celsius in winter Activities: Snorkling, Surfing, Quad Biking, Sky Diving, Zip Lining, Parasailing, Skuba Diving, Fishing, Dolphin Watch, Sub scooter - Blue Safari Currency: Mauritian Rupee (Mur), around double of INR

Hanging on a zip is electrifying

zip lining once, it doesn’t get scarier than this. THINGS TO REMEMBER ■ The minimum age for zip line is four years ■ The morning tour starts at 8.30am and the afternoon tour starts at 12:30pm after lunch ■ Mosquito repellent is a must ■ One should wear long trousers, and keep handy swim suits and a towel ■ A group carries 15-20 people at one time ■ Price per adult starts from 60 Euro (Approx Rs 3,845) and 40 Euro per child (Approx Rs 2,570)

Sky diving at Austral This one has to be not just the mother, but grandmother of all adventures. How would it be to jump of an airplane from 10,000 feet? That is one question I always wished I had an answer to, and now I do have it. In my “I did it” adventure moment, skydiving at Aus-

tral, I realized is what a bird’s flight is. As I was trained by Zimbabwean expert Chris who said “when I pat you twice just spread your arms”, I was still making up my mind whether I was going to do it. In a minute, I was ready with the jump suit and walked towards the aircraft in a similar manner to an astronaut sans the helmet. Off we went, and slowly ascended to 10,000 feet. I was busy admiring the beauty of Mauritius when the gate was opened and Chris asked me to take my left-leg out, and off we were descending down at the speed of 200kmph. After 10 seconds, I opened my arms, like Chris suggested and flew like an eagle. After a 55 second freefall, he opened the parachute at 4,000 feet. I was handed over the reigns of the flying machine, and a strong right pull meant the parachute rotated forming mid-air circles. Chris ensured after a five-minute flight in the clouds (where I couldn’t stop sneezing) that we had a perfect landing. “Ev-

eryone should try it hundred times,” I yelled, and Chris replied “Welcome to my world.” Remember to watch the video that experts show you of this adventure activity as a part of preps. Because if you don’t watch it, it’s difficult to gather courage to indulge in. And again, be very open with your medical conditions for the experts to decide whether you should do it or not. But if you are medically fit, don’t think twice and just take the plunge. I have my skydive DVD to boast in front of my friends, not that is as prized a possession as those school days trophies in your cabinet. THINGS TO REMEMBER ■ The minimum age to sky dive is 12 but anyone who comes under 18 years of age will need the written consent of a parent ■ One round of sky dive takes around two hours including warm-ups ■ One has to wear a jumpsuit and goggles provided by Austral ■ Only one person can sky dive with an instructor and if you are a sports sky diver, you can do it alone after showing your valid license ■ Timings – 8am – 8pm ■ Price per person – 200 Euro (Approx Rs 12,000) plus 60 Euro for Handi-cam DVD by RADHIKA MEHTA

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holiday destination

Guaranteed Family Fun with the Kids Go Free in Dubai – Summer 2011 Enjoy an amazing family holiday in Dubai between 14th May and 30th September with the new ‘Kids go free in Dubai’ offer. With up to 50% discount on airfares with Emirates and 25% discounts on Fly Dubai, complimentary accommodation and dining for children under 12, as well as free access to some of the world’s most exciting leisure attractions, make this a summer to remember. After 3 years of successfully hosting the ‘Kids go free’ promotion, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) welcomes families to celebrate the spirit of summer along with its various tourism partners. This exciting array of memorable experiences, locations and attractions makes this holiday in Dubai, the ultimate one.

For every two paying adults, up to a maximum of two children under the age of 12 are entitled to: Special Permits Children receive free tourist visas when accompanied by two paying adults. Visas for children can be applied for online via the Emirates page. Key Attractions Wild Wadi Water park, Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers at Atlantis The Palm Dubai, Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates, Cite’ des Enfants, iFly Dubai and Soccer Circus Dubai Training Academy at Playnation-Mirdif City Centre, Galleria Ice Rink at Hyatt Regency Dubai, Dolphinarium show at the Creek Park Dubai, SEGA Republic, Dubai Aquarium& Underwater Zoo and Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall, Dubai Museum and

Heritage Tours, Dubai Autodrome, free round of golf at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club and the Dubai Montgemerie, the ELS Club Dubai Sport City, tours on Bateaux Dubai the Big Bus and much more. What are my choices? Excitement begins the minute you arrive in Dubai this summer. From exclusive shopping, fun-filled attractions, outdoor excursions to heritage discoveries, find it in abundance. The appeal of the ‘Kids go free in Dubai’ promotion lies in its simplicity and immense freedom of choice to design a family holiday tailor-made to suit diverse budgets and varied lifestyle requirements.

www.kidsgofreeindubai.com August 2011 GO NOW

Cruises, Aqua Sports, Skiing and Discovering Lost Worlds Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Get free entry for two kids under 12 years accompanied by two paying adults on purchase of an ‘Ultimate Package’. The Dubai Aquarium located within The Dubai Mall recreates the fascinating world of marine animals. See over 33,000 species of aquatic animals, swimming close at hand, float above the

gigantic tank and take a glass-bottom boat ride. Located just above this tank is an Underwater Zoo where you can meet aquatic creatures. Sega Republic Enjoy free Platinum Power Pass for two kids below 12 years accompanied by two paying adults. Sega Republic is the first indoor theme park in the region with five zones of entertainment for children of all ages. Explore nine heart-stopping attractions and 250 amusement games spread over two levels of adrenaline and adventure. Wild Wadi Water Park Get complimentary entrance and a medium meal for up to a maximum of two children below 12 years of age accompanied by two full paying adults. From family lagoons to the winding master blasters you’ll be entertained all day long. Ride the wave of excitement with an action-packed day 22

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at Dubai’s premier water park. The Lost Chambers Enjoy complimentary entrance for up to a maximum of two children below 12 years of age accompanied by two paying adults Located within the magnificent grounds of Atlantis The Palm, The Lost Chambers takes you into a magnificent underwater realm, where you can weave through the halls and tunnels surrounded by 65,000 marine animals swimming in placid waters. Dubai Ice Rink Get free entry for two kids under 12 years accompanied by two paying adults on purchase of a 2-

hour public skating session. From those looking to experience ice skating for the first time to those keen to master their skills, this spectacular venue is a destination of endless fun for all. Aquaventure Take maximum of two children below 12 years of age free accompanied by two paying adults. Set within 42 acres, guests of all ages can enjoy various thrills at this iconic water-theme park. Rivers, rapids, children’s play area with lush tropical landscapes and a private beach adds to the holiday thrill.

Big Bus Tours Get two complimentary 24 hours Big Bus Day Tour Dubai tickets for children between 5 years and 15 years of age when accompanied by two full paying adults. The Big Bus Sightseeing Tour is a safe and relaxing way to discover this great city. Take the Day Tour and use the hop-on, hop-off facility to visit all the

places that interest you, or join the Night Tour with a live-guided commentary which showcases illuminated Dubai. On the Day Tour, you can choose between a 24 or 48 hour ticket and enjoy free inclusions such as the Dhow River Cruise, Dubai Museum and the brand new Big Bus Reward Booklet. Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise, Dubai Creek Enjoy free evening cruise and 4-course gourmet dinner experience onboard Bateaux Dubai for up to two kids below 12 years for every two paying adults. Bateaux Dubai serves freshly prepared international gourmet cuisine and an extensive selection of fine beverages whilst cruising on Dubai Creek. The sleek design of this glassenclosed vessel, modern décor, superb live

entertainment, personalised service and panoramic views of Dubai makes a cruise on Bateaux Dubai as inspiring as the city itself. iFly Dubai at Playnation Take advantage of complimentary entrance for up to two children below 16 years of age when accompanied by two paying adults. iFLY Dubai offers an unforgettable lifetime experience, where professional flight instructors give personalised instruction on how to fly inside a tunnel. iFLY Dubai is safe for children, challenging for adults and realistic for skydivers.

Soccer Circus Dubai Training Academy at Playnation Get complimentary entrance to Soccer Circus Dubai Training Academy for up to a maximum of two children below 16 years of age when accompanied by two paying adults Soccer Circus Dubai is a unique, fully interactive football attraction, engaging visitors in a series of exciting, immersive football challenges. Dubai Dolphinarium Maximum of two children below 12 years of age accompanied by two paying adults get complimentary entrance to the Dubai Dolphinarium at the Creek Park.

Dolphinarium is an amazing environment that guarantees you an unforgettable experience with the world’s most loved marine mammals. An excellent way to educate, entertain and learn for both young and old. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates Get complimentary entrance to the Slope for up to a maximum of two children below 12 years of age

accompanied by two paying adults. Visit Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and an ice park which gives non-skiers and families with smaller children a chance to play in the snow. The Address Montgomerie Dubai Maximum of two kids under 12 years enjoy free round of 18 holes Golf at The Address Montgomerie Dubai with one paying adult. Set within 265 acres of lush green fairways, landscaped gardens and lakes, this luxurious golf resort is the place for a perfect escape. This spectacular links-style championship golf course is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the Middle East. Arabian Ranches Golf Club Get free round of 18 holes Golf for a maximum of two kids under 12 years at the Arabian Ranches

Roads and Transport Authority Dubai has an extensive and sophisticated transport network with an excellent infrastructure that makes getting around town safe and smooth, and an unforgettable experience. This network includes Dubai Metro, Public Buses and Water Bus. Dubai Metro, the world’s longest automated driverless train system is fully air-conditioned and WIFI-enabled. The elevated track provides a scenic drive through Dubai and links all of Dubai’s major shopping and tourist attractions. RTA’s buses represent state-of-the art technology in terms safety, luxury and airconditioning. These buses are also enhanced by the world’s first of its kind air-conditioned bus shelters to make using the mass transit in Dubai comfortable and enjoyable. The people in Dubai can commute on public transport modes using the Nol Card. It is a smart card of different categories used to pay the public transport fare. When purchasing ‘Kids go free in Dubai’ promotional package for Nol Card, The AED 80 package consists of two cards for adults and maximum of two cards for children of 12 years and younger with a total travel value of AED 120 (AED 30 per card), while the daily maximum fare of Nol Card is capped to only AED14.

Golf Club for every paying adult. The Clubhouse hosts a fully stocked Pro Shop, with all the latest Golf Apparel and Hardware, a Grand Lobby, and the Baker-Finch Room complimented by a Terrace hosting panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes. The Els Club, Dubai Sports City Take up to two kids below 12 years for free round of 18 holes Golf and get kid’s meal at The Els Club, Dubai Sports City for every paying adult To complement The Els Club, Dubai’s worldclass facilities the Golf Club has a range of services to provide golfers with a memorable award winning golfing. August 2011 GO NOW

Choices on Offer With close to 80 hotels participating this year, including existing and new properties, families can stay and relax by the beach or stay in the middle of this vibrant city. From a fine dining experience to casual cuisine, visitors can savour a variety of culinary experiences across all participating restaurants. Children continue to stay, dine and play for free as they indulge in countless leisure activities throughout Dubai, while parents enjoy discount shopping privileges at the world’s most incredible mall. Listed below are details of some of the choices on offer: Discounted Airfare Avail of up to 50% discount on award winning Emirates Airlines, flying to over 100 destinations worldwide, for two children up to 12 years of age, when you book an economy or business class ticket. Budget airline Fly Dubai offers a 25% discount on tickets during the promotion period

from 14th of May to 30th September. Benefit from complimentary visas for a maximum of two children up to the age of 12, for every two paying adults. With dedicated Meet and Assist staff to help guide you on arrival, free airport transfers will also be provided to and from your hotel. In addition, each visitor receives a Welcome Pack with exclusive privileges and discount vouchers. The amazing offer does not end here. This promotion is available to transit passengers who stop-over in Dubai and want to get a taste of this spectacular fun-filled city. Accommodation ‘Kids go for free in Dubai’ suits every budget and preference. Select from 5-star to 3-star hotels, as well as standard and deluxe hotel apartments located throughout Dubai. Take your family to hotels and resorts near key leisure attractions, by the beach, in the middle of the desert or even on the world’s largest manmade island, The Palm Jumeirah. For every two paying adults, a maximum of two kids up to 12

years get free accommodation and meals at the hotel they are booked in. Valid for a minimum duration of 3 nights with the option of booking additional days at over 80 selected properties, children enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner for free at all participating restaurants in the hotel. Complimentary Meals Children enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner for free at participating restaurants. Ground Transportation During the ‘Kids go free in Dubai’ promotion, up to two children under 12 years of age will receive a NOL Card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to be used on all public transport. The Nol Card is a smart card that enables you to pay for the use of various RTA transport modes in Dubai with a single card. You can use it to travel on Dubai’s Metro, buses and water buses. Airport Transfer Free airport transfers to and from your hotel.

