Asia's longest beach festival is all set to be launched in December. The event that will be demarcated under four zones - Cave, Beach, Diu Fort And Amphitheatre, will be inaugurated by President Of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 1st December in Diu with a performance by Shubha Mugdal.
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The largest wetland in the Northeast - Sonbeel in Assam's Barak Valley - is all set to become a popular tourist destination with the state government taking several promotional initiatives in this direction.The shimmering water of the fresh water lake coupled with the natural beauty of the hills surrounding it, a vibrant fishing community with rich folk culture and wide avian and piscean population makes the area in Karimganj district an ideal tourist spot."There is immense potential in developing the area in an eco-friendly manner for tourism. Tourists do visit the area but due to lack of proper accommodation, most are forced to return to the nearest town of Karimganj or Silchar," Karimganj deputy commissioner Sanjiv Gohain Boruah told PTI.The government has decided to address this problem by setting up a tourist lodge in Mokam Kalibari village along the wetland and the funds have been already sanctioned for the purpose."The emphasis is to promote eco-friendly tourism without affecting the environment of the area. Photographers from far and near come to the area to capture its varied natural features and as such photography tourism, which has assumed special significance, with progress in digital photography, will also be a major focus area," he said.People residing in the villages in the adjacent area belong to the fishing community and have a rich heritage of folk culture, particularly music, which the tourists can enjoy in the evenings, he said.(PTI)
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Nothing spells luxury like a yacht. Next summer, charter one to join the ranks of the rich and famousBy Smita TripathiForget booking the Ty Warner Penthouse at Four Seasons, New York. Forget renting a luxury villa in St. Tropez. Forget partying in Ibiza. If you are looking for the most luxurious and exclusive holiday next summer, think of hiring a mega yacht and sail away to exotic destinations such as Croatia, Greece, Seychelles, the Caribbean, and the French Riviera. We look at some of the most luxurious yachts available for hire. The price to charter these does not include expenses such as fuel, anchor rates and supplies. Prices also vary depending on the season. These boats are hired by the rich and famous. Time for you to join the club.Nirvana €900,000 per week + expensesThis 290-foot mega yacht is ideal if you are looking at socialising and entertaining with family. It sleeps up to 12 guests in six staterooms including a 150-metre master suite. To look after the guests and to ensure you have a truly luxury experience, it has a crew of 27 members on board. The interiors are inspired by tropical rainforests and include an aquarium and two vivariums. There is a gym, a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a dance floor and a 3D cinema. These, of course, are in addition to standard mega yacht features such as a helicopter landing pad.Quattrolle €1 million per week + expensesThe 282-foot Quattrolle comfortably sleeps 12 guests and is capable of carrying a crew of 29 onboard. To help you while away your time when on board there is an eight-person spa pool, an on-board dive station and a garage full of jet skis. The Quattrolle has six decks and boasts of a salon, spa, large gym, cinema and even an art gallery. Princely Affair: The 290-foot -long Nirvana has a large, fully-equipped gym, a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a dance floor, and a 3D cinema. The impressive leisure and entertainment facilities make Nirvana the ideal yacht for socialising and entertaining with family and friendsKismet €1.2 million per week + expensesThe 312-foot mega yacht Kismet sleeps up to 12 guests and is capable of carrying a crew of up to 28 on board to ensure a luxury yacht experience. It is ideal if you are looking for a cosy holiday with family or a few friends. Kismet’s deck provides a wide range of amenities including an open fire place, an outdoor bar, dining area with a fully-equipped barbecue, an oval-shaped swimming pool with Jacuzzi and ample space for sun bathing and relaxing. There is also a private observation deck overlooking it all. To give a true luxury feel, the interiors are all done up in wood and marble.The Serene €1.6 million to 2.8 million per week + expensesIf it’s good enough for Bill Gates, we guess it’s good enough for you. The richest man in the world holidayed on this 439-foot super yacht at an estimated price of $5 million a week last year. But it’s available for much less, so go ahead and book it for your holiday next summer. You can invite a group of 24 people to party with you and they can be looked after by a crew of up to 52 members. For entertainment, there is an internal seawater swimming pool, hot and cold Jacuzzi, another swimming pool on the sun deck, two fully-equipped gyms, and a cinema. There is also a variety of sea kayaks, water skis, inflatable toys, fishing equipment, scuba gear and sailboats. For children, there is a playroom with a climbing wall, but what is really going to get them excited is the Nemo Room — an underwater viewing room decorated in the spirit of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. And if all this is not enough, there is also a submarine.smitatripathi@gmail.com; @smitabw(This story was published in BW | Businessworld Issue Dated 16-11-2015)
