Give Time Together - Spreading the Sunshine

The day was bright and sunny and we at Travelocity were all charged up to give the children from the Sneha Sagar and Prem Kiran Transformation Centre the time of their lives, which surely included a large dose of pampering and maha entertainment.

Food is the best way to connect with any soul and that includes children. And what better way than to fulfill their wish to “simply enjoy a meal at the McDonald's outlet”. This luxurious and eagerly awaited wish-treat was fulfilled by us genies, who had already organized a place at the nearby outlet. There were yummy burgers, vegetable rolls and fizz cool colas to satiate their appetite and quench their thirst, and activate us all for the entertainment quotient that was lined up by Prerna Sharma, the HR Head. The tagline of McDonald's “I'm Lovin' It” loomed large in the background and we made it doubly sure that each child experienced happiness and laughter through this day-out. Interactions with us included activities like a spontaneous jig by Niket Mishra, (one of the Travelocity-Travelguru event members), a fun exercise of building a pyramid out of the cola cups within a minute, and making installation art through the cola straws and lids, which was initiated by Kinnari Paleja, our event leader.

The time was up at McDonald's but the fun was not yet over as the kids were then taken to the office. On the way out of the Mall, its escalator caught their fancy and we, especially Kinnari, Sharon and Charmaine took them for a ride so that they could experience the nuances of modern interior technology. It was a sheer joy to observe the toothless grins and boisterous enthusiasm on all of the faces.

We had a train of enthusiastic and well behaved children on the way to the Travelocity office. Taking a ride in an elevator up to the 8th floor, a simple everyday habit of ours was also enjoyed by the children as if it was one of the Disneyland’s joy rides.

The magic continued with the “Open Seasons”, a children’s movie shown in our office’s cafeteria, which was engulfed with uncontrollable laughter. Post the movie, it was time for a small drink break and this was followed by more games and dance performances, which was done by all, especially Vandana Shenoy, who gyrated to a famous Bollywood number. We also had a musical chair game for the children that were also equally enjoyed by the Travelocity & Travelguru team, who were having a second go at their childhood. The innocence of the day was getting contagious and we had some goodies distributed to the children, who were extremely happy to receive the same.

Partings are never sweet but the children were delighted and expressed their happiness and presented a personalized memento to Himanshu Singh, Travelocity’s head honcho.

So, experience Eternity like we did by sending out rays of sunshine to the children of the lesser God and see the world change around you into a beautiful place with loads of laughter, happiness and smiles.

Consumer Review Sites - The Good and the Bad!!!

The consumer is the king/queen of the market scenario and they are always right: or are they? In today’s hyper age and hi-technology, a company cannot afford to be in the bad books of a customer for they vent their frustrations through the Internet, which has become a podium, a voice and an audience to the common consumer.

When a consumer today has a bad experience of a product, the first thing they want to do is - report it online and express their dissent to the World. Hence, the advent of sites like - www.mouthshut.com and www.tripadvisor.com which adds great value to a consumer’s experience and a black record for the said company. But, if a company has 5 stars but only 2 reviews, one shouldn't give too much weightage to it. After all, it is the opinion of just 2 individuals. What say?

However, it’s an amazing human tendency - when consumers experience a product positively, they humbly accept the goodness of the same and speak-out or refer about it to a few people around them. But, when they encounter a bad experience with the product/ service, their displeasure spreads like wild fire among their social groups, which includes people unknown to them. These reviews have in fact become hot topic of discussion during chats with friends during a comparison debate of different product or services. Also, these have inadvertently led to a mission to totally malign the company and highlight its shortcomings in a negative way. Not fair for the company in question, I say.

So, do these review sites cater to this typical human psyche? I guess the answer is yes, since some of these sites have the capability to make or break a company. We did a study of how the top 4 Online Travel Brands fared on a popular consumer review site called www.mouthshut.com

Travel Portal Name	Mouthshut Average Product rating	No. of Reviews
Travelguru.com	57%	121
Makemytrip.com	23%	348
Yatra.com	15%	155
Cleartrip.com	21%	50

All the 4 brands above are top online travel brands in India and do well, yet, if a customer has an issue the first thing they would do is go to sites like mouthshut.com and log their complaints.

It’s a fact that “happier customers means more business”. There would be thousands of customers who would have had a great smooth experience and enjoyed the product, but we don’t see them clamoring on to mouthshut.com to write reviews of their pleasant experience. So, is there a way for consumer sites to protect the “COMPANY” against this bias stand of human behavior?

I open the debate.

Mystical Coorg – To Nirvana & Back

Of mist-laden hills and oh-so-wonderful aroma of coffee. Here is a quick guide to Coorg as penned by our avid traveller, Nagma. Read on...