Participating Hotels & Hotel Apartments Hotels Al Manzil Hotel Arabian Ranches Golf Club & Hotel Armani Hotel Dubai Atlantis Palm Dubai Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Courtyard by Marriott Crown Plaza Dubai Crown Plaza Dubai Festival City Dhow Palace Hotel Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Grand Hyatt Dubai Grandeur Hotel Grosvenor House Dubai Hall Mark Hotel Hilton Dubai Creek Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Hotel Jal Tower Hotel Howard Johnson Hotel Hyatt Regency Dubai Ibis World Trade Center Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Jumeirah Beach Hotel 24

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Jumeirah-Al Qasr Hotel Jumeirah-Burj Al Arab Jumeirah-Dar Al Masyaf Jumeirah-Mina Al Salam Le Royal Meridian Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Lotus Boutique Hotel Lotus Hotel Marco Polo Hotel Media Rotana Hotel Movenpick Hotel Deira Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai One & Only Royal Mirage The Palm Park Hyatt Dubai Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Qamardeen Hotel

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Shangri-La Hotel The Address Dubai Marina The Meydan Hotel The Palace The Old Town The Rits Carlton Dubai The Rits Carlton Dubai International Financial Center Tower Rotana Dubai Traders Hotel Dubai

Pearl Residence Hotel Apartment Savoy Crest Hotel Apartments Savoy Park Hotel Apartment Savoy suites Hotel Apartments The Galleria Hyatt Regency Dubai

Hotel Apartments Auris Boutique Hotel Apartment Lotus Downtown Metro Hotel Apartment & Spa Lotus Grand Hotel Appartments Derirah Lotus Hotel Apartments & Spa, Marina Oasis Court Hotel Apartments

Attractions Arabian Ranches Golf Club Atlantis “Aquaventure” Atlantis “Lost Chamber” Bateaux Dubai Big Bus Tours Dolphinarium Dubai aquarium & Underwater Zoo Dubai Ice Rink

Dubai Sega Republic Indoor Kartdrome-Dubai Auto Drome Majid Al Futtaim Leisure “I Fly” Majid Al Futtaim Leisure “Ski Dubai” Majid Al Futtaim Leisure “Cite Des Enfants” Majid Al Futtaim Leisure “Soccer Circus” Palm Jumeirah Monorail The Address Montgemerie Dubai The Els Club Dubai Sport City The Galleria Hyatt Regency Dubai Wild Wadi Children City Dubai Museum DTCM Heritage Sites

For further information, please contact: 1104 Arcadia, 11th Floor, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 – India. Tel: +91(22)2282 8836/2282 8837; Fax: +91(22) 2282 8835; Email: dtcm_in@dubaitourism.ae; Web: www.dubaitourism.ae

www.kidsgofreeindubai.com

society event

Arbaaz Arbaaz Khan Khan with with wife wife Malaika Malaika and and Amrita Amrita Arora Arora

Amisha Patel

Neha Dhupia

lama tours hosts the superstars of IIFA in dubai

Kulwant Singh, MD, Lama Tours

special screening of IIFA Awards was held at the Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai, on July 23 to show case a glimpse of all the high-octane glamour and action that took place at IIFA in Toronto earlier. The star-studded evening organized by Wizcraft, Middle East in association with Dubai's leading travel company Lama Group, was a phenomenal success. Dignitaries, Dubai's premier businessmen, socialites and celebrities from Bollywood like Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora Khan, Amrita Arora, Amisha Patel, Diya Mirza, Neha Dhupia, Chunkey Pandey and many other artists joined the celebration. All the VVIP guests attending the evening got the chance to rub shoulders with the stars and hobnob with the who's who of A-listers in town and had an opportunity to walk the coveted IIFA Green Carpet for the first time in the Middle East. The event kicked off with a glimpse of previous IIFAs followed by the Lama show reel that showcased their hospitality, services and expertise in the field of leisure tourism across the globe. August 2011 GO NOW

destination italy

walking along the cobbled slopes of

alberobello 26

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Krishnaraj Iyengar discovers the fascinatingly unique village of Alberobello in Puglia, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates its quaint fairytale architecture

n aquatic start

It was one of those places where you rarely lose your way, with friendly old Signoras peeping from their old verandas guiding you in earthy Italian. Although gibberish to a foreigner, the affable smiles and the vivid gesticulations would do their bit, leading you to the stunning expanse of the pristine blue Adriatic. Known to be unpredictable, the stillness of this sea overwhelms you with the sight of huge bulk carriers that often appear to be anchored in a clear, still pond which seems to merge with the cloudless morning sky leaving no room for the horizon. A mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colourful bikinis and bronzed bellos, sleepy yet bubbling with joy, Termoli dazzles with its white sand, old winding lanes, heritage architecture and amicable folk. After a refreshing dip in the Adriatic and a hearty lunch, I bid goodbye to Termoli driving on to Alberobello in the region of Puglia with a coterie of artists, sculptors and photographers who were a part of a delegation organized for artists from the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries to discover Italy's art heritage. Dousing mighty gulps of Frizzante sparkling water to beat the scorching Italian summer, I immerse myself in a nourishing discussion on Caravaggio, Van Gogh and Tagore.

An evening in fairytale land A symphony of lush vineyards and white and red roses along the scenic motorways were a fine prelude to our sojourn as Puglia unfolded before our eyes. A sip of woody wine, the whiff of a robust cigar, a furry kitten rubbing at your feet and a full moon illuminating a sparkling white Trullo with a conical dome bearing a mysterious symbol, I was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Alice in Alberobelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! One of Italy's quaintest little towns known for its maze of winding cobbled lanes lined with traditional Trulli (plural of Trullo) homes, cheerful and welcoming folk and a mesmerizing array of August 2011 GO NOW

brightly coloured indigenous artifacts, fine wines and cuisine, Alberobello is a fairytale land surreal in its charm. Prego fratello, questo vino è magnifico (welcome brother, this wine is magnificent) said a gruff baritone, handing me a classic of the region, the Primitivo di Puglia Vino rosso (red wine). This traditional Trulli boutique was my first embrace of the celebrated Italian hospitality and warmth, reminding me of an old Persian couplet “Khosh aamadi. Ke khosh aamad maraa ze aamadanat. Hezaar jaan e geraami fedaa ye aan qadamat” (Welcome. For my being is acknowledged by your presence. May a thousand hearts be bestowed at your feet.) An evening of Trulli hopping with generous sessions of wine tasting and munchings of the Taralli, a traditional pretzel in different flavours worked up a buon appetito for sumptuous delicacies off mama’s stove, straight out of the kitchen garden at the Victor Country Hotel. In the lap of tranquility, the surrounding countryside provides boundless inspiration for an artist, poet or a lovelorn musician serenading on his singlestringed fiddle. Dashing off on a bicycle with young sculptor Hardik Kansara, a narrow dusty A colourful beach front in Termoli

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road meanders into one of Puglia's pettiest corners with old-style country homes, sprawling fields and hay stacks staring at the two eccentric strangers. "Each curve of the country road tells a new tale" smiled Kansara. “It liberates my soul to explore a territory completely alien to me, yet so friendly. The freedom to discover the expanse of the countryside is to experience God's boundlessness” he said fixing his camera on the bicycle handle to capture the Puglian sunset. A creamy lasagna and an exhilarating Tiramisu returned all the calories an evening of uphill biking had taken away.

Trulli fascinating Walking along the cobbled slopes of Alberobello unveils a wonderland of its own. This UNESCO World Heritage Site originally called Silva Arboris Belli opens doors to an intriguing architectural ethos with each Trulli having a story to tell. The sparkling white stone cottages capped by spherical, concaving slatted grey slab roofs with conical summits crowned with either Pagan, Christian, Jewish or other traditional symbols in white make up the basic Trulli home. Brightly colored ivy and bougainvilleas, laced curtains and floral window boxes

beautify the exteriors. As I made my way up a hillock with Trulli on both sides, an elderly couple welcomed me to their cozy Trullo home with customary grace and heartwarming simplicity. The interiors were simple yet inspiring, especially with the curved ceiling arched by the roof overhang, an outstanding design nuance. Over sips of the legendary Moscato white wine and a bowl of peperoncino Taralli (signore's grandmother's recipe), I was told how the farm owners of the region in their fierce struggle with the rulers of Puglia (the Bourbons) in the 15th century, were forced to construct their homes with the calcareous stone used for the conical roofs. History has it that in the Middle Ages, anyone who built a dwelling on the king's land was heavily taxed. The Pugliesi being a smart and evolved lot, constructed a drywall stone Trulli mainly for the purpose of tax evasion. These smartly constructed Trulli were instantly dismantled and moved out of sight on the arrival of the taxman announced probably through a smoke signal and were later rapidly reconstructed. It was for this reason that the design of a Trullo was more for the sake of convenience rather than an aesthetic expression.

factfile Getting there and around From Delhi, Jet Airways flies direct to Milan Malpensa International Airport. From Milan, Bari in Puglia is approximately two hours by Lufthansa German Airlines. Bari to Alberobello by road is about two hours. Getting around Italy by road along the scenic motorways is an absolute pleasure Shopping for world class wines, local delicacies like Taralli, quaint handicrafts and locally made products in Alberobello’s Trulli boutiques is great fun

Trulli boutique hopping can be fun for lovers of artifacts, wines & local delicacies

Shop till you drop A smattering of varied European languages with an occasional eastern twang, accompanied by a barrage of camera clicks from a Japanese family heard in the narrow streets are a daily ode to Alberobello. Trulli boutique hopping is fun, especially for a lover of quaint artifacts, wines and local delicacies. As international tourists flock to these rural boutiques, gorging on fascinating toys for their kids, cute souvenirs and colourful umbrellas to beat the blazing sun, I decided to participate with a round of wine hunting. An interesting array of exotic reds from the region caught my eyes right from the evergreen Primitivo di Puglia 2006, the soughtafter Primitivo Manduria 2008 to a crisp, dry 2006 Chardonnay white, all priced reasonably right from 1.70 to five Euros and onwards. At one boutique, I was pleasantly surprised to find cute local musical instruments, many even designed for children. For a musician like me, a tambourine with an exquisite period painting of two maidens reveling in the ecstasy of their music, a shrill yet sweet bamboo whistle and a goat skin rattle closely resembling the Indian 'Damroo' were my grande concerto. Playing a roll on the Persian daf-like tambourine, I was re-

minded me of the famous lines of a musical poem by legendary Iranian Sufi poet Hafez: “Man ke shab’ha, rah e taq’wa, zade’am ba daf o chang” (All through the nights, the path of holiness did I tread, playing the Daf and strumming the harp), which added to the mystic experience of Alberobello.

From Trulli-hoppers to cavemen Moving on from Alberobello with the taste of fine wine and the lilt of sweet music, we headed to the ancient town of Matera. Known as ‘Sassi di Matera’ or Stones of Matera, the brown façade of the town against a clear blue summer sky left us spell bound. With prehistoric caves decorating the towering hills, we went back many thousand years in history to an era when the early inhabitants of the town lived and thrived in them, leaving behind their fascinating legacy that still continues to draw thousands from across the globe each year. The sharp breathtaking ravines, rocky inclines leading to an old Church ruin, a museum of contemporary sculpture overlooking the town and innumerable handicrafts vendors and traditional souvenir shops along the stony pathways add to the

Trulli hopping is the highlight of a visit to Alberobello with traditional Trulli homes along its cobbled slopes and learning about the unique architecture and history of the UNESCO world heritage site Victor Country Hotel in Alberobello is a niche getaway for honeymooners, holiday makers and bag packers. The surrounding countryside is stunningly pretty and a haven for bicycling enthusiasts and photography aficionados. Here, one can enjoy exotic wine varietals and local cuisine from their home grown kitchen garden in a classic Puglian country setting Walking or cycling along the quaint old lanes of the seaside town of Termoli is fun. Relaxing on the sprawling beaches or taking a dip in the Adriatic are Termoli’s principle attractions Walking tours of Sassi di Matera along the hilly and stony pathways not only enrich your knowledge of its prehistoric inhabitants but leaves you many kilos lighter! Visiting Matera’s ancient sites, shopping for exquisite indigenous handicrafts at local markets and capturing the innumerable cave dwellings on camera are a must in Matera

magnetism of Matera. The silence about this world heritage town absorbs you, with just sporadic strains of the locally made cuckoo whistle from the local market echoing against its rocky contours. After evening of dance and music at the museum by an Israeli-Italian duo, I stared out at the surreal panorama of illuminated caves smoking the remains of my sturdy Tuscan cigar, capturing the silence with each puff. As the night grew on the town, the animated dialogues of some young locals dressed in medieval garb rehearsing for a drama outside a nearby café gradually faded away. The howl of a few wild dogs prowling around the hill slopes and then, just the sound of my own heartbeat, were the unforgettable finale to my Italian adventure as Matera under the light of a full moon stared back at me. Discovering the myriad colours of the Italy with each town, unique in its ethos and diverse in its experience truly enriches the traveller’s soul. August 2011 GO NOW

destination guide

A beautiful Jamaican sunset

five things to do while in negril, jamaica Jamaica’s ‘Capital of Casual’, Negril, is loved by vacationers worldwide for its picture-postcard-perfect beaches, ruggedly beautiful cliffs, and oh-sobreathtaking sunsets. Besides spending all day lazing on the beach or all night at a club, there are still many things you can do while in Negril…

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un-kissed beach

Frequently flocked to by thrill-seekers and sun-worshippers alike, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach boasts turquoise, see-through waters hugging a coastline of rocky cliffs and white sands that seem to trail on forever. Simply lie out in the sun or enjoy any (or all) of the water sports activities available right at your fingertips.

numerous to mention. However, while the food is to die for, without a doubt, the main attraction at Rick’s Cafe is the cliff jumping displays. You can either watch the professional cliff jumping displays or participate yourself if you’re feeling the daredevil spirit. The highest platform jump is 35 feet and ensures the thrill of a lifetime, though some choose to jump from even higher points from tree limbs.

Food to die for Hungry for some Caribbean and International cuisine blended in with an air of adventure, infused with the sounds of live reggae music and served from the best vantage point on the island of Jamaica to watch the sunset? Rick’s Cafe in Negril is the perfect spot for such a treat! The menu includes tantalizing Buffalo Wings, Sheddy Shrimp, Jerk Chicken Skewers, the world famous Rick’s Cafe Surf N’ Turf, Jamaican Shrimp Alfredo, Boobastic Banana Rum Cake and a host of other entrees, pastas and desserts too

Exploring the life under water Snorkeling in the emerald waters off the coast of Jamaica to explore the beautiful living coral reefs and see the exotic fish that dwell therein is a popular activity in the Caribbean, let alone on the island itself and it’s something the entire family can enjoy together. Negril’s tempting waters are some of the best for snorkeling in Jamaica. With a variety of caves, coves and spectacularly colourful marine life, this comes as no surprise.

Romancing on the beach

Ready to dive This island is also an excellent destination for scuba enthusiasts world over. Negril has many of the best dive sites in Jamaica. From deep dives to wreck dives and wall dives Negril has it all. When seeking to arrange a dive in here, the Negril Scuba Centre is the best place to start. There’s even an underwater videographer available to record your experience on tape with a Reggae music background so you can have lasting memories of your dive.

Some rush in adrenalin?