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By Simar Singh Imagine strolling down Rodeo Drive just to see a peep of Mad Men’s John Hamm right around the corner. Or maybe a Real Housewife? Nothing too special. No reason do double over with surprise. You’re in Beverly Hills after all. A concentrated dose of luxury like no other, with a sizeable serving of star power, Beverly Hills is definitely the stuff of films. And now more and more vacationing Indians are flocking to flocking to Tinseltown's plush ‘city’ to subsume themselves in this luxury. What's more is that the city actually wants you to come and not only flock around like a tourist but really experience life like a local— a very rich and famous local. “People are more or less aware about our destination. They know that we are the home of luxury and what we are all about. The problem is that they might not know what to do once they are here and the sheer amount of possibilities,” says Mary Saunders De Hoyos, Senior Director of Business Development at The Beverly Hills Visitors and Convention Centre, a tourism board of sorts set up to promote the city. Although it is difficult to tell how many Indians in particular stayed in Beverly Hills or how many came as day visitors. Brand USA’s data on India suggests that right after New York, California is the most popular destination for Indians. The US Department of Commerce estimated that the number of Indian tourists visiting the US in 2015 would grow an impressive 42% from last year’s figures. This is more than four lakh tourists in absolute terms. And it is certain that this trend will not show any signs of slowing down. Data also reveals that Indians tourists spend an average of $7,013 (Rs. 4,50,000 approx.). Apart from being the ultimate nest to channel celebrity lifestyle, Beverly Hills is promoting itself as a great destination to host high-end MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) events. Situated in a parameter of a little more than five miles, getting around is really easy, something Mary believes is an added advantage for the busy folks in town for their conferences. Imbibing the ultimate hallmark of luxury, customisation, Beverly Hills looks at creating made to measure experiences for its visitors. Love chocolates? Visit Edelweiss Chocolates or one of the numerous sweet treat boutiques. More of a wine and cheese person? Stroll down to the Beverly Hills Cheese Store to nibble on a selection of 300 types of chess and pair it with the perfect glass of wine. “This is the kind of information we want to make available,” says Mary. Things that visitors conventionally may not know. “You can just walk in and our concierge is much like a five-star hotel’s. We’ll assist you in any way possible. Even if you want to do something special in some other part of Los Angeles, we can arrange that.” “It’s about paying attention to who the client is and what they want to achieve,” she says. As a part of the global strategy for emerging markets, Beverly Hills has been an active participant in sales missions and trade shows. Last month, Brand USA concluded its 4th India Mission going across Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi. So head on over to 90210, dine on Cannon drive, take trolley tours to see where Charlie Chaplin and Fred Astaire lived. And while you are at it, keep your fingers crossed that you’ll bump into your favourite celeb or at least a Kardashian. Of course, at the cost of a much lighter wallet.
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Driving away for a weekend getaway is one of the most preferred modes of relaxation and rejuvenation. The very thought of Coorg's lush greenery can lift the spirit of any Bangalorean The situation is pretty similar when a Chennai resident thinks of visiting Ooty's undulating hills or a Mumbaikar looks forward to a weekend at Mahabaleshwar. For most holiday planners at Kolkata the beaches of Digha it is, while many Delhites crave the pristine air of Musoorie. Sanjay KumarAn increasing number of vacationers are opting to drive themselves down to nearby holiday getaways. Planning and being prepared for the trip is a great idea as a few mishaps could turn your getaway into a disaster. Sanjay Kumar, Head of Motor Underwriting, Bharti AXA General Insurance, talks about some of the preparedness which will keep you and your vehicle far from worries on a long road trip. Things to rememberCheck on your vehicle: Do make sure that your vehicle is ready for a long trip. Ensure that your car-jack, Spare tyre, brake fluid, windscreen wiper fluid have been checked and are in place. It is advisable to get your vehicle serviced right before the trip so you can rectify an issue at the garage itself rather than dealing with it on the highway. Also in case you do not know how to change a tyre or replace wiper fluid, please learn how to do so. Some basic vehicle repair knowledge can be of great help in some situations Driving comfort: The roads of Ooty are known for their hairpin turns while several roads of Himachal are narrow and at dizzying heights with no parapets. Roads near Kochi are practically non-existent and paved with potholes. So do research a little about the roads you shall be driving on. Avoid something you are not comfortable with. If heights give you vertigoes then steer clear of hilly roads. If night driving gives you the jitters, then halt for the night and try and drive as much as possible when there is sufficient sunlight. Also if it's your first road trip do take a vehicle that you have been driving for some time. A first time road trip with a vehicle you've hardly driven and don't much about is not