"Well, this is almost Scotland-ish. Coorg or Kodadu is situated in south India and is defined by misty hills and rolling tea, coffee & spice plantations visible as far as you can see. Not your conventional holiday spot, no doubt, but charming all year through. Especially when it feels that time does stand still here.

As I entered this Kodagu-land, I could breathe in the fresh smells of oranges, groves of which line either side of the roads. Kodagu is believed to have derived its name from the word ‘Krodhadesa’ or Land of Anger. Another more apt origin to this name could be from ‘Kannada Kundu’, which means ‘dense forest on a steep hill’. “This could be what Nirvana feels like”, was the thought that comes to my mind. I arrived at the hotel, Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley, a charming line of apartment-style rooms, complete with personalized service and a typically Coorgi ambience. Old-world and almost magical, rejuvenation is guaranteed here.

My trip of Coorg started with the most obvious icon of Coorg – Abbey Falls. Located within a private coffee estate, the water gushes down at such speed that its roar could be heard from the main road! Trekking through the trail, you’d breathe in the scent of coffee and oranges. Advise to first-timers – visit the falls during the monsoons when the water flows more and carry your cameras to catch perfect shots of the mist hanging over the falls. Similar in beauty were the Irpu Falls, which is located on the Brahmagiri Hills and is a rather sacred spot. While at Irpu, I also visited a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Ishwara Temple. The priests here said that this temple is especially busy during the Shivratri Festival.

A town as relaxed as this is bound to have many stories and interesting accounts of eras gone by. One such spot pointed out by a local was Talacauvery. According to him, this is the birthplace of River Cauvery and a tank and temple marks this sacred spot. Around mid-October, thousands of pilgrims trek up to this spot to watch an almost-magical moment – that of the water gushing up from a spring at a predetermined moment. A little further along, a short hike took me to the Brahmagiri Peak, where myth has that 7 sages performed a holy yajna. This peak also had 2 temples – one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Ganesha. There is a tank here too where many pilgrims were busy taking dips and throwing wishing coins! Prior permission is required for both.

After a peaceful night at the resort, I woke up to the chirping of birds and with a cup of Coorgi coffee watched the sun rays create a sparkle on the hill-tops. Truly magical. Today’s sojourn included a visit to some of the other spots here – Madikeri Fort with its palace, temple and museum, Raja’s Seat, so named because the kings of Coorg would catch views of the sunset from here and the Omkareshwara Temple, which was built by a Lingaraja King.

With so much to hike around, it was no wonder that I needed to refuel myself with some of the typical Coorgi cuisine. Especially seasoned with a lot of coconut, curry leaves, chilly and local spices, the food here is not for the faint hearted!

After a hearty meal, I headed out to the one place I was simply dying to visit – Dubare Elephant Training Camp at the edge of River Cauvery. And what a sight! Over 15 elephants gamboling in the river and engaged in so many activities! Manned by a wonderful staff and a naturalist, they even let me, for a small fee, bathe the elephants, feed them sugarcane and take a quick ride through the forests. Perfect for folks like us looking for a wee bit of adventure.

The next day was a reasonably relaxed one, where I explored the markets that make Coorg so interesting. It was perfect to stock up on dry spices and coffee, not just for myself, but for people back home. Finally, a quick stop at Somwarpet, which is the coffee heartland of Coorg and a lesson in coffee-making put the perfect finish to my holiday.

With such sights around, Coorg was definitely magical. I’d recommend spending about 3 days here to take in the various attractions. Carry good hiking shoes, adequate change of clothes lest it rains, a camera and your spirit of adventure and you are all set! No matter what you do and how much you see, this is one place, I am sure, that will keep you coming back for more."

Visit this serene hill station with confirmed hotel & holiday packages. Get confirmed hotels in Coorg at lowest prices and read more about things in see & do with this exclusive travel guide to Coorg.

North East India - Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Ranjan Chetry gets talking to Vijaya Das Panicker and narrates about his recent trip to the mountainous terrain of Arunachal, Meghalaya & Assam. It was all business but got peppered with a twist of leisure covered on the way.

“A prayer in my heart and a luggage full of woolens and thermals (must items to combat the impending harsh weather), I am all set for the eight day spree, which takes off from Delhi Airport and lands me straight to the city of Guwahati, the ‘Gateway’ of the North-East Region. I didn’t waste any of my time out here and immediately proceeded to the first destination in my itinerary, which is Shillong – ‘SCOTLAND of the EAST’.

Shillong is where the clouds reside and is just two and half to three hours journey by road from Guwahati. The surrounding hills have been categorically cut to give way to roads wide enough for my cab driver to safely maneuver his vehicle through the misty land, giving me a better feel of things. The open, topsy-turvy roads mingled with tall pine trees and the wind in my hair was just the teaser for the imminent wonder called Barapani Lake, whose beauty is captivating enough to quench the artistic desire. Here, the senses are engulfed with the freshness and chill in the air. It is believed that if you have to experience the true essence of a place, then you got to book yourself into a good hotel, and that’s exactly what I did – a room with a hill view in Polo Towers, the only 4 star hotel in the vicinity and my abode for the next two days. Belting a contract with the hotel and hungry for more, I thought of celebrating the moment by checking out the market for some steamed chicken MOMOS, which were served in plantain leaves. Fully satiated, it was time to hit the bed for an early morning trip to Cherapunjee.

