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Regal Sampler Luxuriate in the plush interiors
of the Palace on Wheels even as you discover Rajasthan in the scorching
heat
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For a truly
memorable holiday, go west with Shree Raj Tours and Travels which offers
its “Romantic Rajasthan” package tour on deluxe and budget terms.
Explore the golden sands of the Thar and more with a 12 night/13 day trip
that takes you from Delhi to Agra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur
and Udaipur. From the stately Taj to the shimmering lake palaces of Udaipur,
this package has variety and colour. Costs: deluxe 80,834 ; budget Rs
59,794 (per couple), including airfare, hotel, sightseeing and meals.
Check www.raj-travels.com or for enquiries, call 1600 11 9900. Raj Tours
introduces a new product every year—be it a new airline, hotel or
sightseeing place. Innovating the travel experience is its mantra with
pre-departure get-togethers, a library and games on tour, the facility
of a mobile tv and the intercom are its hallmarks. Raj Tours also offers
European and American tours.
Those on a tighter budget can opt for a similar package offered by Siddhartha
Holiday, Tours and Travel Service—a 16 day/15 night round trip of
Rajasthan with an add on—Mandawa. The $930 per couple (Rs 44,640)
tag includes travel, hotel, sightseeing and meals. Check out www.siddhartha.de
or info@siddhartha.de.
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| Tempting Tract Goa is seductive in the summer
time and romantic in the monsoon rains |
For shorter getaways choose from Palace on Wheels, Rajasthan luxury train
tour: a seven night package (the departure dates for April 2002 are 3,10,17
and 24; the train does not run between May and August, discounts available
in April and September). Relish the lifestyles of the kings of yore as
you take in the majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan. Cost: (April
and Sep 2002) per person per night: Single occupancy, $395; twin sharing,
$295; triple occupancy $240, including stay, travel, meals and conducted
sightseeing tours.
If you can brave the scorching desert heat, the palace hotels of Rajasthan
can be wonderful weekend getaways. Miss television and soak in nature’s
beauty. Visit the spas. Karni Fort, distt Udaipur: 2 nights/3 days—Rs
3,999 per couple. Or check out Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur two nights/three
days Rs 3,799 per couple; reservations courtesy Welcome Heritage. Call
011-6561869. welcom@ndf.vsnl.net.in.
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| Prayer in Peace Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu |
This summer, sunny Goa is all set to become the best-selling holiday
destination. Goahub.com offers the following irresistible packages: www.goahub.com/Goan
Summer 2002: Valid till 15th June '02; Superior Room: Rs 9,333 for 3 nights
/ 4 days. Suite: Rs 12,333 for 3 Nights / 4 days. Cottage: Rs 13,333 for
3 Nights /4 days. The package includes accomodation for 2 adults, 2 children
below 12 years; Airport / Railway station transfers (from Madgaon Stn);
One half-Day Sightseeing & Boat Cruise (same day & weather permitting);
Free use of Steam, Sauna & Gymnasium & Swimming pools (indoor
& outdoor); Free use of Tennis & Squash court; Happy hours at
the bar; 30 per cent discount on Beauty Parlour & Massage; Free entry
to "Treasures" Casino & Discotheque; Gift on departure.
Romantic Rains, Goa 2002 (June 15 '02 to October 31 '02). Superior Room:
Rs 7,999 for 3 nights / 4 days. Suite: Rs 9,999 for 3 Nights /4 days.
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| Art Form: There’s culture, tradition,
heritage and fun on the Malabar tour circuit |
Cottage: Rs 10,999 for 3 Nights / 4 days June and July should be fairly
comfortable down South. For starters, there are the Nilgiri hills lush
with tea-gardens. Kodaikanal and Ooty are overexposed holiday destinations,
but try exploring alternate places like Coonoor Valley in Tamil Nadu;
Horseley Hills in Andhra Pradesh; Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, Kottayam and
Kovalam in Kerala and Lakshwadeep as well as Andaman & Nicobar Isles
off the Indian coast. Karnataka and Kerala offer premium resorts. Log
on to www.trailsindia.com to get details of resorts like Orange County
in Coorg and Kadavu in Kerala. This portal would also have information
on proffered Malabar tour packages.
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|
Serene Spot Sri Lanka, the Emerald Isle, is attracting Indian
tourists in large numbers
oriental Lures
|
Siddhartha also offers a 15 days/14 nights budget tour “The Best
of Southern India” starting from Chennai or Goa, covering 4 states
(Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa) and brings before you magnificent
temples, palaces, two wildlife sanctuaries and a backwater cruise.
The tour will take you through the famed temple towns of Mamallapuram,
Tanjore, Madurai, Mysore, Halebid and Belur. Check out the artistic and
exquisite carvings, including Nandi the Bull. The Mysore Palace within
the city, too is worth a dekko The serene backwaters between Quilon and
Cochin surrounded by coconut palms and lush greenery will also be experienced.
