Asian Traveller - November 2015 by Mediasteps

Vol. 8

No. 14

Pages 40

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US $10 (Overseas)

November 2015

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NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Highlights Vol. 8 I No.14 I November 2015

My trip to Prague zoo

The Land of Ancient Dynasties

My visit to Prague zoo was an eye opener as it is a fabulous revelation of what an ideal zoo should be like. My concept of the zoo was confined to what is offered in Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam and on a better and much modern scale the zoological park in Singapore

Wayanad Ranked Among Best Accommodations in the World The misty resort town of Wayanad in north-east Kerala has a lot to be proud of.

Telangana is a newly formed and 29th state of India. After the division, the state got 10 districts which comprise major tourist attractions and places to see. Telangana might be new but its history and culture have endless opportunities for an avid traveler.

31 10

Exclusive Interview Ignacio Ducasse Gutierrez

Tourism Counsellor of Embassy of Spain in India

Seychelles Wins Beach Destination of the Year Seychelles wins Beach Destination of the Year for The Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2016

Gangtey

22 4

In search of hidden Bhutan Why Gangtey? Monica asked me as going through our Bhutan itinerary while sitting on the wings of Drukair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dint want an experience to be touristyâ&#x20AC;?, I said, without realising that we are going to see a well- kept secret of Bhutan.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015 28

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

HAPPY WINTER HOLIDAY!

Editor & Publisher : Dr. G Biju Krishnan*

Group Vice President : Santhosh Kumaar K

Executive Editor : Sunny Thomas

Chief Mentor : Rajashekharan Nair

Editorial Team : Sane K P

Photo Editor : Jose Jacob

There is nothing like the winter to celebrate – especially for those who have the zest of life! Whether you love winter sport, or you enjoy winter culinary delights, the world has enough and more to offer you. The billionaire-millionaire club would head for Switzerland for its beauty and variety. All winter sports revolve around skiing, ice skating and sledding. Ice hockey is the world’s most popular winter sport. In India, skiing usually starts by the end of December and lasts till the end of March. Gulmarg and Khilanmarg in Kashmir provide good snow ski slopes. Manali ranks atop the most favoured winter holiday destinations. In Manali, you get your first snowfall around mid-December. Then it is transformed into a winter wonderland replete with snow-covered peaks, and a blanket of pristine white draped all across the hill station. If you’re looking for a destination which is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is adventurous, then look no further than Kashmir. The Kashmir valley – the Paradise on earth – is blanketed in snow in the winter. Jaisalmer is nothing short of a scene straight out of Arabian Nights. In God’s own country, Munnar is an idyllic escape into the dream world. Dense tea plantations, gurgling brooks, and winding lanes are sure to enchant you. Nestled in the picturesque Parvati Valley, Kasol is a small village 42 km east of Kullu. Wayanad is a sparkling green emerald sprawled across the slopes of the Western Ghats. It is located between the Kannur and Kozhikode districts in Kerala. Mussoorie is ideal for a short weekend break. It is just a one-hour drive from Dehradun. Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is another great place to get snowed in. Darjeeling, the Himalayan jewel, is a place of breathtaking beauty and one of the most stunning hill resorts in the country. Sprawling across the lower Himalayas is Patnitop, originally called Patan Da Talab (Pond of the Princess). So this winter, you have enough holiday destinations. Happy winter holiday!

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TRAVELOGUE

My trip to

Prague zoo My visit to Prague zoo was an eye opener as it is a fabulous revelation of what an ideal zoo should be like. My concept of the zoo was confined to what is offered in Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam and on a better and much modern scale the zoological park in Singapore. Zoo gardens in the US and in London are quite impressive I would say but the zoological park at the capital city of Czech Republic is altogether a different affair, and I would go a step further and rate it as the best zoo in the world. 6

Dr. Prem

ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

horses from extinction. It is the biggest breeder of this endangered species, and due to close monitoring and care the number of this species of animals is rising which is very encouraging news to the animal kingdom. The zoological park is well landscaped and hardly could you view caged animals. They are left in natural habitats which are almost similar models of their original habitats back home. This is the fruit of untiring and brilliant efforts of landscape architects with the support and patronage of the park authorities. The animal vet clinics are well equipped with medicines, treatment gears and vet doctors. They radiate with health and are always bubbling with activity which clearly indicates the animals are well fed and well cared for considering their physical and psychological requirements as well. There is an enormous and amazing collection of insects whose names are confined to an entomologistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lexicon. I was enthralled to find around a mammoth species from the aphid family resting on a piece of oak. I learned later that these awesome creatures can grow up to a size of clear eight millimeters and are often fondly called coffee beans. The length of the proboscis was almost double the length of the body. It is also known as giant oak aphid owing to its mammoth dimensions. The zookeepers breed these incredible creatures for their honeydew inside oak barks.

Prague zoo is known for its vast collection of fauna and flora from different parts of the world. With the fauna, a slice of its natural habitat with familiar trees has also found shelter inside the park making the

surroundings familiar to the animal concerned. This has a massive impact on animal psychology, which is reflected in their health, joviality and behavior. There are countless species of birds, reptiles, felines, fishes, herbivores and omnivores. Their snarls, grunts, hoots and twitters greet the guests with welcome vibes and the entire zoo comes alive with life and mirth. The myriad cacophony of different species of storks could be heard from quite a distance. These are accompanied by the calls of the migratory birds as well. When we approached their nesting ground inside the marshy enclosures, their calls were so deafening that we had to shout at each other so that our words could be heard above the wild concert. The bird enclosure was a rare piece of delight.

The zoo is the home to 4200 animals belonging to around 650 species. Out of this, about 130 species of animals are listed endangered. This magnificent zoological park was set up back in 1931 with the sole objective of exploring the zoological world and furthering and funding advanced study of zoology.

t is a very large zoo in terms of area coverage running to an astronomical figure of stunning 58 hectares! The zoo is the home to 4200 animals belonging to around 650 species. Out of this, about 130 species of animals are listed endangered. This magnificent zoological park was set up back in 1931 with the sole objective of exploring the zoological world and furthering and funding advanced study of zoology. Artificial mountain ranges, dense forest covers, streams, springs and moats impart a very realistic image to Prague zoo. The animals are kept in enclosures and yet they have enough space and liberty for free movement. Prague zoo is noted for its important role played in saving the Przewalski

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Prague zoo is also famous for a unique incident. In 2015, four distinctive animal babies were born here. I met all four of them. The Silvery Gibbon originally belonging to North Eastern frontier states of India bordering Myanmar, a baby Tapir from South American descent, a descendant of the famous Aardvark female Kvida and the grandson of the famous fur seal Gatson! The animals that drew our interest were countless in number including the Chinese Alligators, giant iguanas, cassowaries from Papua New Guinea, Red Pandas from Arunachal Pradesh, India, brown hyenas, cheetahs, Amur leopards, Siberian Tigers, aardvarks, white rhinoceros, komodo dragons, bongos, antelopes, ruffled lemurs , Orang Utans from Borneo and the lowland Gorillas from Western Africa. They are separated from visitors by moats, fences and glasses but never imprisoned in cages. Being located in the spectacular environment of the Troja basin, Prague zoo is an instant hit with the visitors. It flooded my family and me with waves of ecstasy. The kids started running around once they entered the zoo premises. The feeling of boundless liberty practically rang in the air. Since the terrain inside the park has a diverse character, it was possible for us to tread through shady groves and open grasslands through dense woods and rocky ground. The natural landscape mingled brilliantly with artificial habitats, hats off to the landscape designer who conceived such an innovatively brilliant project. The chair car ride was a highly exciting adventure, especially for the kids. Chairs were securely fastened with the overhead cables, and once we occupied seats the cable car moved past a plethora of scenery down below including separation moats, animal enclosures, greenery and plains. It was a great fun and the kids were charged with intense pleasure. They laughed 8