advisable especially if your road trip is over ten hours long. Ensure phone connectivity: Make sure that your mobile phone's GPS and internet are working. Despite GPS if possible do carry paper maps to make sure you are on the right track even if your mobile goes dead. Also carry with you mobile phone charges and power banks so can avoid situation of dead phones and no connectivity. If possible carry a basic phone that has long battery life just in case. Know your way around: Review your route and take advice of persons who have travelled to your selected destination via road. Read reviews on the route you will be opting for. Information about the areas you will pass shall prepare you for the same. In case you happen to be passing an area known for local aggression it is best to avoid spates and maintain your calm in case you are blamed for some damage. Map out all toll points and carry sufficient cash. Change would make it quick and easy for you at tolls. Travel light: While a first aid kit is a must, along with sufficient food and water, with regards to clothes packing light is the best option. Choose duffel bags over hard suit cases. One medium duffel bag per passenger is ideal. Carry all necessary vehicle documentation and follow rules: As you cross state borders, there are chances you will be stopped for checks by local authorities so do make sure you carry all vehicle documentation and your driving license. Also be sure to follow traffic rules and under no circumstances drive under the influence of alcohol. Dealing with an emergency involving police away from home can become a messy affair. Always carry your vehicle insurance: It's the most important thing when one sets out for a long road trip. As in the absence of your vehicle insurance details will result in your policy being of no help to you when you need it the most. Always ensure that you carry the latest copy of your policy backed by proper proof in your vehicle. Along with this it is advisable to carry important contact numbers such as the customer care details of your insurance company as they always comes handy. Include add- on cover to your original cover for more safety: A regular motor insurance usually doesn't address the customized needs of customers, as it gives an overall cover. Thus in order to have better insurance protection especially when you like to go out on a road trip (in your car), add-on covers are useful. Some of the useful add-on covers include the following: Roadside assistance: This cover provides assistance to customers at the time of vehicle breakdown by towing the vehicle to the nearest garage for repairs, fixing the flat tyre, arranging alternative transport facility to the nearest town/customer's place in the event of major breakdown of vehicle, assistance in the case of lock out/lost keys, arrangement of emergency fuel in case the vehicle runs out of fuel, etc., Invoice price cover: This add-on covers the shortfall amount between the insured value and the invoice price of the vehicle along with other costs like road tax, registration and insurance amount. This cover works in the case of theft or total loss, hence can come quite handy in a long trip.Depreciation cover: God forbid if you happen to get your vehicle hit on the highway during the course of your long road trip it is quite likely that the damage would be massive. Typically under any comprehensive policy in case of a claim, the insured receives an amount that is subject to depreciation. He/she therefore receives an amount lower than the actual repair expense. So in case of massive damage, you may have to shell out quite a sum despite receiving insurance. With Depreciation cover the insured receives the depreciation amount deducted on the value of the parts replaced for up to 2 admissible claims. Consumables cover: Depreciation cover does provide the depreciation amount deducted on the value of the parts. However there are still some expenses that do not come under the purview of Depreciation cover. These are consumable items like nuts, bolts, and brake fluid among others. Consumable cover pays for expenses incurred towards "those items or substances of specific use which at the time of loss are either totally consumed or rendered unfit for further consumption" arising out of damage to the vehicle insured and/or to its accessories caused by any peril as covered under the Policy. So you are particular about complete coverage its best to opt for both Depreciation and consumable coverage. Covers for passenger safety: Whilst on the highway during a long road trip passenger safety sometimes becomes a concern while passing through rough terrain or with elderly or very young passengers. However motor insurance believe it or not offers products that cover personal safety of passengers. To ensure protection for not just your vehicle but also its passengers it's best to consider the given add-ons. Personal accident cover: The capital sum insured is limited to maximum of Rs 2 lakh per person in case of permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, accidental death. Hospital Cash: Offering of daily cash compensation of Rs.1000 per day when hospitalized, which will be received up to maximum of 30 days. Ambulance charges cover: Choosing Ambulance Charges cover entitles to receive charges towards transportation of insured persons in Ambulance to the Hospital post suffering bodily injury caused by an accident while travelling in, embarking or disembarking from the insured vehicle. A judicious mix of proper insurance cover along with cautious precautions can ensure safe and fun-filled trip for you and your family. Take care and drive safe!
