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The
Kappelbrucke Bridge in Lucerne |
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Jungfraujoch
- Top of Europe |
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See
Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in the world in Geneva |
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Mount
Titlis |
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At
Jungfraujoch, the highest point of Europe, you can even see
beyond Switzerland' frontiers to France's Vosges mountain
range and Black Forest in Germany. |
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The
magnificent Alps as you ride the Glacier Express |
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The land of spectacular snow –clad mountains, sparkling lakes the very best of shopping in Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne and Berne.
Many travel agencies offer you attractive packages that includes Airfare, hotel accommodation, all meals and sightseeing. Your sightseeing should include the following in Switzerland
:
Lake Zurich, St. Peter’s Church, National Museum and churches of Fraumunster and Grossmunster in Zurich.
Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen
Bear Pits, Clock Tower, Art Museum, Parliament, Cathedral and Gothic Fountains in
Berne.
Jet d’Eau, English Garden, UNO and Red Cross, Palais des Nations and Brunswick Monument in Geneva.
Glacier Express from Brig to Chur.
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Kenya
Fact File
Kenya,the
country where pristine beaches, impossible summits, lavish reserves and
nomadic tribals live with a certain rustic synchrony.
The
currency is the Kenya Shillings (KES), Re.1 = 1.60 KES.
The
sodas and beers offered are generally warm. Specifically ask for a cold
drink.
Fresh
fruit juices are readily available at all restaurants.
Local
beer or muratina, served in rural areas, isn't the safest of liquors.
Quality
coffee and chai (tea) are available, as the country is known for these
crops.
Take
care of your personal belongings, as theft isn't uncommon.
Banking
facilities, taxis, car hire, tour operators and hotel booking offices are
conveniently situated at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
arrival hall. A scheduled bus service to and from the town centre is
available at the airport's bus stops.
Information
desks manne by customer care officers are strategically placed through the
airport.
African
Safari:
*
Mumbai-Nairobi-Mumbai by Kenya Airways, costs Rs.20,000 (without airport
taxes)
*
Package cost for seven days: Approx. Rs.51,600 (per person on twin-sharing
basis)
*
This includes accomodation, with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*
Transportation and game drives by non-airconditioned private safari van
with English speaking driver/guide.
*Entrance
fees to all parks.
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Italy Fact File
Italy,the
country a rich historical past and diversity is also a country that loves
its cruises.
Climate
In general, Italy
has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild rainy winters and hot dry
summers. The climate is subject to local variations. The northern area,
especially into the Alps, has more severe winters whereas the central
areas are more temperate. Southern Italy has a hot and dry climate. Rome
averages 20LC
- 30BC
in July and 5LC-
11BC
in January.
Language
Italian, German, French and Slovene. spoken in parts; English spoken by those in the tourist industry.
Health
No
vaccinations are needed. Biting flies can cause illness in Mediterranean
coastal areas
and ticks transmit Lyme disease, so some personal protective measures are
important.
Currency
1
euro = Rs 50 (approx)
What
to buy
Leather
goods, Alessi homeware, designer clothes (Versace, Valentino, Armani),
religious
paraphernalia, ceramics, Tuscan olive oil.
..........................................................................................
Down
under to Australia
Go
to Australia, lying upside down on its back at the bottom end of the
world. Australia is more than beaches, barrier reefs and beer. It's large
and lively. Last year about 60,000 Indians visited Australia, making them
the third largest tourist group in Asia. They went for holidays and
honeymoon, employment and education, and business and beaches. And for
some, it was the sparkling Australian nightlife, always attractive, always
Australia.
Ready
Reckoner:
The
population of Australia is 19.5 million.
Every
nationality except New Zealanders need visas.
Any
time is a good time to be in Australia. Summer (December to February) can
get uncomfortably hot, but its a great beach weather.
With
distances between cities so great, flying is the most favoured and speedy
option, although buses and trains provide a more scenic, if lengthy
alternative.
Mumbai
to Melbourne return airfare (economy class) by Quantas Airways is
Rs.20,699+taxes; business is Rs.1,52,565 (basic fare).
.............................................................................................................
ATMs
may soon be used to buy airline tickets with technology firm NCR
Corporation developing a software that enables users to make bookings by
accessing flight schedules, select destinations and dates of travel. NCR
is the first ATM manufacturers in the world to launch real-time airline
booking service through ATMs.
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States
of India
People
flock to 'Niagra of India' Hogenakkal in Karnataka
Hogenakkal
(Karnataka): Known as the 'Niagara Falls of India', the Hogenakkal
waterfall in the Dharmapuri district is a popular tourist destination.
The
waterfall amidst the lush green and serene surroundings makes it an
idyllic and excellent excursion destination for tourists-both domestic
and foreign.
However,
weekends here are rather fast paced as the place is chock- a- block
with people, coming here to soak in the water showers or enjoy a boat
ride.
Besides
providing a perfect leisure spot, the waterfall is known for its
healing properties. People suffering from skin ailments especially
come here to take a herbal power shower.
"The
water here is excellent. It flows through various places. Taking a
bath in the fall is good as the water has medicinal properties. The
water comes here from Baramandla covering a distance of 350 kilometres.
It flows through various places," said Sathyanarayan, a visitor.
Tourists
especially from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh come here to
enjoy a boat ride on the lake, which receives water from the fall.
"The
lake is very nice and we enjoyed it a lot. It's a fantastic place,
especially the boating and all is very good. The valleys and the falls
here are simply superb," says Beena, a tourist.
The
tourists who want a bit more thrill prefer an upstream boat ride
through the water falling from a high altitude.
-by
Jai Kumar (ANI)
Students
& Female Travelers and Tourists
|
SIKKIM….
Abode of the Gods
From
monarchy to a democratic state in the federal structure of India, Sikkim
has come a long way. If 1975 was the year Sikkim turned its back on
Rajtantra when the state was merged with India, 1994 was the year for the
hill state to establish itself as a Ganatantra, when the Sikkim Democratic
Front came to power.
Sikkim has
withstood the rigours of a nascent state. Today in the mainstream of the
Indian social, political and economic canvas, the state sits pretty in its
statehood. The grandeur is laced with tranquility even as the border state
stands guard protecting the sovereignty of the country.
Of
mountains, rivers, lakes and vales…..
Sikkim’s physical
features can be divided into mountains, rivers, glaciers, lakes and
waterfalls.
Mountains
:
Sikkim has a rugged
topography and flat lands are difficult to come by. The towering mountains
that hem this paradise of nature, pose a problem to efficient agriculture.
The two mountain ranges are:
Singilela: on the Western border
Chola: on the Eastern border
The
Singelila Range boasts of the 8596 metres Mount Khangchendzonga. This
peak, the third highest in the world, is difficult to climb because of
unpredictable weather and winds.
The
Sikkimese believe that is not meant to be climbed, but only worshipped, as
it is the abode of five treasures of the snows.
Glaciers:
Glaciers are moving
mountains of ice. There are many of these in Sikkim, of which the most
important are Zemu, the most famous among Himalayan glaciers, Rathong and
the Lonak glacier in North Sikkim.
Hot
Springs:
Sikkim has many hot
springs known for their medicinal value, of which the most important are
located at Reshi, Yumthang, Ralang.These hot springs are located at 25 kms
from Gyalshing on the river Rangit.
Lakes:
Expect the unexpected in Sikkim. Lakes in this rugged terrain are a
visual delight. Spring-fed as well as river-fed, the Tsomogo, Khechoprai,
Samiti, Cholamu and Green lakes are among the better known.
Passes:
The mountain ranges
are interspersed with the passes which can be used to cross from one side
to another. On the Eastern Chola range are situated the famous Nathu La
and Jelep La pass, both at an altitude of about 1,15,0000 ft and Bhutah La
at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. The first two lead to Tibet and the
third to Bhutan.
On West
border of Sikkim and Nepal, the most important pass is the Chiwabhangiang,
at an altitude of 10,300 ft.
Rivers:
Flowing right
across the length of Sikkim is the river Teesta. Teesta originates as a
stream from the Cholamu Lake. Meeting Teesta at the border between Sikkim
and West Bengal is its major tributary the river Rangeet which originates
from the Rathong Glacier. The Teesta finally joins the Brahmaputra in
Bangladesh.
