Photo of the Week - Swayambhunath Nepal
About.com India Travel is expanding to include the neighboring countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka! This magnetic pair of eyes can be found on the Swayambhunath Stupa, near Kathmandu in Nepal. They represent the eyes of the Buddha. Similar eyes can be seen all over Nepal, including on t-shirts and souvenirs.
Check out more pictures of the fascinating old city of Kathmandu, and surrounding villages, in this Kathmandu photo gallery.
Do you have a photo of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka 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.
Shisha Reincarnated Redefines Kolkata Nightlife
Main bar.
Shisha Reincarnated
Shisha, Kolkata's popular hookah bar, has been reborn as Shisha Reincarnated. After seeing the photos, all I can say is, "wow!". Shisha Reincarnated really takes nightlife to a new level in Kolkata. It is one stunning venue!
Located a level up in the same building at 22 Camac Street, Shisha Reincarnated incorporates main bar, lounge, private booths, and outdoor deck into its substantial 7,000 square foot space. The decor and tones are warm and inviting. If you want an exclusive night out, this is the place!
So, what has become of the space that the old Shisha occupied? It's being turned into a fine dining restaurant.
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Shop for Handicrafts in Delhi at MESH
Cushion cover.
MESH
One of my readers recently wrote me with a wonderful tip about where to buy handicrafts in Delhi. She recommended a shop in Uday Park that's run by an NGO called MESH.
MESH works with groups of disabled artisans, and they produce beautiful high quality handicrafts. I had a look at the MESH website and the items are really attractive. They include bags, bed covers, cushion covers, hair accessories, home decor, toys, and cards. You can see them for yourself in this MESH gallery.
The address of the MESH shop is 5 Local Shopping Centre, Uday Park. It's located only three minutes from South Extension, in New Delhi.
The best thing is that your purchases will help a worthy cause. What a great excuse to shop!
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Uttarakhand: India's Hottest New Tourist Destination?
Valley of Flowers National Park
commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/User:Kdhenrik
If you want to enjoy India's natural beauty, Uttarakhand is fast being discovered as a destination with much to offer. The number of domestic tourists visiting the state, from January to October this year, increased by 30% over last year. The number of foreign tourists grew by 15%.
To further draw visitors, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is developing a range of adventure activities, including trekking, rafting, mountaineering and skiing. Over 120 trekking routes have been identified, and infrastructure is to be developed in these areas.
Mahindra Homestays is also putting significant effort into promoting homestay accommodations in Uttarakhand, and is in the process of adding some stunning places to its banner.
More about Uttarakhand attractions: Top Uttarakhand Travel Spots
Top India Hotels for 2009 According to Expedia
The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.
Leonardo Media.
Could The Oberoi Grand hotel in Kolkata be the most popular luxury hotel in India? It certainly is a favorite. The hotel topped the list of TripAdvisor's 10 Best Luxury Hotels in India, and also occupies number one position in the 2009 Expedia Insiders' Select list of hotels in India. The Oberoi Amarvilas, in Agra, is another popular choice.
The other India hotels that top the Expedia Insiders' Select list include the The Oberoi in Mumbai, Shangri-La Hotel in New Delhi, and Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort in Goa. The Lemon Tree is only a three and a half star hotel, so it's doing a great job with competing against the luxury five stars.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges in holy Varanasi also gets a mention in the list. It's situated in the Varanasi city center, away from the river though. Personally, I'd prefer to stay at a hotel with a fascinating river view!
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Taj Mahal Entry Tickets Now Available from Other Monuments in India
Taj Mahal, Agra.
Sharell Cook
If you're a foreign tourist who's planning on visiting the Taj Mahal, you might want to avoid the crowds and lines by buying your entry tickets in advance, from monuments elsewhere in India.
From November 16, 2009, entry tickets for the Taj Mahal will be available at other monuments across the country. It's hoped that this initiative will help overcome the problems that foreign tourists often face in buying tickets at the Taj Mahal.
According to the press release, the entry tickets will cost 1,000 rupees ($25). This is comprised of 250 rupees of Entry Tax (Archeological Society of India) and 750 rupees Toll Tax (Agra Development Authority).