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An online firm WudStay, has announced the enticing deals of rooms at Rs 99 per night in Goa and for the first time, an exquisite stay in Houseboat at Rs 999 per night in Srinagar. The packages are inclusive of taxes, free breakfast and Wi-Fi.The offer will help the travellers to plan their perfect and budged holiday in advance, and book the low-priced rooms to avail the luxury of premier hotels in Goa. This will also make the wanderers experience the floating traditional wonders of Srinagar’s beautiful Lakes at lowest possible rates.WudStay provides standardised and branded rooms to corporate and leisure travellers. The company ensures that the customers get quality experience and promises complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, clean washrooms and linen.Travellers can book WudStay accommodation across 13 cities including Agra, Manali, Dehradun, Goa, Haridwar, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Srinagar and Varanasi.(BW Online Bureau)
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The holiday season is now over but what about a special holiday deal? How many of us are ready to hop on a fabulous holiday package? A new travel trend survey says most of us prefer to travel offseason to avoid rush in order to get better deals on flights and on hotels. The survey covers Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad. While 44 per cent of the respondents prefer to travel offseason to avoid rush, 57 per cent Indians book activities in advance to avoid wasting time by standing in long queues for tickets to theme parks and museums. "Holiday activities are picking up amongst Indian travelers. This is evident from the fact that almost half of them decide the activities and then plan their destination. The traveler evolution is happening at a faster pace now that they have access to vast amount of information available at review sites, OTAs and met search portals. They have much more clarity than 5 years back and play a critical role in travel planning. While 56 per cent Indians preferred to travel in peak season, 44 per cent chose to travel off season. "More than budgets, they are anxious about wasting time, standing in long queues for tickets to theme parks and museums (22%), with uncertainty on ticket availability as well," said Vikram Malhi, Managing Director, Asia, Expedia. A large number of people (62 per cent) decide the destination first and then plan activities, Delhi is leading in the index with 72 per cent followed by Pune (70 per cent), Bangalore (69 per cent) and Mumbai (68 per cent). Most of the respondents (48 per cent) are interested in cultural events such as Carnivals, Oktoberfest and Tomatina festival, followed by city-specific activities and cultural performances (55 per cent), 47 per cent Indians want to discover unexplored destinations and 48 per cent travelers talk and interact more with the locals. On the other hand, some of them enjoy adventure sports whereas 21 per cent are curios collector.(BW Online Bureau)
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The fun, the adventure, the flavours of the game and the amusive atmosphere will return to Shilong on Wednesday (5 August) as all sports lovers and participants from around the world gear up for the Rickshaw Run 2015.Organised by UK Company The League of Adventurists since 2006, the Rickshaw Run is the largest three-wheeler event on the planet. The city, Shilong has been the favourite place for the Rickshaw Run since 2011.The contestants will end their epic journey in Kochi on 20 August, in the deep south of the country. The teams have no set route, no back up along the way, and are on their own.Event Manager Matthew Dickens, said that 83 teams are prepping and pimping their rickshaws in anticipation of the grand show on Wednesday (5 August).The participants representing 23 countries shall be riding, rolling and wiggling their way across the subcontinent in their tinny steeds covering approximately 5000kms on their way to Kochi. What makes this journey even more memorable and noble is the fact that each team raises £1000 for charity - with at least half of this going towards the official rainforest preservation charity - Cool Earth.The League of Adventurists International, based in Bristol, are at the helm of many similar events around the world: "This event certainly has a lighter side, but the important message is clear... We plan to introduce our participants to the real India - this is not a typical package holiday."When the teams are lost, stuck and all hope seems futile, Mother India and the heart-warming generosity of the Indian people shall envelope them in a fondness that many would not have encountered before. We also like to bring attention to the beauty of lesser travelled places such as Shillong and Kochi. Needless to say we're thrilled to be raising an awfully large amount of money for worthy charities across the nation too. The Rickshaw Run has now raised well over £2,000,000 (around $3.1 million) - which is a huge boost to the good work that these charities and our official charity Cool Earth are doing. In fact, each Rickshaw Run raises enough money for Cool Earth to save 150,000 trees in some of the most endangered rainforest in the world." Dickens added. The Rickshaw Run has now been coming to Shillong for five years. Dickens goes on to say: "Meghalaya is a real gem in the North East. I hope many of our participants are able to travel to some of the more remote areas of the state, as the scenery is simply out of this world."Kochi is the birthplace of the Rickshaw Run and is therefore very dear to the event. With its charming and quaint streets it makes an ideal finish line, where the teams can relax - if they manage to complete the journey it that is.For many of the participants it will be many firsts - whether it's travelling to India, driving a rickshaw or just experiencing the enthusiasm and love that the people of this country are so famous for, said Dickens.The next few days as the teams pour into Shillong will no doubt be packed with energy, colour, noise, nerves and excitement. Let the merriment begin!The League of Adventurists International currently organises seven events worldwide including the Mongol Rally and the Mongol Derby which are the largest car rally in the world and the longest horse race in the world respectively. For more information please log onto their website.(BW Online Bureau)
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