Waterfalls
The verdant green landscape of Sikkim is broken only by waterfalls
that leap out of the hillside in froths of white. Waterfalls are found
almost all over Sikkim but there is a profusion of them in North Sikkim
specially on the road between Mangan and Lachung.
Facts
-
Literacy
rate has gone up from 7 percent in 1951to 70 percent in 2001
-
.The
infant mortality rate has dropped from 60 in 1991 to 51 in 1997.
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School-going
children consist of 83 percent of the population between the age 6 to
17.
-
Only 21
percent of children below 3 years suffer from malnutrition as against
the national average of 47 percent as per 1998-99 records.
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Over 80
percent of households have electricity connections as against the
national average of 60 percent.
-
Almost
85 percent of households have drinking water connections as against 78
percent at the national rate.
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Close
to 73 percent of households have a toilet facility while the national
average is 36 percent.
-
Per
capita net state domestic product more than doubled in real terms
between 1980-90 rising from Rs. 1,571 to 9,472.
-
Sikkim
is perhaps the only state in the country which provides free education
upto class XII.
-
The
Government supplies free uniforms and free text books upto class V and
50 percent subsidy on the expenditure of books for each student from
class VI to XII.
-
The
state provides rice to the 43,450 families below the poverty line at a
highly subsidized rate.
-
A
citizens charter for
targeted public distribution system has been published to educate the
consumers of their rights and their contribution towards making the
system more effective.
-
A rich
variety of forests, both deciduous and coniferous, cover 82 percent of
the land rich in flora and fauna.
-
The
government has been able to introduce work culture in the state by
ensuring monthly reportage mandatory for government employees.
-
The
government’s mission is better governance through the use of
information tools with the help of modern information technology. Two
community information centres have also been established.
|
Mail
Box
|
How
does one manage money while traveling?
#It's
a good idea to carry a debit card as well as a credit card when
travelling. Debit cards lets you withdraw money from cash points and
pay for things in shops or over the phone or the internet.
#Ensure
that your credit car has the facility for foreign currency exchange.
#If
you do want to carry cash, Traveller's Cheques are a safer and better
option to carry than actual currency.
#Don't
keep all your money in one place.
#Ask
the exchange bureau to give you smaller denominations.
.......................................................................................................................... Travel
Briefs Revisit Godse Trial Himachal Pradesh is
mulling over turning Godse trial venue into a tourist spot. The trial
of Mahatma Gandhi's assassin took place in the landmark Peterhoff
building in Shimla. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development
Corporation (HPTDC) Managing Director Subhashish Panda expects the
move to help boost tourism in the Queen of the Hills.
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Travelogue......by
Katrina Moss
Discover
Rajasthan in 15 days
This
is a land of romance and valour, magnificent forts and palaces. And
awesome sand dunes.
Day
1 Sariska, Siliserh and
Alwar
Begin
experiencing the enchantment of Rajasthan with bala Kila at Alwar, the
Siliserh Palace overlooking a serene lake, quaint Ajabgarh and open
the jungle book at Sariska wildlife sanctuary.
Day
2- Jaipur
The
Pink City where every corner, each alley vibrates with history. The
City Palace, Amber Palace and several other monuments tell you the
story of the bygone era.
Day
3—Shekhawati-Nawalgarh, Dundlod, Mukandgarh, Mandawa and Fatehpur
Where
walls are alive with exquisite frescoes, a veritable open air art
gallery.
Day
4- Bikaner, Deshnok and Gajner
One
of the three scintillating desert cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner casts a
spell of sun-drenched ambience on the visitor. Visit to Junagarh fort
and Camel Breeding Farm are unforgettable moments.
Day
5-Jaisalmer
This
is a famous desert city with the glow of gold. Fort and dwellings are
carved out of golden sandstone. Some places to remember are the Sonar
Kila (Golden Fort), Amar Sagar, the Lodurva jain temple and Sam sand
dunes
Day
6-Jodhpur
The
sentinel city shimmers in desert haze, The lilt of desert tunes
permeate the ambience. Among a cache of quaint spots, mandore and the
exquisite Osian temples will enchant you.
Day7-Mount
Abu and Ranakpur
The
only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, with its verdant forests,
Dilwara temple and the nearby Ranakpur jain temple will resonate in
your mind. The intricate stone carvings of the temple are the
ultimate.
Day
8-Kumbhalgarh, nathdwara, Haldighati, Eklingil and Nagda
Temple
of Lord Krishna is known to the devout as Shrinathji. The wildlife
sanctuary and the fort at Kumbhalgarh are popular attractions. Then
continue through haldighati, Eklingji and Nagda on your way to udaipur.
Day
9-Udaipur
Known
as the city of lakes, Udaipur bewitches all with its expanse
of placid blue waters, marble palaces and dreamlike gardens.
Day
10-Chittaurgarh
Still
today, tales of valour take its visitor back to a past where the
heroism of Rajasthan reached its zenith. The Victory Tower stands
proud and tall, silently eloquent with its memory of heroes and
sacrifices.
Day
11-Ajmer and Pushkar
Famed
for its shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi Saint, Ajmer
beckons to the faithful all over the world. At Pushkar, the lake is
believed to be created by Lord Brahma. It is said that pilgrimage in
India is not complete without a visit to Pushkar. Pushkar is also a
site of one of the largest
cattle fairs in the world.
Day
12-Bundi,Bijolia,Menal and Kaishoraipatan
With
the delicate beauty of
minature painting, known as the Bundi School, with its fairy tale like
quality. Bundi enraptures its visitors with a haunting tune of its
own.
Day
13-Kota, Badoli and Ihalawar
Small
jewels in the mesmerizing travel route spanning Rajasthan, Kota and
its environs are the least explored areas. A treasure trove of
history, you can find prehistoric cave paintings, water falls and
dozens of ancient temples here
Day
14-Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhor
This
is the land of tigers, the Ranthambhor National Park, known the world
over for its thriving population
of the graceful and fiery striped denizens of forest.
Day
15-Bhratpur and Deeg
Here
the Keoladeo National Park welcomes you with its diversity of winged
attractions.About 375 species of birds of all decriprtion make this
park a bird-watchers’ paradise.Deog is famous for its palaces.
Rajasthan
Tourism – Website: www.rajasthantourismindia.com
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What
kind of food should you take to camp?
If
you are backpacking for more than a day, carry cold foods, canned
goods, light weight staples like peanut butter, concentrated juice,
dried noodles and soups.
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Ajanta
& Ellora
Once
upon a time a British soldier John Smith of the 28th Madras
Cavalry was hunting in the forests of the Deccan when, from the rise
of a hill, he noticed the curved façade of a cave
down in a valley.
When Smith and his companions entered the cave, it revealed a treasure
of frescoed paintings, still glowing despite centuries of neglect.
Thus, on April 28, 1819, the caves of Ajanta were ‘rediscovered’
by the modern world.
Caves,
caves and more caves. There will be a point when you think you simply
can’t bear to see yet another one, but don’t cave in. These are
the ones you should absolutely go into.
There
are 30 caves cut into the steep face of a horse-shoe-shaped rock,
overlooking the river Ajanta. They belong to either the Mahayana or
Hinayana schools of Buddhism. There are two kinds of caves –
Chaityas (prayer halls where the community gathered for worship) and
Viharas (the dormitories for the monks with a common prayer hall and
individual cells). The paintings on the walls were created by first
applying a coat of plaster and then painted with colours obtained
locally (green from copper oxide, etc,) except the blue tint, which
was made from lapis lazuli imported from Persia and Afghanistan. They
depict scenes and stories from the Jataka Tales.
Cave
1
This Mahayana Vihara is the first one you will enter. It’s one
of the few lit by the special low-intensity spotlights that allow you
to appreciate the frescoes without damaging them. Be sure your guide
shows you the frescoes on the ceiling here and admire the large figure
of Buddha, who is depicted
preaching his sermon at Sarnath. Also look out for the pillar
with the four stags that share the same head.
Cave
2
Note how the ceiling appears to sag like a canopy even thought
it’s constructed of solid stone. There is a painting of the Buddha
multiplying himself 1,000 times and the story of his birth.
Cave
6
This is the only two
storeyed Vihara in Ajanta.
