IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

India has been on the global spotlight for tourism for a few years now. From hippie tourists to elite globe-trotters and adventure junkies, India caters to every kind of traveller.

A whole lot of luxury hotels have been cropping up around the country and local as well international tourists are looking forward to get the full experience of these exotic locales.

1) Taj Theog, Shimla

This resort has a magnificent view of the Himalayas, as Shimla is famous for. It is surrounded by coniferous forests, apple orchards and rivers. With only 2 luxury hotels in Shimla, the Taj Theog could be a game changer. The hotel opened its doors to the public on 1^st February 2019. 

Taj Theog, Shimla

2) Six Senses Fort Barwara, Jaipur

This heritage property is due to open in the outskirts of Jaipur in late 2019. The resort is being built around the 700-year-old fort in a nearby village. The hotel aims at preserving Jaipur’s history while giving the guests a feel of its royal heritage. 

Six Senses Fort, Jaipur

3) Four Seasons, Bengaluru

The legendary Four Seasons chain is set to open up their second hotel in India. The hotel is located conveniently near the airport at Hebbal. Bengaluru’s luxury hotel market is about to up its ante with the opening of the Four Seasons. The hotel is accepting bookings from May 1^st, 2019.

Four Seasons, Bengaluru

4) Hilton Resort, Goa

The Hilton already has two properties in Goa, both under its DoubleTree brand. Both hotels being big successes, the company decided to expand its share in the luxury hotel market in the state. The hotel is set to open on June 1^st, 2019 and is located close to Candolim and Calangute beaches.

Hilton, Goa

5) Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa

This 12.5 acre resort is set amidst the Himalayas. It is located an hour away from the pilgrim town of Rishikesh. The hotel, set to open up later in 2019 has an eco-friendly design. It also incorporates local architecture. 

Taj Rishikesh

MAKING TRAVELLING WALLET-FRIENDLY

If you’re looking for an international experience but don’t have the cash to splurge on it, this article is a must-read. You don’t need thousands of dollars to get yourself on the road. In fact, all you need is a little originality, some guts and enthusiasm, and some ideas to get you started. Some of the ideas below are ones that even your grandmother would approve of.

So don’t let your empty wallet stop you from taking the trip of a lifetime!

1) Volunteer and Fundraise

Ever considered volunteering abroad? Some volunteer organizations may help you out with room and board, and occasionally flights. Most organizations that do this require a significant commitment of time (one to two years) as well as specialized skills and experience. Some local organizations that support this kind of work include local Lions Club (lionsclubs.org), Optimist Club (optimist.org) or Rotary Club (rotary.org).

2) Couchsurf

This service connects travellers and locals who are ready to let travellers stay with them for FREE. Using this site you will never have to pay for your accommodation. Sometimes you get a room, or a couch, and sometimes an air mattress, but always free. There are also local Couchsurfing group meet-ups that can help you make friends in your new city. Similar sites including Hospitality Club but Couchsurfing is the best as it’s a more active community.

3) Pick Up Some Casual Work

If you’re looking to stay a bit longer, then consider choosing a short-term job overseas. The options are plentiful: anyworkanywhere.com offers listings for fruit picking, but many smaller farmers will only advertise locally. Check out SWAP (swap.ca) who will help you to arrange a working visa in many different countries, or companies like Go Workabout (goworkabout.com) which has a good record of providing short term jobs in Australia.

4) Teach English Overseas

One of the best ways to make money for travel is to teach English overseas. You can make a lot of money teaching – you replenished travel funds while working in Thailand, and few south Asian countries. All you need is the ability to speak English fluently and maybe a TOEFL accreditation, depending on the country you work in. Teaching overseas is probably the easiest and most lucrative job to get. Contracts can be as short as 6 months and you’ll get to spend time living in and experiencing another culture. Teaching overseas would be one of the best things you can ever do.

HOLIDAY HELPLINE

Here's a list of 6 holiday mishaps and how to deal with them.

1) Your wallet is stolen

Solution: Contact the local police immediately and make sure you get a copy of the crime report with the statements you have made. Report any missing cards to your bank as soon as possible - they may be able to send you a replacement card. It's important that you file a report with your travel insurance company as soon as you can. Most travel insurance companies have strict time regulations regarding when you report the crime to local police, so make sure you don't delay this or you could miss out on your compensation. 

2) Jet lag is ruining your holiday

Solution: Set your watch on the plane to the time of the destination and avoid too much alcohol, caffeine, fat and salt. If you arrive in daylight, stay awake and don't have any naps. Do anything you can to stop yourself falling asleep - go for a walk or have a shower. Going in the sun can also help to reset our internal clocks and exercise is good as it releases endorphins.