Snorkeling in the emerald waters is a popular activity in the Caribbean

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NEGRIL ISLAND IS AN EXCELLENT DESTINATION FOR SCUBA ENTHUSIASTS WORLD OVER. IT HAS MANY OF THE BEST DIVE SITES IN JAMAICA. FROM DEEP DIVES TO WRECK DIVES AND WALL DIVES, NEGRIL HAS IT ALL. THERE’S EVEN AN UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHER AVAILABLE TO RECORD YOUR EXPERIENCE ON TAPE

If it’s a rush of energy and adrenaline that you’re looking for, then Kool Runnings Water Park and Anancy Village is definitely the place to find it! Home to the Caribbean’s most diverse and invigorating fun park experience, Kool Runnings is a unique, attraction located along Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, just walking distance from major hotels in the area. The thrilling water slides, heart pumping non-aquatic rides, breathtaking grounds and themed restaurants as well as the entertainment combine to provide an unforgettable experience for everyone. The wide variety of attractions in Negril and the surrounding area will surprise you no less! Text & photo courtesy TRAC REPRESENTATIONS INDIA PVT LTD

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check out lebua, bangkok

ccommodation

At every corner of Lebua at State Tower, graceful Thai culture and lifestyle go symbiotically with western design disciplines and create a resonant yet restful effect. Each of the 358 rooms overlook the gorgeous Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s skyline from the balconies and are replete with kitchenettes, home entertainment centres and Bvlgari amenities in the bathroom. The one-bedroom suites are spacious with many welcome courtesies like wine and strawberries and a plush bathroom with luxury accessories. The three-bedroom suite is an ultimate hedonistic paradise, re-

plete with a well-designed living area, a huge dining table for 10, hand knotted rugs, crystal chandeliers with a king-size bed in the master bedroom.

SPAactacular No holiday to Thailand is ever complete without a spa experience. The spa in Lebua is greatly influenced by Thai tradition which is reflected in the whole ambience. They offer a complete range of relaxing, rejuvenating, and holistic Thai treatments administered by skilled therapists. If you want a romantic getaway, go with your spouse for the special evening treatment in the spa suite. The “Couples Massage”, a firm

yet gentle massage with long strokes using special anti-stress oils will release you of stress. The special mix of essential oils sets the mood and a bottle of champagne completes the experience.

The Dome The best restaurants and bar congregate at The Dome and provide an unmatched meal experience. In 2005, ‘Sirocco’, ‘Distil’ and ‘Mezzaluna’ – three restaurants entered Conde Nast Traveller’s world’s hottest tables and won the three best positions. Today, Dome also houses ‘Breeze’, a sumptuous Asian cuisine restaurant where the exotic dishes compliment the exotic ambience.

the glittering city of bangkok from your luxury suite A resort with a city status whose philosophy is to offer luxuries of the highest international standards together with sensitivity and a local feel in design, architecture and service – Lebua is truly beyond stars...

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Tower Club River view suite

Signature restaurant Mezzaluna

Signature restaurant – Mezzaluna This modern innovative cuisine restaurant at Tower Club is Located atop 65th floor and offers panoramic view of the city and the Chao Phraya River. At Mezzaluna, flamboyance is not just limited to display, the master chefs have worked magic with ingredients sourced from around the world to create a lavish menu. The live performance by a classical quartet compliments the elegant ambience. From carefully engineered dishes, to impeccable service, the ambience is extremely European, and definitely cuts above the rest. With such great lengths taken to present the best of modern innovative cuisines, guests can expect nothing but the best at Mezzaluna.

Distil Bar The decoration of the Bar with warm and natural textures, burnished wood and soft beige suede makes it an ideal place to enjoy a selection of single malt whiskies, best rum labels, and rare vintage wines from a walk in cellar, in a contrastingly intimate and secluded environment. The oyster bar offering fresh Eagle Rock, Pacific Premium, Kumamoto and Fines de Claire oysters add to the experience. To top it up you can enjoy a Cuban cigar in the adjoining open-air terrace while listening to resident DJ playing in the background.

Dining under the stars – Sirocco Nothing quite beats the romance of sky-high dining. Located on the 63rd floor, Sirocco is the world’s highest al fresco restaurant and comes alive at sunset for a matchless view of the Thai capital. It is amazing to look around at glittering landmarks like the Grand Palace, Royal Chapel, Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Temple, National Museum and the Em-

factfile State Tower, 1055 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok-10500, Thailand. Tel: + 66 (0) 2624 9999 E-mail- information@lebua.com Website: www.Lebua.com Cost: Tower Club City view Suite: 559US$ ++ Tower Club River view Suite: 589US$ ++ Facilities at Lebua: State-of-the-art business centre designed to satisfy every conceivable requirement for doing business in the 21st century; the fitness centre includes a gymnasium, saunacum-steam room, swimming pool, jacuzzi and massage rooms. The Lebua lounge is great for premium drinks and tea. Check out Café Mozu if you are in a mood to taste Indian, Lebanese or wood fired dishes. Places around Lebua: The hotel is just a 40 minute drive from the airport and a 10 minute walk from the BTS Sky Train’s Saphan Taksin station. Just a short stroll away is the venerable chayo Phraya River where shuttle ferries ply creating a spectrum of activities around the river side. Also close by are shopping complexes like the Central and Robinson.

erald Buddha. For its renowned hospitality in the skies and engineered seclusion from city noise, it isn’t a wonder that Sirocco has won a number of awards.

The service Commencing with the smile from the bell boy who insists on carrying your luggage right at the entrance and the friendly receptionist who will check you in, you will love this Thai slant on the contemporary hotel experience. The accent certainly is on service of the highest quality! August 2011 GO NOW

travel buzz

celebrate independence day in the old-world charm of mandawa luxury in the lap of nature

Experience the magic of Hotel Castle Mandawa and Mandawa Haveli, each a curious blend of the old and new, combining oldworld charm with modern comforts at Mandawa, Rajasthan. The best place to discover the legacy of Shekhawati is from the comfort of Castle Mandawa, a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. Medieval turreted towers, palanquinroofed balconies, blend with modern comforts in old-world rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons and arms add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition still runs strong. Explore Castle Mandawa at your own

pace. Spend a leisurely hour over a drink in the colonial verandah that accommodates the bar, or relax in the cosy comfort of the Diwankhana, the formal drawing room decorated with family portraits and an array of antique armour. The package for 2 nights/ 3 days is priced at 12,599 and includes all meals, camel ride, cultural evenings and sports activities. Mandawa Haveli The haveli built in Jaipur style of architecture with numerous pillars and arches is located in the heart of Jaipur City on Sansar Chandra Road. The hotel combines old-world charm with the best of present day facilities. There are pleasant courtyards, lawns and terraces with a view of the splendid Nahargarh Fort. The package for 2 nights/3 days is priced at Rs 8,799 per couple on twin sharing. Activities: ● Camel Cart Ride: Rs. 800 per cart (4 people can sit) ● Camel Ride: Rs 500 per camel (2 people can sit)

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● Horse Ride: Rs 1000 per person ● Camel Polo: Rs 20,000 ● One-hour Jeep Safari: Rs 3,500 ● Camel Sledge & Dune Sledge: Rs 25,000 ● Vintage Car Ride: Rs 6,000 per car For more queries visit: www.mandawahotels.com

Enjoy a fabulous 2 nights/3 days stay at Rah Vilas Hotel – the ultimate nature resort and antidote for a hectic lifestyle. The hotel is 12 kilometres before Sonmarg, located on the bank of the Sindh River in the midst of Kulan forests. There you can indulge in exciting activities like nature walk and village walking tour, visit the local families for an insight into the Kashmir culture and hospitality or take pleasure in fishing in the river. The package costs Rs 25,000 per couple on twin sharing. Package includes: 2 nights stay at the hotel in a Deluxe Room ● Two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners (fixed menu) ● One Qualis for three-day tour including trip to Sonmarg Ex-Srinagar Airport ● Guided village tour ● Camp fire on the River Bank For more queries visit: www.rah-villas-kashmir.com

heading to shimla again Looking for that welldeserved holiday? Head for the hills and avail the irresistible package being offered by Choice Quality Inn Himdev, Shimla. Located at the entrance of Shimla, the hotel is easily accessible from all tourist attractions. The hotel has

elegantly furnished rooms with air-conditioning in summer and central heating in winters. The rooms have been provided with all modern amenities like satellite television, tea/ coffee maker, mini bar, direct dial, and data port facility. Other facilities

include modern conference facilities, adequate parking, 24-hour room service, laundry, multi-cuisine restaurant, coffee shop, open terrace restaurant for lunch and snacks, bar with a breathtaking view of Shimla, business centre, shopping arcade, safety lockers, health club, home theatre, recreational centre, complimentary transfers to Mall lift. The package includes: ● 2 nights/3 days stay in Deluxe Room at Rs 11,999 per couple. ● Breakfast and one major meal. ● 20% discount on additional food order and bar. Offer is valid till September 30. For more queries visit: www.choicehotelsindia.com

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travel buzz

taj offers complimentary night stay

marriott announces wedding packages Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces provide holidaymakers an enticing reason to pay a visit to its award-winning hotels this season through its delightful surprises offer till August 31, 2011. The exclusive offers at select Taj Hotels are: Stay a bit longer Book rooms at any Taj hotel for one/two/three nights and avail of a complimentary night stay

or a 50% off at the Bar at Select Hotels. Valid across select Taj Hotels. Suite surprises Book one or more nights in our regal suites, embraced with impeccable interiors and classic style and the Taj will surprise guests with a complimentary night stay at half the price. One can choose from an array of properties in Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur and many more.

Business edge Stay a minimum of two nights and enjoy exclusive corporate privileges and savings. This offer is on at Vivanta by Taj and Gateway hotels in India. Guests can also avail of Rs 2,000 value hotel credit per stay against F&B, laundry, or spa along with complimentary breakfast for two. For more queries visit: www.tajhotels.com/ Surprises

Marriott India announces attractive options for new couples. To ensure an unforgettable wedding celebration, the hotel chain introduces an elite range of wedding packages - silver, gold and platinum - which allows the bride and groom to relax and enjoy this momentous occasion in comfort and luxury. The offer is valid through all wedding events booked between July 1 and October 31, 2011, for weddings that will take place before December 30, 2012. The benefits of this offer can be utilized until six months of actualization of the event at the specified hotel. Price: Platinum: Definite catering revenue above Rs 10,00,001 â&#x20AC;˘ Gold: Definite catering revenue between Rs 5,00,001 and 10,00,000 â&#x20AC;˘ Silver: Definite catering revenue between Rs 3,00,000 and 5,00,000 For more queries visit www.marriott.com

photo workshops in ladakh and sundarbans Nature Wanderers announces two wildlife outings for photo enthusiasts. The group will kick start its adventure with a seven-day photo tour of Ladakh from August 24 - 31, 2011 followed by the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, from September 15 - 18, 2011. Leading the excursions are the husband and wife duo, Shivang Mehta and Kahini Ghosh, nature enthusiasts, conservationists and expert wildlife photographers. 36

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Tour details: The Wild Ladakh Tour (August 24 - 31) The Wild Ladakh Tour will let participants explore monasteries and the Tso MoriMori Lake. Mystic Mangroves (September 15 - 18) The workshop will include a countryside drive to the reserve, a boat safari and exploring the creeks of the park. The workshop will end with a review of the pictures. For more queries, visit www.naturewanderers.com

travel buzz

bespoke luxury in varanasi India’s oldest living city, Varanasi, has an added attraction. One of the oldest hotel chains in India, the Clarks Varanasi, is offering special rates to its guests till September 2011, on all kinds of accommodation. The hotel itself is over 50 years old and has 104 tastefully furnished rooms, including 19 executive rooms and two suites. A colonial structure, the hotel has wide verandahs that open up into lush green gardens. The hotel is less than 10km from the main attractions of the city like the ghats, the river Ganga, the Vishwanath temple and also the Benaras Hindu University. One night stay including breakfast starts from Rs 3,850 + taxes For more queries visit: www.clarkshotels.com

treehouse, bhiwadi offers weekend delights Located just 30 minutes from Gurgaon, on the outskirts of Bhiwadi is Treehouse Boutique Hotels, a great destination to spend your weekends. Pick up a sport you love or relax and indulge in some great gourmet cuisines. Go for a spa treat with your partner and rejuvenate yourself in peaceful atmosphere. With Wi-Fi facilities, table-tennis court, swimming pool, library, spa, bar and much more, Treehouse can be your perfect getaway. So, pack an overnight bag this weekend and head out to into the lush greenery for a quick experience in a luxury setting. For more queries visit: www.thetreehousehotel.com

soak in the sights of goa with alila diwa Welcoming the monsoon winds, Alila Diwa Goa, a personalized Alila resort offers a monsoon getaway package designed to help you reconnect with nature. Located just 20 minutes from Dabolim International airport, Alila Diwa Goa is surrounded by verdant green paddy fields which attract scores of peacocks and migratory birds. The abundant water bodies dotted throughout the property, exquisite landscaping and contemporary IndoPortuguese architecture provide the ideal setting to rejuvenate and recharge. Enjoy a walk in the rain along the beach or borrow one of the hotel’s bicycles and wander off into the nearby village to soak in the sights, sounds and scents of Goa. Alternately, restore your sense of wellbeing by indulging in an

impressive collection of Asian rejuvenation therapies and healthy cuisines at Spa Alila, designed to boost your energy, relax your mind and lift your spirits. Package starts from Rs 22,000* and includes: ● A three-night

accommodation on single or double occupancy ● Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at Vivo, the allday dining restaurant overlooking the pool ● Daily Indian high tea at Chai Gado ● Culinary lessons with the hotel’s chef ● Activities for the kids at

the dedicated Kid’s Club Leisure concierge services which include a wide range of outdoor activities to capture a feel of the destination ● Scheduled return airport transfers ● For more unforgettable experiences, enjoy beverage credits worth Rs ●

3,000 and a spa voucher per person worth Rs 1,000 ● Add a complimentary 4th night (room only) to your stay Rates are subject to taxes and available until September 30, 2011. For more queries visit www.aliladiwagoa.com August 2011 GO NOW

destination in pictures

varanasi with raghu rai

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Varanasi-Portrait of a Civilization, is Raghu Raiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30th book, the photographs of which he has clicked over at least 35 years since he first visited the city in 1975. The veteran photographer speaks to Go Now about the oldest living city, and also one of the most clicked ones, in India. Here, he shares some of his photographs from the book

August 2011 GO NOW

GO NOW August 2011

The change in Varanasi or any other city is expressionless. But the heart of Varanasi remains untouched as it is so tightly packed. It is so old that it is not possible to change it. The magic of the city remains and the ghats too remain unchanged. When I had first gone to the city in 1975, I was fascinated by the energy of the city which was so Hindu. Everywhere there were temples, flowers, fragranceâ&#x20AC;Ś if you go to the ghats, it is like the blossoming of spring. A true religion has the power and the experience of that power is what we photographers deal with. I am sure it is the same spirit that pervades Mecca and Medina and will affect a photographer in a similar manner. The ghats and priests have not changed. The modus operandi of the priests remains the same. You will still see the Naga Sadhus on Shivratri. The faith of the people has not changed but the infrastructure of the city cannot absorb so many people, including tourists. I also feel that the maintenance and cleanliness of ghats is not upto the mark.