and giggled munching on chocolate doughnuts that we bought from a confectionary kiosk right below the point where we mounted the chair car and starts the ride. The staffs inside the park were another piece of marvel. They were courteous, friendly and hospitable. Whenever I had trouble locating the route map to animal cages they almost rushed to my help. They were very knowledgeable and had a wide experience in animal behavior and their dealing with animals was very efficient as they could read animal moods well. They knew the map of the zoo like the back of their hand. The zoo has an excellent record in dealing with visitors. They entire staffs are very friendly, helpful and informative. The zoo director manages each and every affair efficiently with a strong administrative flair. The zoo entrance fee is very reasonably priced. For an adult, it is 150 CZK and for children in the age group between 3yrs to 15â&#x20AC;&#x2122;yrs it is 100 CZK, and for a family comprising of 2 adults and 2 kids it is 450 CZK. The visiting season is from March to September (incidentally I visited Prague in September). Another big attraction of the Prague zoo is perhaps the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area. It is a specially built enclosure where harmless animals are kept. The kids are allowed to enter the enclosure and play with various domesticated animals like rabbits, pigs, sheep, ponies, hens, geese and ducks. As usual our kids ran a riot no sooner they entered the enclosure. They were probably having the best time of their lives. No studies, no school and no one to shout after them, they went bananas over the accompaniment of cute and harmless animal youngsters. There was a slot machine just outside the animal enclosure from where they bought pack full of boiled peas which they later fed to hens and ducks. It was all great fun, and my visit to Prague zoo would leave a permanent mark of extreme bliss in our minds. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Ignacio Ducasse Gutierrez Tourism Counsellor of Embassy of Spain in India

Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity, often a surprise for tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for beach tourism. Travel to Spain and you will find everything, from lush meadows, green valleys, hills and snowy mountains in the Northern regions to almost desert zones in the South. Every year millions of tourists decide travel to Spain, the country has been one of the most important tourist destinations of the last decades becoming the third most popular travel destination in Europe. In this interview with Asian Traveller Ignacio Ducasse Gutierrez, Tourism Counsellor of Embassy of Spain in India and Director of the Tourism Office of Spain in Mumbai, India talks about what Spain has to offer. Excerpts...

Spain is one of the most fascinating countries of the world and an ethnic melting pot of cultures, religions and immigrants. But what makes Spain such a popular tourist destination? Spain is a tourist-friendly and a very hospitable destination. It offers distinct culture, exceptional food and stunning architecture. From big cities to small towns off the beaten track, 10

Spain has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking and camping in beautiful mountain ranges, or exploring the beaches of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Get to know the likes of Goya,and Velazquez at the famous Prado Museum in Madrid. For a truly Spanish experience, a traditional bullfight is a must, followed by some flamenco music. The food alone is worth the trip to Spain - local wines are

delicious, there are a wide variety of national dishes, and the tapas will not disappoint you. Some of the worldÂ´s best museums and monuments are in Spain and you would be glad to make a visit to discover them in detail during your visit to Spain. Spain offers excellent security and health services. It has rich catering and accommodation offer with a wide range of top-notch hotels and restaurants with

ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

great value for money, for all tastes and budgets. Spain boasts the most complete high-speed rail network in Europe, has 48 airports and more than 111,850 miles of roads and highways. From north to south and from east to west, Spain has an amazing diversity of landscapes: 4,971 miles of coastline with stretching beaches, calm coves with crystal clear water, cliffs and islands; more than 100 natural reserves with snowy mountains, tropical landscapes, and zones and deserts. And great architectural variety: Roman bridges and aqueducts, rural villages, medieval towns, modern cities, futuristic buildings, etc. Spain has what you want. Spain has what you need.

How long have you been associated with Spain ministry of tourism? What are the challenges you faced in your position and how do you overcome them? I have recently been appointed as the Tourism Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in India and Director of Tourism Office of Spain in Mumbai. My whole career has been dedicated to the tourism industry and I have worked for the Institute of Tourism in Spain for over 25 years. I have previously been appointed in the following destinations: Canada, West USA & Japan. Spain is a world leader in leisure and holiday tourism. Our challenge has always been to increase the number of Indian arrivals in Spain and increase the share market of Indian tourist arrivals in Spain. We have been fortunate enough to represent a beautiful, friendly and welcoming destination like Spain. We

have observed from the consumption pattern of the Indian tastes for leisure tourism that Spain is a very appropriate destination for them since it offers a lot of similarity with the festivals and culture of India. Indians feel at home in our country, Spain. We are Turespaña, we are known as Tourism Office of Spain in India which is an Administrative unit of the Central Government of Spain. Turespaña has been one of the best organizations in promoting tourism in the world; they provide an extensive support to us to promote tourism to Spain from India. India a very small but a very potential and emerging market for tourism to Spain.

What is the best time to visit Spain and how do you plan taking Spain up the ladder as far as the preferred destination in the world? Spain has a distinct climatic feature and you could choose to visit Spain any time during the year since the weather is pleasant throughout the year. It has more than 300 long days of sunlight per year, with pleasant summer and winter temperatures. Spain is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy nature and sports, surrender to the superb Mediterranean cuisine, have fun with varied leisure activities and discover a wealth of historical and artistic heritage, it is after all, one of the countries with the most listed (15) UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Spain has already secured a position in the top 3 holiday destinations in the world; however, we continuously strive at making it the top most preferred holiday destination in the world by continuously innovating and offering new tourist products and offerings

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

to the tourists in the world. Spain has recently developed several plans on Smart Destinations and Smart Cities (The Smart City paradigm is meant to be the last (and beloved) son of Postmodernity for urban territories, providing useful tools (an attractive mix of leadership, infrastructures, services and people powered solutions) for making them more efficient, more sustainable and more livable for citizens, as well as more attractive for tourist and occasional visitors.) Some of the sample pilot destinations in Spain include Las Palmas de Gran Ganaria, Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Sevilla, Region of Murcia, Castilla La Mancha and many others. This distinctive feature will definitively be an add-factor for moving Spain up the ladder in terms of preferred destinations in the world.

How many travelers visit Spain every year? Spain welcomed a staggering 64.99 million tourists in 2014 and is expecting 68 million tourists by the end of this year.

The India government led by Narendra Modi has included tourism in its top agenda, how Spain can take this opportunity in tourism perspective? One of Spain´s most important business for decades has been tourism due to its large tourist offering across all over the country. Tourism in Spain is a major contributor to the national economic life, contributing to almost 12% of Spain´s GDP. Spain has held strong position in world´s tourism, being among the largest markets for holidays. We will definitely try and

make the most of the opportunity provided to us by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and look at implementing direct flights to Spain which will offer more convenience to Indian travelers to choose Spain as their next preferred holiday destination.

What are the initiatives planned by Spain ministry of Tourism to get more visitors in 2015-16? As a part of our marketing plan, we continuously strive to working closely with our travel trade partners and media in general, in 2016, also our plan revolves around presentations with travel agents and tour operators and familiarization trips to Spain for travel trade and Indian media. During 2016, we will also be felicitating the best articles published about Spain in Indian media in 2015.

Does Spain ministry of tourism see social media primarily as a consciousness-raising marketing tool to bring more tourists in to the country? Yes, social media is an important marketing tool to promote and make tourists aware about Spain and its offerings as a travel destination. Over a period of time, social media has developed greatly and is certainly a very important platform for marketing of any sort. The Ministry of Tourism of Spain has a wide global social media presence since they are present on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and connect with people across the world to make international tourists aware about Spain, its tourist product offerings, thematic tourism, etc. In India, we have our own Facebook page that we handle for our Indian fans. 11

TELANGANA

THE LAND OF

Ancient Dynasties Telangana is a newly formed and 29th state of India. After the division, the state got 10 districts which comprise major tourist attractions and places to see. Telangana might be new but its history and culture have endless opportunities for an avid traveler. Forts and palaces, monuments, religious places, waterfalls and many more attractions can be found and explored in this newly founded state. Let's have a look at some of the major attractions of Telangana. 12

ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

Charminar

The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was full of life, glory and grandeur. NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It was said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7 metre above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. Visitors can view the architectural splendour inside the Charminar. The monument is illuminated in the evenings and a pedestrianisation project around the monument is under implementation.

