A GREAT RETREAT

THE VILLAGE RETREAT
BOUTIQUE HOTEL, MAHABALIPURAM, CHENNAI

HOW TO GET THERE

The hotel lies almost exactly halfway between Chennai and Puducherry. Call: 044-67454548 for pick-up, and to book your rooms. If you’d rather drive down, go about a 100 feet ahead of the 67 km milestone on the ECR, and take the lane to the right to Village Street.

TARIFF

A night at the Village Retreat comes at Rs. 4,000/- for a Deluxe, and Rs. 6,000/- for a Super Deluxe room. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

THINGS TO DO

Swim. Swim. And, then some more. With its rock-cut caves, ancient temples, archaeological wonders and unexpected beaches,
Mahabalipuram waits at about 13 km from the village.

Take off on bicycles, available on request-need we say more?

This information was read from newspaper.

HONEYMOON IN INDIA

If you want to spend your honeymoon amidst the nature, then Dalhousie is the ideal destination. The region is full of emerald green mountains, valleys and gushing rivers. Your honeymoon in Dalhousie will be a memorable event for you due to its magnificent scenic beauty.

Most of the places in Dalhousie are surrounded by dense greenery and forests. In the winter time, the green valleys pull over the thick blanket of snow. However the best time to pay a visit to Dalhousie is summer. Dalhousie is the perfect example of Himalayan beauty.

There are many places in and around Dalhousie. You can visit the ancient Chamba valley. You can visit to the ancient temples and monuments in this valley.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airports are at Gaggal near Dharamsala, Amritsar and Jammu, all of which are within a circuit of 130 km to 190 km. Tourist taxis and buses are available from the respective three destinations for transfer to Dalhousie.

By Rail

Catch the Jhelum Express, Jammu-Delhi Express or Himachal Express to Pathankot. Railway station: Pathankot, 80 km away, is the nearest railhead for Dalhousie. From here, it is a two-hour uphill drive by taxi, car or bus.

By Road

Himachal Pradesh Tourism runs deluxe buses from Shimla and Dharamsala to Dalhousie. Fares range between Rs 150 and Rs 500. Road routes are good via Ambala or Patiala to Pathankot. Even though the roads are not very broad, the drive upto Dalhousie is quite comfortable. Bus terminus: The bus stand is a 10-minute walk down the road from Subhash Chowk, near the Tourist Information Office.

PLACES OF VISIT

Khajjiar
Subhash Baoli
Panchpula
Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
Churches
Laxmi Narayan Temple

WHAT TO BUY

The roads along Gandhi Chowk are dotted with tiny shops selling ethnic trinkets and other souvenirs. The Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium on Thandi Sarak is a good place to buy a woollen shawl. The Tibetan Handicrafts Centre is about 3 km from Gandhi Chowk along the Khajjiar Road. The best thing about this place is that it has Tibetan carpets made to order. Other things to buy include bags and purses.

This information is gathered from a tourism guide.

BEGUILING BHUTAN

A blend of the traditional and the modern, Bhutan is all about simplicity and rustic beauty.

GETTING THERE

It is a deceptively large country. If you want to see all of Bhutan, enter at Phuentsholing and exit from east Bhutan to Guwahati. Take a train from Kolkata to Hasimara junction, from where it’s a short jeep or bus ride into Jalgaon, the Indian border town. Stay in Jalgaon, or drive into Phuentsholing in Bhutan. Stay overnight, or drive up to Thimpu, if you can leave early enough for the six-hour ride. Permits are done in Phuentsholing. It takes half-a-day. Within Bhutan, it is best to hire a cab and drive around. There is a public transport, but it is very sketchy.

Another option is to enter Bhutan from Guwahati. Entry permits from Guwahati might be harder to get, but it is worth checking.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Important: Always go with a Bhutanese Travel Agency for everything: Car, guide, reservations. There are Indian operators, but they are mostly out of their depth, as we discovered rather expensively.

An impulsive trip will be difficult to pull off; you are better off knowing where you want to go, at least broadly. Contact: Mindup, an experienced tour operator at mindupg@yahoo.com or 17609768 or Dorji, a seasoned driver and guide at 17621214.

Prices: Coffees and teas might seem expensive at no less than 15 bucks, but food is affordable, and the portions are always large, and substantial. The cabs are Rs.12/- per km if you drive more than 100 km a day or Rs. 1,200/- per day. Hotels range from Rs. 800/- to Rs. 1,200/-. Indian currency is accepted everywhere, and in fact, Bhutanese currency is accepted in Jalgaon.

