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CELEBRATING THE BEST OF...

Know before you go!

November-December 2015

We’re building the World’s Largest Bank of Travel Secrets.

UNLOCK THEM INSIDE!

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contents November-December 2015

11

11 Lust List Picture-postcard perfect places to dream about

20 A Man From Amsterdam And his homely little secrets

24 #Trending Now Ideas and apps that are changing the travel world

29 Cover Story #1Million Travel Secrets: Join the mission and win big!

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- Dholavira: An archaeological gem in Kutchh - Mustang: Magical, mystical Nepal - The Philippines in 2016 - A lovely budget stay in Manali - Incredible Italy: A local shares her secret

Photo: Aman Chotani Photography

62 Driving Solo in Paradise Take a ride along Ireland’s lush countryside

66 Kerala Cuisine Secrets from a Masterchef who belongs to God’s Own Country

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70 Black Book Books, movies, blogs, drinks,,,handpicked for your travelling pleasure

November-December 2015 Travel Secrets 5

FIRSTWORDS

W

Making Our First Million

hile the world prepares to put 2015 to bed, we at TS have been up nights, gathering secrets like squirrels going after nuts. Speaking of nuts, the idea of collecting a whopping 100,00,000 travel secrets did seem a bit nutty at first. But the goal began to seem more attainable when we realised we had already banked a few thousand! Soon, it became a mission with us, and imagine our delight when people began nodding in approval, curling their lips in an impressed “O,” and best of all, chipping in with their own travel secrets.

Day after exciting day, we invite people from all over the world to tell us one travel secret each. College students, homemakers on their way to buy daily bread, executives, designers, men and women from the armed forces...most of them were glad to tell us where they have been and what they have seen. Here’s a random list of secrets we haven’t been able to include in this issue for lack of space!

A dhaba in the Uttaranchal hills where the owner will ask you to wait a minute so he can catch fresh fish from the nearby stream and fry it for you.

Two tiny eateries in the heart of Madrid that fight for the title of the World’s Oldest Restaurant.

The secret place in France that’s famous for its gingerbread and blackcurrant.

A couple who have started a travel agency only for those who fear flying.

And a gentleman who guarantees he can rid you of the fear of flying.

As I write, our Secrets vault continues to fill up with such amazing little nuggets, each like a piece of gold. If you’ve got one—or five—to share, toss it our way. Not only will we publish a good secret, but also reward you for your contribution. Get the details in this issue’s cover story, packed with a selection of interesting information, ideas and inspiration.

Do also turn to Page 20, where you’ll meet a wonderful man from Amsterdam. Handsome and happy-go-lucky Hendrik Broeze loves his Holland home, and it shows in his chatty, free flowing letter. He sent it on email, and we reproduced it almost as is, letting you feel the man behind the words. After all, that’s why TS was born in the first place; to show you the world through the eyes of real people, not trained reporters!

Let me end my piece--and this year—with a beautiful Irish blessing: May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Safe travels, and happy times.

Shubhra Krishan, Publisher & Editor

November-December 2015 Travel Secrets 9

lustlist

Explora Patagonia, Chile A five-hour drive on some rather difficult roadways from the airport in Punta Arenas to Explora is in itself a bit of an adventure. It looks like a white ship on the shores of Lake Pehoé. Explora Patagonia’s unique location sets you accurately in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Stands just yards away from the Salto Chico waterfall with the peaks of the Paine Massif looming just behind. The fifty rooms and suites, and the associated public spaces are luxurious.

Over 50 different guided hikes and horseback rides take you through incredible views of glaciers, lakes and mountains.

Tip: There aren’t any cell-phone networks! So it’s a completely secluded place; just be in the moment and enjoy. Source: www.explora.com

November-December 2015 Travel Secrets 11

Homely Secrets from an Amsterdam Man Hendrik Broeze works at a bar in Amsterdam’s buzzy Red Light District, but belongs to a quiet town away from the Dutch capital. Here’s a freewheeling letter he wrote us, sharing irresistible secrets that only a local knows.

I

’d like to start this letter with a regular waking up in Amsterdam.

Very happy to see that when I open up the curtains, the sky is completely light blue, with some little white clouds just wandering around; as if they have nothing to do…

Together with the sun shining on my face, I just know it is going to be a great Dutchie day.

That is actually the strange thing about Holland weather, you never know what you gonna get; it is always a big surprise! In the summertime you can never just choose the sun in Holland.

It is always a nice mix between rain, wind, thunder, lightning and sun. Of course, today I am lucky with the sun and wind!

20 Travel Secrets November-December 2015

#TrendingNow

Connect with Like-Minded Travellers

Apps, gadgets and ideas to know and try The Marriott Mobile App The newly launched Marriott Mobile App will make it easier for the global hotel chain’s guests to access a wide variety of services related to their stay.