Cave
10
This is the cave that John Smith entered first. The most
impressive thing about this Chaitya is its monolithic Stupa and
impressive acoustics (try intoning Buddham Saranam Gacchami to get an
idea of that).
Cave
16
This cave is famous for its fresco of the Dying Princess. You get
a good view of the river from this cave.
Cave
17
This has some of the most impressive frescoes and paintings on the
outside of the cave. Above the lintel are rows of amorous couples and
eight seated Buddhas, while to the left of the doorway, a princely
couple sip wine.
Cave
19
This is the finest Chaitya in the Mahayana style. Its most
impressive feature is its semi circular window, which lights the cave,
the three-tiered Stupa with a standing statue of Buddha.
Cave
26
Look o the left side for the stunning sculpture of the dying
Buddha.
Survival
guide
Get to
Ajanta in the morning when it’s coolest
Hiring a guide is an absolute must. You will miss too many details
otherwise
One of the more useless services that you can dispense with is the Rs
50 to 100 charged by a person who will offer to ‘guard’ your shoes
while you explore different caves.
If you’re visiting in summer, carry twice as much water as you think
you’ll need
At Ajanta, do not use a flash to photograph the frescoes
because that can cause severe damage to them.
Getting
there
The
Tapovan Express operates everyday between Mumbai and Nanded
Ajanta is 103 km away from Aurangabad (roughly a two-hour trip)
If you want to drive down to the caves, plan the trip via Pune.
When
to go
October
to February and carry your woolens
It’s not impossible to visit Ajanta during the monsoons but the
pathway to the caves can get quite slipper.
If you’re willing to brave the fierce Deccan summer, carry lots of
water, an umbrella or hat and socks
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Places
around India (Hotels & Resorts)
Ananda
--- in the Himalayas, Uttaranchal
A
unique destination spa resort, set amongst 100 acres and located in the
picturesque foothills of the Himalays, around the palace of erstwhile
Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.
ITC—Welcomgroup
Hotels
Mughal
Sheraton, Agra
Rajputana
Palace Sheraton, Jaipur
Welcom
Hotel Marriot, Delhi
Usha
Kiran Palace, Gwalior
ITC—Kakatiya
Sheraton, Hyderabad
Rama
International, Aurangabad
Grand
Bay, Visakhapatnam
Sullivan
Court, Ooty
ITC—Windsor,
Bangalore
Club
Mahindra Varca Beach Resort, Goa
It
is a haven of luxury on the poetic shores of Varca. The resort’s
characterisic Goan architecture, multi-cuisine restaurant and fun-filled
entertaining activities create a complete holiday experience
Coconut
Grove
This
elegant beachside resort with its villa styled accommodation is set
amongst landscaped lawns, a central pool area is surrounded by a vast
expanse of land and white sand beaches to meet your every need
For
a quiet and tranquil vacation.
Holiday
Inn Resort, Goa
Come
to this beautiful hotel in Cavelossim to experience Goa in all it’s
splendor
Bogmallo
Beach Resort, Goa
Get
away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a relaxing and complete
holiday.
Stat
on the Bogmalla beach where every room faces the sea.
Sonesta
Inns,Goa
A
perfect beachside location on the beautiful stretch of Candolim’s golden
sands. It is arranged around
A
vast central pool area with an expanse of sand and garden running from the
grounds to the warm waters of the Arabian sea.
Paradise
Village Beach Resort,Goa
Nestled
in the heart of Calangute beach is Paradise Resort. Aesthetically designed
Spanish-style one bed-room suites and studio apartments dot the
beautifully landscaped gardens.
Nizmar
Resort, Goa
To
treasure your Goan holiday, stay just 500 mts. From the beach in the heart
of Calangute at Nizmar Resort.
Club
Mahindra Lakeview Resort,
Munnar
Situated
5000 ft. above sea level amidst tea gardens. Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort
with its 93 rooms offers a panoramic of the mountain slopes and Munnar
Lake
Treasure
Island Resort, Lonavala
At
Treasure Island you get more than premium accommodation and healthy
vegetarian meals. The unspoilt nature and tumbling waterfalls are set to
give you the peace of mind you desire.
Kumar
Resort, Lonavala
Just
one and a half hour away from Mumbai , with 30 luxurious rooms and the
largest water park in Lonavala with 11slides and 6 swimming pools, Kumar
Resort, Lonavala is a perfect getaway.
Usha
Ascot, Matheran
Matheran,
the rain forest surrounded with lush green valleys has Usha Ascot, one of
the finest three star resort that is well known for its quality and
comfort.
Holiday
Inn, Pune
Holiday
Inn Pune is designed keeping the business traveler in mind. It is located
a few minutes away from the airport and railway station.
Doctor’s
Farm, Kolad
Doctor’s
farm is a farmhouse in every sense of the word. It is situated on the
Mumbai-Goa highway, and is approx. a 3-hour drive from Mumbai. Perched on
the banks of the Kundalika
river, it is the perfect spot to view the river meander through the quiet
hill range.
Windmill
Resort, Alibaug
Cradle
in the warmth of rustic settings, amongst emerald green hills and gushing
waterfalls.
Ras
Resorts, Silvassa
A
destination for dream vacations from Mumbai.
Quality
Inn The Meadows, Aurangabad
Aurangabad’s
only resort hotel spread over 13 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens is
in close proximity to the world heritage sites of Ajanta & Ellora.
Stay in scenic cottages surrounded by farms and magnificient mountains.
Sun-n-Sand,
Shirdi
A
short walk from Sai Baba’s temple, the hotel offers you sublime
extravaganza at down-to-earth-prices.
The
Renaissance Mumbai Hotel And Convention Centre, Powai Lake
The
Renaissance Mumbai Hotel And Convention Centre rests on 10 acres of lushly
landscaped grounds, with each of the guestrooms featuring unrestricted
panoramic views of the natural surroundings.
The
Resort, Madh Island
The
resort is situated in tranquil surroundings at Aksa Beach on Madh Island
in close proximity to the international and domestic airports and Mumbai
city
Manori
Resorts, Manori
Drive
through the Manori village in an autorickshaw only to relax and unwind at
Manori Resorts
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In
Mumbai – Hotels & restaurants
Hotel
Marine Plaza
Location:Marine Drive Overlooking the Arabian sea, the pearl in the queens necklace, Hotel
Marine Plaza is located in the heart of mumbai’s business district. This
hotel is a part of Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts. Call : +91-022-2851212
Oriental Blossom – Hotel Marine Plaza
Location : Marine
Drive Oriental Blossom serves a wide variety of authentic Chinese cusine.
Indulge in these delicacies of comfort, great décor and warm service.
Call : +91-022-2851212
Bayview –
Hotel Marine Plaza
Location : Marine
Drive Facing the Arabian sea, this coffee shop has one of the best views in
town. Call : +91-022-2851212
Geoffrey’s –Hotel Marine Plaza
Location:Marine Drive
A typical English pub that beckons the connoisseur with an enviable
collection of spirits. Call : +91-022-2851212
Rewind
Location : Opp. Sterling Cinema
Designed around the magical yesteryears of Hollywood, Rewind offers you
delights ranging from Thai, Continental, Italian, Chinese, Mexican to Stir
Fried fare. This restaurant is a part of Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels &
Resorts. Call +91-022-2076565/7575
Renaissance
Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre
Location:Powai Lake
The Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre rests on 10 acres of
lushly landscaped grounds, with each of the guestrooms featuring
unrestricted panoramic views of the natural surroundings.Call :
+91-022-6928888
The
Resort
Location
: Madh Island
The Resort is situated in tranquil surroundings at Aksa beach on Madh
Island in close proximity to the international and domestic airports and
Mumbai city. The Resort has a Coffee Shop which serves a varied menu
including snacks, a speciality restraurant serving delectable
Indian/Continental cuisine, a poolside restraurant and an exclusive bar.
Call : +-19-022-8823331/6443333
Emperor’s
Court
Location
: Powai Lake
A Chinese speciality restaurant at Renaissance Hotel with a spectacular
view and serving a wide variety of Oriental delicacies, introducing
weekend ‘Yum Cha’ lunch, a brand new concept where all you do is relax
while an unending feast is brought to your table. Call :
+91-022-6928888
Lakeview Café
Location : Powai Lake
Lakeview Café at Renaissance Hotel is a 24 hour coffee-shop that offers
you a delightful spread of the choicest delicacies from around the globe
on multi-cuisine buffets. Also enjoy an elaborate special Sunday brunch.