This information gathered from a tourism magazine and a daily news paper.

KOVALAM BEACH

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Had enough of Kovalam beach? Try Varkala, with its winning topography and pristine beaches.

WHEN TO GO

Like Kovalam the season extends from October to March. Though the beach is idyllic strong undertows preclude serious swimming. Monsoon is best avoided, as the sea turns quite rough.

GETTING THERE

Road: Scenic roads connect Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram (55 km) and Quilon (35 km).

Train: Almost all trains from Thiruvananthapuram halt at Varkala.

Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Tourist facilitation centre on the heli pad cliff is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Government guest house information counter (Ph:0471-2602227) provides free of cost road maps, tourist brochures, private accommodation options, list of restaurants and approved Ayurvedic and yoga centers and booklets with lists of government guest houses in the State.

Tourist information counters at the railway station, Ph: 0471-2602126.

PLACES TO STAY

Most of the accommodations is strewn across the higher (heli pad) and lower (Papanasam beach) cliff tops. The heli pad cliff boasts the maximum numbers but teems with tourists. The lower cliff is much less crowded and more peaceful. The downtown Taj Garden Retreat (Ph: 0470-2603000) is 4-star while the government guest house just opposite offers spacious rooms at down-to-earth rates. For bookings, Contact Protocol Officer, General Admin Dept., Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram.
Ph: 2327377. Fax: 2325682
Sea Pearl Chalets (Ph: 0470-260875) and Vila Jacaranda (Ph: 0470-2610296) on the south cliff provide peace and value for money.

This information is read from a news paper

BHAVANI ISLAND –VIJAYAWADA

Paradise on Placid Waters

How to get there

Bhavani Island is 1.5 km from the Vijayawada Railway Station and the Pandit Nehru Bus Station (the main RTC bus station). You can board an APTDC boat to reach the island from any one of the three embarkation points-Seethanagaram, Lanaka Durga ghat or Haritha Berm Park.

Things to do

Take a quiet stroll by the riverside; if you are feeling adventurous, you can climb the spider web or the Burma Bridge. If you are into angling, try the delightful option of hook, line and rod to fish in the river waters, or else, hone your archery skills by grabbing a bow and arrow.

Tariff

The air-conditioned deluxe cottage costs Rs. 1,700/- per day plus luxury tax; the tree-top (A/C) cottage is Rs. 1,500/- plus 5% luxury tax; The restaurants serve complimentary breakfast for two.

The two conference halls, with a seating capacity of 250 and 60 respectively, come for hire at Rs. 7,000/- and Rs. 3,500/- respectively. A buffet south Indian (Vegetarian) tali costs Rs. 53/- per person, while a non-veg meal costs Rs. 185/-

Tel No: 0866-2571393, 098480 07025

SAROVAR CAMPS RISHIKESH

BRAHMAPURI RISHIKESH

CALL OF THE GANGA

Getting there

Rishikesh lies North of Delhi about 231km. There are a number of trains that run between Delhi and Haridwar. However, the best bet is the Dehradun Shatabdi which leaves New Delhi Railway station at 6.55 am. daily. Get off at Haridwar Railway station and take a cab up to the camps which is around 24 km away from Haridwar. The camps can also arrange for the conveyance. One can fly down to the Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun from where Rishikesh is just a 20-minute drive. Rishikesh is a five-and-a-half-hour journey by road. For room reservations call-011-26383851-55 and till free no-1800111222. Email: sales@sarovarhotels.com

Things to do

Indulge in adventure sport. Visit Neelkanth Mahadev temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva on the hilltop of Swarag ashram, attend Ganga aarti held on the banks of the river, visit Rajaji National Park. Its Kunao gate is just 6 km from Rishikesh.

Tariff

Special stay packages, including all meals, 2stretches of rafting and camp/beach activities, are valid till September 30, 2009.

Single occupancy – 2 nights/3 days – Rs. 5,799/-
Double Occupancy – 2 nights/3 days -11,499/-

VERDANT VISTAS

LAKE HAVEN ISLAND RESORTS-CHEMPUMPURAM, ALLEPPEY

HOW TO GET THERE

The resort is on the banks of the river Pampa and has multiple entry points on the National Waterway extending from Alleppey to Kollam. It is 90 km from Cochin airport, 15 km from Changanacherry and 8 km from Alleppey. If you are coming from Alleppey, take the Pallathuruthy Bridge and turn right at Pandarakkalam junction and drive to Pullikkalkarru, the boat point.