How can we improve things at Varanasi? We do not have a vision for the city. The cleanliness of ghats and bylanes is the minimum that the authorities can do. We can make a beginning from there. At the same time, a certain discipline by the locals also has to be there. Tourists are fleeced; many places stink and are shabby. People open up shops anywhere they like. On the contrary, look at Malaysia and, for that

matter, the Arab countries. They have preserved their heritage properly while our heritage is lying buried in filth and dirt.

Does the city give a spiritual message? Eternity lives and lasts only on the spiritual strength of a place or its people. The rest is all perishable. What struck me was the simple faith of the ordinary people of Varanasi in their daily lives. They stay connected. We have lost that in big cities because we are smarter. Varanasi still retains its spiritual charm, but to feel it one has to walk through the bylanes and ghats. It is also about the ability of tourists to connect. This is where the magic lies. If a tourist just walks through the streets without exploring the city, one is likely to miss the spiritual angle.

Anything interesting that you will always remember from the Varanasi? One winter, I noticed an odd-looking sadhu near the ghats. He was wrapped in a blanket and I clicked him. Suddenly he came running at me, snatched my spectacles and threw it into the river. I was offended and went to a policeman nearby. By the time we came back, the sadhu had disappeared. A youth who had witnessed the incident came up to us and said he will retrieve the glasses for me. The same moment, he dived into the river and fished out the spectacles. It was such an amazing moment. India is a country where nothing is possible. But it is a country where everything is possible. You have to be patient. Text by RAHUL KUMAR Photographs by RAGHU RAI

Photograph by RAHUL KUMAR

ou have been going to Varanasi often. How has the city changed over the years?

Raghu Rai needs no introduction. But for the sake of journalistic formality, we will have to provide one. The man is a civil engineer by training but took to photography out of love for it. Over the last 40 years he has captured India, many of its momentous events including the Bhopal gas tragedy, and its famous people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama. He was the only Indian photographer to be nominated to Magnum Photos and that too, by none other than Henri Cartier-Bresson. He has also served many times as a jury for the World Press Photo. August 2011 GO NOW

destination varanasi

Kudos to Nepali temple craft

varanasi where every street has a story to tell

t is said that walking is a good way to explore any city and, if you own a camera, then it should be the only way. If you happen to find yourself in cities that have been around since times immemorial, then the only way you can negotiate the intricate maze of lanes and bylanes is on foot. Well, that is also how you come across anecdotes and tales that mesmerize you. If Taj Mahal in Agra is India’s most photographed structure, Varanasi is its most photographed city with the earliest photos dating to the 1850s. The pull of the city, even now, lies in its spirituality – 700 intricately designed ancient temples, most stand cheek by jowl in the narrow lanes and bylanes, 42

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and India’s most-revered river, the Ganga. For the modern traveller, it is the little stories both local and global that confront him around every corner.

World-class bidis Tucked away somewhere behind the ghats in the intricate snaking lanes, you will suddenly come across an unusual shop. It does not sell water bottles and chips, neither local handicrafts nor vessels for scooping the holy water of the Ganga. The shop of B Adhikari, called New Millenium, with a new spelling for millennium, sells filtered bidis, small bidis, large bidis, ones that look like cigars, and also those that he calls world-class. When I met him he was filling

It is not without reason that Varanasi is called the galion ka shaher (city of narrow lanes). On a quick visit, Rahul Kumar chases stories, people and quaint old tales that dart in an out at every turn. He comes back surprised at how globally charming the backstreets of the oldest living city can be... in tobacco in the tendu leaves. Disturb the man, wearing a pair of spectacles, a vest and khaki knickers, and you find in him an eager conversationalist. Surrounded by an arty photograph of women at the Varanasi ghats, a Bengali calendar featuring a goddess and framed and locked bidis, the man can easily pass off as a professor. Mr Adhikari is happy to show you his framed bidis, readily strikes a pose for your camera and points out to the numerous designed bidis. A prominently hung frame proclaims: “Smoking or any bad habits are injurious for human life but art is never injurious to health. Bidi-making is an art and bidi is better than a cigarette…”

Clone of Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath temple

A hint hint of of Japan Japan A

Sala – cafe and restaurant Finding open space in any old city in India is either serendipity or a bright idea by a young modern soul. A walk-through the lanes of Varanasi will close the doors to any thought trying to sneak in of finding a space that will allow you a breathing space. But a city that was built on faith and lives on faith, miracles do happen. ‘Sala’, a new-age cafe and restau-

rant, was a miracle and in addition, a space that allowed me breathing space. It had a beckoning ambience with a wide front, an open kitchen and uncluttered sitting. A magazine rack with fashion, women and entertainment magazines, all of them Japanese and some possibly south Korean. Set up in 2009 by a young Japanese woman, who was taken in by the charm of

The bidi-maker at work

the city, the place is managed by Japanese staffers, most of who manage with a smile, the nod of a head interspersed with words of English and Hindi. Masami, the 29-year-old current Japanese manager, is a study in concentration as she knits a bag for holding rosaries. It takes some moments of pondering over and courage to rouse her into a conversation as she sits straight-backed and August 2011 GO NOW

had congregated for a special offering. The occasion was the first birthday of the fourth generation child which was being celebrated with festivities and prayers at the temple. It was interesting to see a celebration, even though hurriedly, that brought together four generations together with the youngest at one year and the oldest at 90.

Nepali temple

Distinctly South Indian The city pulls all of India into its fold

still with just her fingers moving. She and the part-owner of Sala, Sharad Kumar, file me in with details - the five-six Japanese workers keep rotating every six months as and when their visas expire… Masami was the first manager and this is her second stint. And would love to be back again for the third time. Towards the end, she says: “Maybe Varanasi called me back.”

South Indian ceremony Do remember that Varanasi is as much a city of temples as also of streets. Despite their overwhelming presence, the temples still amaze you with their variety of architecture, styles and colours. Though a cowbelt city, the air in the streets of Varanasi is rife with India’s innumerable dialects and languages. Not to mention the distinctive looks 44

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If you want to have a feel of Nepal, its people and architecture in Varanasi, that ambience is sandwiched between a maze of streets and the Ganga river. With a lowheight, almost tunnel-like entry, the ornate wood-and-stone Shiva shrine, Pashupatinath Nepali temple, overlooks the Ganga at Lalita Ghat. Built in 1850 by the royal family of Nepal, the temple transports you to Nepal with its rich design and architecture. Everything about the temple is Nepali, including its wood. The intricately carved wooden doors, windows, logs and frames were recently replaced and again the work was done by Nepali craftsmen. The old woodcraft has been removed but not thrown away. Someone, it seems, understands the intangible value of religious heritage and has locked away the old wood stuff for public viewing. It is not just the architecture but the people as well. Manned by Nepali priests since its construction, the temple has retained a strong focus on teaching the scriptures to boys as well as adults. It was a surprise to know that the young priests in the making, who stay at the temple, may hail from places as culturallydistinct as Sikkim. So, every bend of the Varanasi street brings forth to you stories of hope, surprise

(

THE ESSENCE OF VARANASI HAS NOT CHANGED THESE HUNDREDS OF YEARS DESPITE CONQUESTS, CONVERSIONS AND THE CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS. ONCE HERE, BE PREPARED FOR SURPRISES AND REVEL IN THE SPIRITUALITY THAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER

and attire that criss-cross the area near the ghats and its serpentine streets. On my way to the Assi Ghat, I crossed paths with a number of distinctly dressed south Indian people – a clear indication that a south Indian temple was in the vicinity. The ringing of the temple bells soon confirmed that. The Kashi Kamkotishwar temple, frequented by Tamils was witness to an interesting ceremony. Four generations of a Tamil Brahmin family, spread out in Varanasi, Delhi and of course Tamil Nadu,

and faith. The hope of salvation, the surprise in the co-habitation of cultures and the faith in god that has existed in its purest form since times immemorial. The essence of Varanasi has not changed these hundreds of years despite conquests, conversions and the clash of civilizations. Whenever you go there, do not forget to take the camera along; be prepared for surprises and revel in the spirituality that the city has to offer. Text & photographs by RAHUL KUMAR

August 2011 GO NOW

destination ajanta & ellora

Ravana trying to lift Mount Kailash

An Ajanta cave

walk your way through rock art & make history come alive The world heritage sites like these make the wonder that is India. Even a short visit to the cave temples can be a joy as well as a learning experience…

he best way to do that, especially when you don’t have much time, is by hiring a knowledgeable guide who can explain the setting, sculptures, paintings, and other intricacies about the caves. I found one in Ram Pitambare, a 56-year-old senior guide who has spent his life showing monuments to visitors. Since the idea was to cover both Ajanta and Ellora on the same day, we began early, 7.30am. Aurangabad is extremely pleasant in the second half of July, with rains bringing down the mercury and greening the town that is located in the basins of Godavari and Tapi rivers. It is surprising that while everybody discusses the cave temples, Mughal structures, and other tourist spots, very few talk about the surroundings of Aurangabad district.

Picturesque countryside How pleasurable! In fact, this was the first impression I got as soon as I landed at the Aurangabad airport. Cool breeze greeted me 46

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like a warm-hearted host. Fortunately, the weather remained agreeable during the four days I was in the city. The drive to Ajanta further enhanced feel-good factor. Our car traversed the road smoothly. The gust of fresh air obviated the need of an air-conditioner. The green, gently undulating countryside, with low hills on the horizon, was picturesque. A hotelier told me that he found the Aurangabad landscape better than that of Kashmir. Maybe he was exaggerating, but there is comparability. The journey was as enjoyable as the destination was captivating. Nestled deep in Sahyadri hills, Ajanta caves offered everything Buddhist monks could ask for-verdant hills, peace, isolation. They remind me of Michelangelo (14751564) who famously said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” The builders of these caves literally did that, as they took the leap of faith and embarked upon the path of discovery which went on for

centuries. The result – 29 rock-cut cave monuments, built between the second century BC and 600 AD, including some of the finest paintings and sculptures of Buddhist religious life and the contemporary period.

Water mirrors, mineral colors Cave No 1, of the fifth century vintage, was built using a “water mirror,” says Pitambare, who has a Master’s in History. After hewing out a big hole in the rock, water was stored in a shallow pool so that the cave could get light. Sunrays reflected and refracted, thus lighting up the otherwise dark grotto. He elaborates on the structure, its portico, chapels, congregation hall, vestibules, rooms and paintings. “Colors have persisted after hundreds of years because these are mineral colors,” he explains, adding that red was made of red ochre, yellow of mutani mitti, white of kaoline or limestone, green of jade, black of carbon suite, and blue of lapis lazuli. While

ceilings and columns have decorative motifs and designs, the walls are adorned with the narratives from jataka tales. It’s dark inside the cave, the only light being the small illuminators which emit very low-intensity beams so that the paintings are not adversely affected. Guides carry torches. Camera flashes are banned inside the cave, though sometimes people do use them, much to the annoyance of the staff maintaining the caves. “I get furious when I see people endanger our heritage sites,” Pitambare says. He takes me to a tour to India’s past via the country’s heart, mind, and soul. The Satvahana rulers, how they promoted business and commerce, why did they join the Spice Route with the Silk Route, what did the Vakataka kings do - history became alive amid monuments.

Kailasanatha Temple (Cave 16) is the epitome of cut-out architecture. It is the work of builders the firmness of whose resolve was exceeded only by the tenacity of their faith. The gigantic task, completed in a century, involved the removal of two lakh tonnes of rock. The freestanding, multi-storied temple complex, hewn out of a single rock, is twice the size of Parthenon in Athens. It is full of sculptures of deities, mithunas (erotic male and female figures), and other figures. Though a Shaiva temple, it also has images from the Vaishnava pantheon.

Showing disdain The sculpture in which Ravana is trying to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva, is particularly enchanting (See photo). Pitambare points out how the yakshas, yakshis, and other Shiva’s attendants are dis-

Epitome of cut-out architecture Whereas the Ajanta caves are all Buddhist, those at Ellora are Hindu and Jain, apart from some of them being Buddhist. Built by the Rashtrakuta rulers during 5th – 10th century, it is said to be the pinnacle of Indian rock-cut architecture and the emblem religious tolerance with temples of various faiths coexisting. The 34 caves were hewn out of the vertical face of the Charanandri Hills. There are 12 Buddhist (1-12), 17 Hindu (13-29), and five Jain (30-34) caves. While all of them are breathtaking in conception and execution, the Kailasa or the

factfile How to get there By Road: Aurangabad is linked by national highways and state highways to all parts of the country. It has good road connectivity to all important cities in Maharashtra, namely Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Nasik, etc. The road connections make the journey to the world-famous destinations of Ajanta and Ellora comfortable. By Rail: Mumbai-Aurangabad. HyderabadNanded-Aurangabad. SecunderabadBangalor-Parbhani-Aurangabad. AmritsarAurangabad. Trains from Mumbai: Tapovan Express; Aurangabad Jan-Shatabdi; Nandigram Express; Devagiri Express. Trains from the North: Sachkand Superfast Express (Amritsar-New Delhi-Aurangabad). Trains from Hyderabad: Ajanta Express; Devagiri Express. By Air: Delhi-Mumbai-Aurangabad. Mumbai-Aurangabad. Delhi-Aurangabad. Udaipur-Aurangabad (daily except Mondays). Aurangabad has its own international airport, but it’s not functional. Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Class, Kingfisher Red, and JetLite have a number of regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad to Aurangabad. The nearest international airports are Mumbai and Pune. Where to stay Aurangabad has luxury and mid-segment hotels such as ITC Welcomgroup’s The Rama International, The Ajanta Ambassador, The Taj Residency, The Lemontree (formerly The President Park), Vits (formerly Hotel Vedant) and the Aurangabad Gymkhana. Other attractions Daulatbad Fort, Bibi ka Makbara, Ghrishneshwar Temple, Panchakki, Soneri Mahal, History Museum, Chatrapati Shivaji Museum, Lonar (site of a meteor which crashed on earth some 50,000 years ago and formed a large crater of a few hundred meters in diameter), Jaikwadi Dam, Paithan, Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary, Pitalkhora, Siddharth • The rates of trained guides are laid out. For a group of up to five people, it is Rs 1,600 for Ajanta, Rs 950 for Ellora

suading the Rakshasa King to give up his endeavor. “All are not pleading with Ravana. That little boy is showing his disdain for Ravana by showing his bum to him,” he says. Mooning, you see, is an Indian innovation. One day is too short a time to fully appreciate Ajanta and Ellora. It involves so much walking and climbing; it calls for some attention for soaking in the information one is bombarded with. But, as the sun goes down, one feels as if one has travelled through the time machine. And come back with some sense of fulfillment. Kailasanatha Temple in Ellora is the epitome of architectural brilliance

Text & photographs by RAVI SHANKER KAPOOR August 2011 GO NOW

check out bungalow on the beach, tranquebar

a soulful stay in danish luxury In the coastal town of Tamil Nadu’s Tharangambadi, now Tranquebar, lies Bungalow on the Beach, Neemrana group’s one of the most stunning and ultra-romantic non-hotel hotels… Bungalow from the beach

GO NOW August 2011

A deluxe suite bedroom

ast perfect

This fantastic property facing the gorgeous beach of Tranquebar used to be the office of the collector during the British rule. Later, a Nadar family lived here for some years. Farncis Wacziarg, chairmain of Neemrana Hotels Pvt Ltd visited Tranquebar in 1971 and as soon as he kept his eyes on this bungalow, he instantly fell in love with it. He finally decided to restore the bungalow as a hotel in 2002 with the help of co-chairman, Aman Nath and architect Ajit, who put their heart and soul into bringing life to what we can see today. After two years of hard work, BoB was opened for the guests in 2004.