Call : +91-022-6928888
Tian
Location : Juhu
The finest Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine offering teppanyaki and
Korean Bulgoki dishes served in heavenly flavours of Asia in true oriental
hospitality. Call +91-022-6914425/4426
Copper Chimney
Location : Juhu
Copper Chimney with its new look and menu offers Indian, Mughlai, Tandoori
and Chinese cuisine and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages. Call : +91-022-6702954/6236703
Kokum Curry
Location : Bandra
If Sol kadhi fires your appetite, if prawn curry is your flavour, Bombay
fry is your delight and surmai fry is what you savour, the season’s best
catch is stuffed, fried and ser. Kokum Curry is the place to be at.
Call : +91-022-600 2368
Hot Bites
Location : Lokhandwala
Hot Bites, a fine dining restaurant offers the widest variety of oven
fresh Italian pizzas, pastas and a full range of Mexican and Continental
cuisine including starters. Call : +91-022-6362020/6343452
The Acres Club
A
lifestyle club with a go-karting track and a bowling alley.
..........................................................................................................................................
In
Kerala – Hotels & Restaurants
Aquaserene
Location : Kerala
Aquaserene is a green planet of shimmering lagoon, meandering canals,
whispering palms and the tang of the ocean air. Accessible by road and
railway, 60 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 15 kms from Kollam.
Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort
Location : Munnar
Situated 5000 feet above sea level amidst tea gardens, Club Mahindra
Lakeview with its 93 rooms offers a panoramic view of mountain slopes and
the Munnar Lake.
Golden Tulip Kumarakom Lake
Resort
Location : Kerala
Golden Tulip Kumarakom Lake Resort is exquisitely landscaped with canals
meandering in and around the 22 cottages reconstructed over 10 acres of
picturesque greenery overlooking the stretch of the lake.
...........................................................................................................................................
In
Goa – Hotels & Restaurants
Coconut Grove
Location : Goa
This elegant beachside resort is set amongst swaying coconut groves in the
quiet village of Betalbatim
Sonesta Inns
Location : Goa
A perfect beachside location on the beautiful stretch of Candolim’s
Golden sands. Sonesta Inns is arranged around a vast central pool area, an
expanse of sand and garden runs from the grounds to the warm waters of the
Arabian sea.
Lagoa
Azul
Location : Goa
Nestled close to the blue waters of a lagoon, Lagoa Azul is in close
proximity to Calangute, Baga and Anjuna.
Paradise
Village Beach Resort Location
: Goa
Nestled in the heart of Calangute beach is Paradise
Village Beach Resort. Aesthetically designed and furnished one bedroom
suites and studio apartments dot beautifully landscaped gardens.
Bogmallo
Beach Resort
Location : Goa
Located on the secluded white sands of Bogmallo Beach, with swaying palms
and whispering waves. The resort offers fine restaurants and recreation
facilities.
..........................................................................................................................................
Drive
with Pleasure
India is a
vast country cris-crossed with major roads and highways. Here are five
major highways across the country that is a pleasure to drive.
Bombay
to Jaisalmer
Most people drive to Jaisalmer from either Jodhpur or Bikaner, but the
road that runs from Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer is one that is not frequented
and due to its proximity to the border, used mainly by the army. But the
raod is a splendid one to
travel on and it is quite
possible to drive from Bombay to Jaisalmer in two days. An early start
from Bombay (5 am) should see you in Ahmedabad by mid afternoon and
a similar start the next day will have you in Jaisalmer for evening tea.
Bombay to
Ahmedabad is straightforward and NH8 bypasses towns like Bharuch and
Baroda. The traffic on this road is heavy but the breadth of the highway
allows it to flow fast and
smoothly. The splendid
state highways from Ahmedabad to Deesa via Mehsana and Palanpur make
driving these 170 kms a tireless affair. The next 70 kms to Sanchor
are through secondary roads and here you’d have to watch out for stray
camels crossing the roads. This
is a narrow country road and the only traffic on it is the odd overloaded
villages jeep taxi. After
Sanchor the arrow straight NH 15 takes you right through the heart of the
dessert past Barmer. This 295 kms road has such splendid visibility that
it’s possible to cover the distance
in three hours flat, but it’s not advisable to get
carried away peacocks can be seen strutting across the road and
watch out for crows who seem to have a penchant to fly across very low. Though
there are a number of fuel stations on NH 15 they stock only diesel, the
only petrol pump is in Barmer.
Bombay to
Jaisalmer: 1037 km (approx) in two days.
Bangalore
to Ooty
Bougainvillea
avenues, well-surfaced roads, two wildlife sanctuaries and a rally like
final stage through the mountains. This pretty much sums up the road from
Bangalore to the popular hillstation of Ooty.
Starting off from Bangalore, the road runs to Mysore along state highways
going past Tipu Sultan’s capital city of Srirangapatnam.The
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is very close to this old capital and would
make for an ideal stopover for a day.
Once past Mysore,
the 57 kms to Gundlupet are past cultivated fields and scores of
coconut vendours selling freshly plucked nuts.
After this, the Bandipur National
Park comes up and there are signs warning “Elephants have right of
way”. Don’t be too surprised if you come across some wildlife on the
roads.
The state border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is also the border of
the Mudumalai National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, you
should come across herds grazing or crossing the road.
The road through the Nilgiri hills starts from Gudalur and here the entire
family can ooh and aah over the splendid views that this road provides.
Asty trees tall Eucalyptus and sandalwood trees almost blank out the sky
and the air is heavy with their fragrance.
Bangalore to Ooty : 302 kms in 7 hours (approx)
Manali
to Leh
If
there’s one road in India that is ruthlessly rugged,
breathtakingly beautiful and terrifyingly temperamental it is this 480 km
road from Manali to Leh. And yet it is one of the most fascinating roads
to traverse on. It crosses four high passes and the views that it affords
of snow-capped mountains, high desserts, lush green fields and meandering
rivers will have few equals. Road gangs struggle to keep this road
motorable but the hostile elements hamper their efforts and there
are sections which can be traversed only by a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Almost everyone suffers from the altitude and this brings on mountain
sickness accentuated by nausea, headaches and loss of appetites.
While on it you’d probably wish that you’d taken the flight, but
believe me, once the mountain sickness disappears and you think about your
journey, the beauty of the road makes you want to come back again and
again and minor inconveniences fade into nothingness. Standing on top of
the Tanglang la is truly a top of the world feeling, all around the snow
capped Himalayas reach up to the heavens and sipping a cup of tea at the
makeshift café the full meaning of road
travel hits you in the face. For the ultimate drive do the Manali
Leh road.
Manali to Leh: 480 kms in
2 days.
Bombay
to Ajanta and Ellora
If you want
to spend a weekend with some history on stone and marvel at the talent
behind the ancient hand that wielded the chisel centuries ago to create
some eye-catching masterpieces in stone, then you should take the road to
Aurangabad.
Till you get there you’ll
enjoy the Bombay Pune expressway till Lonavala and after that the old NH4
till the left turn to Chakan a little after Wadgaon, As a matter of fact
driving the NH4 from Lonavala after the expressway is quite refreshing as
the smooth surfaces and wide corners make for some involving driving. The
roads are as good all through till Aurangabad via Shilkrapur and
Ahmednagar. All you need to
watch out for are pedestrians when you are passing through the villages
enroute.
While the Ellora caves are just 27 km from Aurangabad, the Ajanta caves
are 88 kms on a different route. These 88 kms are also a dream to drive on
and could be rated as one of the best state highways in Maharashtra.
There is also much more to Aurangabad, for example there is the Bibi ka
maqbara that was designed as an imitation of the Taj Mahal. Also, 15 km
from Aurangabad is the fortress of Daulatabad, which was the one time
fortress of the Bahamani Sultans. It was to this fort that Mohammad bin
Tughlak moved his capital to from Delhi.
Bombay to Aurangabad: 404 km in 9 hours.