Golconda Fort Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates

from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutub Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell. Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort: The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was full of life, glory and grandeur. 13

Qutub Shahi Tombs The tombs of the legendary Qutub Shahi kings lie about a kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. Planned and built by the Qutub Shahis themselves, these tombs are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite, with stucco ornamentation, the only one of its kind in the world where an entire dynasty has been buried at one place.

Mecca Masjid A two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutub Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m and soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble graves of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Salar Jung Museum This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The objects dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzebâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sword and many other fabulous items.

Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum is a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest repositories of antiques and art objects in the country. Built in 1920 by the Nizam VII, the museum building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The museum contains a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery, Bronze gallery, Arms & Armour gallery, 14

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Numismatics gallery, Ajanta gallery and more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contemporary Art Museu.

The Nizam‘s Silver Jubilee Museum The stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam, is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, and a gold model of Jubilee Pavilion.

Birla Planetarium/ Birla Science Museum Birla Planetarium is India’s most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent to Kala Pahad. And the Science Museum stands tribute to the advancement achieved by Science and Technology.

Nehru Zoological Park Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. It has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions as close to their natural habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural 16

History Museum and Children’s Train are the added attractions. APTDC runs an ice-cream parlour and restaurant here.

Shilparamam - The Arts & Crafts village Another attraction at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad is the 30-acre village, which showcases arts and crafts of the country. India is an ocean of various arts and crafts but the talent of most of the artisans and artists goes unrecognized. To encourage them and give the necessary boost to their art, the crafts village hosts annual bazaars, where artists and artisans from all over the country exhibit their talent.

Public Gardens Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalita Kala Thoranam, an open-air theatre.

Lumbini Park This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shore of Hussainsagar Lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain and a floral clock are major attractions here. Lumbini Park jetty is a major point for pleasure boating of AP Tourism.

Ramoji Film City A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers facilities to produce any kind of movie. Apart from sets, there are hotels where artistes and technicians can stay. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

Visitors too can go round in conducted tours that the management organises.

Hyderabad Botanical Gardens The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres. Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of some sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants and bamboos. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations.

Hussainsagar Lake Excavated in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, the lake has a promenade that is a busy thoroughfare today. Boating and water sports are a regular feature in the Hussainsagar. One of the World’s tallest monolithic statues of the Buddha stands on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, in the middle of the lake. Added to all these, AP Tourism has additional boating facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seater launch etc. Starlit dinner on-board and private parties also can be arranged on the launch.

Osmansagar Lake Osmansagar, better known as Gandipet, on the outskirts of Hyderabad is an excellent picnic spot. Osmansagar is one of the two lakes on the city’s periphery that supplies drinking water to the great metropolis. The lake is a reservoir created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi. Abutting the lake and the bund are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake is the heritage building, Sagar Mahal, built

as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad and converted now into a lake resort managed by AP Tourism.

KBR National Park One of the largest parks within the city KBR National Park is a Southern tropical deciduous forest and the last vestigial representative of the endemic flora of Hyderabad region, with over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 15 species of butterflies.

Thousand Pillars Temple Perched elegantly on the slopes of the hills at Hanamkonda, the thousand pillars temple is fine specimen of Kakatiya Architecture and sculpture. Built by Rudra Deva in 1163 AD in the Chalunkan style, the star-shaped, triple shrine temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is notable for its richly carved pillars, preformatted screens and exquisite icons, specially impressive are the rock cut elephants and the Nandi.

Warangal Fort The Warangal Fort with its impressive and beautifully carved thoranan arches, and pillars inside spread over a radius of 19 kms between Hanamkonda and Warangal, the impregnable fort was popularly known as the seat of power. The fort consists of seven towers, with a radius of 8 kms. The main fort has 45 towers, and a temple of mother earth in the middle of the fort (Swayam Bhudevi Alayam). A legendary master piece known as Khush Mahal built by Shittabh Khan (Reign 1504-1512) is situated close to the glorious Warangal Fort. Even today, the beautifully carved gateway located within the fort-the famous ‘Ekashila’symbolises the Kakatiya

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Empire and Warangal like the Charminar does for Hyderabad.

Ramappa Temple The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple dating back to 1213 AD, built by the 7th Kakatiya king Rudra Senani, is the right choice for architectural lovers with a panoramic view of scenic beauty, situated at Palamet village 64 kms away from Warangal, the Temple has several idols in dancing postures. It documents the glory and grandeur of the Kakatiya kingdom with rich intricate culture on walls, pillars and ceilings brackets and ceiling will captivate you. The main attraction of this temple is the floating bricks and a warrior queen.

Nagarjunasagar Dam There would be very few modern constructions you will come across that evoke such a response. A feeling of awe and significance overcomes you when you lay eyes upon the Nagarjuna 18

Sagar Dam for the first time. Its sheer size and magnitude leaves you breathless and astounded. As the tallest and largest masonry dam in the world, truly stands as one of the wonders of engineering excellence. Stretching across the mighty river Krishna, the barrage also has another distinction to its credit it has created one of the world’s largest man-made lake! The reservoir is a vital source of irrigation for vast tracts of the surroundings region. The two left and right canals, called Bahadur Canal and Jawahar canal respectively, cater to the watering needs of a very large area of the state. Successfully transforming a barren, thirsty land into a lush verdant landscape with acres and acres of green fields swaying in the breeze as far as the eye can see. Naturally, it has played a leading role in helping the state of Andhra Pradesh emerge as ‘the Rice Bowl

of India’. Significantly, the creation of this lake has submerged the excavations that were carried out here in 1926 which unearthed three historical sitesDhanyakataka, capital of the Satavahanas; Sriparvata, Vijayapuri, capital of the Ikshvakus and a Buddist civilization that thrived here in the third and fourth centuries B.C. What is of special interest to historians is the fact that the excavations also revealed the existence of Brahmanical temples here which indicates that Hinduism and Buddhism flourished together in peaceful co-existence. All the archeological findings and relics have been removed from here and carefully preserved on an island in the middle of the lake - Nagarjunakonda.

Nagarjunakonda Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in South India

from the second century BC until the third century AD. It was named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a renowed Buddhist scholar and philosopher, who had migrated here from Amarvati to propagate and spread the Buddha’s message of universal peace and brotherhood. The founder of Mahayana Buddhism, this revered monk governed the sangha for almost 60 years and the Madhyamika School established attracted students from far and wide including Sri Lanka and China.

Kuntala Waterfalls The Kuntala Waterfalls is located in Adilabad district of Telangana, about 260 kilometres from Hyderabad. The place is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and offers the best of nature. It is filled with dense forests, valleys and chirping birds. Visitors can also enjoy trekking here.

ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Anya Hotel Gurgaon is a proud member of Design Hotels that represents and markets a curate selection of 288 independent hotels in over 50 countries across the globe. More than a collection of hotels, the company is a collection of stories. Each property reflects the ideas of a visionary hotelier, an “Original” someone with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thoughtprovoking design and architecture. In this interview with Asian Traveller, Vijay Krishnan V Menon, General Manager, Anya Hotel Gurgaon talks more about this landmark hotel. Excerpts …..