Rooms & facilities BoB with its high ceilings evolves the formality of colonial rulers. The eight plush rooms are available in standard and deluxe category, fully-equipped with ACs, coffee makers, a fridge to store your beverages and television. All the rooms – Oldenberg, Elephant Queen, Anna Sophia, Prince Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark, Christianus

a little about tranquebar Tharangambadi, which means ‘land of the singing waves’ in Tamil, became Tranquebar for the Danes. This coastal town lies 15 kilometer south of the ancient Chola port of Pumpuhar and 15 kilometer north of the former French comptoir of Karaikal. From 1620 to 1845, it was a Danish settlement ruled by governors, till British took over its administration.

The high ceiling is a display of colonial architecture

Porch facing the beach

Septimus (named after King Christian VII of Denmark and Norway), Princess Louise (named after the British Princess Louise, who was also known as Marchioness of Lorne and Duchess of Argyll by marriage) – have been named after people who had sailed to Tranquebar on a Danish ship. The furniture is all colonial style with old wooden lounge chair, chest and a high bed and a collection of Danish paintings on the walls. There is a swimming pool where you can rejuvenate and enjoy a game of chess or sip a cup of coffee in the evening.

Dining & service The small multi-cuisine restaurant inside the bungalow serves everything from quick munchies, salads, the famous Creole curry and coolers. If you want to enjoy the fresh breeze of the sea, you can just sit out by the

factfile Location Tranquebar is located off the main road along the Coromandel Coast at a distance of 290 kilometer from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Getting there By air: The closest airports are Thiruchirapalli and Chennai (both International airports) By road: Chennai 290km; Chidambaram 50km; Karaikal 10km; Pondicherry 124km; Thanjavur 98km; Thiruchirapalli 152km Must see • The major attraction of Tranquebar is the ozone-rich beach. Ozone breeze is said to possess rejuvenating effect and is good for breathing and heart ailments. • Town Gate, Dansborg Fort, Zion Church, Ziegenbalg’s house, New Jerusalem Church, Old mosque, Masilamani Nathar temple Best time to go August - February (heavy cyclonic rains can be expected during the months of October, November and early weeks of December)

poolside and enjoy your meal with friends and loved ones. The staff arranges special evenings for their guests by putting up a barbeque near the pool where you can savour delicious grilled sea food of your choice with a glass of wine or simply a bottle of beer. A special mention goes for the efficient and extremely warm staff. If you come here, the staff makes sure nothing is left unattended. They will take care of all your needs with utmost attention. With a romantic set up, luxurious ambiance and serene natural beauty, we surely recommend you must come here at least once when you plan a trip to South India. by HEENA MENON

August 2011 GO NOW

dining out buzz

the vietnamese trail at the all-new urban café The new Urban Café in Saket continues its foodie legacy by featuring an extensive mix of Italian, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean and continental cuisine. Their all-new Vietnamese menu is sure to keep you coming back for more. The menu has delectable options like Ca Nuong Kieu Hanoi (fish Hanoi style) and the Bo Nuong Ong Tre (stir fried Angus in pepper sauce flambéed and served in bamboo). Vegetarians can also pick up delectable dishes like the Cu Sen Don Rau Chien Gion Sot Me (crispy lotus root and vegetable delicacy served with tamarind sauce) and Dau Hu Hap Cau Thia Sot Sate (steamed tofu parcels with pakchoi in sate sauce). Wash all this scrumptious food down either with the ever-popular Urban Café shakes like Lindt Chocolate Shake or the Oreo Cookie Shake. The restaurant also stocks a wide array of international spirits and wines for the true connoisseurs.

Featuring an eclectic mix of great food, music and décor, the all-new Urban Café is an ideal destination to sit back, laze around and enjoy an invigorating evening with friends and loved ones.

Meal for two: Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000. When: 12 noon1am. Where: 1, 2, UG, Southern Park, Saket District Centre, New Delhi-17 Call: 9999968575, 011-41097150

because girls wanna party hard! A good news for all the girls who like to have unlimited fun. Red Monkey and Havana club bring you Havana Club Nights every Friday where girls can have an escapade by enjoying unlimited free drinks like Watermelon Mojito, Mango Mojito, Lychee Mojito, Zen Mojito and Mojitini till late night. The offer is valid throughout August. When: Every Friday till 11pm Where: Red Monkey, 47, Defence Colony Market, New Delhi-110024. Call: 91-9910808653

munch on the traditional goan recipes Grilled Pomfret

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From mouth-watering Batter Fried Prawns and Grilled Pomfret to lip-smacking Apple Pie, everything at Souza Lobo is made with the perfect blend of spices, herbs and flavours, bringing the real and true taste of Goa. Meal for two: Rs 1,500-2,000 When: 12noon-3pm and 7pm-midnight Where: M-51, 1st floor, M block market, Greater Kailash-II

Apple Pie

english hygiene, desi khana Now, enjoy the traditional dhaba experience at your nearest Angrezee Dhaba in Greater Kailash. Eating here will be more gustatory with an exciting infusion of English hygiene. The west’s

adaptation in terms of hygiene, comforts and all contemporary facilities are part of this new concept. The menu offers wide variety of paranthas with mounds of butter on them.

relish international flavours with a touch of india Juicy burger

A glimpse at their tantalizing yet economical menu has Chicken Tikka, Golden Brown Breads, Grilled Tandoori Kebabs and protein-rich paneer with perfect storm of texture. The combination of different aromatic spices with the raw smoked vegetables is sure to tempt even fussy eaters. Succulent Tandoori Chaat tossed with the slices of ripe pineapple, assorted bell peppers with fenugreek and honey will tingle your taste buds. For drinks, indulge in Thandi Chach, lemonade or flavoursome mocktails. Meal for two: Rs 500 When: 11am-11pm Where: Angrezee Dhaba, M-72 A, GK-2, M-Block Market Call: 011-45792712/ 45792713

sattvik brings the taste of goa to delhi Lambstew with Agleo Olio Spaghetti

Coffee and conversation completes its decade as Mocha unveils its fifth outlet in Delhi. With the repeated recognition of best coffee shop, Mocha is here at DLF Place Mall, Saket, with the new outlet based on eco- friendly concept. Enjoy the international flavours with Indian touch at our newest outlet where you will get the best of Mocha specialties and picks from

global cuisine as coffees, breakfast menus to dinners, pancakes, Maggi with inhouse sauces to omelettes and their newly-introduced juicy burgers and much more. Meal for two: Rs 600 plus taxes When: 10am-midnight Where: Shop no 252/253, first floor, DLF Place Mall, Saket, New Delhi-110017 Call: 011-40612825

Sattvik, the vegetarian finedining restaurant in Select City Walk, Saket, will serve the food lovers of Delhi with Goan cuisine this August. Start with Biscuit Ambado – the famous Konkani vadas served with ginger chili sauce, Ginger Scented Macaroni Soup and Kachumber Salad. In main course choose from delicacies like Paneer Balchow – a goan speciality made of home-made cheese, Okra Caldin – baby okra stewed in creamy green portuguese gravy, Cabbage Foogath – cabbage wok cooked with coconut and chillies, Vegetable Xacutti – root vegetables cooked in home-made xacutti masala, Vindalho – spicy sweet and sour baby potatoes, Tomato Pillaf – rice cooked with fresh tomatoes and parantha. To finish off your meal, go for the classic coconut based dessert, Bibinca.

Konkani vadas

Meal for two: Rs 800. When: Lunch noon - 4pm & dinner 7 - 11.30pm Where: S-5, 2nd Floor, Select City Walk, Saket. Call: 011-40599913/9899972159 August 2011 GO NOW

romantic rendezvous this monsoons at jolly rogers

rejoice in the rains with tantalizing dishes Experience a flavourful journey of special monsoon food and enjoy delectable dishes that come with an array of tantalizing flavours as Ploof Deli introduces its special monsoon dishes. Ploof offers a wide array of delightful dishes like Chilled Mellon Soup,

Tossed Green Salad with fresh pineapple salsa, Seabass Served with Lemon grass and Shitake Sauce, Crispy Red Snapper with Lime Basil Sauce, New Zealand Lamb Chops with Soft Polenta and Greens. So, come and celebrate the rains with the monsoon dishes at Ploof.

Thinking of an evening with some candles lit with passion of love and cuddled under some roofed canopies with the mist drizzling from the roof tops, this is how you get the experience these monsoons. Jolly Rogers is all set to spice up your monsoons where you can bestow your love on your beloved with a special memorable evening. Enjoy the beauty of the skyline from this popular rooftop night club – Jolly Rogers. You can sit under a starry sky and gaze into your partner’s eyes across a candle-lit roofed canopy. From healthy salads to a fiery dessert, the menu serves the exquisite variety of cuisines like Auckland Kiwi Waladorf Salad, Chicken Vera Cruz, Piri-Piri Chicken and desserts like Death by Chocolate, Fried Ice-Cream with Rum glaze, Blue Berry Cheese Cake. Meal for two: Rs 3,000 Where: Jolly Rogers (Unit of Pearl Hospitality), 1002, 10th floor, Time Tower, Opposite Gurgaon Central Mall, M.G. Road, Gurgaon. Call: 0124-4333555

Meal for two: Rs 1,600 plus taxes (without alcohol). Cocktails: Rs 350 plus taxes When: 11am-midnight Where: Ploof Deli Kitchen & Bar, 13 Lodhi Colony Market, New Delhi -3 Call: 91-11 24634666, 24649026, 9891775663

want pizza? let’s go to hell! We live in an age where pizza reaches your place before the police. For those who think eating pizza is a sin, we say go to Hell! Here is the great Pizza pub serving the meanest pizzas in town that not only tastes incredibly good, but are also 80-90% fat-free. Isn’t it quite a happy surprise for all the health conscious? They make new, weirdly flavoured pizzas every day. All the pizzas and delicacies are prepared in an open live kitchen which further elates the spirits. 52

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The unbeatable menu with the mention of seven sins pride, greed, envy, lust, sloth, gluttony and wrath makes it more satanic. Dining at Hell Pizza is not just satisfying the taste buds but also feast to one’s eyes. Unusual décor with display of the demons, skulls, brick work and the gothic cult with soothing and diminished lighting is demonic and appealing. Comfortable seating with metallic and rock music, a blend of black rhythm and blues adds on to the

exquisite experience. The pizza pub spreads over two floors, Hell offers buffet to families on the first floor with aperitif on the second. High backed upholstered chairs provide guests with the privacy to enjoy their meal at leisure. Get ready to sink in your teeth in the lip-smacking menu to satisfy your devilish instincts! Meal for two: Rs 799 When: 11.30am-midnight Where: M-22, GK-1, M-Block Market, Delhi Call: 011-46548666

August 2011 GO NOW

dining out hakkasan mumbai

authentic cantonese cuisine served in contemporary style An instant success when it opened in London in 2001, Hakkasan now comes to Mumbai

Rosted silver cod

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Roasted Mango Duck

mbience

This restaurant has a unique combination of glamour and elegance with both modern and ethnic decor, a nightclub ambience and superlative food and service. What is unique here also is the way some tables have been arranged in corners and sections so that you can have your own private time away from boisterous chatter. There are over 900 bottles of wine and a selection of 125 labels especially chosen to complement the menu. The sommelier at the restaurant assists each guest in the menu selection in addition to the descriptive wine list.

Chef Kent Lee

recommends ☛ Starters: Hakka Steamed Dim Sums Basket, Salt and Pepper Squid, Roasted Mango Duck, Edamame truffle Dumpling, Crispy Aaubergine & Okra and Fried Soft-shell Crab.

☛ Main course: Roasted Silver Cod, Braised Chicken & Wild Mushroom Clay Pot, Hakka Braised Pork Belly, Braised Monk’s Vegetable in Bean Curd Wrap, Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry in Taro Dome.