Delhi to
Ranikhet
Agreed that
the NH24 that runs from Delhi to Moradabad is a complete mess. It’s not
due to the road which is pretty straight and broad, but it’s the
hooligan drivers on this road that make this road dangerous. Yet, if you
make an early start from Delhi you’ii avoid most of the chaos and your
turn off to Kashipur will leave all that behind. Once at Ramnagar (250 km
from Delhi), which is 4 km before the main entrance to the Corbett Park,
you’ll realise that it was well worth the drive from Delhi. The road
here too goes along the boundary of the Corbett park and the 96 km from
Corbett to Ranikhet are full of hairpin bends and blind corners. The views
are stupendous but the driver will need to concentrate hard.
Rembember always stick to the left, even around the corners. That is the
universal rule followed by all the taxi operators and buses on this road.
They assume that everyone will follow it and so the blast around corners
without hooting the horn.
From Ranikhet you could head out to Nainital and from there come back to
Ramnagar via the Kaladhungi road via Mallital. The 30 km road from
Mallital (which adjoins Nainital) is a fantastic road. It used to be free
stage in the Himalayan rally. The ends at a T junction, at the head of
which stands Jim Corbett’s winter home. It is now a museum that houses
some memorabilia and his solar topee.
Delhi to Ranikhet: 344 kms in 11 hours.
........................................................................................................................................
States
of India
Mangalore
looks ahead (in Karnataka state)
-----
By AKN.
Not
very far from Bombay, down South along the coast lies Mangalore. It takes
about twenty hours by S.T. or the numerous private luxury buses that ply
between Bombay and Mangalore. The spotlight is now turned on the New Mangalore
port, the giant state fertilizer plant and other industries coming-up
in and around Mangalore. But, the age old beedies, tiles, fisheries, cashew,
coffee-curing will continue to occupy the pride of place in Mangalore's
future . And it has all the basic requirements: a rich culture, a complex
history, rapid recent development and industrial growth, natural
beauty, golden beaches and alluring country-side. Those with love for
art, culture and architecture can visit the famous temples, churches and
mosques and other historical sites or can even relax at the coastal resorts
at Summer Sands.
Mangalore,
headquaters of South Kanara district of Karnataka state, derives its name
after the presiding diety, Mangaladevi. And the famous Udupi, the Madhwa
centre and Sringeri, the seat of Sankaracharya are situated near Mangalore.
South Kanara district, which originally formed the part of Madras
presiding was later integrated with Karnataka state. But meanwhile the
city has experienced a rather phenomenal development in the last couple
of decades. Scenes of idyllic rustic bliss and busting industrial activity,
sleepy suburbs and fast metropolis, all belong to Mangalore.
The
history of the city is very old. During the early days, it was known as
"Kodiyal" or "Kudala" meaning "meeting place"
by Tuluvas. Later in the nineth century, Mangali who was converted by
great Guru Matsyendranath, while coming to meet her master, fell
ill and was forced to stay at Bolar, a suburb of Mangalore. The
Ballals of Attavar, constructed a temple and installed it with an
image of Shakti which was inaugurated by Goraknath. This was the
origin of Mangaladevi Temple. This temple was rebuilt by Kundavarma
and Alupa Ruler of Mangalore in 968 A.D. Thereafter the name of "Mangalapura"
came into vogue.
An
agricultural bases, paddy growing district, South Kanara though industrially
not very backward is the leader in the educational field with a very high
percentage of literacy. Its Medical and Engineering colleges rank
high not only in India, but also in Asia. One will find plenty of
students from all over India and other Asian countries studying in the
numerous colleges. Hence Mangalore holds the distinction of being the
only city to have the best educational institutions in the country.
The city is well served with many first class hotels and very soon will
boast of five star hotels.
The
district's contribution to the banking industry, hotel and tailoring industry
are well known. Canara Bank, Vijaya Bank, Syndicate Bank, The Corporation
Bank, etc are some of the well known banks originating from Mangalore.
The Udupi hotels and their Idili and Dosas are very common sights in Bombay
and other places in India.. Now they have even reached U.S.A. and Swizterland.
The leading tailoring establishments in Bombay are either owned by Mangaloreans
or have Mangalorean cutters.
Though
agriculture is the mainstay of the economic structure of South Kanara,
now small scale industries are supplementing them. Mangalore is
known for its tiles, which are exported now. Apart from this, it
is also known for cashew, fisheries and beedies.
In
the city stands Kadri temple, the name of which originated from "Kadali"
meaning plaintains. When Matryendranath and Gorakhnath visited Mangalore,
they found this place thick with jungle where yellow-skin variety of plaintain
grew in plenty. This peaceful place was selected by them for their
penance. The first temple built is attributed to Parusarama.
Kundavarma II rebuilt it and installed the idol of Likeshwara. The speciality
of this is that the temple is below and nine tanks which are drained every
week and refilled with fresh water from a nearby spring known as "Linga
Thirta" is on a higher level. Further up, Kundavaram
Alupendra built a mutt which came to be known as " Jogimutt".
Once in 12 years, crowning of a new Jogi king by sanyasis of Nath Panth
takes place.
Nearby
is the St. Aloysious college, the famous educational institution is situated
on light house hill commanding a panoramic view. This college has a chapel
with Biblical paintings by Italian masters. A watch tower constructed
by Tippu Sultan, to prevent the entrance of warship into the Gurpura river
still stands. About four miles from Mangalore, is Kullshekar where
over 4000 litres of milk per day is bottled to meet the local demand.
On the southern bank of Netravati river, stands Ullal. This sea-shore
township is famous for its Sri Laxmi Venketesh Temple. The coast
here is a sun-bather's paradise, known as Summer Sand, with all modern
amenities. There is a long strip of golden beach along the coast
line. Places were the rustling breeze through the coconut trees lulls
you to peaceful tranquility. Quiet serenity is the main feature
of this resort.
And
on the north of Mangalore, Panambur linked by the two modern bridges on
Gurpur rivers at Kuulur where the New Mangalore port is being built.
It is an excellent sea-shore resort too. Eleven miles from Mangalore,
Srinivasanagar formerly known as Suratkal, is famous as a sea side resort,
shore temple of Mahadeva and the well known Karnataka Regional Engineering
college. The Krishnapur Mutt is three miles east of Suratakal.
One of the oldest towns on coastal South Kanara is Moolky.
Here the Sri Venkataramana temple attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims
from far and wide during annual 'Ratha' festival and on the Rama Navami
and Pratishta Poornima.
Katapady
is a historical town, 3 miles east of Kunjalagiri, the birth place of
great Madhavacharaya. Udipi, the famous seat of Madawa Philosophy is a
pilgrimage centre. Here is the Krishna temple and the Anantheshwar temple
and the eight mutts (Sode, Palimar, Shirur, Krishnapure, Adamar, Puttige,
Kaniyur and Pejawar). This is the second biggest town of South Kanara.
Apart from this, there are good hotels, educational institutions and an
Ayurvedic college and Law college. Malpe, with a natural harbour is only
two miles from this town. It has been developed into a big fishing
harbour. There are fisheries, Schools, fish curing yards and fish
canning industries.
Manipal,
three miles east of Udupi is situated above sea-level. Today this
is one of the greatest seat of learning in India with its Kasturba Medical
college, the Manipal Engineering college etc. It is also the head quarters
of the Academy of General education. There is an Alloy Steel Foundry
and a tile factory too.
Venoor,
which was one of the capitals of Ajila king (Jain kings) is now a small
township. Here the third biggest Gomateshwara in India, a monolith
of 36 ft. stands in the heart of the town, installed four and a half centuries
back by Thimmanna Ajila. Ten miles from Venoor is Moodabidri, the
"Kashi" of Jains. It is also where Rantnakara Varni, one of
the great Kannada poets lived and wrote the "Bharatesha Vaibhava".
The "Tribhuvan Tilaka" Basadi, is called the "Thousand
Pillared Basadi" builst 5 centuries ago. It is said that no
two pillars in this Basadi are alike. There are eighteen such
Basadis.
Karkal
known for its 42 feet Gomteshwara a top a rock, the second biggest after
the Gomateshwara of Shravana Belagola, is 33 miles east of Mangalore.
The Chathurmukh Basadi stand on a elevated place, opposite the Gomateshwara
hillock. Ananthashaya temple and Sri Venkataramana temple, known for aesthetic
architecture contains some rare carvings from the national award winner
sculptor Sri Ranjal Gopal Shenoy. A forty feet Gomateshwara, installed
at Dharmasthala, was carved here out of a single rock, by him.