General Manager, Anya Hotel Gurgaon

How does Anya hotel differentiate itself from other Hotels in Gurgaon? Anya Hotel is the only five star hotel on the Golf Course Road in Gurgaon. Anya combines the best of world class luxury with the vibrancy of Indian culture. Our internationalstyled guest rooms and suites are designed with subtle Indian accents, while the specialty restaurants serve up adventurous flavors from kitchens around the world. A cutting edge business centre, holistic spa and a well equipped fitness centre make the experience complete. Which are your major sources for business? Guests come to our hotel for two purposes, one being leisure and the other business. In business we entertain about 55% Direct Corporate, 20

Vijay Krishnan V Menon

10% Travel Trade, 25% from Online and 10% from FIT and Groups. What kind of marketing activities are you doing to promote your hotel as a MICE destination? We are doing promotions, campaigns through all the possible & ethical mediums. Online platforms are one of them such as like Just dial, venuepick.com, bookmyspace.com & few others. How has been the journey of Design Hotels in the Indian market so far and what are the future expansion plans? Design Hotels have nine hotels in India. It has been an incredible journey and now when Design Hotels is entering into a joint venture with Starwood Preferred Guest, it will be even more beneficial for us in terms of customer loyalty benefits worldwide. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

Besides India, which are the international locations you are targeting for expansion in coming years? Currently we have 3 hotels in IndiaAnya Hotel Gurgaon, Hans Hotel New Delhi, The Hans Coco Palms, Puri. We will be looking at expanding in India first then internationally. How has been the year 2015 for your business and highlight the trends that you have noticed? 2015 is the first financial year for us and looking at the growth we are doing very good. Our recorded growth is commendable against the MPI & RGI for this market so honestly we are positive & excited about the future. How do you fight the competition in your business and what makes you different from your competitors? Every five star hotel has the same sort of facilities but the important factor is services. We at Anya don’t rest until our clients/ guests use only one word to describe our services and that is excellent, and I think this is what makes us a better choice from our competitors. Tell us a bit about Amaltas Spa by L’Occitane. Amaltas is also known as the golden shower tree or the Indian Laburnum. All parts of the tree are used in traditional & Ayurvedic medicine. L’Occitane combines nature and science. Only the highest quality ingredients go into the formulations that comprise the extensive collection of L’Occitane Products for the face, body and hair. L’Occitane has its very own spa here at Anya Hotel Gurgaon known as the Amaltas Spa by L’Occitane. We offer signature treatments in four luxurious indoor treatment rooms all featuring private steam and shower chambers and includes two oversized couple suites that have free standing soaking bathtubs with professional staff trained from the L’Occitane institute. Guests can choose from a gamut of rejuvenating treatments from aromatherapies to concentrate deep massages to nourishing body scrubs and body wraps for complete wellbeing. For instance, the Amaltas Awakening, the signature massage incorporating the Amaltas or Golden Shower Flower strengthens the skin. In this treatment, a blend of Amaltas flower Essential Oil and the Aromachologie Oil is applied with a relaxing massage technique. It ensures a metabolic boost and pain relief, ideal for the weary business traveller seeking recuperation. NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

TRAVELOGUE

hy Gangtey? Monica asked me as going through our Bhutan itinerary while sitting on the wings of Drukair. “Dint want an experience to be touristy”, I said, without realising that we are going to see a well- kept secret of Bhutan.

Parul Goswami

Ascent towards Gangtey is marked by hairpin bends affording some spectacular view. As we climbed higher there was stark change in temperature and vegetation. As was enjoying the fresh mountain air against my face, our car suddenly stopped to witness street fight between stray yaks. I stepped down to capture a moment with the yaks in the broad lush green

valley which is strikingly different from the usual steep-sided valleys.

The Farm Stay Phub Gyeltshen’s farm house at Phobjikha is a traditional two storied Bhutanese house beautifully adorned with traditional motifs. Paths led around the villages, cultivated lands planted with potatoes, which is one of the main cash crops in Bhutan. Farmers usually take their farm produce to border towns where it is auctioned away to local and Indian traders. On our way to the farm house we saw some young school kids playing a football match and other sport like volleyball and basketball. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

Gangtey In search of hidden Bhutan

Little girls were busy playing the hopscotch. Beauty of such places is its innocence and genuineness which really attract an outsider to participate and be a part of them. At the farm house we were welcomed by Sonam Wangmo and young daughters. Sonamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents owns the farm and her husband is a school teacher in the same village. In their kitchen I was amazed to see a very smart and careful use of 3 energy sources- bottled gas burners, wood in the stove, and an electric rice cooker. During dinners in their cosy kitchens I got chance to interact with her whole family and know more about Bhutanese society, marriage, lifestyle, NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

food and life in general. No matter how simple rural lives are, Bhutanese people are kind hosts and welcome all visitors with a smile.

Gangtey Goempa Monasteries are so peaceful, simply sitting there one can experience spiritual fulfilment especially when they are an old venerated Buddhist place of worship which dates back to 17th century. Gangtey Goempa now has several other buildings for meditation, schools and hostels for monks. The temple contains unique ornate paintings, which exhibits progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as

As we climbed higher there was stark change in temperature and vegetation. As was enjoying the fresh mountain air against my face, our car suddenly stopped to witness street fight between stray yaks.

most important deities and figures and my very favourite colourful silk banners. The monastery is located on a ridge overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha valley which is home to the very rare migratory and endangered Black Necked cranes. The locals very strongly believe that the cranes are the reincarnated souls of Lamas that come to pay homage at the Gangtey Gompa monastery. Each year the cranes circle the monastery three times before landing in the wetlands below.

Gangtey Natural Trail Hike Our hearts are always happiest in the great outdoors. The Gangtey hike is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. We walked through pristine mountains, pine forests small bamboo plants and flower meadows. In literal note forest surrounded me on all the sides with its variety of flora and fauna. One has to hike this trail to realise the mighty nature that stand before you. The high point of the trail is the Phobjikha valley which offers a wide spectrum of natural brilliance.

Phobjikha Valley Phobjikha valley is a broad glacial valley which is known as the winter home of an incredibly elegant and beautiful bird called the ‘blacknecked crane’. For me valley is famed for its marshland, picturesque splendour cultural uniqueness and rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Phobjikha valley at an altitude of 2900 m provides you an opportunity to spend time appreciating the peace and solitude of the place. After my visit to Gangtey, I realised even though happiness is relative for others but for Bhutan and its people happiness is simply defined and quantified through their own concept of national happiness and well-being. The phrase Gross National Happiness (GNH) was coined by Bhutan’s fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972 and is based on equitable social development, cultural preservation, conservation of the environment and promotion of good governance. The fourth king, not only relinquished absolute power and introduced constitutional monarchy but also established a unique developmental philosophy which has prevented irreversible damage to the environment at the cost of economic growth and profit. Environmental protection is just not 24

written in their constitution but it’s a part of Bhutanese everyday life. As Bhutan has 70 per cent forest cover, understanding and protection of natural resources and ecosystems is part of Bhutan’s culture and legacy which is proudly continued for generations by Bhutan monarchy and common people.

2015 is declared as Visit Bhutan Year to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of the visionary King-Father. Many exciting events and activities have been planned to celebrate the milestone. One must really visit this quiet and incredibly lovely part of the world, to celebrate nature and to celebrate life. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

TAMILNADU TRAVELLER

The City of Thousand

TEMPLES

Dr. S. Bakthavatchalam

Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism

s one of the seven centers of salvation and the nerve center of vedic schools, Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a must visit for those who are interested in the cultural heritage of the country. A walk down the lanes of Kanchipuram takes you on a spiritual voyage of legends, mythology, saints, temples and dynasties. Kanchipuram, with its glorious temples and vedic schools, is a treasure chest of heritage developed by illustrious saints, philosophers and kings of Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. A host of innumerable temples for various gods of Hindu pantheon