TARIFF

Deluxe Rs. 1, 500/-
Elegant Rs. 2, 000/-
Royal Rs. 2, 500/- plus taxes. Meals extra.

THINGS TO DO

Go canoing in country boats or go house and motorboat cruising.

Swim or go fishing with the local fisherman in the lake right at your doorstep.

Play basketball, table tennis or carom.

This information is gathered from daily news magazine.

RUSTIC RETREAT

TAJ KUTEERAM – BANGALORE

HOW TO GET THERE

Taj Kuteeram resorts, Sy No. 34/1, Kukkaanahalli village, Dasanpur Hobli, Bangalore North Taluk

Distance from the city centre is 35 km and from BIAL, 44 km.

Tel No. 91-80-28466326/29/332/347

TARIFF

Standard Rooms- Rs. 4,000/- (double), Rs. 3,500/- (single)
Suite Rs. 6,500/- AP Package (Residential Conference)
Standard Room Rs. 6,500/- and
Suite Rs. 8,500/- (exclusive of 12 % luxury tax)

THINGS TO DO

Meditation and yoga sessions, Nature walk, Nrityagram tour, weekend magic show and pottery workshop, badminton and indoor games, cycling, shooting, archery, bird watching, village games, visit nearby animal husbandry, poultry, duck, turkey, fishery, pig and rabbit farms, trek to Nandi hill and Hesaraghatta reservoir.

This information is gathered from a news paper.

WESTSIDE STORY

WESTWOOD RIVERSIDE GARDEN RESORT, MUNNAR

HOW TO REACH

Munnar is 100 km from Thekkady, Madurai 170 km, Ernakulam 130 km, Kottayam 150 km. The hotel is barely a km from the KSRTC bus stand on NH49. CSI Christ’s Church is a important landmark for reaching the place.

THINGS TO DO

Packaged tour programmes for boating, trekking and sightseeing are available. There are water falls within 10 to 25 km from the hotel. Dams 15 to 30 km. The country’s first every tea museum is three kms away. Tea gardens and coffee plantations beckon in all directions.

If you are the indoor type, enjoy the facilities at the hotel’s recreation club and play soccer table, carom, chess and table tennis. Browse in the library; visit the in-house shop for ethnic and antique items. Settle for a massage in the health club, burn out your fat in the gym but don’t miss the bonfire with music followed by a film screening on request) in the nights.

TARIFF

Presidential suite Rs. 4,000/-
Executive Rooms Rs. 3,400/-
Deluxe Rooms Rs. 2,800/-
Standard Rooms Rs. 2,300/- plus taxes and charges as applicable.

This valid information about this tourist place is gathered from a daily news paper.

JUNGLE STORY

AMBADI’S FALLING WATERS – KALLAR

HOW TO GET THERE

Falling Waters is situated midway between and towns of Adimali and Munnar. It is easily accessible by road. The resort is 110 km from the Cochin International Airport. You need to turn left from Kallar, on the road to Mangulam and drive about 3.5 km to Kurisupara. There is a signboard here and the resort is hardly 300 metres from here. The nearest railway station is Aluva (120km) and by road, travel on NH 49.

THINGS TO DO

Munnar is just 15 km from the resort. Take a drive to this lovely hill station-the land of the Nilgiri tea estates, Madupetty. Top station, Eravikulam National Park and more. Or, hire a jeep and drive all the way to Mangulam, though the road that is bad in parts. Go all the way to Anakulam, where you may come across a herd of elephants.

TARIFF

Garden suite: Rs. 3,500/- (single), Rs. 4,000/- (Double)
Garden suite: (two bedroom) Rs. 6, 000/- (double)
Water View Suite: Rs. 4,000/- (single), Rs. 5,000/- (double) Extra Bed costs Rs. 750/-

For details contact:0484-2311186/87.

This information is gathered from a news paper.

ITANAGAR-ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh is the hill resort of Itanagar. Itanagar is incredible and incomparable in natural beauty. The entire state of Arunachal Pradesh has been thrown open to tourism recently in 1998. Besides security it was done as an attempt to preserving the centuries old heritage of the tribal communities in the area. The virginal beauty of the state capital, Itanagar attracts several tourists from far and away.

HOW TO REACH

The Lilabari Airport at 67 km and the Tezpur Airport 216 km of Assam cater to the air transportation to and from Itanagar. The railway station nearest to the hill resort of Itanagar is North Lakhimpur in the state of Assam. It is at a distance of 60 km from Itanagar

At a distance of 10 km from Itanagar is the Naharlagun bus station. The excellent road network links Naharlagun with other important places like Guwahati, Shillong, Ziro, North Lakhimpur and Bomdila. You may board the buses run by the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport from Naharlagun.