Dharmasthala,
a very old pilgrimage centre, is 47 miles from Mangalore. It is
laid out picturesquely, surrounded by Netravati river. The place
is famous for its Daivas- Kala Rehu, Kumarswamy, Kalarkayi and Annaappa
Daiva. The temple is Vaishnavite, where three and half centuries
ago Sri Vadiraja Swamiar of Sode Mutt installed the idol of Sri Manjunath
Swamy brought by Annappa Daiva from Kadri Thirtha. This Vaishnavite
temple and its institutions are administered by Jain Heggades, by legacy
from olden times. The present Dharmadhikari (Heggade) is Shri Veerendra
Kumar Heggade who came to the Gadi in 1968. The temple attracts pilgrims
from all over India. The annual festival is "Laksha Deepostava"
usually held in the month of November, when the two sammelans, "Sarva
Dharma" and "Sahitya" are held. Sri Manjayya Heggade,
who conceived the idea of such sammelan forty years ago, was a great
patron of art, music and drama etc.
Subramanya,
one of the famous shrines is 64 miles from Mangalore, situated at the
foot of Kumara mountains, Adi subramanya temple, and Biladware are the
most reversed sites. It is said that Adi Shankara installed the idol of
Subramanya Swamy there. Panja is a small village where the two great twins
Koti and Chennaya, the heros worshipped as Daivas, and in whose honour
Garodies are run, were laid to eternal rest, is just 4 miles from
Subramanya.
What
strikes you most about Mangalore, is its openess and size ideally cradled
in majestic hills and landscape; and that it is a land of greenery and
red soil. Its Bajpe airport, located in the clevage of hills, reminds
you of the Hong-Kong airport. Here apart from Mangaloreans, Malayalees
and Gujaratis; now people from different states of India rub shoulders
with each other and get along well. Mangalore is also one of the cleanest
cities. It wears a decent look. But the streets are ornamented with auto-rickshaws,
buses and ambassador cars. It is a spring-board to the beautiful discoveries
you can make in and around Mangalore, where nature is in the raw and unspoilt
by modern influences.
Mangalore
now has a municipal corporation to help and provide better civic amenities
to the people; the city limit has been extended upto Panumbur (ie. New
Mangalore port). Mangalore has every quality to make a city big. It has
a harbour, agriculture , traditional industries, big and modern industries,
high literacy and educational institutions. etc. Today Mangalore is looking
forward and it will make it. Modern day Mangalore is a fascinating mix
of ancient wonders and 20th century marvels. Age old monuments still stand
in proud endurance-within sight of newly constructed structures and complexes.
The city with historic legacy of hundreds of years is today the hub of
commercial activity.
Mangalore
is looking ahead with confidence. And it will make it.
........................................................................................................................................
Must see
places in Bombay
Gateway
of India
Mumbai’s most
famous landmark is located at Apollo Bunder. This triumphal archway was
designed by George Wikket. The beautiful Gateway was built to commemorate
the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. It was through
this magnificient monument,
numerous Viceroys, Governors and top civil servants were welcomed as they
disembarked from their steamers.
Nearest Railway Station- C.S.T.(C. Rly)
Elephanta
Caves
The Elephanta caves are situated at about 10 Kms. away from the
Gateway of India. Also known as Gharapuri, the island stores the
mystifying rock-cut temples which date back to the 7th century.
There chief attraction of this ancient place is the huge three headed bust
of Lord Shiva, popularly known as “Trimurti”. The caves of Elephanta
are a fine example of Hindu architecture at its best.
Nearest Railway Station C.S.T. (C. Rly) Ferry from Gateway of India.
Prince
of Wales Museum
This famous
structure was built in the Indo-Saracenic style by George Wikket in honour
of King George V. when he
visited India. The museum has three main sections – Art, Archaelogy and
Natural History. It holds a vast collection of Chinese
Jade pieces, Victorian oil paintings and Weaponry of the Moghul
era. One should not miss the Miniature model of the Parsi Tower of
Silence, as admission to the actual tower is not available to Non-Parsis.
Timings: 1015 hrs –1800 hrs (Monday closed) Tel no. 2844519/2844484
Nearest Railway station: CST (C Rly)
Jijamata
Udyan (zoo)
(Rani Baug)
The zoo is situated at Byculla on the central side of Mumbai.
Orginally known as Victoria Gardens, it houses many of the rare and
endangered species of animals and birds.
Timings –9 hrs to 18 hrs
(Wednesday closed)
Tel.no. 3725799
Nearest Railway station, Byculla (C.Rly)+ Walkable distance.
Nehru
Science Centre
The highlight of this setup is the Science Museum coupled with the
sound and light gallery. Besides the above, there is an attractive
Children’s Section and antique exhibits like the Railway Engine and the
Tram Car.
Timings: 10.30 to 6.30
Open all days.
Tel. No. 4932668
Nearest Railway Station, Mahalakshmi (W. Rly)
Nehru
Plantetarium
It is the only astronomical center in Mumbai and is situated in Worli.
It is also a concert cum movie auditorium. It is the only place which
recreates the image of the sky as seen from anywhere on the earth at any
time.
Timing: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Monday closed)
Tel no. 4920510
Nearest Railway Station, Mahalaxmi (W. Rly)
Mahalaxmi
Temple
The goddess of wealth resides in this temple. Thousands of devotees
from all over the country throng for her blessings
Nearest Railway Station, Mahalaxmi
(W.Rly)
Siddhivinayak
Temple
The ultimate destination of thousands of devotees on a Tuesday is the
Siddhivinayak Temple. Even the never ending long hours of wait do not
discourage them from seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. This beautiful
temple of Siddhivinayak is situated at Prabhadevi.
Nearest Railway Station, Dadar (W. Rly)
Haji Ali
Haji Ali mausoleum,
the tomb of a Muslim saint, has a dramatic offshore location, opposite the
Mahalakshmi Racecourse. During high tide, the connecting causeway is
submerged in water giving the impression that the mosque and tomb are
floating out at sea
in splendid isolation. It can be visited only at low tide.
Nearest Railway Station, Mahalaxmi
(W.Rly)
Iskcon
It is more popularly known as Hare Rame Hare Krishna temple and is
situated at Juhu. A holy place of worship, meditation and spiritual
knowledge. It advocates the principles of The Bhagwad Gita as taught by
Lord Krishna.
Tel no. 6200248/6206860
Nearest Railway Station, Vile
Parle ( W. Rly)
Mount
Mary Church
It is one of the most prominent and splendid churches in Mumbai. A
week-long fair which is popularly known as Bandra fair is held in the
month of September to celebrate the birth of Mother Mary (8th
September). Lakhs of people of all faiths throng this place to seek the
blessings of Mother Mary.
Nearest Railway Station, Bandra (W. Rly)
Sanjay
Gandhi National Park
The famous Kanheri Caves carved by Buddhist Monks in the 2nd
Century A.D. are located here. This park is situated off the Western
Express Highway near Borivli. The main highlight of the park is lots of
greenery, wild animals and of course the funfilled mini train ride.
Timings 900 hrs – 1900 hrs.
Nearest Railway Station, Borivli
(W.Rly)
The Beaches
Mumbai has a number of beaches. Chowpatty beach is the venue for the
Annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. Juhu Beach which is located in the
suburbs is very similar to Chowpatty. Gorai and Marve Beaches which are in
the northern suburbs are quieter and a better proposition for tourists
looking for a quiet evening.
Hanging
Gardens
These gardens are
situated on the Malabar Hills situated on the Western side of the city. A
panoramic view of the city can be seen from these gardens also known as
the Kamala Nehru Park which was built in 1952. The added attractions of
the gardens are the Old Woman’s Shoe and the Musical Fountain.
Nearest Railway Station, Charni
Road (W. Rly)
Marine
Drive
The “Queen’s Neckless” is the main attraction fro many tourists.
This is because the road glitters with street lights and resembles a
glowing pearl string. Marine Drive starts from Malabar Hill to end at the
elite business center of Nariman Point.