The cuisine The Hakkasan name has become synonymous with authentic Cantonese cuisine served in contemporary style. The strength of this restaurant lies in the consistency of the Chef’s genius. This brand new fine dining restaurant at Mumbai is definitely hard to resist. From the choicest ingredients to precision preparation and amazing presentation, the Chefs obviously labour with love creating gourmet dishes. Soup lovers, don’t miss the Traditional hot and sour chicken soup, a wholesome and tangy delight. We definitely recommend the dumplings that are a good representation of the quality the kitchen upkeeps. From the ever-popular Cantonese dim sum, such as Shu Mai, the dim sum menu has been designed to showcase the many different truly unique recipes from China. Most dim sum dishes indeed revolve around the usual ingredients - pork and seafood - especially prawns. However, it is the creative use of these ingredients by Chef Lee and his team that lends the element of surprise, breaks the taste and beckons you to try more. One can’t leave without trying the Zucchini Prawn Dumpling; it’s decadent to the core. Roasted Silver Cod heads the list of this compendium but other main course dishes are no less spectacular. Try the ever popular Stir Fry Kung Pao Chicken or the Vegetarian Chicken with Sugar Snaps in Black Bean Sauce. Place your order for the Peking Duck with Ossetra Caviar and Braised Emperor’s seafood at the time of booking your table else you’ll need to wait till the next day. Other must try specials are the Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Chinese Honey and Stir Fry New Zealand, Venison in Mongolian Style Sauce. Healthy eaters must try the Homemade Veg-

☛ Dessert:

Pandan Soufflé with Coconut Sorbet, Mango and Coconut Iced Truffle & Jasmine Crème Brulee with Almond Ice-cream.

etable Tofu and Hakka Tofu aka tofu, okra and aubergine stuffed with prawns in black bean sauce. To end on a sweet note, go for the Chocolate Mousse with Masala Chai Granite paired with a Tawny from Portugal. There are no mediocre dishes here and service is impeccable. One doesn’t feel heavy after the meal – the trick is minimal deep-frying and not mixing too many flavours. Great for casual dining and it’s also the sort of place where one would like to entertain executives as everything here shouts quality and class. It is advisable to make reservations for any meal!

The chef

factfile Krystal, Waterfield Road, Bandra, Mumbai-400050. For Reservations: +91 22 2644 4444/2644 44445 E-mail: reservations.mumbai@hakkasanindia.com Website: www.hakkasan.com/Mumbai Opening hours: Restaurant: 19.00 - 23.30 hrs. Ling Ling Lounge: 12.00 - 15.30 hrs. 19.00 - 23.30 hrs. Meal for two: INR 6,000 without alcohol

Chef Kent Lee, the Executive Chef, is a native of Singapore and has been creating culinary magic for over 14 years. He started his career in Singapore in a Chinese seafood restaurant of which he became co-owner. After winning several accolades, he moved to London. He was the Chinese Sous Chef of Kai; Mayfair there. He continued to travel to bring his flair for authentic Chinese cooking to countries like Russia and Turkey. In 2009, he opened Hakkasan restaurant in Fontaine Bleu Miami and worked with the finest and freshest of ingredients to create culinary masterpieces. During his tenure, Hakkasan was awarded the best restaurant and best food. It was also awarded five diamonds, which is only given to establishments that provide the ultimate in quality and service. by RUPALI DEAN

August 2011 GO NOW

dining out 21 guns salute, gurgaon

a vintage setting for a royal dining Ever dined in a restaurant having vintage cars and bike on display? 21 Guns Salute brings you that along with a monarchial feel, and of course delectable and royal cuisine…

ssociate 21 Guns Salute with a restaurant and you think of can ons and arms as a part of the ambiance. The restaurant by this name in Gurgaon does not have those per se but expect an ambiance from the era of Maharajas when the country had a formal imperial system of gun salutes. The multi-cuisine restaurant is a novel concept of Deneb & Pollux Hotels, owned by Madan Mohan, Capt Rajesh Balwan and Krishan Mohan. Vintage cars, bikes and souvenirs from

Cottage cheese steak

the bygone era are spread out evenly to give the place a royal character.

Feel like a Maharaja The memorabilia is a part of the owner’s collection. The restaurant’s design is inspired by the great palaces of five historical princely states – Hyderabad, Mysore, Jammu & Kashmir, Baroda and Gwalior. A vintage enthusiast would immediately recognize Dodge 1929 and Austin Seven Chummy, the two vintage cars that date back to almost a century. The picture frames of maharajas including Jivajirao Scindia of Gwalior make great memorabilia while giving a monarchial touch. In addition to 160-seater main dining area, there are three private dining rooms that can host 10 guests each with exclusive vintage wine shelves. The bar at the restaurant has fantastic cocktails, wines, fine champagne and a good range of beer. The distinctive pieces of art create a truly unique space which takes diners to another place and time.

Eat like a Maharaja

Fried ice-cream

Virgin coriander mint cocktail

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The menu complements the royal setting of the restaurant. You get Indian, oriental as well as continental cuisines each with some extravagance to it. The cuisine sure seems shahi with names like Dahi ke Kebab, Nizami Bharwan Aloo, Murg Malai Tikka Nawabi on the menu. We recommend you must begin your meal with a drink made of paan. Yes, you read it right! Banarasi

Chef Rajan Lal

recommends ☛ Dahi ke Kebab ☛ 21 Gun Salute Subz Tashtari ☛ Noor-E-Murg Chaat ☛ Chambal Masala Machi ☛ Jaisalmari Laal Maas ☛ Fried Ice Cream

factfile Meal for two: Rs 1,200 - 1,500 + taxes When: 12noon - midnight Where: 21 Gun Salute - A Royal Dining Experience, SCO 35-36, first floor, Sector 29, Gurgaon-122001 Call: 0124-4898341 - 44 Email: www.21gunsalute.co.in

Paan Drink is a specialty at the restaurant, made with betel leaves, supari, and fennel seeds water. The list of other unique delicacies includes Dahi ke Kebab, which is a twist to regular patties with cottage cheese and spiced hung curd. Natkhat Aloo Chat too offers some surprise with a tangy sauce prepared by the chef. Calorie watchers must try Warm Tofu. The Hara Bhara Kebab isn’t one of their best delicacies so that is avoidable. For non-vegetarians, we recommend Murg Tikka Mirza Hussaini, which is made of boneless chicken chunks kept overnight in saffron and rose water marinade and cooked in tandoor. There’s Arabic and Mughlai touch in all the delicacies especially in dishes like Dilbahar Malai Kofta and Murgh Shahi Awadhi Korma. Chef Rajan Lal’s several years of experience in Dubai explains that. The breads, too, deserve a special mention with items like Varqi Parantha and Ajwani Parantha delivering you the taste nothing like anywhere else. This is only quarter of the options that 21 Guns Salute offers. The bill of fare goes on to include dishes from Thai Green Curry, Arabic Mixed Grill to Pasta and Hakka Noodles. And in the end, try Fried Ice Cream and Rose Tea Ice Cream which are the specialties here. Our suggestion is that you visit this restaurant with a big appetite! The restaurant certainly stands true to its tagline ‘A Royal Experience’. by PURVA BHATIA

Glimpses from past editions

B OLLYWOOD is hunting for locations worldwide!!! CINEMASCAPES provides a platform where leading film producers meet location facilitators, Indian state tourism bodies and International tourism boards. This is a B2B conference with an attached exhibition, promoted by the publishers of Destination India and Go Now magazines. Cinemascapes is a leading conclave where trends in cinema tourism will be discussed by authorities in the business, along with presentations made by location facilitators. This event is one of its kind in India, exploring business opportunities for cinema and tourism together.

Cinemascapes 2011 will bring global locale vendors and allied service representatives to interact with the Indian Film Industry on one platform with 50 sellers/ target exhibitors from over 15 countries/Regions/States and 300 Buyers (Indian Film Industry Professionals).

11-12 OCTOBER 2011. MUMBAI Email: cinemascapes@crosssection.in Website: www.cinemascapes.co.in August 2011 GO NOW

dining out nirula’s delhi

taste the change at nirula’s Delhi’s oldest fast-food chain is donning a new avatar. The outlet under the flyover in Defence Colony was re-launched recently with a brand-new look and new menu. Go Now gets you the taste of the new flavours…

he all-new Nirula’s in Defence Colony is no longer a quick-ser vice eating joint. A casual-dining restaurant, now, it has a changed décor, a new menu and an addition of beer and wines to its beverages. So, this means you no longer have to stand in a queue at the counter to place your order. This also means you get a wider range of options from new platters, pastas to new pizzas. The good thing is that new Nirula's continues to be affordable.

Décor and ambiance In its new avatar, Nirula’s has a contemporary style while retaining touches of the earlier design. It is spread over two floors with a large outdoor seating area. The huge shelf boasting a selection of wines, some books and decorative bottle jars at the entrance attempts to give the space a ‘casual-dining’ feel. However, it does not really blend well because of the lack of a large space. Having said that, the seating area seems well spread with more seats available

The Chef

recommends ☛ Bruschetta ☛ Mutton Rogan Josh ☛ Murg Banno Kebab ☛ Cheese Capsicum Onion Pizza ☛ Arrabiatta Pasta

factfile Meal for two: Rs 600 + When: 11am-11pm Where: Under Defence Colony Flyover, Ground Floor, Defence Colony Call: 09953556505

GO NOW August 2011

now that the bakery section has gone. Also, the new furniture is more comfortable than the previous one. There isn’t any television screen to distract you with advertisements, since it is a formal dining space now. Also, the changed music will go well with the young customers.

Chicken keema pizza

New bill of fare The menu now has an extensive choice of beverages and mocktails. We recommend Lime Ice ice-cream soda and June’s Secret, a mocktail made with banana, melon and coconut syrup. For those who do not like their drinks soft, there’s beer and wine! You can get Tuborg, Fosters, Kingfisher, Carlsberg and Budweiser. Wine options include San Medin 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and Estd Hardy’s 1853. Expect to see all items you’d see in a finedining Italian and Indian restaurant. However, do not expect the same quality. Keep in mind it’s a casual dining restaurant. Appetizers include Bruschetta, Garlic Bread, Chicken Wings. The Indian selection has a wide range of curries and breads. Popular items like Dal makhani, Channa Masala, Tandoori Chicken continue to taste good. In the Italian section, we notice experimentation with pizzas. We are recommended Veg Extravaganza, which does not turn out to be

Penne arrabiatta

very impressive. We do recommend the pastas served here. It’s very easy to go wrong with Penne Arrabiatta. However, Nirula’s gets this one right. The good news is that the new menu at Nirula’s will continue to serve the signature dishes like old favourites Big Boy Burger as well as a variety of pastas, burgers, pizzas and range of Indian curries and kebabs. Not to forget the good old Hot Chocolate Fudge that a huge fan-following! by PURVA BHATIA

August 2011 GO NOW

dining out feature

@LIVE

Q’BA: the success story of five passionate friends Born out of passion of five friends who came from different backgrounds, thrilled about doing something they always wanted to, Q’BA came into being seven years ago in the heart of Delhi – Connaught Place – and is today a brand in itself – with five more restaurants under its banner. Atul Kapur, co-owner of the popular eating hub tells Go Now their mantra of success…

pubs. Unlike other places, which have fixed days for such events, we have bands playing seven days a week. nU.Delhi in Malcha Marg is inspired by the old-world charm of Delhi and only serves Indian and international grills. Spice at the Garden of Five Senses is a Thai restaurant. To create an authentic Thai ambiance, we imported the entire furniture, crockery, cutlery from Thailand. Even the chefs have all been appointed from there.

The love for food got them together

To each its own

A customer is a customer

We all knew that our love for food wouldn’t just end up in eating. We wanted to open a restaurant in Delhi and we wanted it to be big. When the idea was discussed in open, people thought “here are five young men who have extra money and now they want to splurge it in some way”. But the truth was that we really wanted it to be a successful move. For us all, it meant serious business. Hence, in 2003, the idea was conceptualized and as soon as we entered 2004, Q’BA was already operational.

There is only one original Q’BA which is located at the inner circle of CP. The other five are by-QBAs which are totally different from each other in terms of cuisine, décor, colour theme and style. For example, the first one is an up-market casual dining and lounge that spans across 14,000 sq ft with two floors and two open terraces and serves world cuisine. The NFC on the other hand, is purely a family restaurant with an innovative menu. @LIVE is totally a music place. In fact, we are the first place in the city to begin live bands in

No matter which part of the world you open your restaurant, a customer will always be a customer! One thing that is most essential is the quality of food, because that’s what a customer comes to a restaurant for. It’s not like a shirt you bought and didn’t like later that you can change again. In our business, it’s the first bite which matters. The customer might like it or hate it. Pleasing the customer can be very difficult at times. For example, something which is sweet for me may not be sweet for the customer. Same goes for a

GO NOW August 2011

Spice at the Garden of Five Senses

nU.Delhi

beer. If I find it chilled, the customer may not. The greatest challenge of being in this business is to continuously trying to get better with each passing day. The more efficient you are the lesser are the chances of hearing complaints.

The journey so far…

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“PLEASING THE CUSTOMER CAN BE A BIT DIFFICULT AT TIMES. IN OUR BUSINESS, IT’S THE FIRST BITE WHICH MATTERS. THE CUSTOMER MIGHT LIKE IT OR HATE IT”

It’s been quite an exciting and a learning experience for all of us. Since we all belong to different backgrounds with no formal training, we had to be cautious about each and every step. This is a very lucrative business but maintaining professionalism, having the right strategy and the right staff makes a lot of difference. For any new venture, the first two years are very crucial. A lot of restaurants world wide fold up in the first year itself as they fail to sustain. If you really want success, serve the best food to your customers rather than focusing on other fancies. Rest of the things like holding events are secondary.

Facing challenges We do come across many challenges. But the good thing about CP is that it has a lot of footfall. When we had started fresh, we thought with so many people coming here, our lunches would be brilliant. But on the contrary, we saw lesser footfalls during the day. Reason – there are plenty of options around. And till date, the biggest challenge

still remains attracting the people for lunch. We realized after six months that the lunches are not going to sustain us or get us desired revenues. But luckily, we have managed to create customers who especially drive down from different corners of the city to eat here. In a place like CP, where there is no night footfall, our restaurant stays packed till late in night. Customers queue up to book tables and the parkings go full.