3) You lose your luggage

 Solution: If your baggage hasn't shown up on the conveyor belt - be patient then go to the airline's counter to file a report. They may offer you a bag of essentials and will take your contact details. Be aware that the longer your luggage is lost, the more compensation the airline will provide. Your travel insurance policy will probably cover lost luggage too so check the wording on your policy. 

4) You lose your passport
Solution: The first thing you should do is report it lost with the local police, get the reference number then schedule an emergency appointment with your country's embassy/consulate in the city you're visiting. You will then need to fill in a lost or stolen notification form before you're issued a replacement passport. It's very helpful if you have another form of identification with you (i.e. driving license). Finally, contact your travel insurance company as they may be able to help cover the cost of your lost passport.

5) Your hotel is a disappointment  
Solution: Don't suffer in silence - if you've been allocated a bad room, give the hotel a chance to try and rectify the problem. In most situations, the hotel will offer you another room or an upgrade. If the problem isn't rectified and you have to switch hotels, be sure to write a letter to the manager when you arrive home. If you've booked through an online hotel provider site, you can write to them about the problem too.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Nedd a stressbuster after a terrible week? Take a look at our carefully curated weekend getaways to give yourself a break you deserve.

1) CORBETT, UTTRAKHAND
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park was set up in 1935 as India's first National Park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger. Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the tiger and its prey. Apart from tigers one can find leopards, sloth bears, jackals, crocodiles, Indian python, cobra and numerous species of birds. Suitable for: Families Season: Between November and June Not to miss: White water rafting, rappelling, angling, jeep and elephant safaris. Stay at: The Tiger Groove; Infinity Resort. Getting there: About 50 km from Pantnagar airport, and 215 km from Indira Gandhi International airport, Delhi

Jim Corbett National Park

2) GANGTOK, SIKKIM

The magical lure of the Eastern Himalayas has always attracted people from all over the world with it's magnificent mountains and landscapes. Cradled within the majestic Himalayas, Gangtok should be the choice from a mountainous weekend trip. Suitable for: Families Season: Between October and mid-December; from March to May Not to miss: Visit monasteries, Phurchachu hot springs, deer park and nature trails. Stay at: Mayfair Hotels and Resorts; Orange Village Resort Getting there: About 124 km from Bagdogra airport

Gangtok

3) KHAJURAHO, MADHYA PRADESH

Declared as a world heritage site by UNSECO for its archaeological and historical monuments, Khajuraho is famous to the rest of the world for its temples with their rich architectural works and erotic sculptures. Suitable for: Couples Season: Between September and March. Not to miss: Visit Khajuraho Temples. Stay at: Hotel Chandela, Taj Hotels. Getting there: It is about 5 km away from the Khajuraho Airport located in the city.

Khajuraho

4) DARJEELING, WEST BENGAL

Darjeeling is a hill station sitting atop a ridge at 2,134 metres replete with Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails and awesome mountain views. In Darjeeling feast your eyes on the views of the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas that are almost straight out of a postcard. It is also a good getaway from the dust and soot of urban India. Suitable for: Couples Season: April to June; September to December Not to miss: Visit tea estates when plucking and processing are in progress Stay at: Windamere Hotel; Mayfair Hotels and Resorts Getting there: 96 km away from Bagdogra airport

Darjeeling Toy Train

EN PLEIN AIR

India is knows for its ancient temples, gorgeous beaches, grand forts and majestic mountains. Rarely does adventure sports comes to one’s mind. Of late, a whole bunch of adventure thirsty individuals are looking for newer means to quench their thirst.

Here we bring to you the top 4 must-try adventures and experiences that India has to offer:

1) Caving in Meghalaya

While Meghalaya is known for being one of the wettest places on earth and has an impressive array of hills, waterfalls and root bridges, one of its little known secrets is that it is one of the best places in Asia for exploring caves. The caves, with mainly stalactite and stalagmite formations, are truly nature's gift and wonder.

The Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills houses most of the caves in the state. The deepest and longest of the caves in South Asia are located on the hills of Khasi Hills. The major caves in the Khasi Hills are located in the areas of Cherrapunjee, Shella, Pynursla, Nongjri, Mawsynram and Langrin.

Caving in Meghalaya

2) Sunset Boat ride in Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is an artificial fresh water lake situated in Udaipur and is one of the most picturesque lakes in the country.

Lake Pichola is surrounded by the enchanting cool grey-blue mountains which reflects on its rippling mirror-like surface. It has several islands; The Jag Island which houses the world-renowned Lake Palace, The Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas.

A visit to Udaipur is incomplete without a boat ride on the pristine blue waters of the lake. After a busy day of soaking in the beauty of Udaipur’s magnificent architecture, the best way to unwind is to take a relaxing sunset boat ride. As the sun sets, the entire lake glimmers and the havelis lining the lake are illuminated golden by the rays of the setting sun.