The app allows guests to make reservations at nearly 4,000 hotels and resorts across 70 countries and is equipped with a GPS to find a hotel near you if you are in a new city. Apart from making checking in and out much easier, the app also lets you access photos of hotels and view amenities before making a reservation.

Mesmo is a nifty new open-platform app that lets you connect with like-minded travellers based on your common interests and activities before, during and after your trip.

Simply set up a profile including a profile picture, introduce yourself in 140 characters, list your favourite hobbies, interests and activities and you’re off!

Source: www.mesmo.me

Source: www.mobileapp.marriott.com

YOTEL’s Yawn Campaign The low-cost hotel chain YOTEL has introduced SmartBeds which serves as a multi-purpose mattress. At the touch of a button the flatbed converts to a sofa, thus offering a multifunctional space for both work and sleep.

The innovative hotel chain has also launched YAWN: an inhouse sleep-promoting campaign that includes a visual and audio soundtrack developed by a documentary filmmaker, promising to put even the most restless guests to sleep Source: www.yotel.com

24 Travel Secrets November-December 2015

Eco-conscious Hotel Bookings Switzerland-based GreenHotelWorld allows ecoconscious travellers to offset the carbon emissions of their hotel stay.The website has listed more than 1,30,000 hotels in 107 countries, enabling travellers to browse and book their ‘green’ accommodation online. How does it work?

GreenHotelWorld ensures all users’ stays are carbon neutral — by compensating the CO2 emissions of the less eco-responsible accommodation options free of charge. Source: www.greenhotelworld.com

1,000,000

travel secrets

Niagara’s Beautiful Birds & Butterflies

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30 Travel Secrets November-December 2015

From: Our Canada Correspondent George Bailey

At the Niagara Falls Aviary, you’ll feel like you’re in a rain-forest when you encounter free-flying birds such as the wax bill, wattled jacana and red whiskered bulbul.

The setting includes 40-foot waterfalls, vertical gardens and a hand-carved house from the island of Java. For more of the tropics visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory north of the Falls. Thousands of free-flying butterflies remain year-round crowd pleasers.

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Fairy tale in Romania

From: Kirstie Jeffries, blogger @www.vengavalevamos.com

WHERE: Transylvania, Romania WHY: Tourism in Romania may be growing in popularity, but for many, the name “Transylvania” still conveys images of a spooky land replete with vampires, thanks to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

However, this region in Romania is actually one of the most beautiful spots on earth and remains inexpensive and uncrowded even in peak season. Transylvania’s rolling hills, elaborate castles, and picturesque villages make the destination truly something straight out of a fairy tale.

Transylvania is easily reachable by train from Romania’s capital, Bucharest, or visitors can fly directly to international airports in the Transylvanian cities of ClujNapoca or Sibiu. Some of the region’s most charming towns include Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara.

To make the most of Transylvania’s architecture, be sure to pay a visit to some of its 100 castles and fortresses and 70 fortified churches, such as Peles Castle in Sinaia or Bran Castle near Brasov. For the nature fan, Transylvania is home to the Carpathian mountains, a fantastic spot for hiking. If you’re a foodie, Romanian cuisine is hearty, inexpensive, and absolutely delectable, so be sure to try the region’s specialties when visiting.

Romania is easily one of my favorite countries in the world, and with good reason! Add it to your travel list for 2016 and you won’t be disappointed.

WHEN: Spring or summer to enjoy Romania’s natural beauty — don’t worry too much about it being inundated with tourists even then!

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#349

#350

Sunsets in Madhya Pradesh

Pasta Indiano!

Located in Sarguja district of northern Chhattisgarh, Mainpat is a lovely virgin plateau: Spectacular sunsets, lush valley, friendly locals.

“If you like your pasta with a spicy Indian touch, head to Billu’s Hut, Aggarwal Millenium Tower, Netaji Subhash Place in North Delhi.

From Vikalp Dubey, artist & writer

From Gurneet Chawla, Mass Communication student

A beautiful Buddha temple and pristine waterfalls make it a superb serene getaway.

Once seen, never forgotten: that’s Mainpat!

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Their Punjabi Pasta and Cold Coffee are a total treat! The pasta is tossed in yummy red & white sauce and topped with lots of cheese.”

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Yummy Chicken Curry in Delhi

Where To Have Your Cake

If you’re craving spicy dhaba food, head to Baba da Dhaba in Gupta Colony, Malviya Nagar, South Delhi.

Try their special chicken curry, Murg Punjabi

The Big Chill Cakery in Khan Market, Delhi, is one of my current favourites.

