Cheap Luxury Accommodations in Bangalore?
Friday July 10, 2009
Vivanta by Taj, Bangalore.
Taj Hotels & Palaces
I recently read an article in the Times of India about hotel prices in Bangalore. It said that room rates for premium and luxury hotels in Bangalore have dropped to 2000 levels.
Apparently, people have been checking into 5 star hotes in Bangalore for between 6,500 and 7,000 rupees ($130-140) per night. Shockingly, these rates were supposedly as high as 20,000 rupees 2-3 years ago because there was such a shortage of rooms in Bangalore. The slump in corporate travel has sent these rates crashing.
I did a quick search of hotels on the Internet but didn't find any 5 star rooms as cheap as 6,500 rupees, for non corporate travel, in Bangalore. The best rate on offer was the early bird rate of 8,200 rupees ($165) at the Taj West End. Rooms at the ITC Windsor were going for around 9,000 rupees ($180), while the early bird rate at The Leela and The Oberoi was 9,500 rupees. However, the Taj Vivanta, whilst not a 5 star hotel, had single rooms on offer for 6,400 rupees ($130) a night.
As always in Bangalore, the centrally located St Marks Hotel remains the most popular, and best value for money. Rooms there start from 6,500 rupees a night.
More About Bangalore Travel:
Where to Enjoy an Eco Friendly Stay in India
Thursday July 9, 2009
Bungalow at Coconut Lagoon.
www.flickr.com user albany_tim
Want to stay somewhere with a difference in India, and be assured that you're helping the environment at the same time? These 10 top eco friendly hotels in India are the prefect choice. Not only do they offer a refreshing nature based approach to tourism, they're located in some of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of India.
As a result of the growth in eco friendly tourism in India, there are plenty of different types of accommodations on offer too -- including luxury tents, homestays, eco villages, and nature resorts. Something for everyone really!
More About Where to Stay in India:
Calling All Adventurists. Go Rickshaw Rampaging in India!
Tuesday July 7, 2009
www.flickr.com user shawnbot
There's no escaping the ubiquitous three wheeled auto rickshaw in India. Cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than a bus, their loud buzz can be heard all over the country.
However, your experience of India's auto rickshaws doesn't have to be restricted to merely riding in them. It's possible to take the controls and actually race one! And lets face it, who hasn't at one point in time, wanted to get into the drivers seat of an "auto"? Better still, you'll be raising money for charity by doing so.
The Rickshaw Challenge operates four auto rickshaw races around India. The Mumbai XPress 2009 is about to get underway on July 31, 2009. However, this year there's also the Tech Raid 2009 (which starts out from Chennai on October 16, 2009), and the Classic Run 2010 (which makes its way through Tamil Nadu, commencing on December 29, 2009). Next year, the Malabar Rampage through Tamil Nadu and Kerala will kick off on April 2, 2010.
If you love adventure and traveling around India, you won't find a more unique opportunity than this to enjoy both! Why not find out more information now?
More About Adventure in India:
Photo of the Week - Sula Vineyard Nashik
Monday July 6, 2009
I recently visited Sula Vineyard in Nashik. It's only four hours from Mumbai, making it a wonderful getaway from the city. I was really impressed to discover a world class winery and architecturally designed tasting room. The wine was pretty good too!
Wine and wine tourism are rapidly gaining popularity in India. Many vineyards are now open to the public, and offer guided tours, tastings, and accommodations. If you like wine, these top 5 Indian vineyards are the places to visit.
Do you have a photo of India that you'd like to share? Submit your photo here along with a brief description and it may be featured as Photo of the Week.
Photo copyright Sharell Cook.