The Buddha at Sravanbelagola is a part of the attractions and is famous
pilgrimage spot of the Jains. Goa is the final destination. Cost: $880
per couple (Rs 42,240) including travel, hotel, sightseeing and meals.
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|
Seaside Sojourns A tranquil beach in Sai Kung, Hong Kong,
attracts tourists from neighbouring countries
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Exotic Journeys Inc, making tours happen since 1979, offers a 20 day
South India trip designed to suit the traveller who expects more, and
is willing to pay more. This package takes care of all your needs starting
from your hometown in the US (Air India flights from New York or Chicago
and Singapore Airlines flights from Los Angeles and San Fancisco to Delhi).
From Delhi, the trip turns southwards, moving from the elegant monuments
of Hyderabad to Bangalore, Mysore, Belur, Halebid, Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli,
Periyar, the white sands of Kovalam and the temples of Cape Comorin.
Floating on the backwaters and a visit to the historical synagogues of
Cochin are a prelude to the flight to Delhi, followed by the return flight
to the US.
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Soaring High
|
With nearly 200 awards in its pocket, the Dubai-based
international airline Emirates has made further strides this year.
It is launching its service to North America in July 2003. The airline
will offer daily non-stop flights from New York to its hub in Dubai.
The carrier will fly the ultra-long range Airbus A340-500 aircraft
on the 6,853-mile route. Its service to Dubai from Chicago, Los Angeles
and Toronto is scheduled to be in place by 2004. The Emirates currently
flies to 56 destinations in 39 countries. Five new routes will open
this year from Perth, Osaka, Mauritius, Khartoum and Casablanca.
In the Indian subcontinent, the Emirates flies to nine gateway cities—Mumbai,
Chennai, Colombo, Delhi, Dhaka, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore,
and Peshawar. Emirates’ first-class service begins with complimentary
chauffeur service to and from select airports and luxurious lounges.
On-board services feature18 roomy sleeper seats, personal video systems,
unique external cameras giving live views of take-offs, landings and
en route scenery. Communications technology is available and master
chefs prepare seven-course meals served on Royal Doulton china, with
fine wine, cutlery and linen. Business-class passengers have access
to Internet in lounges and personal satellite telephones in every
seat. |
Costs start at $ 5,339 and move up depending on coach class or business
class airfare and deluxe or superior hotels. Go to www.exoticjourneys.com,
info@exoticjourneys.com, or check out www.exoticjourneys.com/ SouthIndia20Dyas.html
("days" is spelt differently). Or combine South India with the
Emerald Isle, Sri Lanka. Exotic offers a 19-day South India and Sri Lanka
trip (Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy Nuwara, Ratnapura and Bentota). Cost: Begins
from $ 4412 per person.
www.exoticjourneys.com/SouthIndiaSriLanka19Days.html
Kerala is an exotic destination with its beaches and backwaters. It also
offers cool getaways in the pristine higher reaches of the Western Ghats.
Check out Moonar, where tea and spices grow in abundance and wild elephants
roam. Clouds dip in and out of the valley where the town is situated and
surround tourist resorts that dot the hills along with lush vegetation
and abundant waterfalls. Worth the winding drive up.
Also not to miss are the snake boat races of Kerala and the elephant procession
on specific religious days. With plenty of NRI funds flowing into the
state, the Cochin Airport is a stylish treat. The low sprawling building
has international standard shopping facilities, and touches of the Gulf’s
flashiness. Look out for ayurvedic massages and cultural treats such as
the kathakali dances.
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Service in Style
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|
JW Marriott Hotel on juhu beach, Mumbai, offers its guests
lush, peaceful surroundings with highly personalised service. The
modern mixes with traditional Rajasthani in the architecture and
decor while landscaping is very south-east Asian.
JW Marriott has 358 rooms including 36 suites, most of them with
a sea view.
For the business traveller are facilities such as the Club Marriott;
a 24-hour business centre & executive amenities. Its 11 F&B
outlets include Mezzo Mezzo, Saffron, Spices, Reflections, Lotus
Café and the Bombay Baking Company, all of which offer spectacular
views and an interactive multi-cuisine dining experience.
Besides, it’s banqueting, conferencing and event management
facilities are unparalleled in the city. For leisure and recreation
the hotel boasts four outdoor swimming pools, an aerobics studio
and technogym fitness centre, massage and spa treatments.
|
Seeking South-Asian experiences this Summer is as good an idea as travelling
within India. On the whole, its more reasonable than previous years too.
Travel industry experts point out that South East Asia is a very popular
holiday option this year. So, make the most of it. If its just two of
you travelling, you could fly to places on the Air India circuits at the
cost of just one person. This airline is offering one companion free flight
(to any destination and in any class). This holds true for both outbound
travel (only till April 30th 2002) and inbound travel (till 31st May 2002).