‘All work and no play makes Ranjan a dull boy’, so I took some time-off from my hectic schedule to catch the beauty of the land of the Cherapunjee, the wettest place in the World and only 60 kms away from Shillong. The bald plateau, bereft of all vegetation, the wayside waterfalls and the view of the plains of Bangladesh a few thousand feet below was worth every boost of my energy. Then there was the animated Living Bridge of the World, (resembling a digitalized bridge straight from the Oscar winning movie - AVATAR) for which I had to go 2015 steps down, making me breathless, all the way. Due, to time-constraint I had to return back to Shillong, but en-route I made it sure to visit the fabulous Elephanta falls and Shillong peak, the highest point of Meghalaya for some breathtaking views and some Kodak moments. But if time is what you have in hand then do visit the main attraction of Shillong - The Gambling Archery Sport, which is a socializing pub with a dart competition, frequented mostly by the localities.

In midst of marathon meets with hoteliers, my tryst with Nature continued at Kaziranga National Park on the third and fourth day of my sojourn. The park, the home of the ‘One Horned Rhinoceros’ and sanctuary to a variety of wild lives was explored on the back of an elephant (children and adults alike would love this outing). The thick foliage in this jungle ambiance made me apprehensive, but my day was made when I encountered Rhino and other endangered species, including the Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, wild Buffalo, and Elephants. The wilderness had made my stomach grumble and didn’t want to be an appetizer for the Tiger, who had not kept up with our safari appointment. So, I returned to the GL Resort, my abode for the moment and enjoyed a yummy breakfast. There is an interesting, afternoon jeep safari organized by the Central Zone of the National Park, for the exploratory soul amongst us.

Bomdila was the next town in my itinerary and I wished I had my Harley Davidson bike and a friend to cruise along with in the surrounding picturesque valley. But, alas I had to do with the loyal cab, which drove me to the most romantic destination – the Tipi, located on the banks of the Bharali River at an elevation of 190 meters. Tipi is a Nature’s paradise; an Orchid Research Center spread over 112.8 acres with over 50,600 orchids under cultivation. The Tower Point in the mountains was another must-see on my bucket list, which I visited in the evening. The point presented a bird’s eye view of the entire city, mesmerizing my senses with its sheer magnitude.

My entire business visit to the North-East was getting interesting with every passing moment and I didn’t want the sun to go down on me. I wanted to explore new horizons. So, after a hearty breakfast I depart to Tawang, the land of the Monpa tribe, for whom life is a song and dance. En-route, I visit the Sela Pass, the high altitude mountain pass that connects the Buddhist city of Tawang with the rest of the country. The pass with an altitude of 13700 ft. is famous for its unparalleled view of the Himalayas, and is an ideal setting for ice skating during winters. Not one with nimble feet, I do a rain-check on the Bangajung Gonpa, the main Buddhist cultural centre where one can indulge in some serious soul searching exercise, and get enlightened.

I wrap up my official trip with a spiritual visit to the ancient city of Tezpur, a must for the religious-minded. Tezpur houses the legendary Mahabhairav Temple, where king Bana worshipped Mahabhairav for his blessings. And, I for one needed the blessings for a rocking year ahead.

There is more to Arunachal than meets the eye. And, through this trip my soul touched base with my childhood in matters more than one… when running in the playground was akin to life. Such were the joys of childhood, which one can relive in the rugged and untouched terrain of Arunachal.”

All those who plan a trip to this dream destination can check out the best hotels in Guwahati and hotels in Shillong. One can even book exciting holiday packages like Shillong - Cherapunjee - Guwahati starting Rs. 7,699/- and Guwahati - Kaziranga National Park - Shillong starting Rs. 12,635/-

Around the White Paradise of Sikkim in 9 Days

Vijaya Das Panicker gets talking about one of the most destinations in India - Sikkim, seen through the eyes of 2 travel aficionados. Read on...

"Is city life grinding down your very existence with never ending work deadlines and mundane routine? Are you having the blues for an escapade to the serene pastures? Well, embark on a journey highly recommended by our two in-house travel enthusiasts - Nupur and Vandana, who are just back from a 9 day mystical journey of Sikkim.

Dark, wet, windy and bitterly cold, Sikkim was all of 0.4 temperature when they touched its base around 7.30p.m., engulfing their senses to explore its mysticism even further, but that would have to wait for the next day after a refreshing slumber.