Who is not marveled by the vignettes of India's rich cultural background ? The various religions, languages, dialects, traditions and customs depict the various facets of this majestic country called India. The holy places of India transcend the frontiers of time to purify the lives around them. Dr. S Bakthavatchalam takes you to Kanchipuram, one of the sacred places in India where people can attain Moksha, as per the Hindu religion. are found in the nooks and corners of Kanchipuram. Every path you take will lead you to a temple; some of them are wonderful monuments with excellent sculptures, architecture and murals. Known as the temple town, Kanchipuram has the distinction of having some of the best and finest temples of the country like Kailasanathar, Ekambareswara and Varadaraja Perumal. The town is credited with having around one thousand temples. While Pallava rulers built most of the temples, these were extensively renovated later by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. You may embark on a visit to these

temples from Kamakshi Amman temple, which is one of the three most sacred places for Sakthi worship in India. Built by the Pallavas in 6th century and modified between 14th and 17th centuries, the temple features a golden gopuram and some fine carvings. The Kanchi Mutt seers worship here daily. The most famous Siva temple at Kanchi, the Ekambareswara temple, is located to the north east of the Kamakshi temple. The Ekambareswara temple, built in 600 AD by the Pallavas, features a tall south gopuram, which soars to a height of 58.5 meters. Another temple which is of great ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

importance is the Kailasanathar temple. Built during 685-705 AD by the Rajasimha Pallava, the Kailasanathar temple bears a close resemblance to the monolithic structures found in Mammalapuram. This is an overwhelming sculptural edifice with intricate carvings and is the oldest Pallava temple still in existence and is declared an archaeological monument by Archaeological Survey of India. The Kumarakottam temple, dedicated to Muruga is located between the Ekambareswara temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple. It is believed that it is from here that Kandapuranam, the Tamil religious work on Muruga, is translated from Sanskrit Skanda Purana.

The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is one of the most important Hindu monastic institutions in India founded by the Advaita philosopher saint Adi Sankara. The Kanchi Math is a must visit for anyone who comes to Kanchipuram. Varadaraja Perumal temple, which was originally built by the Cholas in 1053 AD and was expanded during the reigns of Kulottunga Chola I and Vikrama Chola, is a must visit. Vardaraja Perumal temple, one of the 108 divyadesams, the holy abodes of Vishnu, is located in a part of Kanchipuram called Vishnu Kanchi. Vishnu Kanchi is home to a lot of famous Vishnu temples, including Varadaraja Perumal temple. The temple complex features the architectural skills of ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis in temple architecture. The town is home to many more important temples. Once you complete the tour of temples, you can move to Kamakoti Peetham. The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is one of the most important Hindu monastic institutions in India founded by the Advaita philosopher saint Adi Sankara. The Kanchi Math is a must visit for anyone who comes to Kanchipuram. Besides the Saivaite and Vaisnavite shrines, Kanchipuram has a few Jain temples, which still contain nice NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

frescoes. The mural paintings in the Jain temples at Tirupparuthikkundram depict scenes from the life of Rsabhanatha and Neminatha. Even though it is known as a temple town, Kanchipuram houses four mosques in the town including Jumma Masjid and Hazrat Aliya Darga, which was built by Arcot Nawab. Similarly, you can also visit the British built Church of South India and St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, which were built in 1922 and 1943 respectively. The Balaji Matha in Nellukaran street, which was established by one of the late Sikh gurus during the course of his return from a pilgrimage to Rameswaram, is sacred to Sikhs of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;udasiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sect. Apart from its temples, this small town, also known as Silk City, is

famous for its thriving handloom industry. Browse for the traditional silk saris in the shops nearby the streets. Almost every home in Kanchipuram houses a pit loom, as 75 per cent of its population is involved in the weaving business. Getting to Kanchipuram from Chennai is easy as it is only 75 kms from the city and has frequent bus services. If you plan to take a flight to Chennai International Airport, it will take only a 2 hour drive from Chennai airport to reach Kanchipuram. Chennai central railway station and Arakkonam railway station are nearby. It is to be kept in mind that there are some parts of the temples where only Hindus can visit, although most of the temple complexes are open to all. 27

NEWSLINE

Tamil Nadu Tourism to Host Indian Dance Festival Tamil Nadu is well-known for its rich cultural heritage both within and outside the country. Here music, dance, and drama form an integral part of the lives of the people. The people are very fond of organizing and participating in a variety of cultural fairs and festivals throughout the year. The cultural events of the State attract Domestic and Foreign tourists. Each festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety.

This prestigious Indian Dance Festival brings the important classical and folk dance forms on one stage to enlighten the foreign tourists about the cultural tourism potential of India. The foreign tourists who visit Mamallapuram for Indian Dance Festival are mostly repeat visitors from Germany, France, UK, USA, Russia, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Japan, Korea, Israel, New Zealand etc.

Seychelles Wins Beach Destination of the Year

Tamil Nadu Tourism is celebrating many festivals to attract more tourists to Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Tourism has been organizing Dance Festival at the beautiful seashore of Mamallapuram to celebrate the spirit of local art forms since 1992 in December and January. The first Mamallapuram Dance Festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister during 1992 and it has become well known worldwide. The tourists are coming repeatedly during the festival time and this resulted in inclusion of various forms of Indian dances. Hence, the festival is known as “Indian Dance Festival”. The festival makes the foreign tourists to stay for nearly a month at Mamallapuram. Year after year the number of tourists (both domestic and foreign) who are enthralled by the finesse of the festival is increasing leaps and bounds. Bearing this in mind, this year the dance festival is planned to conduct for a month from 20th December, 2015 to 20th January, 2016, to offer and showcase the best of Indian art forms for the discerning tourists. The Tamil Nadu Tourism brought the best performers from various states in the country. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival has evolved in 2008-09 into “Indian Dance Festival” which aptly denoted the variety and the versatility of the Indian Fine Arts and dance forms. The performers from various parts of India – Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Assam, Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, congregated on the silver sands of Mamallapuram. The South Zone Cultural Centre, Department of Arts and Culture, and the various State Tourism Departments converged and sponsored a variety of dance forms. Tamil Nadu is booming with a number of cultural activities during December and January every year, especially at Chennai, Mamallapuram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai etc. 110 performances of various kinds of dances including. This year more than 100 performances of various dance forms from all over the country will be performed at Mamallapuram. Tamilnadu Tourism has included the folk dances like Karagam, Kavadi, Kokkalikattai Attam, Bommalatam (Puppet Show), Therukoothu, Thappattam, Oyilattam and Classical Dances like Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Rajasthani, Mohini Attam and Kuchipudi. Both renowned exponents and upcoming talented artistes have performed. During 2015 nearly 35000 tourists witnessed Indian dance festival programs out of which foreign tourists share was nearly 15000. There were overseas performers from Netherlands, Ukraine, Suriname, South Africa and Dubai. The Indian Dance Festival not only promotes cultural tourism but also helps in reviving the fading folk arts like Bommalattam and Therukoothu. 28

Seychelles wins Beach Destination of the Year for The Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2016 The Luxury Travel Guide Awards is an international awards programme in recognition of all destinations regardless of size or location. The Luxury Travel Guide Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent travel and tourism industry. Its team of experts have scoured the globe and travelled extensively in order to identify everything from the very best hotels, airlines and tour operators through to highlighting the most reputable transfer service companies. Traditionally associated with the most beautiful beaches on the planet framed by timeless granite boulders, the Seychelles islands are at the top of the world’s list of romantic destinations, perfect of that lazy tropical retreat for two. But the archipelago has even more to offer in addition to beaches. Seychelles offers superb sailing, diving and snorkelling, excellent fishing and mountain hikes and nature trails. Island hopping by plane, boat or helicopter allows one to discover each island’s individual character, as well as a cuisine to seduce the most demanding palate and the heart-warming welcome of the Seychellois people. Seychelles is also a hassle free destination to travel to with visa on arrival and gratis, yearlong tourist season and good air connectivity from India. Speaking on this occasion a delighted Lubaina Sheerazi, COO Blue Square Consultants, Seychelles Tourist Office, India said, “This award is another testimony that Seychelles is like no other place. The divine beauty, stunning beaches, diverse islands and activities of Seychelles has bowled over the Indian traveller. We have seen an unprecedented growth of more than 280% in tourist arrivals from India for first three quarters of 2015 vis-a-vis same period for 2014.” ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

NEWSLINE

All-Women Functioned Flight at Ethiopian Airlines

Hahn Air Expands Fleet Hahn Air, the scheduled German airline and leading provider of distribution services for air, rail and shuttle partners, announced the acquisition of a Cessna Citation Sovereign business jet to expand its fleet. The business jet will support Hahn Air’s plans to further develop its flight operations to medium and long-haul destinations. The Hahn Air fleet now consists of two Cessna Citation CJ4s and the newly acquired Sovereign. The exterior of the Citation Sovereign received new paintwork, and the interior was completely modified in order to cater for the high demands of Hahn Air’s clients. The aircraft, which will be delivered to Hahn Air’s hub airport Dusseldorf in late November, will be put into operations by the end of December.