Nearest Railway Station, Marine
Lines (W.Rly)
Jehangir
Art Gallery
Built in 1952 and
situated at Kala Ghoda, adjacent to the Prince of Wales Museum, this is
the most prestigious and modern avenue for
Indian Artist to exibit their talent. Weekly exhibitions on
contemporary arts and sculpture are held every week and spacious
exhibition halls are located on both side of the entrance.
Timing 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Sunday closed)
Tel. no. 2843989
Nearest Railway Station, C.S.T.
(C. Rly)
Babulnath
Temple
This is a
famous temple of lord Shiva. It is situated at the end of Marine
Drive and south of Malabar Hill. Devotees of all over Bombay throng to
seek blessings. It was built in 1780. A stone lingam of lord Shiva is
worshipped at Babulnath.
Nearest Railway Station, Marine
Lines (W. Rly)
Asiatic
Library
Situated at Horniman Circle, the Asiatic library is housed in a very
impressive structure. In the 1st Floor of the library are
images of various governors of Bombay. The building was commenced in 1820
but it took over fifteen years to complete.
Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
(Sunday closed)
Tel 2660956
Nearest Railway Station, C.S.T.
(C. Rly)
Taraporewala
Aquarium
Situated on the Marine Drive, this aquarium has a very good collection
of fresh water and salt water fishes. Mainly frequented by Children, this
place is a must see for visitors to Bombay.
Timings: 9.30 a.m. to 5.3. p.m.
(Monday Closed)
Tel. 2818043
Nearest Railway Station, Charni
Road (W. Rly)
Tourist
Spots Close to Bombay in Maharashtra
Hill
Station
Matheran is
a hilltop situated at an altitude of 800m surrounded by lush greenery. The
season is between mid September and mid June. Mumbai, 100kms away, is
the nearest
airport and Neral is 21 kms
away, the nearest station.
Lonavala, Khandala and
Karla
Lonavala
& Khandala are the charming hill station on the western slopes of
the Sahayadri’s that straddle the Mumbai Pune highway at an altitude of
625m. Karla about 12km from Lonavala is the site of the largest Chaityas
caves in India. Mumbai is 104 kms away and Pune is 66kms away.
Mahabaleshwar
: Situated at an
altitude of 137m Mahabaleshwar is the most popular hill resort of
Maharashtra, a treasure trove of 30 exotic
sites. Boating/fishing facilities are available at the placid Venna
lake. The main appeal is to enjoy a network of clearly marked
hiking trails through the woods leading to waterfalls. 120 km away from
Pune airport. Buses available from Pune and Mumbai.
Amboli :
Situated in the
southern ranges of Sahyadri hills, at an altitude of 689mts is the last
mountain resort ending in flat beaches. Numerous view points frequented by
tourists are Seaview point, Nagatta Falls, Mahadevghad. Amboli is an ideal
resort for a few days of isolation.
Panchgani
: The name is
derived from the five hills surrounding the place. At an altitude of
1334m. This place famous for its climate. Scenery and valleys. There is an
excellent view of river Krishna at one side. September to May is the best
time to visit. This is the quintessential residential hill station.
Beaches
Mandwa
– Kihim : Mandwa
is a beautiful untrodden beach offering a breathtaking view right upto the
Gateway of India. For an unusual tent holiday is the nearby Kihim Beach.
The nearest railway station is Panvel 85 km. By road kihim is 136 km from
Mumbai.
Murud-Janjira
: Murud is today
popular for its alluring beaches, coconut and betel palms & an ancient
Fort. The 300 year oldfort of Janjira is an architectural marvel. Just a
few kms away are 2 unspoilt beaches Nandgaon and Kashid. The nearest
railwaystation is Panvel.
Dahanu-Bordi
: Dahanu is a quiet
seaside town with a sprawling, uncluttered beach situation in Thane
District. A little away from Dahanu is Udwada, which is the “Mecca of
Zoarastrians”. A large beautiful temple houses their sacred fire.
Ganpatipule
: The beach and
lush greenery alongwith a 400 year old temple draws tourists year after
year. Kothapur is the nearest Railway station. Mumbai is 375 km by road
and Pune is 331 km.
Rewas-Mandwa
: The region along
the coastline is one of the most beautiful area vicinity of Mumbai. Dotted
by beaches, creeks and bays lying amidst a wide variety of vegetation and
plantation, the ideally suited region is fast becoming the most sought
after tourist enclave of Mumbai City. Catamaran, motorboat services from
Gateway of India are available.
Trekking
Khopoli is
the lovely place for trekking. Some of the interesting places are duke’s
Nose, Zenith Waterfall. It is surrounded with mountains, greenery, small
springs and waterfalls. The famous Ganpati temple of
Pali is situated at half an hours drive from Khopoli, Nearest
Airport is Pune. Nearest Railway Station is Karjat.
Bhandardara
: If you love
trekking then this is the ideal place!! Some of the attractions here are
The Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam and Mt. Kalsubai. Igatpuri is the nearest
Railway Station. By road Mumbai is just 191 kms away.
.........................................................................................................................................
Indians
Abroad
---- by Aruna Chug
Indians
abroad are Indians who have left the shores of India for further prospects,
higher
education and some to make their dreams come true. Six crore Indians
are settled
abroad. This includes well-educated Indians with the best brains, well
qual-ified,
skilled and hardworking professionals, businessmen and others who have settled
abroad and made India proud; and most sought after in many fields,
including
IT. An Indians image has changed quite drastically in the recent years
after the IT
boom. And there is a renewed interest in India. Indians
can be found all over the globe doing well in their adopted countries.
The break-up
of Indians abroad is as follows :
|
Netherlands
|
1,60,000
|
|
Belgium
|
5,000
|
|
Germany
|
40,000
|
|
France
|
50,000
|
|
Canada
|
6,00,000
|
|
U.S.A.
|
1800,000
|
|
Panama
|
5,000
|
|
Jamaica
|
20,000
|
|
Trinidad
& Tobago
|
3,50,000
|
|
Guyana
|
4,00,000
|
|
Surinam
|
2,00,000
|
|
Switzerland
|
60,000
|
|
Australia
|
80,000
|
|
Spain
|
15,000
|
|
Portugal
|
15,000
|
|
Denmark
|
5,000
|
|
U.K.
|
1200,000
|
|
Zambia
|
10,000
|
|
Malawi
|
2,000
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
4,000
|
|
Botswana
|
5,000
|
|
Nigeria
|
20,000
|
|
Ethiopia
|
2,000
|
|
Uganda
|
17,000
|
|
Russia
|
10,000
|
|
Saudi
Arabia
|
5,000
|
|
Sri
Lanka
|
20,00,000
|
|
Oman
|
5,000
|
|
Kenya
|
70,000
|
|
Tanzania
|
20,000
|
|
Mauritius
|
9,00,000
|
|
Madagascar
|
1,000
|
|
Kuwait
|
10,000
|
|
Bahrain
|
15,000
|
|
Qatar
|
5,000
|
|
U.A.E
|
16,000
|
|
Nepal
|
2,00,00,000
|
|
Thailand
|
6,000
|
|
Bhutan
|
65,000
|
|
Bangladesh
|
2,00,00,000
|
|
Malaysia
|
15,00,000
|
|
Singapore
|
1,50,000
|
|
Japan
|
5,000
|
|
Hong
Kong
|
60,000
|
|
Burma
|
7,00,000
|
|
Indonesia
|
40,00,000
|
|
Fiji
|
3,80,000
|
|
New
Zealand
|
40,000
|
|
and
India is 1,000,000,000 strong.
|
India
is a vast country with a huge land mass and one billion strong population
which includes
a good percentage of middle-class with a good buying power, and a very healthy
percentage of literacy with fluency in English, cannot be ignored
any longer. And
this has made India a country to reckon with in the global politics, trade,
technology,
global strategy, etc.
Many
of the foreigners attribute India's success to the centuries old culture
and tradition, with
emphasis on education and family bond which helps in the overall growth
of an Indian. The
world is slowly recognizing the Indian way of life. Now there is a growing
awareness in terms
of everything Indian right from food, clothes, mehendi, education,
ayurveda,
culture and
tradition.
But
Indians abroad are the ones who have created this healthy image of India
by their enterprise,
skill and sheer hardwork. Many Indians, be it USA,UK,Gulf, Australia,
you name it, have
made a name for themselves in different fields or professions. And when
you say IT, Indians
are not far away !