The next day started off with an enriching trip to the White Paradise called Lachung, a Shangri-La on the Earth, which is perched at an elevation of 8,800 ft. The bumpy drive passed them through many scenic spots, waterfalls and quaint little villages. They stopped at one of the local eateries for a quick breakfast, which included sizzling Maggie noodles, yummy Nankhaties and piping hot Darjeeling tea, which satiated their appetite and fuelled their soul for the impending adventure ahead. The mystical land of Lachung lures one and all to enjoy a nature’s trip through the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the beautiful Yumthang Valley (the Valley of Flowers), where they stopped for half an hour to experience the heaven-on-Earth. The land was like a cake covered in sugar icing and presented an idle platform for some fun-filled photo-shoots and snow fights. Travelers can soak in its diverse and picturesque landscape, characterized by charming government hotels, hot water springs with medicinal powers and an overbridge with a river flowing below.

A six hours drive from Lachung took them to the land of Gangtok, which is 127kms away from the surface of Bagdogra. Here, one can take pleasure in the divine spirit of Nature flavoured with positive energy – the right recipe to kiss life in its full glory. And, if your soul is searching for some tranquility then the Rumtek Monastery is the place to be in. It is one of the largest monasteries, maintained with an inspiring ambiance and a beautiful shrine temple where one is sure to find solace through its many meditation courses. A little distance away is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which has a library, housing the largest collection of Tibetan works and a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art. After satiating their intelligence, it was time to satiate their stomach with some mouth watering Momos (Rs20/plate), which spiced up their taste buds for some more of the delicacy. The duo opines that Gangtok does not only satiate ones gourmand urge or directs one to the path of rejuvenation, but is also a good place to shop for some local trinkets and souvenirs, especially at the famous Mall Road.

Life in Gangtok is beautiful amidst the abundance of natural beauty of Tsomgo Lake known as Changu Lake, which is flanked by the hills and is home for the Brahminy Ducks. But, since it was frozen, the girls with their boots (Rs30/pair) and caps on got a chance to do some exciting Yak rides (Rs300, during off season), which took them up to the zero point.

Mother Nature’s other spectacular panoramic sites on the itinerary was Pelling, which is an artist’s preferred destination. Its beauty is well represented by Khecheopalri Lake, also known as the wishing lake, where the girls tried their luck by dropping a coin in the sacred water and wished for their prince charming. The mystical charm of the place continued with the Rock Garden, just 12kms away. It’s a perfect backdrop for a romantic rendezvous, well-maintained with gardens, pools and zigzag foot paths. Here, couples could leisurely spend time watching the stars, the open sky and whisper sweet nothings to each other.

On the second last day of their journey, they embarked on their journey to the city of Darjeeling. Here, they took on some sporty activities at the Teesta River. They river rafted through the icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta with a series of rapids with varying intensity and character, and challenged its ruggedness, and had an adrenaline filled time. Tenzing Rock situated on Lebong Cart Road, was the other exhilarating stopover, which challenged their rock climbing skills. But, they had nothing to worry about because Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was just a corner away where people get trained in mountaineering by experts. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park was the other place of interest that captivated their thoughts with the revelation that it was the only place in the world where breeding of Snow Leopards in captivity was successful.

The last leg of their journey took them to the Tiger Hill located at an altitude of 2590mt to catch the fabulous glimpse of the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. They soaked in its diverse and picturesque landscape, featuring the Ghoom Monastery, which is famous for its 15 feet high statue of the Maitryee Buddha. A visit to Darjeeling is incomplete without an excursion to Mirik, which is surrounded by innumerable tea gardens and if you want to be one with Nature then do indulge in a boat ride in the Mirik Lake, and romanticize with Nature.

So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate life with a journey to Sikkim that is sure to cool your heels in its natural surroundings, enriching you with a new outlook towards life."

Visit this beautiful state of Sikkim with confirmed hotels & holiday packages. Get Hotels in Gangtok and Hotels in Darjeeling at lowest rates. Plus, you could also book holiday packages: Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Gangtok starting Rs. 10,299, Darjeeling-Gangtok-Pelling starting Rs. 12,879, Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachung starting Rs. 14,859, Darjeeling-Gangtok-Pelling-Kalimpong-Lachung starting Rs. 19,959.

Sunrise in Bangkok

For all those looking to visit the happening hotspot of Bangkok, here's a detailed account by our avid traveller, Vijaya Das Panicker on what to expect.

"BANGKOK, the magnificent capital city of Thailand is more than a duty-free shopping paradise. The place is engulfed in a mystical magnetism through its many temples and heritage that dates back to the early 15th century.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and the tourists, especially people from the corporate World love to frequent Bangkok as it provides the best rejuvenation opportunities the World has ever experienced. One can enjoy the serenity of the place during the month of August and December, when the climate is at its best.