WHAT TO BUY

The hill resort of Itanagar offers several handicraft items to its tourists. The local tribes are known to weave exquisite fabrics. Amongst the many items you may pick up the coats, shawls, sashes, carpets and bags. These items are made from cotton, wool or even bark fiber. Besides woven items you may buy the traditional handicrafts items. There are items in bamboo, cane and wood. Plus you must check out the Tibetan Buddhist paintings or the thankas.
Located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh is the hill resort of Itanagar. Itanagar is incredible and incomparable in natural beauty. The entire state of Arunachal Pradesh has been thrown open to tourism recently in 1998. Besides security it was done as an attempt to preserving the centuries old heritage of the tribal communities in the area. The virginal beauty of the state capital, Itanagar attracts several tourists from far and away.

HOW TO REACH

The Lilabari Airport at 67 km and the Tezpur Airport 216 km of Assam cater to the air transportation to and from Itanagar. The railway station nearest to the hill resort of Itanagar is North Lakhimpur in the state of Assam. It is at a distance of 60 km from Itanagar

At a distance of 10 km from Itanagar is the Naharlagun bus station. The excellent road network links Naharlagun with other important places like Guwahati, Shillong, Ziro, North Lakhimpur and Bomdila. You may board the buses run by the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport from Naharlagun.

WHAT TO BUY

The hill resort of Itanagar offers several handicraft items to its tourists. The local tribes are known to weave exquisite fabrics. Amongst the many items you may pick up the coats, shawls, sashes, carpets and bags. These items are made from cotton, wool or even bark fiber. Besides woven items you may buy the traditional handicrafts items. There are items in bamboo, cane and wood. Plus you must check out the Tibetan Buddhist paintings or the thankas.

KANYAKUMARI

At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari), an important pilgrim center. Kanyakumari is also famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days.

HOW TO REACH

Air
The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (80-km), which is well connected with national and International flights. From Thiruvananthapuram one can take a taxi or bus to Kanyakumari.

Rail
Kanyakumari is well connected by train services with all the places in India. Super fast trains connect the southern most railhead of India with northern cities like Jammu and Delhi. Intercity trains are running from almost all the southern cities.

Road
Kanyakumari is connected by regular bus services with Chennai, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Trichy, Madurai, Mandapam (Rameshwaram), Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, Tiruvelveli, Trivandrum, etc. Town bus service, tourist taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

PLACES OF VISIT

The Sangam

Sangam is the meeting point of the three major bodies of water, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a bathing ghat, with steps leading into the water and a sort of lagoon formed between land by a series of rocks. People bathe and jump around, getting lightly battered by the remains of waves, which are washing over the rocks.

Vivekananda's Rock

Kanyakumari is famous for Vivekananda's rock, a huge stone rising out of the sea, on which Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated. It now houses the statue of Vivekananda and is a memorial to him. Not surprisingly, Kanyakumari is a popular destination for Vivekananda's followers, so there are many Bengalis here, and some Bengali hotels and restaurants are available too.

REST AND RECOUP AT RIVER’S EDGE- VEDIC VILLAGE

V.P. ISLAND, KODUNGALLOOR

VEDIC VILLAGE RESORT

HOW TO GET THERE

From Kochi Airport, it is 25 km by road.

From Aluva Railway Station, it is 26 km.

THINGS TO DO

Boating in the river and the backwaters.

Visit the oldest mosque in India, the Cheraman mosque, the Kodungalloor Devi temple, the synagogue, the Marthoma Pontifical Shrine, one of the earliest Churches founded by St. Thomas, and the ruins of the Portuguese-built Cranganoor Fort, also known as
Tipu’s Fort.

Visit the Cherai beach, 14 km away.

Indulge in the Ayurvedic spas.

TARIFF

Queen’s Nest Cottage cost Rs. 3,500/- for (non-a/c) and the Queen’s Nest Cottage (a/c) costs Rs. 4,000/-. The King’s Nest Cottage (non a/c) costs Rs. 3,500/- and the King’s Nest Cottage costs (a/c) Rs. 4,000/-.

The Emperor’s Nest (a/c) costs Rs. 4,900/- and Kovilakam (a/c) Rs. 4,900/-.

Contact: 480-2812150, 2812180
For details: Mobile 91-9447046695 or
Mail: mail@vedicvillageresorts.com

This place's information is gathered from a daily news magazine.