The desserts here are to die

From Sheetal Ray, PR professional, Delhi

along with Garlic Naan.

Vegetarians should go for Kadhai Paneer or Shahi Paneer. The cost is pretty nominal too as compared to other dhabas.

58 Travel Secrets November-December 2015

From Kajal Rana, Mass Comm student, Delhi

for, or rather, live for! A bit expensive for a student like me, but totally worth the splurge.

Driving Solo in Ireland Veteran journalist Sathya Saran breezes by the Wild Atlantic Way

“The engine started with a cat-like purr, happy to be active, the automatic shift stick was easy, the tyres floated just above the ground, as I headed with a faster-than-usual heart beat towards the highway to Killarney, 308 kilometres away.

My helpful Hertz assistant had set the GPS for me, I was told the toll had been pre paid on my behalf, and all I had to do was press the accelerator and keep my tiny craft on the road, till I reached ‘ Home’.”

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T

umbling out of a long haul flight which included a security check at Heathrow that made me feel like an ant under a microscope, I found myself in a shuttle bus which dropped me at the end of a long queue.

All prospective drivers like me, but unlike me, people who had been there, done that, many times over.

“What are we going to drive off in?”

A drawl unmistakably West American was asking, and the answering drawl responded with, “I always upgrade at the counter. Remember the BMW?” A question that was answered by a giggle most unbecoming of the rather elderly throat it emerged from.

I had no such aspirations. I was driving solo for the first time in a foreign country; and small was what I had

ordered. Small, light, manouverable.

When the lady at the counter pointed out the relevant section which showed a natty Volkeswagon, I nodded happily. It was not The Bug of course, but any relative was good enough for someone who had once loved the Love Bug! Painless procedures, and a signature later, a key was thrust into my hand, along with a brochure with innummerable conditions and small print. Anxious to be off, I stuffed it into my bag, reached out to take the GPS unit I had thoughtfully remembered to ask for, and realised I did not know how to install it.

“No problem.” A young lad trotted out with me and stood waiting while I walked purposefully towards a white VW. “ This one,” he said. I stared starry eyed at the gleaming VW logo. “ This one,” he said again, from behind me, and I turned to be introduced to the car who

KERALA

Cuisine

THE GURU: CHEF VELU MURUGAN

K

e rala’s long coastline, numerous rivers and backwater networks have spawned a thriving fishing industry, making seafood a statewide favourite. Together with spices and the lavish use of coconut, Kerala is home to some incredible delicacies.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE: The spice trade between Kerala and rest of the world made its ports one of the busiest on the globe. As a bonus, Kerala cuisine acquired the flavours of Europe and Arab countries whose traders often visited the coastal state.

Arab traders frequently came to the port city of Kozhikode (Calicut). Their influence on the cuisine of Kerala’s Muslim Moplah community has endured to this day. Typical Moplah cooking blends Arabian, North Indian and indigenous Malabari flavours.

Thalassery biryani, a traditional Moplah dish, is reminiscent of the Mughal-Arab cultural influence in North Kerala due to trade ties that lasted for many centuries.

Master Chef – Dakshin, ITC Sheraton, New Delhi

Kerala also houses a large number of families that converted to Christianity when Kerala was a Portuguese territory. That’s why, they are very fond of Portuguese-style stew prepared by gently simmering chicken, potatoes and onions in a creamy white sauce flavoured with black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, green chillies, lime juice, shallots and coconut milk. Other popular dishes are Meen Molee, stir-fired chicken, duck roast and crab roasts.

SECRET: Only the Nair families of Kerala are completely vegetarian and known for their vegan cuisine, especially various varieties of Sambar and Rasam.

66 Travel Secrets November-December 2015

5 Dreamy Drinks For your romantic getaway

Sun, seclusion, surf… and a touch of sparkling spirits. Together, they create a heady holiday cocktail. Pushpanjali Banerji, Brand Director of Kyndal Group, selects her favourite sips.

So, you’re taking off for a cosy twosome weekend.

Your bags are packed.

Sunscreen—check! Swim gear—check! Add sparkle to your sojourn with a glamorous cocktail for the day, and colour your sunsets amber with a splash of seductive liquor. Take your pick.

68 Travel Secrets November-December 2015

1.

Hooked to history? Do old cobbled-streets, grand fountains and decadent palaces enamour you? Sneak into an unexplored ancient ruin with your lover, carry along a bottle of Chardonnay and seep in the romance of a timeless setting as you toast your togetherness in regal splendour.

2.

The misty mountains can work their magic on any romance! After a day of alpine walks, snowball fights and gazing at the peaks, the evening is ripe for unwinding before a crackling fire. How better to do this, than with a glass of Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky to warm the two of you up? A truly enchanting drink for a magical evening of alchemy.