Once here feel the peace amidst the many ancient temples that has been in existence since 1782, the oldest being the temple of Wat Phra Kaew, which is popularly known as the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’. The place is a visual treat and provides an aesthetic spectacle of the Grand Palace surrounded by over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. It is the most sacred temple which houses the tiny Buddha all of 60 and 75cms. The uniqueness of the image is that it changes its robe according to the seasons - in summer, its a diamond encrusted golden robe and during cool winters its a solid gold robe. And, when it is monsoon it is dressed up in a gilded monk’s robe, thus adding charisma and serenity to its talisman power. Apart from this the temple houses many other images of Buddha in different postures and a cloister surrounds the temple that depicts an extensive mural of the great Ramakian, the Thai version of the famous Indian mythological story of Ramayana. The compound of the temple also has some intrinsic work-of-art, depicting a dwarf version of the Cambodian temple complex of Angkor Wat.

The other ancient temple that is a must see which inspires the mortal mind is Wat Pho. It is famous for the huge reclining Buddha statue which is the largest in Bangkok and a star attraction. This holds a distinction of having the most number of images of the divine Buddha. The exquisite gold plated reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high and was mainly created to narrate Buddha’s journey of life, and the ultimate Nirvana. The feet and eyes of the statue are decorated with mother of pearls that presents the love, devotion and artistic acumen of the craftsman towards the deity. The Wat Pho Temple houses more than thousand Buddha images in its large grounds which features the ruins of the former capitals of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. And, since you are in Wat Pho, do take time-out from the exploration of the temples to indulge in some traditional Thai massage that is highly recommended by the locals and by the rich and famous who have experienced the heavenly pleasure of the “foot reflexology massage”.

Also, do visit Chinatown and enjoy the urban culture that Bangkok is famous for. Chinatown is presumably the oldest area in Bangkok that has a Chinese twist of affairs to it, and one of the main streets of this area is the Charoen Krung, which is famous for its gambling culture.

In Bangkok, a family can enjoy the history of the place by visiting the National Museum, which is located in the Na Phara That Road. This fascinating museum exhibits the star inscriptions from the Sukhothai era. Also, one can browse through an impressive display of traditional murals, jewelry, gems and musical instruments that were used through the centuries. Also, there are other recreational facilities like the amusement parks which are a huge hit with the children. Other family attractions include the Ancient City, the Crocodile Farm and the Dream World, which spices up the adventure, making the holiday trip, a one big fascinating experience.

This ancient city of Bangkok has so much to offer that it is the perfect getaway where one can enjoy tradition and modernity in equal abundance. But, one needs to visit it more often to get the right vibe of the culture to attain that perfect “Moksh”."

Travelling to Bangkok? Choose an all-inclusive holiday package to this beautiful Thai country. There are a number of customised packages available: Bangkok starting Rs. 10,399, Pattaya & Bangkok starting Rs. 12,099, Phuket & Bangkok starting Rs. 18,899, Bangkok & Krabi Island starting Rs. 21,899 or even Bangkok & Koh Samui starting Rs. 28,799. And if you're looking for a holiday with a streak of wildness, visit Bangkok & Chiang Mai starting Rs. 25,099.

Dubai Shopping Festival - A World of Activities Together

Our travel expert Vijaya Das Panicker is back - & how! She tells us about the world famous event of the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is an annual event held for a month. This is where you get awesome bargains, discounts, global cuisines & a totally thrilling experience! So men, women wherever you are, have you booked your DSF travel plans yet?

Read on for Vijaya's inputs:

Dubai is just not a sandy mirage but one of the man-made wonders of the World. A desert city of gold; it is where unlimited opportunities await the seeker, and is the ultimate shopping Mecca of the capital of the UAE, which blossoms and shines during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

DSF, launched in 1996 is one of the largest and longest running retail events, encompassing the irresistible car raffle draw, duty-free shopping extravaganza, recreation, relaxation, lucky draws and full-fledged fun for the whole family. The 32 days of indulgence starts off with a spectacular opening ceremony for visitors and residents at Dubai Creek Park, which is well-complemented with a beautiful view and a golf course. The night in modern Dubai turns into a big shopping fiesta and the place, an architectural delight is surrounded by numerous shopping malls that cater to every customer’s need. Everything from cars, haute couture clothing to jewelry can be purchased under the same roof. With a McKenna’s Gold touch in this part of the World, gold is cheap and duty free, and it’s a visual treat to see the glint of gold that adorns the shops in beautiful designs. The city of gold concept was coined during one of the Dubai Shopping Festival awareness campaigns. Dubai is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise and houses some of the best shopping malls like The Dubai Mall hosting more than 1200 retail stores and one can choose the best in designer wears with the presence of retail giants such as Galeries Lafayette, Debenhams, Bloomingdale's, and Marks & Spencer. The Lamcy Plaza is another great place for family outings; here children can enjoy unlimited entertainment right from electronic clowns prancing around to action-packed antics by spider-man, who stealthily moves up the wall in total deftness. True to its tradition Dubai satisfies everything that one wants from life. The shopping mall near Mehta Road and the happening Wafi Shopping Mall exactly does that, it has some of the best European brands under its umbrella.