Venture away from land to try a more luxurious option - cruising. The
Indian Ocean may still not boast Carribeanesque style cruises, but it
sure is getting there. Singapore based Star Cruises (log on starcruises.com)
offers some reasonably priced cruises. Shorter cruises are perfect for
those who don’t have the luxury of time. For instance, 3 days and
two nights on the SuperStar Virgo will see you sailing from Singapore
to ports like Langkawi, Phuket, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur. On board ship,
the facilities are quite tempting - Las Vegas style entertainment, multi-cuisine
restaurants, sports & recreation centres, swimming pools, even a golf
course!
Travel firm Cox & Kings (www.coxandkings.com) offers a seven day
package tour to the Far East for Rs. 32,500. Places covered are Bangkok,
Pattaya beach and Singapore, with the cost including air fare, sightseeing
and hotel charges. TCI is offering a four day tour of Singapore or Thailand
at $299 per head. It has also tied up with Malaysian Tourism to promote
their country. This year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board beseeches travellers
to go beyond the memorable Hong Long harbour city to explore the interiors
of the territory and roam around its coasts. Guided Nature Walks are available
at Lion Rock, Dragon’s Back, Tai Long Wan and Sai Kung. Sai Kung
makes for an enchanting escape hike.
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Royal Treatment
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|
Echoing the resplendence of the Mysore Palace, The Leela Palace
Bangalore was chosen by Forbes magazine last year as one of eight
“best new business hotels” in the world, and the only
one chosen in India. Set on six acres of lush garden, the pink,
palatial building is a five-star property of the Kempinski Hotels
and Resorts. It offers 254 guest rooms on six floors, four restaurants,
a state of the art fitness centre, a spa and a shopping mall. The
rooms are well-appointed and the smallest of them, at 465 sq ft,
is luxurious. Imagine then what the 2,650 sq ft. Presidential Suite
would be like.
Of the restaurants, Citrus serves up contemporary international
and authentic Indian cuisine. The dining is an experience with Mediterranean
fare on offer, a display kitchen where you can watch expert chefs
conjure up a variety of delicacies, and al-fresco dining on the
deck facing the pool and landscaped gardens. Jamavar offers recipes
from the royal kitchens, while the Library Bar has refreshing cocktails
and beverages. Experience Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and Malay cuisine
at The Asian Bistro.
Built over 12,000 sq ft. The Spa offers Kerala Ayurvedic treatment
as well as western holistic therapy such as sauna, steam baths,
jacuzzi and body jet showers.
The Royal Club covers two floors and offers breakfast, tea/coffee
services, a business centre, complimentary cocktails, a restaurant,
champagne and a cigar room.
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Once you have your target destination clear, it’s advisable that
you firm your travel plans well in advance. In case, you don’t want
to hassle relatives and friends in India with the reservations, trust
your mouse instead and book online. There are several options. You can
customize your Indian holiday at www.equinofunholidays.com. Their customised
Indian holiday range includes the Royal Rail Experience, Spiritual tour,
Thrilling Adventure, Artistic heritage Tour and Wild experience. For a
range of packages and reliable service, there’s travel agency Thomas
Cook’s India specific website, www.thomascook.co.in. In fact, they
have a separate section online that caters to Foreign Nationals &
Non-Resident Indians. Take your pick from the many Summer packages and
choose the place of departure (options vary from Delhi to Bangalore) according
to what suits you. Their 8-day Southern Sensation package, for instance,
covering Bangalore, Hassan, Mysore and Ooty comes at Rs. 12,290 per head
(including land costs only). Starting April, till mid June, there are
departures every Saturday.
Also log on to some comprehensive Indian travel related websites like
www.traveljini.com, www.indiaoutdoors.com, www.shubhyatra.com. Especially
good for those enamoured with the wild is www.nivalink.com. You could
arrange for visits to National Parks at Ranthambore, Kanha and Dandeli
through this portal. Exotic also offers a 23-day Wildlife Safari in India
and Nepal and holds special package tours for events like the Pushkar
Fair in Rajasthan. Even if you may not book online at such websites, it’s
helpful to get a good idea of India’s attractions through these.
It's also sensible to look for bargain airfares before you start. Information
on the best deals in air-tickets can be found at the following seats (since
rates are seasonal it is best to check these sites when you decide which
flight you want to take): www.lowest-airfare.com/ www.cheapflights.com
(valid for the United Kingdom and Ireland only) ; the company Cheap Tickets
works in the same way for the US. Cheap Tickets INC. 115E.57th at Park
Avenue, Suite 1510 T: 800-377-1000:, 212-570-1179, (US only).
Time to stop reading and begin packing instead?
—Inputs by Shuchi Sinha in Delhi
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CURRENT
ISSUE APRIL 8, 2002
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