Ethiopian Airlines, the leading, fastest growing and most profitable airline in Africa, will operate an All-Women Functioned Flight on November 19, 2015 on the Addis Ababa - Bangkok route. This historic flight is aimed at crystalizing Ethiopian corporate conviction of “Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Growth” and it is the first of its kind in Ethiopian 70 years of service. This historical flight will be operated by an All - Female crew led by Female Flight deck crew members and senior female executives onboard that flight. On ground Flight preparations will also be conducted by females only such as Cabin Operations, Airport Operations, Flight Dispatcher, Load Controller, Ramp Operations, On-board logistics, Aviation Safety and Security, Ticket Offices, Catering, Air Traffic Controllers as well as Global Call Center.

The aircraft has a capacity of eight passengers and a crew of two pilots and one flight attendant. Its maximum take-off weight is 13,744 kg, with a cruising speed of 760 – 852 km/h and a maximum cruising altitude of 47,000 feet (14325.6 metres). The range of up to 5,186 km allows for the addition of new medium and long haul non-stop charter destinations such as Canada or the United Arabian Emirates. “As a global player in the airline industry and a member of major airline alliances such as IATA, GBAA and ERA, we are pleased to take another step towards expanding our charter business as well as our reach. We are certain that the Sovereign is a great fit for Hahn Air’s charter business due to its exceptional performance and range and will enable us to further extend our flight network.” said Daniel Rudas, General Manager and COO of Hahn Air Lines.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked, “It is a great honor for us to have competent Women Aviation Professionals at Ethiopian in every aspect of the aviation field, which portrays Ethiopian as gender responsive organization that strives to pursue its underlying stance of being an equal opportunity employer. We are very proud of their achievements and contributions and it is our sincere belief that this will continue with an enhanced magnitude and passion to sustain Ethiopian on its fast growth trajectory. Above all, this is an ample opportunity to inspire young African female students to believe in their dreams and embark to fill the skill gap for Aviation professionals. Women are the continent’s greatest untapped resources, and hereby fully dedicated to ensure the increase number of women in decision making positions on top of key operational areas by consistently grooming and mentoring successor female employees for top managerial, technical and operational positions. We invite the whole world to watch our all-female operated long haul flight to and from Bangkok.” It is to recall that Ethiopian Airlines has created a more conducive situation for new mothers, by launching a Nursing Room equipped with modern amenities; comfortable reclining chairs, and refrigerators for the storage of breast milk. New electronic breast pumps are also distributed to new mothers. The fact that female employees comprise 30% of the total Ethiopian employee population signifies Ethiopian core value of equal opportunity employer. 30

InterContinental Bali Resort Named Bali’s Leading MICE Hotel InterContinental Bali Resort has done it again! For the second year running the Resort has been named Bali’s leading MICE hotel at the 22nd annual World Travel Awards ceremony. The World Travel Awards are the highest accolades in the travel and tourism industry calendar today, acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. InterContinental Bali Resort is highly deserving of this prestigious award due to its modern meeting facilities and the expertise of its team in the coordination of meetings, conferences, events and weddings for up to 750 participants ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NEWSLINE

Wayanad Ranked Among Best Accommodations in the World

in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Meeting facilities range from the Puri Kencana Ballroom to eight multi-purpose function rooms, including three Meeting Rooms and two Board Rooms located in close proximity within a dedicated separate wing complete with private entrance and parking area. A specialised team of highly-trained, professional staff is on hand to cater to every aspect of function and meeting requirements, with the full scope of state-of-the-art audiovisual technologies and PA equipment readily available. At InterContinental Bali Resort, meetings and events are designed to capture a genuine sense of place that will inspire delegates and achieve results. The Resort also offers an impressive array of indoor and outdoor wedding venues within the gardens and the beautiful beach area, as well a highly professional team of wedding planners who deliver impeccable service to every bridal couple, their friends and family. Weddings at InterContinental Bali Resort are uniquely custom-made to reflect personal tastes. Michel Chertouh, General Manager of InterContinental Bali Resort said, “After winning this award last year, I declared that our plan was to get another one, and now we’ve done it. I’m immensely proud of my team.”

Two National Tourism Awards for CGH Earth

The misty resort town of Wayanad in north-east Kerala has a lot to be proud of. The town has been rated as one of the best places in the world and the best place in India to find hotels in terms of value for money and liked by customers. Apart from being the top place in the country, the popular Keralian tourist destination is ranked among the top 10 (ninth) in the world in the same index. The top 10 spots are taken by scenic tourist destinations from countries like China, Hungary, Romania among others. In a study done by the online hotel aggregator Trivago by comparing 9,00,000 hotels from 250 websites worldwide, the company released a list of 100 destinations worldwide keeping account of two parameters— consumer rating and average hotel price. “A district in Kerala encompassing several small towns and villages, Wayanad is famed for its Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of 345 square kilometres. Within this unspoilt area visitors can experience a unique mix of mountain scenery, paddy fields, waterfalls and cardamom and coffee plantations. Popular among trekking and camping enthusiasts, there are several defined treks within the region”,says Trivago. Traditionally, the pristine hill station of Wayanad situated in the Western Ghats has been popular amongst people within the state, but lately it has seen a surge in number of tourists swarming in from all around the country and even from abroad. It boasts of a variety of rare flora and fauna. Wayanad can be reached via rail, road and air. The nearest rail station is 110 kms from Kozikhode with the Calicut International Airport being in the same city.

Michael Dominic, Director, CGH Earth receiving the National Tourism Award from the Hon’ble President of India for Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom in the category of Best Heritage Classic Hotel, and (on right) Subrahmanian P, General Manager, Marari Beach, receiving the award for Marari Beach in the category of Best 3 star Hotel in India.

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

The other three Indian cities featuring in the top 100 are the Himalayan town of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand followed by Amritsar in Punjab and the popular desert town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan ranking 13, 22 and 34 respectively globally. The top spot is held by Fenghuang in China followed by Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 31

NEWSLINE

Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna Shoots in Oman for a Television Show

harees, madhruba (mashed chicken and porridge dish), mishkak (skewered meat grilled on charcoal), mashwai (spit-roasted kingfish served with lemon rice), Omani halwa, rakhl bread and beans and potato marak. Vikas Khanna is an award winning and well-known chef / restaurateur / cookbook writer and humanitarian. Based in New York, his laurels include the Michelin Star restaurant Junoon in New York, GQ India Man of the Year 2012 Award and the Rising Star Chef Award by Star Chefs for his role in shaping the future of American cuisine. He was also voted ‘New York’s Hottest Chef’ in a poll conducted by the New York Eater blog.