But it is not only shopping that Dubai is famous for, the desert city offers loads of family activities that guarantees to make the trip worthwhile and wholesome. To know the true culture of any state one has to be in sync with the place and what better way to know the people and its surroundings than by just observing the ancient sport of camel racing that usually takes place on a national holiday. The other action-packed activities are the Desert Safaris at Al Warqa'a Area 4 where one can explore the mysteries of the desert and know more about the Arab culture and actually live and experience a scene out of the classic movie Lawrence of Arabia by staying overnight in one of the Bedouin tents that the safari offers. Also, one can drive through deep trenches and enjoy the adrenalin sport of sand skiing down the desert dunes and feel like a speed monster. There are also some entertaining street events to be explored, namely the Al Seef Street event in Bur Dubai, which comes alive with street performances, parades, and carnivals every evening from 4pm onwards. The other events on the calendar are the Al Rigga Street Events and the Al Diyafa Street Events.

There are some exquisite hotel deals that are as exciting as the shopping deals on board. The Taj Palace Hotel offers executive room single/double for AED 650 / 700 on room only basis and Taj Club room single/double for AED 850 / 900 on bed and breakfast basis, which are all complemented with the usage of health club and swimming pool/gymnasium, 10% discount on TAJ SPA treatments and shuttle service to a shopping mall. Joining the bandwagon on room deal promotions are also the Radisson Blu Residence at Dubai Marina and the Radisson Blu Resort, which offer 20% discount on a 2 nights stay option. The Four Points Downtown is an ideal family stay option, which maintains family rooms and also has a special 20% discount offer of on the rooms. Subsequently, there is the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, located on Sheikh Zayed Road offering 30% discount on deluxe and twin rooms.

And lastly, it is said that the best way to know people and understand their culture is by tasting their food, but Dubai takes it a step further by promoting World cuisine to its visitors with some irresistible restaurant promotions that includes dinning at Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates outlets, where a cash voucher of AED 50 can be automatically redeemed for a minimum spend of AED 150. There is also the pay for two brunches and get the third one for free offer at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. And, for a surreptitious eat and drink offer you can enjoy the unlimited food and regular selected beverages at Ramada Chelsea Hotel. Visitors can also savor on an Oriental platter with the 15 percent discount on Sumibiya’s and enjoy a Japanese BBQ buffet nights for only Dhs. 130 per person, or can enjoy the legendary Sushi & Teppanyaki buffet nights every Monday and Thursday for Dhs.160 per person at the Radisson Blu Hotel. But, if you still want to experience the true culture then experience it through its awesome local cuisine, especially the Shawarma, which can be best tasted at the World Village or at the Al Mallah, located at the Al Diyafah Street.

There is so much to do in Dubai during the festival that time just slips by like sand from one’s grip. The sun, the sand and the shopping extravaganza all add up to an action packed holiday experience in Dubai. So, welcome to the city of indulgence for the ultimate Arabian hospitality that excites all human senses and offers gaiety worth the cost.

PS: Hurry, this January book your date with Dubai for the 16th Dubai Shopping Festival, starting on January 20, 2011 till February 20, 2011.

Hi-Tea Gastronomical Drama at Tea Center

Our avid foodie & trotter Vijaya Das Panicker explores the swanky Tea Center in Mumbai - a haven for all chai lovers. Here's what she says:

"The beautiful expanse of Marine Lines in Mumbai is sure to tempt one to take a break from his/her busy business schedule. And, when on a whimsical break do take a detour to the Tea Center at Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate where the simple “TEA” is a gastronomical hospitality business enterprise.

Build around 1953; this place was opened by the Tea Board of India as a tea promotion initiative and has over the years become the most happening hangouts for the eloquent. The ambiance is characteristically elegant and has a quaint charm, with wooden furniture and Victorian lamps, creating a déjà vu of a distinguished bygone era. And, to add to its grandeur, one can even catch a live piano performance. The place is highly exhilarating to a creative sensibility.