The soaring popularity In the past few years, we have witnessed growing number of foreigners. Many come asking for our restaurant which definitely gives us a high. When we ask them how they got to know about us they say that they were told by friends that “you must go to Q’BA if you are in Delhi”. This is also because of the kind of marketing that we have done so far. We feature on all major Delhi maps. In fact, during winters, ninety per cent of the terrace is packed with only foreign customers. With so many achievements and accomplishments, Q’BA promises to keep its customers happy with best services and quality food. And not just this, they have already chalked out a plan to expand the chain further. This time in the Millenium City, Gurgaon. by HEENA MENON

August 2011 GO NOW

lifestyle buzz clothing

refashioning the conventional indian bride Gone are the days when Indian Brides were conservative and very traditional as far as their wedding attire was concerned, limiting themselves to a basic saree or an ornate lehnga. Modern brides want to break away from the jaded mould of ethnic Indian wear as they prefer to dress up in quirky and avant-garde gowns for their wedding. To match the steps of ultramodern bride, Trendy Divva brings their latest couture collection of Bridal gowns which are perfect ensemble for every bride-to-be. With their newest collection, Trendy Divva has revolutionized the whole attire of an Indian bride. Price: Wedding dresses: Rs 5,000 Rs 7,500. Wedding Gowns: Rs 10,000 Rs 40,000 Available at: Saket: Showroom 270-271, 1st floor, DLF Place Mall & Shop 43, ground floor, MGF Metropolitan Mall, District Centre ● Rajouri Garden: Shop7, 1st floor, City Square Mall & JA 6, Shop 4, Rajouri Main Market, Opp Atul Chat Corner ● Kamla Nagar: 1st floor, above Tacfab Fashion, 118E Kamala Nagar main market

fusion of style & comfort Maxxport, the all-new sports inspired lifestyle gear from the house of SG, the world’s largest cricket equipment manufacturer, introduces a collection of apparels. This range of

clothing for men is a fusion of style, durability, comfort and performance and is endorsed by cricket player Rahul Dravid. The collection combines a vast range of products like tracksuits, track pants, round neck and polo Tshirts, skin-fits and shorts, making it ideal for outdoor activities or a casual weekend with friends.

GO NOW August 2011

Stylishly created with polyester, spandex and cotton, the collection by Maxxport uses moisture management technology for a dry and comfortable fit. The collection has been designed aesthetically and is available in a variety of unique and classy colour combinations and sizes to suit individual tastes and needs. Price: Rs 499 - Rs 2,099 Available at: Leading sports outlets across India

casual range for your lounge wear Valentine, a renowned brand from the house of Ashapura Apparels introduces its latest range of colourful, comfortable and fun loungewear. A contemporary and stylish collection for men and women has exciting looks and themes in eclectic fabrics, a colour palette that is extensively varied, and styles that are extremely appealing this season. This loungewear collection is simple and the casual styles are carefully combined with details of softest and lightweight

fabrics, fresh and fun prints and patterns that are ideal for an evening of leisure and lounging. This range includes joggers, pajamas, bridal wear (honeymoon sets), bermudas, capris and t-shirts. From stripes to checks, floral to leopard prints, the collection is hugely dominated by hues of pink, sky blue, pure white, lavender, black in solid colours and finelooking prints. Price: Rs 799 - Rs 1,999 Available at: All leading stores across India

lifestyle buzz accessories

stunning earrings & necklaces for the princess in you ICE Accessories, a brand retailing women accessories, presents jewellery range which consists of semi-precious pieces all made in silver and semi-precious stones. The pieces have an international look, with a hint of Indian influence. The precious jewellery collection are designed using Indian Jadau pieces made in pure gold and encrusted with polki, tourmaline, coral, turquoise and other stones. This line consists of stunning earrings, beautiful strung necklaces and large rings and bracelets or ‘bajubands and cuffs. ICE takes pride in working with only silver and gold metal, hence giving the customer, pieces of intrinsic value, which only appreciates with time.

Price: The semi-precious collection: Earrings: Rs 3,000 - Rs 6,000 Neck pieces: Rs 2,800 - Rs 9,000 Bracelets: Rs 4,000 - Rs 7,000 The precious collection: Earrings: Rs 14,000 - Rs 82,000 Neck pieces: Rs 25,000 - 2,00,000

move over your boring black laptop carriers The current generation of go-getter’s live by the mandate of personalized and innovative style in everything they do. Fossil has introduced a striking range of laptop bags and sleeves, incorporating quaint vintage prints and sleek contemporary silhouettes, specially designed to cater to the needs of today’s youth and fashion-forward executives. Crafted with coated canvas and available in bold abstract prints and unconventional motifs, the Fossil laptop bags and sleeves are a must-have fashion accessory to brighten up this dreary monsoon season! Present in unique styles and available in vibrant colours, these accessories promise to satiate the fashion needs of your inner tech geek. Price: Rs 2,750 for sleeves and Rs 3,995 for bags Available at: Select Lifestyle and Shoppers Stop stores across the country

flash a colourful zing on your wrist DKNY launches ‘Colours’ a fun and vibrant range of crystal accents silicone watches designed exclusively to boost your summer wardrobe. In a beautiful marriage of style, simplicity and function, this eclectic collection will add that certain zing to your outfit. The watches are available in an array of vivid hues - Denim Blue (NY8157), Intense Purple (NY8155), Bright Green (NY8154) and Stunning Red (NY8156). You can also choose from the classic monochromes of Black (NY8158) and White (NY8159). If you can’t decide between the colours, simply pick up the entire lot! These

fashionable watches feature a crisp white dial and polished stainless steel case which perfectly complement the bright silicone band. Subtle pops of colours are also apparent in the face of the watch where the sweeping second hand is matched exactly to the color of the straps. The black numerals are applied, polished and mark the 12 and six o’clock hour, while the applied crystal baton markers and indices mark the surrounding minute track. Price: Rs. 4495. Available at: Select Lifestyle stores, Shoppers Stop and leading watch retail stores. August 2011 GO NOW

lifestyle buzz accessories

precious riches of the oceanic world Jewellery is the most eloquent form of self expression; it helps an individual to display what one stands for, and even mirrors ones lifestyle. With an effort towards offering its patrons with jewellery that is exquisite and glamorous, Jaipur Gems displays its magnificent collection of precious pearl earrings. The sheer magic of pearls is such that it surpasses all bounds of splendor, exquisiteness, glamour and magnificence, thus taking it to a whole new realm of beauty and this momentous beauty is brought forth wonderfully by Jaipur Gems. Their new collection of precious pearl earrings is a must add for those who have an eye for splendid

jewellery pieces. This particular line of jewellery is specially designed for those who believe in being unique and distinguished. These exceptional white pearls with uncut diamonds and green, blue and black enamel set on 18 karat gold make this collection exclusive and enchanting. These amazing pieces of precious pearl earrings blend well with both traditional as well as modern attire and thus can be worn at any occasion. Price: Rs 1 lakh - 3 lakh Available at: Hughes Road, Mumbai, Cathedral Road Chennai and their exclusively opened palatial store at Avinashi Road in Coimbatore

power shine lip gloss for a sparkling smile Oriflame, the natural Swedish cosmetics major, introduces Power Shine Lip Gloss with 3D light reflecting technology to give you the most perfect lips. Use Power Shine Lip gloss for a breathtaking look that delivers a mega sparkling and shimmering effect. Oriflame Beauty Power Shine Lip Gloss comes with a unique applicator for precise and mess-free application. The soft and flexible applicator has rubber like qualities ideal for bulk application to give the ultra gloss finish. It comes in five glamorous shades. Price: Rs 379. Available at: Contact your nearest Oriflame consultant or SMS Oriflame to 59994 64

GO NOW August 2011

a magnetic antithesis of black & white After the success of Pure Police, the new perfume of Police returns to its essence with DNA PURE. Keeping in mind the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary visual style and mood, Police introduces its new attractive editions for men and women - DNA Pure Homme and DNA Pure Femme. The fragrance creates a magnetic antithesis of black and white, leather and shine, natural and artificial. The attraction of opposites ends with a mix up of their own essence, finding compensation in purity. While DNA Pure Homme is a modern and intensely masculine perfume which perfectly personifies the character of the Police man who is

considered to be trendy and cool, yet sophisticated, DNA Pure Femme is targeted at the modern woman who has a vibrant and bold personality and who loves following the codes and colours of fashion without ever losing her individuality. Price: Police Pure DNA Homme Edt 75ml - Rs 1,900 Police Pure DNA Homme Edt 50ml - Rs 1,450 Police Pure DNA Femme Edt 75ml - Rs 1,900 Police Pure DNA Femme Edt 50ml - Rs 1,450 Available at: All leading stores in India

lifestyle buzz accessories

spell style with alberto torresi’s formal collection Alberto Torresi, an international men’s footwear brand has unveiled its new range of Formal Collection which speaks of style and exclusivity. This formal footwear collection is fabricated using premium quality of leather which is matchless in style and comfort. The smooth finishing of these shoes makes them distinctive in their appearance. Whether for office gatherings or for dressy or less formal meetings, these shoes are an all-time favourite and dwell well with every occasion. Alberto Torresi also promises innumerable styles in its formal collection and ensures

durability of the footwear. The shoes are very light on feet which makes it a perfect bet for all kinds of occasions. Also Alberto Torresi takes utmost care of its designing and detailing thereby ensuring no concerns relating to shoe bites or swollen feet. The cushioned and comfortable features of the footwear

makes one feel relaxed and stress-free. Price: Rs.2795; Rs.2495 Available at: The brand is present in some of the top notch specialty footwear chain stores like Inc 5, Shopper’s Stop, Metro Shoes, Lifestyle, Regal, Rocia, Koblerr, Centro and Tourister

Vanilla Moon has introduced its Spring Summer collection with an array of stilettos, wedges, gladiators, ballerinas, platforms and moccasins. The variety in the collection has a pair for every occasion - whether casual, formal or glamorous partywear. The casual range is dominated by comfortable heels, ballerinas, wedges and sandals with padded footbeds. Whites, camels, tans, lilacs and pastel shades form the tone of the season. Pretty chain link trimmed sandals, beaded toe posts, and ballerinas with floppy bows and flowers are up for grabs.

The casual collection speaks of elegance and simplicity and functional designs exemplify the spirit of the collection. Ornaments like feminine bows, woven uppers, buckles, flowers and embellishments add a touch of glamour to the range. New to this collection are wedges with jute coverings. Gladiator wedges make a bold statement and cork

wedges have made a strong comeback. Staying true to their style mantra the brand’s evening collection combines chic with elegance. From heels in funky bright colours to ever-classic metallics, the collection has it all. Available at: Emporio, 3rd floor, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

Rs.2795

pack a punch with bold shades this tip toe in that floppy season bow

Revlon, always at the forefront of the latest beauty trends, introduces ‘Heavenly Metal’, a collection that combines high shine finishes and the latest colour trends to develop a whole new dimension in colour cosmetics. Mixed metallics in assorted textures and finishes are being seen on and off the runways around the globe, and Revlon has taken that inspiration to the next level in beauty. Revlon Heavenly Metal is a revolutionary collection of metallic makeup for dramatic eyes, nails and lips. For the eyes, the new smoldering ‘Revlon Luxurious Color Smoky Crayon’ in a creamy bendable formula gives a mistake-proof smoky look. Revlon is also introducing a new technology for nails with high-impact, metallic shades that gives instant, dramatic colour. ‘Revlon Metallic Nail Enamel’ comes in three bold shades that pack a punch with all the benefits of Revlon’s superior nail enamel formula. Completing the look for lips is the popular ‘Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor’ in six new alluring shades that provide long lasting colour and shine and finishes the perfect Heavenly Metal beauty look. ● Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor is priced at Rs 845 ● Revlon Metallic Nail Enamel is priced at Rs 130 ● Revlon Luxurious Color Smoky Crayon is priced at Rs 525 Available at: All major cosmetic stores across India

August 2011 GO NOW

lifestyle feature

ype luxury in a search engine and you are inundated with choices – luxury bedding, luxury hotels, luxury travel, luxury homes, luxury cars, luxury apartments, luxury watches – the list is endless. What is more, you do not have to fly all the way to Europe or New York to check out the luxurious, the posh and the exclusive. Right at your door step, in India, you will find the finest among cars, hotel suites, homes, watches and jewellery and many more indulgences. With an increasing list of Indians raking in the riches in a global economy and

india’s luxury story finds new buyers

GO NOW August 2011

many more opening up their treasure chests in a new socio-economic order where one can flaunt ones riches, foreign luxury brands – which could not a few years ago point out India on a map – have made a beeline for the country. Coming to India, as the global economy went into a tailspin and did not show the confidence to look up again, made economic sense just because the Indian economy turned out to be far more resilient. The world’s fastest and most expensive car Bugati, made by a Volkswagen Group company, made its India debut pre-Diwali 2010 with its Bugatti Veyron priced at a whopping Rs 16 crore. French fashion house Louis Vuitton, which already has four stores in India, one each at Delhi and Bangalore and two in Mumbai, has begun scouting the other metros to assess the environment for more stores. The trends reveal another side

of the India Growth Story – more and more Indians are more than willing to spend on goods that they had only seen on a foreign holiday or heard from their well-heeled relatives settled abroad. The Mercedes has since long announced one’s arrival on the social scene in as much as it has spelt luxury. But it has been given a run for its money by the Bugatti Veyron. For a fun comparison - you can buy at least 15 Mercedes Benz S 500 L for the price of one Bugatti Veyron. Which makes one wonder about where does the price for luxury end? Senior vice-president of the Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Kapil Chopra, hits it on the head when he says: “India has been re-rated as a destination. Our airport is of global standards, there is a superb highway and now we even have a separate airstrip for private jets. For an international luxury traveler, it matters that he lands at the airstrip in his private jet and is immediately picked up in a BMW 7 series that glides on the 8-lane highway. What is more, the luxury traveler has a

butler on stand-by who anticipates the guest’s every move.” Chopra can afford to make that comment considering that his hotel, The Oberoi Gurgaon, has already been nominated as the ‘Best of the Best’ by Virtuoso in just three months of its opening. Nothing can be a bigger indicator of India’s arrival on the luxury scene. The Indian market for luxury now extends beyond showing off goodies or cars. Take the example of Versace Homes, that set foot on Indian soil in January 2011. “We were caught unawares by the mind-boggling response from the people. We sold off about 70 per cent of our stuff in the first six months of opening up,” says Abhay Gupta, Executive Director of Blues Clothing Company (BCC), which as the exclusive franchisee for Versace Homes sells furniture, decorative pieces, soft furnishings and even tiles. The surprise factor here is that the Versace stuff is not bought off the shelf. It takes between 60-90 days for stocks to be delivered and the

upper crust, always in a big hurry, are surprisingly willing to wait that long for deliveries from the Versace units in Italy. Vijay Wanchoo, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, The Imperial New Delhi says: “You will not believe it but Indians are now travelling abroad looking for luxury. It has become possible due to two things – because of knowledge and also because of the increase in incomes. A lot of Indians are travelling abroad for wellness purposes. It is the same with foreigners who come to India.” So, can he put a price tag to luxury. “Well, it is not the price but the services that now define luxury. Luxury travel is experiential. For a hotel, its location, interiors, service and its staff matter. For a customer, it is not that you pick him up in a Viano Mercedes van but how do you pick him up and who picks him up - it is these personal touches that matter for a discerning guest,” says Wanchoo. So, how do the well-heeled keep a watch

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IN A MARKET LIKE INDIA WHERE ONE CAN GET A REASONABLY PRICED BRANDED WATCH FOR RS 2,000, BREGUET RETAILS ITS WATCHES BETWEEN RS 3.5 LAKH AND RS 2.5 CRORE. INDIA IS ALREADY ONE OF THE TOP 10 MARKETS FOR BREGUET on time? Breguet Watches, that entered the Indian market in 2005, had targetted selling about 20 watches a year but the sales during the first year itself were stupefying. In a market like India where one can get a reasonably priced branded watch for Rs 2,000, Breguet retails its watches between Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 2.5 crore. And India is already one of the top 10 markets for Breguet. Does it end here? No it doesn’t. After its success with Versace Homes, BCC now plans to introduce luxury-conscious Indians to branded apartments. As Dinesh Khanna, the managing director of BCC says: “Well, that seems to be the direction in which we are working. Each apartment is going to be designed by international fashion icon Donatella Versace herself and each will be different and exclusive. Of course, the location and the property for Versace’s branded apartments will be iconic.” With exclusive retail houses having tasted blood and Indians the luxury, it is clear that there are no roadblocks to the luxurious spread. by RAHUL KUMAR

August 2011 GO NOW

lifestyle keiken spa

how about a relaxing massage before you go shopping?