Konark Festival and International Sand Art Festival 2015 to Be Held

Michelin starred chef Vikas Khanna on his maiden trip to Oman was bowled over by the beauty of the country. The chef was visiting Oman for the television shoot of the food and travel show anchored by him called Twist of Taste –The Persian Trails where he shot four episodes in the destination. The show which is in its 5th season is on air every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm only on Fox life India channel and the episodes on Oman will be on air from the last week of December. Talking about his experience in Oman, Chef Vikas Khanna said, “Oman has always been on my mind for this show. But from whatever I had seen of Oman before arriving here, I can say that no pictures can do justice to Oman. The destination is beautiful from all angles and the people of the country are wonderful. I had an absolutely wonderful time shooting in Oman.” Lubaina Sheerazi, India Representative, Ministry of Tourism - Oman spoke about the association with the show, “This is our maiden television association with any Indian channel. The reason we chose to associate with FOX life channel is because the audience of the channel matches our target group. People who view the channel are young & middle aged urban spenders with high disposable income who are ambitious and spend more on travelling, dining out and in pursuit of new hobbies, destinations and experiences. Oman as a destination is niche and for the experiential traveler and through this association we hope to reach out to this segment of travelers.” The episodes shot in Oman showcases the opulence of the destination and its culinary delights. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism - Oman, the hospitality partners for the shoot were Al Bustan Palace – a Ritz Carlton Hotel, Alila Jabal Akhdar and Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and travel partner was Zahara Tours. The chef travelled to prominent locations across the country and met several interesting locals on the way at places like Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa and Muscat. He also went dolphin watching and fishing in Oman besides doing the mountain safaris. Some of the dishes that will feature on the show are shuwa (tender meat slow-cooked in an underground oven), mansheb (rice cooked with fish and coconut broth), laham 32

The Konark Festival & International Sand Art Festival are the two most coveted events of Tourism Department going to be held from 1st to 5th December, 2015. All out efforts are being taken up by Tourism Department for its smooth management to attract more tourists. Director Tourism Anil Kumar Samal took a coordination meeting with District Administration, Police Administration, I & PR, Handicrafts and Cottage Department, CESU, PHED, ASI, IDCO, NAC, Konark, OTDC and other line Departments to carry out their responsibilities in a systemic and efficient manner to make the event successful. The Konark Festival will be held in Open Air auditorium with famous Sun Temple at the backdrop with 5 renowned Odissi troupes along with famous artists of Manipuri, Satriya, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam & Kathak. Similarly, the International Sand Art Festival shall have 35 stalls with reputed international and national artists. Women sand artists and differently abled sand artists shall also participate in the festival coordinated by Sudarshan Patnaik. Awards and trophies shall be given to the winners. OTDC shall sponsor free stays in Panthanivas for the winners. Emphasis was given for maintenance of law & order, safety and security of VIPs, foreign tourists, traffic management and parking of vehicles etc. Handicraft & Handloom exhibition shall be held in the Urban Haat, Konark. Cleaning of Chandrabhaga Beach and the NAC area shall be ensured by NAC, Konark and Tourism Department. ASI has been advised for proper illumination of Sun Temple. Drinking water supply, First Aid stall, Trained Guides etc. shall be provided to facilitate the visitors. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

NEWSLINE Since both the events are of International importance and unique in nature, the Department of Tourism is giving emphasis for its hassle free management and taking sincere efforts to attract more and more tourists and art lovers through media campaign and tour packages through OTDC, said Anil Samal, Director Tourism & MD,OTDC. He also said active co-ordination of all line Departments, media and local populace for making these events a grand success.

British Themed Residence in Dubai Wins Award

Its 227 hotel apartments are targeted at the regional and international investment community, with Seven Tides guaranteeing a return on investment (ROI) of 10% per annum for the first five years. Hotel apartment guests will also enjoy exclusive access to the adjacent 273-room hotel with its collection of world-class leisure and entertainment facilities including a stunning private beach, indoor pool and outdoor infinity pool plus state-of-the-art gym, along with five upscale dining and entertainment venues. The International Property Awards logo is recognised as a symbol of excellence throughout the real estate world and rank amongst the most prestigious commendations in the residential and commercial property industries. A highcaliber jury of international experts identifies the most significant building projects as well as the highest quality Arabian real estate agencies. Also it gives developers like Seven Tides a respectable iconic status. Established in 2004, Seven Tides International has developed its own portfolio of commercial, residential and resort properties in some of the world’s most desirable locations. Its award-winning flagship hotel, DUKES London, is situated in the fashionable Mayfair district and has been a hospitality icon in the capital for over a century.

flydubai Introduces New Maintenance Facility

Luxury property developer Seven Tides International has added another accolade to its trophy wall after being named ‘Best Development Marketing Dubai’ at the recent Arabian Property Awards 2015, for its DUKES Dubai hotel apartments project. The Dubai headquartered developer was recognised at a gala awards ceremony held at the JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai on 12th November 2015, beating several other shortlisted entrants to bag the top prize in this highly coveted category. The dedicated regional awards for the long-established International Property Awards global programme, Seven Tides International triumphed following a stringent judging process that involved a panel of over 80 experts, presided over by two members of the UK House of Lords. The British themed DUKES Dubai, which will be handed over in Q1 2016, is the sister property of the wellknown DUKES London, and is centrally located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, just 10 minutes’ drive from Dubai Marina and Sheikh Zayed Road and only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. 34

Dubai-based flydubai has announced the launch of its wheel and brake maintenance facility, dedicated to offering a full range of maintenance services for these components installed on Boeing 737 aircraft. Located within Dubai International Airport over 365.21 square meters, the new flydubai facility is certified as an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) from the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE. Capitalising on its efficient workflows and modern equipment, the facility is managed by an experienced team and is capable of processing up to 10 units a day. flydubai operates a single-model fleet of 50 Boeing 737-800 Next-Generation aircraft. Being one of the youngest fleets in the skies with an average age of 3.1 years, the airlines is capable of increasing its cost efficiency by bringing down the cost of maintenance and fuel consumption. ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NEWSLINE

Odisha Woos Foreign Tourists at WTM 2015

buyers to visit the state. Odisha Tourism led by L.N. Gupta, Principal Secretary, Tourism along with Director Tourism A.K. Samal and other officials attended the event. The stand was formally inaugurated by the Secretary Tourism, India Vinod Zutshi in presence of LN Gupta, Principal Secretary, and Odisha officials and stakeholders. Odisha Tourism publicity materials, CDs and souvenir items were distributed during the event to potential tour operators and tourists visiting the Odisha stall. During the event, about 35 B2B business meetings and interactions were held with important tour operators, travel agents and media representatives. Principal Secretary Gupta made a presentation and addressed a group of more than 200 Buyers highlighting various facets of Odisha tourism. A meeting was also held with the Regional Heads of India Tourism offices posted at London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan and Amsterdam to promote Odisha aggressively through their publicity campaigns. They were requested to depute tour operators and tourist groups to Odisha.

The World Travel Market (WTM) 2015, one of the biggest travel and tourism events of the world was held from 2nd November to 5th November 2015. It is a global platform for buyers and sellers to interact and discuss tourism related matters for business promotion. Odisha Tourism participated in the event with an independent stall to showcase its incredible tourism products to attract more tourists, motivate tour operators, travel agents and

NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

The Principal Secretary & Director Tourism also met Honâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ble Minister of Tourism, Goa and Gujarat and Secretary Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamiladu, CMD ITDC and other leading tour operators to exchange best practices and develop inter-state tourism promotion circuits / packages and strategy. To attract more tourists and give a glimpse of Odishaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture, Odissi dance was also performed through local artists during the event which was appreciated by many tourists.

NEWSLINE

UNWTO Secretary General to Attend Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2016

months,” said Kerala Tourism Secretary Rao The India Tourism Secretary, Vinod Zutshi launched the brochure featuring Kerala’s boat races at WTM. “As our biggest foreign market, the United Kingdom offers us the best possible global platform to spread awareness about our destinations,” Rao added. Last year, Kerala had received 151,497 travellers from the United Kingdom. Two years ago, the British royal couple, Prince Charles and wife Camilla Parker Bowles, had visited Kerala, watching Kathakali in Kochi and celebrating the 65th birthday of the Prince of Wales at the backwaters resort of Kumarakom. Among prominent British visitors to Kerala include the Beatles legend Paul McCartney.