The cozy setting and the bell-system for table service brings out a whole new experience of ordering a tea from the exotic tea menu, which includes the Maharani of Darjeeling (Rs.125/270) and the Maharaja of Darjeeling (Rs.120/250) full-bodied co-pins cup with muscadine grapes characterized with honeydew, the Rose Tea (Rs.80) a blend of black teas and sun-dried rose petals to give a clear soft taste of tea with the sweet fragrance of rose, the Kulhad Masala Chai (Rs.50), a tea liquor and milk with select aromatic spices served country style, to our local favourite Masala Chai. There is also the Kashmiri Kahwa (Rs.75), also called Bombay chai, a favourite amongst the Kashmiris, is a fine blend with cardamom and cinnamon sticks, enriched with almonds, pistachio and saffron, and is brewed in a samovar with an overdose of sugar without milk. A tea connoisseur can also enjoy sipping the famous Earl Grey Tea (Rs.90), a fine tea with bergamot. And, if one prefers the cold concoction, they can pick from the selection of iced teas, all priced between Rs60-75. There is also the Spicy Tea (Rs.50), a choice of spicy tea, which can be savoured with hot Indian samosas, pakodas and vadas. There is also a varied choice for enjoying a crispy snack. For the refined palate there is the crisp fish and chips platter (Rs.150) and the Chicken Pasta with white sauce (Rs.175).

The tea drinking experience at Tea Center turns one into a fan of an exotic tea. So, when in Mumbai, do as the Mumbaikars do and don’t wait for a rainy day to visit the Tea Center to enjoy a good cup of tea with crunchy and spicy snacks."

Mahabaleshwar - Getaway with a Gang of Friends

Vijaya Das Panicker heads out to the hills of Mahabaleshwar with her friends. With its super height, misty hills and the yummiest of strawberries grown locally, it's a delight for all those looking for a quick getaway from Mumbai. Here's what she says:

"The only way to beat the Mumbai humidity is to take a flight of fancy to the nearest hill station. And, that’s exactly what my pals and I did last week - we packed our knapsacks and headed straight to the dreamy land of Mahabaleshwar.

It was 4 in the evening when we set out for the sojourn. All set, we geared up the Tavera car and sped out from the damp streets of the city of dreams. The excitement was contagious and the traffic snarls throughout the way did not dampen our spirit of fun and gayness, for Mahabaleshwar was just 290 kms from the city via Pune. Fighting all odds we were off the Mumbai -Pune expressway and heading towards Lonavala - where we stopped for a snack break. The piping hot tea and the pakoras that we had at the way-side dhaba was nothing less than inspiring and energized our weary souls for some serious action with the numerous tunnels playing hide-n-seek with our senses. The winding roads on the way accompanied by the thick smog were becoming too much of a mystery to wind through than the pages of a Sherlock Homes mystery novel. But, we survived and it was fun all the way with friends doing a sudden jig amidst the beautiful surroundings and bantering about all the odds we crossed through till we reached Mahabaleshwar.

Built on a plateau, Mahabaleshwar is 1372 m above seal level and located in the district of Satara. And, for the two-day break we lodged at Cloud Green, a part of Brightland. Here, the accommodation was spacious and comfortable for good nights sleep and had every other amenity at one’s beck-and-call. The new day dawned on us with exploration on our minds – after a healthy Poha breakfast, we set out to explore the getaway. The exploration started with us spotting a group of monkeys prancing around the place (and we thought we were the only monkeys around!). Initially we contemplated to take a walk by the shady paths or take a horse ride to the town area, but the group preferred to take a car ride. The first stopover was the Bombay Point, to check-out the first dawn break and then Kate’s Point that one had heard so much about for its suicidal tendencies. Nevertheless, Kate was breathtaking and beautiful and made us click many Kodak moments for posterity sake.

And, while in Mahabaleshwar, the one place not to miss out on is the famous Mapro Garden. It is here that one can relive their childhood fantasy. The highlight of the garden is its gigantic strawberry statute at the entrance, which had all the guests going for a feel of it and posing front of it for the fun sake. Jams, Falero and many other sweet delights can be purchased here at sinfully discounted rates. A 15 minute ride took us to the market area, a pedestrian-only street with shops selling everything from fancy locally-made items to sweet-meets. We purchased some fresh and yummy fudge for Rs120/half a kilogram to take back home.

Trekking was in the agenda but due to the smoggy weather we postponed it for our next venture together. So, if you want to drive in the monsoon blues, do drive to Mahabaleshwar and see the colour of life shining back at you without the smog (pun un-intended)."

Khau Galli - A Perfect Foodies Destination

Vijaya Das Panicker, an avid traveller shares her experience at Khau Galli, a brand new restaurant in Mumbai. Done in typical Mumbai ishtyle and an array of road-side food specialties, this is a must visit for all foodies. Here's what Vijaya says:

"Missed your holiday reservation? No worries, just drive down near to the Versova Telephone Exchange and take a seat on the Chaat Express called Khau Galli, and fill in to your stomach’s content to gluttony’s delight, which is sure to make you nostalgic of a childhood train journey with your family.