Lake Pichola at sunset

3) Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Gulmarg boasts of Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola.  It is also the world’s second highest operating cable car. The Gulmarg Gondola is built in two phases, Phase I and Phase II.

The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600m to Kongdoori Station in the valley. This valley is the best place for skiing as it offers the longest ski run of 3km in J&K. The second stage of the ropeway takes skiers to a height of 3,747m to Afarwat Peak.

This peak is the last point in India to which civilians have access to, after which ‘Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’ (POK) begins. Most of the time, Phase II is not accessible due to bad weather conditions as the oxygen levels at the top of Afarwat Peak drop drastically. 

Gondola Phase II

4) Jaisalmer Desert Camping

The Sam Sun Dunes in Jaisalmer is a perfect gateway for travellers who want to spend a holiday away from the noisy streets of metropolitan cities and enjoy the famous desert safari of Jaisalmer.

Besides gazing in awe at the sea of dunes or frolicking in the sand, visitors and catch a cultural performance or take a camel ride from the camp to Sunset Point to view one of Rajasthan’s most spectacular sunsets. Travellers with and adventurous spirit and hiker’s heart can best enjoy this camping experience.

The camping experience includes a traditional Rajasthani meal. After a sumptuous meal, lay back and relax in your cosy tents and soak in the calm and rustic feel.

Desert Camping

THE STREET SHOPAHOLIC

Have you been bitten by the shopping bug but are low on cash? These three places in India will satisfy your insatiable desire to shop. 

1) Arpora Saturday Night Bazaar, Goa

This sprawling market is located in Arpora and transpires every Saturday evening from 6pm until late night. Here, one may find everything from archetypical Indian stalls selling spices, teas, Kashmiri carpets and silver jewellery to international designers who convene from all over the word to sell their unique creations, many of which may be found only here. This market also houses food stalls featuring cuisines from across the globe, and the centre stage that hosts live concerts featuring Rock to Indian Classical. Further up the hill, is "The Boutique House Bar" that serves delightful cocktails.

Saturday Night Bazaar

2) Jew Street at Fort Kochi, Kochi
A walk down Kochi’s Jew Street is like a walk down the lanes of antiquity. The Street is lined with shops that sell curios, antique pieces of crockery, carved wooden furniture, bronze and brass sculptures, remnants of traditional houses, and jewellery.

The antique sellers of these streets are the descendants of a fast dwindling population of Jews who settled down here in AD 52. Every piece that they sell has its own tale to narrate - of a palace or a home of the nobility, of travels across many lands and ages.

The ancient alleyways, balconies and Jewish architecture invokes an old-worldly feeling in the tourist.

Jew Street

3) Baapu Bazaar, Jaipur
Some of Jaipur's best shopping experiences are found in city's old bazaars. These are located in the walled city, around the two main blocks called the Badi and Chhoti Chaupar. Visit them for a first-hand experience of the city's long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, and to get schooled in the art of bargaining while you're at it.

Located between the Sanganer Gate and the New Gate within the Pink City, Bapu Bazaar is where you should head for some cheap and cheerful shopping. Best known for selling traditional Jaipur textiles, mirror work, bed linen, silver jewellery, multi-coloured lehengas and the Jaipuri quilts. 

Bapu Bazaar

After going through cheap shopping options, we now present you with three luxury shopping destinations from around the world.

1) Bond Street, London
London’s famous Bond Street is revered throughout the world for its wealth of elegant stores, exclusive brands, designer fashion, luxury goods, fine jewels, art and antiques. Set in the heart of historic Mayfair, in London’s popular West End, Bond Street has become a haven for high street shopping.

Bond Street and its surrounding area boasts an impressive number of Royal Warranties and is home to some of the world’s most individual and unique hotels and restaurants, including Claridge’s and The Ritz. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious retailers including Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Dolce Gabbana, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, etc.

Bond Street offers an unrivalled mix of history, traditional elegance and modern luxury.

Bond Street

2) Stroget, Copenhagen
Stroget is the heart of Copenhagen and one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets with a wealth of shops. The shops range from budget-friendly chains to some of the world's most expensive brands.

Many of the city's most famous and expensive stores, such as Illums Bolighus, Magasin du Nord, and the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory are located along the strip, as well as some of the most famous and expensive luxury brand chain stores in the world. It also features a multitude of souvenir shops and fast food outlets. Look up and down the side streets during your shopping spree, and you will see several of Copenhagen's beautiful sights and attractions.

Stroget is a popular hangout for the city's street performers. One can often see performances by acrobats, magicians and musician at the Amagertrov Square.

Stroget