Taleb Rifai,UNWTO Secretary General, along with Kerala Tourism Secretary GKV Rao at the Boat Races themed Kerala Stand at WTM

The famed snake boat race of ‘God’s Own Country’ has bowled over the visitors to the influential World Travel Mart in London with the United Nations global tourism body chief leading the list of those who want to watch the Nehru Trophy event next year.

Kerala Tourism is joined by as many as 10 private sector exhibitor-partners at the WTM London event. The exhibitors from the state are Intersight Tours & Travels, Jayasree Travels and Tours, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Pioneer Personalized Holidays, Ananthara Hotels & Resorts, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, Spiceland Holidays, The Raviz, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa, and Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere.

GVK Lounge Named Asia’s Leading Airport Lounge

“I am fascinated by the story of the boat races and I would love to watch the action live in Kerala,” United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb D Rifai said after visiting the Kerala Tourism pavilion at the ongoing WTM, London themed on boat races of the state. “I will definitely visit the boat race next year,” Rifai told the Kerala delegation to the WTM, led by Tourism Secretary G Kamala Vardhana Rao. “We are deeply encouraged by the endorsement of our famous boat races by the UNWTO chief at a significant global stage like the WTM,” said Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar. “It underlines our status as a top tourism destination in the world,” he added. “There is no better way to showcase our culture to a global audience than presenting our boat races, which are closer to the heart of the people of Kerala,” said A P Anilkumar. The 120-sq meter stand of the state tourism department drew a large number of visitors to the world’s leading travel and tourism show, attended by more than 5,000 exhibitors from nearly 190 countries. The WTM, London, is being held from November 2 to 5. Three replicas of the snake boat adorn the Kerala Tourism stand, one of the most-photographed pavilions at the WTM, created with the stunning images of the boat races of the state. “It’s a beautiful stand with the long snake boats,” the UNWTO Secretary General said while confessing his plans to visit Kerala next year. The boat race themed stand of Kerala Tourism was a major attraction on the opening day of the WTM. “We are confident that the tremendous response to our tourism products at the WTM will contribute to the growth of foreign tourist arrivals in our state in the coming 36

The GVK Lounge at Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Mumbai has been named as Asia’s leading airport lounge. Built and operated by Travel Food Services (TFS) and Performa, it was awarded Asia’s Leading Airport Lounge trophy in the World Travel Awards 2015. Spread across a 30,000 sq ft across two levels, the GVK Lounge is located in Terminal 2 and was inaugurated in November 2014. It is said to be the first-ever common luxury lounge in the country and offers concierge services, a smoking zone, food & drinks, a bar, a luxury spa, a shower area, a relaxation area, a library and a business centre. Instilling a sense of Indian grandeur , the lounge was designed by fashion designer Sandeep Khosla and Mumbai architect Alfaz Miller based on a concept from Softroom Architects. TFS Chief Operating Officer Gaurav Dewan said the award validated the company’s “commitment to offer our premium international guests a truly world-class lounge concept which is unsurpassed”. He continued: “This award provides the impetus to keep challenging boundaries as we have done with the GVK Lounge by TFS Performa, which is the first common luxury lounge in India, thus also bringing in a breakthrough ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015

NEWSLINE change in the model of lounge operations in India. The lounge continues to receive a lot appreciation from global passengers with discerning preferences for its bespoke ambiance, service and culinary delights.” The World Travel Awards was held in Hong Kong and is now in its 22nd edition, with about 500,000 unique votes cast by travel professionals and high-end tourism consumers this year. Other nominees were Cathay Pacific’s ‘The Wing’ First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport; the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge; the Korean Air KAL Lounge at Incheon International Airport; the Malaysian Airlines Golden Lounge; the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge; and the Thai Airways Royal First Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Kerala Tourism Receives PATA Award for Thekkady

“The Responsible Tourism Initiative of Kerala Tourism in Thekkady, implemented through Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), has developed new tourism products and packages in partnership with the local community and tourism industry,” he added. The awards were presented on the occasion of the PATA Aligned Advocacy dinner at the WTM, London, an event organised to focus on the importance of public-private partnership in the sustainable development of emerging destinations in the world. Philippines Tourism Minister Mr Ramon Jimenez Jr. delivered the keynote address at the event. A host of global travel and tourism industry leaders were present on the occasion. Under the PATA CEO Challenge 2015, global travel site TripAdvisor will work with Kerala Tourism to develop and create a 500,000-dollar digital marketing campaign to showcase Thekkady to a global audience. Kerala Tourism will also receive free stand space at the PATA Travel Mart 2016 in Jakarta during September 7-9 next year and invitation to the PATA Annual Summit in Guam, United States in May 2016. Rajashree Ajith, Director, KITTS and Vice President of the Affiliate Members of United Nations World Tourism Organisation in Asia Pacific Region was also present during the award ceremony.

TAAI President Elected President of UFTAA G Kamala Vardhana Rao IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism receiving the Pacific Asia Travel Association CEO Challenge Top Destination Award for Thekkady from Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA at a gala ceremony on the occasion of the PATA Aligned Advocacy event in London. Also seen is Martin Verdon-Roe, Global Vice President, TripAdvisor and Rajashree Ajith, Director, KITTS, Nodal agency for Responsible Tourism in Kerala

Kerala Tourism was conferred the inaugural Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Challenge 2015 award for the top emerging destination in the world. Kerala Tourism Secretary G Kamala Vardhana Rao received the award at a gala ceremony held at the World Travel Mart (WTM), London on November 2. United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb Rifai was among those present at the award ceremony held on the opening day of the WTM, London. The award is in recognition of the pioneering Responsible Tourism undertaken in Thekkady by Kerala Tourism. Thekkady won the Top Emerging Destination award in the category for two-tier/three-tier cities while Albay in the Philippines received the award for regions/ states/provinces. Kerala Tourism had earlier won the National Tourism Award for 2015 for its innovative Responsible Tourism project in Thekkady. “The award has given us the opportunity to showcase the new tourism products and packages developed in Thekkady under the Responsible Tourism project to a global audience,” said Shri Rao, who received the prize from PATA CEO Mario Hardy and TripAdvisor vice-president Martin Verdon-Roe. NOVEMBER 2015 | ASIAN TRAVELLER

Sunil Kumar, who has been recently elected as the President of TAAI, was unanimously elected at President of the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations(UFTAA) at the Annual General Assembly of UFTAA held at Brussels, on the 8th & 9th November 2015. Yossi Fatael of ITAO, and a very powerful IATA matters debater, was elected as the Vice President and S.G. Kaka of KATA, was elected as the VP Finance. The Board of UFTAA which comprises of nine elected officers will soon meet and assign portfolios and committees. Kumar’s landmark election will offer his Leadership to UFTAA as it celebrates its Golden jubilee, this year. UFTAA, born in Rome in 1966, is a conglomeration of various associations in the world. Kumar, in his address to the Annual General Assembly, sought the members to re-visit its goals to get UFTAA its pioneer status globally, for there are several prominent leaders of the world and associations that had contributed to the well-being of UFTAA during these 5 Decades of successful existence. He shared his happiness that this highly reputed international organization which was a result of an initiative by a past president of TAAI, J.N Guzder at Mumbai and thus is an opportune time for India to steer UFTAA beyond its past glory. UFTAA had taken some most outstanding decisions in this Annual General Assembly including inviting Affiliate membership from Individual Travel Agencies at an annual fee of only 100/Euro 150 EURO from across the world. Kumar said that the new “Institutional membership” that UFTAA looks forward to, can support this connect more strongly. 37

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 93 1. What body of water separates Africa from the Middle East? 2. What is Africa’s longest mountain range? 3. Three of the world’s ten largest lakes are in what area of Africa? 4. Antarctica’s highest peak, the Vinson Massif is named for __________. Zubin Karkaria

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Martin Cahill

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ASIAN TRAVELLER | NOVEMBER 2015