The place is a child’s fairyland that has a façade of a sturdy truck with huge wheels and a signal poll, which opens the main entrance when the light turns green. The interior is like a long distance train boggy with ceiling fans, racks, and the ever nostalgic green handles of a local train. And, don’t miss out on the windows that are fitted with LCD TVs, which broadcasts the passing landscapes and railway platforms complimented with appropriate sound bytes, that resonates – chai, chai,chai... :-)

This joint believes in self-service and follows coupon system, which one has to purchase from the main entrance counter. The typical Mumbaite menu features everything from hot and spicy Paav Bhaji to Paani-Puri. But, the menu is interspersed with creamy Pasta preparations (yummy!), and a wide selection of Chinese cuisine, which is sure to tantalize one's taste buds with its Paneer Manchurian dry, Chilly Chicken, Chicken or vegetable fried rice. There are also many more delicacies like Frankies and Dosas, all priced reasonably between 150-200Rs.

Diners can wash down their meal or snacks with a goblet of creamy Lassi or salted Chaas, or with some fruit juice, which are wholesome in its content. Foodies with a sweet tooth can entice their taste buds with a plate of hot Jalebi with Rabri or Kulfi.

Khau Galli is an ideal treat for the entire family and presents an Indian essence through its appearance. The concept is very interesting and brings back a child in you.

Address: MHADA, Near Versova Telephone Exchange, 4 Bungalows, Andheri (W), Mumbai; Landmark: Near Versova Telephone Exchange"

11 Super Luxury Stays in Goa

A complete tourist hot-spot, Goa is probably one of the few places that combines all ingredients of a perfect holiday. Covering the Konkan coastal area, one can find churches, temples and traditional houses covering the entire length of the city. Of course what makes Goa so loved is its long stretches of beaches, each sporting its own quaint name. The beaches are naturally the hub of all activities, and one can find everything here – from throbbing pubs, shopping stalls and eateries serving a world of cuisines. Considering its popularity, Goa is easily visited any time of the year. Visit this sea-side town for a complete holiday experience.

The Leela Kempinski - Rated 4.2 / 5

One of the luxurious 5-star resorts in Goa, The Leela Kempinski blends South Indian culture with Portuguese heritage. The hotel has luxurious rooms & suites as well as a state-of-art business centre.

Location: Mobor Beach, South Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Health Spa

• 12-hole golf course

• Casino

Riviera De Goa - Rated 4.3 / 5

The latest addition to Goa’s 5-star family, Riviera De Goa has smart rooms, combined with an ideal location near the beach.

Location: Arpora Beach, North Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• 3 dining options

• Beauty salon, Thai Spa & Gym

• Casino

Goa Marriott Resort, Goa - Rated 4.5 / 5

A fabulous beach-front hotel, Goa Marriott Resort offers the best of facilities, luxurious rooms and splendid views of sunsets.

Location: Miramar Beach, Panjim - Central Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Spa service & health club

• Golf on site

• Restaurants & lounges

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Goa - Rated 4.6 / 5

Set on 45-acres of landscaped gardens, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa is a world-class hotel built in a village-style and replete with all possible amenities.

Location: Arossim Beach - South Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Personal resort host

• Spa & yoga room

• 5 Restaurants, cafes & bars

Taj Exotica, Goa - Rated 4.8 / 5

Tropical setting in greens, the Mediterranean grandeur and the ultimate in opulence, all lend the Taj here an exotic feel that it rightly stands for.

Location: Benaulim Beach - South Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Jiva Spa

• 9 hole golf course

• Book Shop & souvenir shop

Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Goa - Rated 4.8 / 5

Sprawling across the age old fortress, this Taj property lets you to soak in extreme luxury and also gives you scope to go for excitement and fun.

Location: Sinquerim Beach - North Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Jiva Spa

• 9 restaurants onsite

• Adventure Activities

The Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa - Rated 4.1 / 5

Portuguese influence on architecture and culture is best experienced here. With the best in luxury and loads of adventure, it makes for a perfect retreat.

Location: Utorda Beach - South Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Health Spa

• Casino

• Restaurants on site

Cidade De Goa - Rated 4 / 5

Come here for a complete indulgence in all that is luxurious and stately, the seclusion and tranquility offered work at their best for a stately stay.

Location: Dona Paula Beach - North Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• 210 rooms

• Portuguese & Italian Restaurant

Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort - Rated 4.3 / 5

Let nature take care of you and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Ayurveda and Nature do their best for you here.

Location: Divar Island - North Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• 60 rooms

• Restaurants on site

• Health Spa

Taj Holiday Village - Rated 4.6 / 5

A mystical atmosphere is created here by the strange amalgamation of rustic feel and modern richness. The entire charm gets an add on from the well-known Taj hospitality.

Location: Sinquerim Beach - North Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• Jiva Spa

• Golf Course

• Restaurants

Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort - Rated 4.3 / 5

Letting you live close to the immense beauty of Varca, the resort allows you to dive deep in luxury even as you celebrate the charm of nature that lies around.

Location: Varca Beach - South Goa

Hotel Highlights:

• 205 rooms

• Health Spa

• Ayurvedic Massage Center