The 750 rupees Toll Tax is higher than the 500 rupees Toll Tax usually charged, and listed on the Archeological Society website, though. It's unclear whether the price of tickets for the Taj Mahal has increased, or will only be more expensive if bought from other locations.
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Mumbai Safe from Cyclone Phyan
Lucky for Mumbai, Cyclone Phyan weakened considerably and was a no-show. It was a little disappointing after all the hype, but a very good thing for the city. Today, the sky is bright, clear, and sunny again in Mumbai. There's no hint of yesterday's looming threat at all.
Maharastra's Konkan coast, particularly Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, suffered the worst of the cyclone. A total of 1,500 houses were damaged, and four people killed. Fortunately, many missing fishermen managed to find their way safely back to shore, after the cyclone weakened in the sea.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department in Pune, the cyclone was the first one to pass through the region in 43 years!
Awaiting Cyclone Phyan in Mumbai
Getty Images/StockTrek
There's nothing like India for unusual situations, and once again I'm finding myself in a situation I've never experienced before. I'm in Mumbai and waiting for a cyclone to hit the city.
According to the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Phyan will arrive in Mumbai late this evening. The cyclone is currently heading north east, and is expected to cross the South Gujarat and North Maharashtra coast, between Alibag (Maharashtra) and Valsad (Gujarat).
It's been raining in Mumbai for two days now. However, looking out my window, there's currently a break in the rain and certainly no signs of the cyclone's impending devastation. News reports paint a different picture though. Further down the Maharastran coast, strong winds and high waves have overturned boats. Many fishermen are missing.
The coastal areas of Mumbai, including Juhu, Versova, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, and Worli are expected to suffer the worst damage in the cyclone. If possible, these areas should be avoided during the next 24 hours. If you are in these areas, try to stay indoors. Some other areas of Mumbai are already waterlogged, and many flights have also been delayed.
The cyclone is very unseasonal and unexpected at this time of year. The monsoon has passed, and normally Mumbai experiences dry, hot, and sunny days during November.
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The Indian Maharaja: Another Luxury Train in India
The Indian Maharaja
The outstanding success of the Palace on Wheels luxury train has brought about an influx of new luxury trains in India. The latest one to hit the tracks is The Indian Maharaja. Its first journey, from Mumbai to Delhi via Rajasthan, is on November 18, 2009.
These luxury trains aren't cheap but they sure are popular. The lowest rate on The Indian Maharaja is $525 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. This adds up to $3,675 per person for the whole seven nights, or $7,350 for a couple.
According to distribution partners Thomas Cook, The Indian Maharaja is already 75% occupied for 2009-10. There are only a few remaining places on the train for departures in November, December, and March. January, February, and Easter (in April) are booked out.
Next to be launched, in January 2010, is India's most opulent and expensive luxury train -- the Maharaja's Express.
What's Going On (or NOT Going On) in Goa?
Beach at the Leela Hotel, Goa.
Leonardo Media
A friend of mine recently returned from Goa. He owns apartments there so he regularly visits the state. I caught up with him the other night, and he had quite a few disheartening things to say about tourism (or lack of it) in Goa the moment.
It seems that Goa is really suffering. Although the tourist season has begun, there is hardly anyone around. Goa is very quiet. Sadly, the impact on businesses has been significant. My friend said he's had to slash the rates on his apartments. Loungefly is closed, as its investors have pulled out. Butter, one of the largest clubs in Goa, is empty most nights. Goa's casinos have suffered a drop in patronage as well.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) also recently ordered the demolition of Cafe Mambo and Club Tito's, two of the most well known nightspots in Goa. Apparently, the structures are located in a no development zone. The two establishments might not be forced to close though, as they can appeal the decision. Nevertheless, the situation isn't positive.
Tourism in Goa has dropped significantly as a result of negative publicity and the global financial crisis. If you're after a bargain vacation in Goa, now is the time to enjoy it! (Of course, expect to pay inflated rates around Christmas and the New Year though). Goa really needs the business.
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