Planning to go shopping but exhausted after a strenuous week? Don’t worry. The newly-opened Keiken Spa, nestled in GK-II M Block market – one of the most popular shopping hub in south Delhi – will give you a chance to do both this weekend 68

GO NOW August 2011

fter a strenuous day of work, we often feel the need of a spa close to our home. Keiken could be your perfect destination for binding harmony with inner self through the most lavish amenities and spa facilities.

Soothe away your aches Spread across two floors with four different treatment rooms, this cozy but beautifullyequipped spa offers 24 blissful treatments to unwind with traditional massages like Swedish, Japanese, Thai and signature treatments. The Thai treatment room offers head, shoulder and foot massages as well as reflexology sessions to soothe your back and other body parts. If you want to treat your hubby with a romantic massage, you can opt for the spe-

cial suit where you and your partner will be assured a blissful hour of relaxation. There are separate rooms for foot and head spas. The dim lights, soothing music and fragrant candles will automatically set the mood.

Pocket-friendly retreat Accordind to Bandana Narain, owner of the spa, Keiken aims to be affordable for everyone who wants to be pampered in a setting that is modern and luxurious. It promises to offer world-class multicultural treatments at the hands of highly-skilled staff. The emphasize more on spiritual well-being and natural curatives rather than applying modern chemicals.

signaturetreatments ☛ Cardamom & Cocoa Ritual ☛ Royal Reprieve Treatment ☛ Rolling Stone Treatment

Must try massages: ☛ Aromatherapy ☛ Zen Shiatsu ☛ Keiken Special Massage ☛ Thai Foot Massage

The treatments & offers The spa has private steam and sauna cabins at every treatment rooms. It offers variety of treatments in body massages, body scrubs, detoxification, facial as well as wellness treatments. Besides, they also conduct several workshops on skin analysis, mother and

factfile Where: Keiken, 68, GK-I M Block Market Price: Rs 600 - Rs 3,000 Call: 011-29243383 - 84

baby massage, educating their clients about massages and oil blends, complimentary yoga session. There are international trainers who come once in every few months to conduct special workshops. The spa also organizes ‘Spa Days’ at corporate offices for their employees. Seeing the growing trend of spa, they also arrange rejuvenating sessions in parties and weddings as well. With so many exotic treatments, soothing ambiance and well-trained staff, you can simply sink in for an hour-long getaway which will set you up for a busy shopping session afterwards. So the next time you plan to shop in GK-I market, don’t forget to check out this little den of heavenly pleasure. by HEENA MENON

August 2011 GO NOW

lifestyle seven seas evania spa factfile Price: Massages: Rs 800 to 1,600 Manicures and pedicures: Rs 700 to 3,000 Where: Seven Seas Evania Spa, 9, Defence Colony Mkt, next to Gola Sizzler, New Delhi-110024 Call: 91-11-4109 2567 Visit: www.sevenseasspas.net SPECIAL PACKAGES Mondays - two spa-treatmens for the value of one • Tuesday - Blueberry Cheesecake at 50% discount • Wednesdays - Extra Virgin Coffee Oil Massage complimentary with a Celebrity Pedicure/Manicure • Thursdays Volcanic Hot Stone Massage at 50% discount • Fridays - Hot Bamboo Massage at 50% discount • Saturdays - 20% off on all spa treats • Sundays - 15% off on all spa treats

a spa treat for your hands and feet

t is not difficult to get a foot massage after you have tired yourself sight-seeing and shopping around if you are in a place like Bangkok. Back home, having happy feet is a challenge. Running from home to work to grocery stores to malls, don’t we often wish for that comforting foot massage to relax us? Seven Seas Evania Spa in Defence Colony market takes care of that wish. Brainchild of just 25-year-old Arpit Sharma, the spa just for your hands and feet aims to ‘redefine the manicure and pedicure space in India’. The USP of this spa is that it specializes in pedicure-manicure and hand-foot massage only.

Procedure The spa offers several options in manicure, pedicure and foot massages. You could choose from massages including Extra Virgin Coffee Oil, Chocolate Fundue, Blueberry Cheese Cake and Hot Lava Shell. Also on 70

GO NOW August 2011

the menu are a range of luxury cosmetic brand La Ric’s manicures and pedicures. I choose Volcanic Hot Massage to relax myself after a hectic day. I am, first, offered a cushion to relax my neck and shoulder muscles. My feet are then dipped into warm water with rose butter and sea salts. My massage therapist, Alice, gently massages my legs

and feet in a pattern they call ‘foot yoga’. This is followed by oil massage and then hot and cold stone massage on each leg for 25 minutes. The heat from the stones can penetrate several tissue layers and hence relaxes the muscles more than a normal massage. Cold stones, on the other hand, have a decongesting, soothing effect. The therapist uses stones of various shapes and sizes that create a sensation of warmth and comfort. The small stones are then tucked between your thumb and index finger. My right foot is covered with towel while the massage techniques are repeated on my left foot. The treatment ends with a 10-minutes back massage.

Ambiance Evania means tranquility, serenity & peace in Greek. The basic and primary theme of the spa is the Greek culture well reflected in the environment and even accessories and cutlery designed to go along with the Greek concept. The spa area has white-coloured plush chairs and footstools, aroma therapy candles, copper lamps and soft yellow lights. The off-white colour of the walls and ceiling adds to the calming effect. The background music is soothing. About 7-8 chairs are placed in the room, each divided by a see through curtains. The only hitch in this setting is that since you share the space with other clients and sections aren’t divided as such, you get disturbed by ringing cellphones and people jabbering. Overall, we recommend that you experience this specialty spa till the offers end in August. by PURVA BHATIA

society event

Meera Meera Mahadevia, Mahadevia, Manoviraj Manoviraj Khosla Khosla and and Manish Manish Malhotra Malhotra

high fashion store ‘evoluzione’ opens in delhi

Kalyani Chawla

Tina with brother Rohit Gandhi, hubby Atul Malhotra and Rahul Khanna

clutch. Ramona Rodella, Anupama Dayal, Priyanka Modi, Ritu Kumar and Nikasha Tawadey were some of the women who stood out wearing their own signature looks. The glamour quotient went up with Pernia Qureshi gracefully draped in a Marc Jacobs floor length cocktail gown, and Kalyani Chawla in a champagne satin jump suit.

Ayaan Ali Khan with wife Neema Photographs by ATUL CHOWDHARY

tul and Tina Malhotra hosted a private preview showcasing the best in Indian Couture Fashion at the newly-opened Evoluzione at The Kila, located in the vicinity of Qutub Minar at Seven Style Mile. The store is conceptualized around the curation of bespoke and limited edition luxury in fashion. Tina’s fashion designer brother Rohit Gandhi accompanied by partner Rahul Khanna warmly welcomed the guests and played the perfect co-host. The store came alive to the clink of champagne flutes as family and friends from the fashion fraternity raised a toast to celebrate the opening of the store. Tina Malhotra glowed in a stunning ensemble by Anamika Khanna and Atul Malhotra looked dapper in an Ajrak block print Rajesh Pratap Singh shirt. Their daughter Ananya Malhotra looked stunning in a white voluminous dress paired with an orange

Tina Tina Malhotra Malhotra with with Ritu Ritu Kumar Kumar August 2011 GO NOW

fashion event The finale saw a grand show by Rohit Bal

A peep into the delhi couture week 2011

Photographs by ATUL CHOWDHARY

A model in Manish Malhotra creation 72

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Arjun Rampal walks the ramp in a Rohit Bal outfit

he second edition of the Delhi Couture Week held from July 20 -24, 2011, saw the usual glitz and glamour and the presence of Bollywood stars added to the sparkle. Presented by the Fashion Design Council of India, the four-day fashion show showcased works of 12 of the most celebrated designers in India such as Varun Bahl, JJ Valaya, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Manav Gangwani, Adarsh Gill, Anju Modi, Ashima-Leena, Shantanu and Nikhil and Manish Malhotra. Suneet Varma’s collection was inspired by ‘Kamasutra’ and consisted of heavily embellished lehengas, anarkalis, saris and suits in hues of pink, blue, yellow, red and orange. The use of pajebs, metal bras and hair brooches added to the seduction. The finale saw creations by Indian luxury fashion bigwigs Gaurav Gupta and Rohit Bal. Bollywood biggies like Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, Fardeen Khan and many others walked the ramp at various shows.

A red dress by Adarsh Gill

Meera & Muzaffar Ali creation

A model in Ashima Leena saree

Anarkali outfit by Anju Modi

Lehenga by Suneet Verma

Manav Gangwani creates magic in yellow

Fashionistas applauded Meera and Muzaffar Aliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kotwara collection

Jacket lehenga by JJ Valaya

Varun Bahl gets playful with red

A A model model flaunts flaunts Nikhil Nikhil and and Shantanu Shantanu ensemble ensemble August 2011 GO NOW

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short haul destinations define indian outbound market

eisure travel in general has developed substantially for long member hotels and we do see a multifold growth over the next few and short haul destinations. In the long-haul segment, Lead- years. We would definitely like to capitalize on this huge opportunity ing Hotels noticed a growing interest in new destinations and hence are investing in human capital and increasing our office with a strong sense of place and off-the-beaten track. Exotic presence in India. We are strongly considering adding another office trips with a touch of adventure are leading travellers to Eastern in South India as a part of the LHW India expansion plans. Presently, Europe and Central and South America; Peru with Machu Piccu we support our customers from the Mumbai and New Delhi offices. Sanctuary Lodge and Riviera Maya with Banyan Tree are a few India undoubtedly is just seeing the travel market potential examples. unfold, spurred by the consistently strong In the short haul segment, which GDP growth whereas traditional represents about 70 percent of the total European and American markets are outbound leisure business, Leading facing other challenges. member hotels in Asia benefit from the Among the various offerings that LHW large Indian outbound market. The new has been creating, we have added a few strong appeal for long weekend breaks specials for our market which includes and short stints in accessible cities saw Sweet Dreams Campaign which presents more business generating for Bangkok customers savings up to 40% on the BAR, (The Sukhothai, Banyan Tree, etc.), Beach Suite Rewards program which offers an Rotana Abu Dhabi, and Capella Singapore. override for the intermediaries. We have Travel within India for leisure has been educating our member hotels, been robust and we have some great especially in Europe, on being flexible offerings to cater to this demand, with Taj with their offerings, including adding Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad and some basic Indian food on their menu Rambagh Palace, Taj Lake Palace, and which they have been very receptive. Umaid Bhavan in Rajasthan being For our Leaders Club members, LHW wonderful choices for a long weekend. offers some very unique, exclusive, and Business travel continues to be strong interesting experiences which is called for the key metros around the world with the 'Once in a Lifetime Experience' and main travel happening to Singapore, New the latest offering is the Cyrus Klepcys York, London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, and Paris Watch Experience in the 1842 Old Swiss where Leading Hotels of the World offer Castle at Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in some of the most spectacular palace Vevey, Switzerland. These unique hotels like Ritz Paris, Hotel Le Bristol, experiences are specially offered only to Hotel Fouquet's Barriere, Imperial Tokyo, this select group of Leaders Club guests by Sowmyaragavan T E and Hotel Hessischer Hof in Frankfurt. & not available the other customers Director – Sales & Marketing, India Business continues to be very strong The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd is The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd for us from the Indian market. We have the prestigious luxury hospitality organizseen a 100% YOY increase in our revenue ation representing more than 430 of the numbers and a 30% growth in our Leaders Club ADR which is at world’s finest hotels, resorts, and spas, and is the operator of $525.00 for this year. www.lhw.com; www.lhw.com/luxury/golf and www.lhwspas.com We have seen a strong surge in the leisure demand this past the online sources for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international summer and do expect it to continue over the Diwali-Christmas luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 24 major markets season in 2011. across the globe. In India we have offices in Mumbai & New Delhi Increasingly, newer destinations in Europe are being targeted by Since 1928, the company's reputation for excellence has derived the avid travelers from the Indian market which has resulted in our from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each customers staying at some of LHW unique offerings like Brenner’s of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering Park Hotel & Spa (Baden Baden), Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, King hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to George Palace & Divani Caravel Hotel (Athens), Santa Catarina in behavioral standards. This set of standards is the most stringent in the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Casa Fuster & Hotel Palace Barcelona, and industry. For reservations and information, visit www.lhw.com; call up Ciragan Palace Istanbul. our global reservations toll-free from India 000800-650-1240 or email The Indian market has tremendous potential for the Leading us at sales.india@lhw-offices.com.

the big eye

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