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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Sale of Alcohol Banned in Darjeeling
Kangchenjunga sunset.
www.flickr.com user A.Ostrovsky
If you're visiting Darjeeling, it looks like you'll now have to be content with drinking what Darjeeling is most famous for -- tea! The Gorkha Janmukhi Morcha political party has issued a ban on the sale of alcohol in bars, restaurants, and shops in Darjeeling from November 7, 2009. The reason? To stop revenue flowing into Bengal state government coffers and thus exert pressure on the government.
If you're craving a drink to enjoy with the sunset over Kangchenjunga, there is an option -- local brew. Since it doesn't attract state government excise duty, local brew doesn't fall under the ban. The most popular type is rakshi, made from chingping and rhododendron. Many trekkers in the Sandakphu-Phalut region drink it.
India Packing List Essential Items
Indian porter.
Sharell Cook
Traveling to India can involve much deliberating about what to bring, especially if you haven't visited the country before.
I remember the first time I came to India, I wanted to be prepared for every possible situation that could eventuate. However, there were several items in my India packing list that I was thankful to have, and which made my trip easier.
Got any packing list essentials? Share you India packing list here.
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Singles Not Welcome at Hotels in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
www.flickr.com user pondspider
An Indian friend of mine just returned from visiting Kanyakumari, one of the top travel destinations in Tamil Nadu, where he encountered a strange situation indeed. As a single, Indian male, he found it extremely difficult to get a hotel room. Hotels in Kanyakumari turned him away, one after another.
Understandably, he was shocked. He is a respectable looking, professional man in his 30s. Why was he being refused a room? To add to his confusion, he found it very difficult to get a straight answer. The employee of one hotel told my friend that he would have to call his home number to confirm his presence in Kanyakumari. Another hotel advised that details of single travelers were now required to be sent to the police for approval -- something few hotels liked to do.
Fortunately, after much searching, my friend was able to locate a hotel that was willing to accommodate him. However, still curious, he did some research on the Internet. He managed to find the tale of another single traveler who faced the same problem. Apparently, the traveler was told that people come to Kanyakumari to commit suicide. Hence, hotels were reluctant to take singles.
To add insult to my friend's injury, Kanyakumari is where Swami Vivekananda -- a lone, wandering spiritual man, once meditated. These days though, it seems that lone travelers aren't looked upon favorably at all there.
Has anyone else experienced this?
India Photo of the Week - Golden Temple Amritsar
It was a special day yesterday at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Sikhs celebrated Guru Nanak Jayanti, the commemoration of Guru Nanak's birthday (the founder of the Sikh religion). The beautifully illuminated temple is an incredible sight to behold at this time.
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 courtesy of www.flickr.com user Still Thinking.
Delicious Chinese Dim Sum at Ping Bangalore
Dim Sum at P!NG.
Ping Restaurant and Dessert Bay/Shamshad Khan
One of my readers recently wrote me with a glowing review of Ping Restaurant and Dessert Bay in Bangalore. It seems that this newly opened restaurant has captured people's hearts and stomachs.
Ping specializes in authentic Chinese Dim Sum food, and by the sounds of it does a fine job. The setting is ambient, the staff friendly, and there's a huge variety of desserts on offer as well.
If you love Chinese cuisine, don't miss dining at Ping when you're in Bangalore!
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Where to Celebrate Halloween in Mumbai
Halloween Pumpkin.
Emanuele Taroni/Getty Images.
Trick or treat, anyone? Halloween isn't widely celebrated in India. However, I do know of some venues in Mumbai where you can get into the spirit (ah, pardon the pun!).
- Bonobo in Bandra is throwing a theme party. Dress up as your worst nightmare. Entry fee is 500 rupees ($12), and make up artists will be on hand to help transform you. The bar, which is known for its creative cocktails, is concocting some special ones for the occasion.
- Valhalla, opposite Churchgate station, is having a masquerade party. Entry cost is 2,200 rupees ($48), plus taxes. For this price, you'll be able to eat and drink to your heart's content. Mask is also provided.
- Hard Rock Cafe, one of Mumbai's best live music venues, is holding a Michael Jackson tribute party. The Thriller music video is the theme. Head there for free entry and a complimentary shot at the door.
- Headquarters, in Colaba, is encouraging its customers to turn up dressed in a dead celebrity costume. Those who do will get discounted or free drinks. In addition, ladies will get a free shot every hour.
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India's Toy Train Services Resumed
Matheran Toy Train.
Sharell Cook.
Good news for those wanting to leisurely wind their way through the mountains in India, on an historical toy tourist train. All of India's toy train services are again running as normal.
Both the Matheran toy train and Darjeeling toy train stopped operating during the monsoon season, as a result of heavy rain and landslides. Then, a visit by the UNESCO team late this month delayed the re-opening of the Matheran toy train. Following the team's inspection, if all goes to plan the Matheran toy train will join India's other mountain railways in having world heritage status.
More About Train Travel in India:
Be Careful of Post-Monsoon Health Issues in India
Dengue carrying tiger mosquito.
www.flickr.com user aturegirl 78
The main monsoon has gone and winter is on its way in India. Already nights are starting to feel a little cooler in Mumbai.
Surprisingly, this time of year is one of the most risky times for getting sick in India. The dramatic change in weather brings about a range of post-monsoon health concerns that visitors should be aware of. One of them is mosquito transmitted dengue fever. Mumbai hospitals have registered an increased number cases of this illness, along with the more common viral fever and malaria, this month.
I, myself, am even fighting off a cold at the moment.
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