Today
the Indian passport has a new meaning and is looked at with respect. The
IT boom has
boosted the image of an Indian abroad. IT professionals from India are
considered the
best brains and are wooed by many countries around the world - USA,
UK, Germany, France
and Japan to name a few. In the coming days, we will attempt to profile
successful
Indians abroad. And dear readers, if you feel that any Indian anywhere
in the world deserves
to be put on this site, do send us the photograph, profile and his
achievements to
: akn929@yahoo.com
or mail to : Garodia nagar, 25/179, Bombay - 400 077, India.
|
World Hotels
|
|
|
|
Country
Address
Tel/Fax
|
|
|
|
Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
3/96571234
|
|
123 Collins St
3/96503491
|
|
Marriott Melbourne
3/96623900
|
|
Cnr. Exhibition &
Lonsdate Sts
3/96634297
|
|
|
|
|
|
Park Hyatt Melbourne
3/92241234
|
|
1 Parliament Sq
3/92241200
|
|
|
|
The Westin Melbourne
3/96352222
|
|
205 Collins St,
3/96352333
|
|
|
|
Sydney
Hotel Inter-Continental Sydney
2/92539000
|
|
117 Macquarie St,
2/92401240
|
|
|
|
Le Meridien Sydeny
2/96962500
|
|
11 Jamison St,
2/96962600
|
|
|
|
Park Hyatt Sydeny
2/92411234
|
|
7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks
2/92561555
|
|
|
|
Sydney Marriott Hotel
2/93618400
|
|
36 College St,
2/93618599
|
|
|
|
Austria
|
|
Vienna
Hotel Bristol, A Westin Hotel
1/515160
|
|
Kaerntner Ring 1
1/51516550
|
|
|
|
Hotel Inter-Continental Wien
1/711220
|
|
Johannesgasse 28
1/7134489
|
|
|
|
Vienna Marriott Hotel
1/515180
|
|
Parkring 12A
1/515186736
|
|
|
|
Belgium
|
|
Antwerp
Antwerp Hilton
3/2041212
|
|
Groenplaats
3/2041213
|
|
|
|
Crowne Plaza Hotel Antwerp
3/2372900
|
|
Gerard Le Grelaan 10
3/2160296
|
|
|
|
Brussels
Brussels Hilton
2/5041111
|
|
Blvd. De Waterloo 38
2/5042111
|
|
|
|
Crowne Plaza Hotel Brussels
2/2036200
|
|
Rue Ginestestr. 3
2/2035555
|
|
|
|
Le Meridien Brussels
2/5484211
|
|
Carrefour de I’ Europe 3
2/5484080
|
|
|
|
Hotel President World Trade Center
2/203-2020
|
|
Blvd. Du Roi Albert II 44
2/203-2440
|
|
Canada
|
|
Montreal
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
514/8613511
|
|
900 Rene Levesque blvd. W.
514/9542256
|
|
|
|
Hotel Inter-Continental Montreal
514/9879900
|
|
360 rue St. Antoine Quest
514/8478550
|
|
|
|
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
514/842421
|
|
1228 rue Sherbrooke W.
514/8423383
|
|
|
|
Toronto
The Fairmont Royal York
416/3682511
|
|
100 Front St. W.
416/3689040
|
|
|
|
Park Hyatt Toronto
416/9251234
|
|
4 Avenue Rd,
416/9244933
|
|
|
|
The Sutton place Hotel
416/9249221
|
|
955 Bay St.
416/9241778
|
|
|
|
The Westin Harbour Castle
416/8691600
|
|
1 Harbour Sq.
416/8690573
|
|
|
|
Vancouver
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
604/6843131
|
|
900 W. Georgia St,
604/6621929
|
|
|
|
China
|
|
Beijing
China World Hotel
10/65052266
|
|
1 Jianguomen Wai Dajie
10/65053167
|
|
|
|
Grand Hotel Beijing
10/65137788
|
|
35,E. Chang An Ave.
10/65130048
|
|
|
|
Grand Hyatt Beijing
10/85181234
|
|
Beijing Oriental Plaza, I.E.
10/85180000
|
|
Chang An Ave.
|
|
|
|
The Palace Hotel Beijing
10/65592888
|
|
8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing
10/65129050
|
|
|
|
Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing
10/68412211
|
|
29 Zizhuyuan Rd.
10/68418002
|
|
|
|
Guangzhou
The Garden Hotel
20/83338989
|
|
368 Huanshi Dong Lu
20/83324534
|
|
|
|
Guangdong International
20/83311888
|
|
339 Huanshi Dong Lu
20/83311666
|
|
|
|
Marriott China Hotel
20/86666888
|
|
Liu Hua Lu
20/86611288
|
|
|
|
Hong
Kong
Conrad International Hong Kong
25213838
|
|
88 Queensway, Pacific
Pl.
25213888
|
|
|
|
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
25881234
|
|
1 Harbour Rd,
28020677
|
|
|
|
Island Shangri-La
28773838
|
|
Pacific Pl, Supreme
Court Rd..
25218742
|
|
Central
|
|
|
|
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
28108366
|
|
88 Queensway, Pacific
Pl.
28450737
|
|
|
|
Hotel Inter-Continental
Hong Kong
27211211
|
|
18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim
Sha Tsui
27394546
|
|
|
|
Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel
27212111
|
|
64 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
27238686
|
|
|
|
The Peninsula Hong Kong
29202888
|
|
Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui
27224170
|
|
|
|
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
28776666
|
|
3 Connaught Rd, Central
28776778
|
|
|
|
Shanghhai
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
21/62568888
|
|
500 Wei Hai Rd.
21/62565678
|
|
|
|
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
21/50491234
|
|
177 Lu Jia Zui Rd,
Pudong
21/50491111
|
|
|
|
Inter-Continental Pudong
21/58318888
|
|
777 Zhang Yang Rd,
Pudong
21/58317777
|
|
|
|
JW Marriott Shanghai Hotel
21/33100703
|
|
399 Nanjing W Rd.
21/33100702
|
|
|
|
Shanghai Hilton
21/62480000
|
|
250 Hua Shan Rd.
21/62483868
|
|
|
|
Denmark
|
|
Copenhagen
Copenhagen Marriott Hotel
88339900
|
|
Kalvebod
Brygge 5
88339999
|
|
|
|
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel
33426000
|
|
Hammerichsgade 1
33426100
|
|
|
|
Radisson SAS Scandinavia
33965000
|
|
Amager Blvd. 70
33965500
|
|
|
|
France
|
|
Paris
Hyatt Regency Paris Madeleine
1/55271234
|
|
24 blvd. Malesherbes,
75008
1/55271235
|
|
|
|
Hotel Inter-Continental Paris
1/44771111
|
|
3 rue de Castiglione,
75001
1/44771460
|
|
|
|
Le Maridien Etolie
1/40683434
|
|
81 blvd. Gouvion, St. Cyr. 75848
1/40683131
|
|
|
|
Hotel Meurice
1/44581010
|
|
228 rue de Rivoli ,
75001
1/44581015
|
|
Hotel Plaza Athenee
1/53676665
|
|
25 ave. Montaigne,
75008
1/53676666
|
|
|
|
Prince De Galles
1/53237777
|
|
33 ave. George V.
75008
1/53237878
|
|
|
|
Hotel Royal Monceau
1/42998800
|
|
37 ave. Hoche, 75008
1/42998990
|
|
|
|
Hotel Ritz
1/43163030
|
|
15 place Vendome,
75041
1/43163668
|
|
|
|
Germany
|
|
Berlin
Grand Hyatt Berlin
30/255311234
|
|
Marlene Dietrich Platz
2
30/25531235
|
|
|
|
Steigenberger Berlin
30/21270
|
|
Los-Angeles-platz 1
30/2127117
|
|
|
|
The Westin Grand Berlin
30/20270
|
|
Friedrichstr. 158-164
30/20273362
|
|
|
|
Frankfurt
Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel
69/29810
|
|
Konrad-Adenuaer-Str.7
69/2981810
|
|
|
|
Hotel Inter-Continental Frankfurt
69/26050
|
|
Wilhelm-Leuschner-str
,43
69/252467
|
|
|
|
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
69/21502
|
|
Am Kaiserplatz
69/215900
|
|
|
|
Hamburg
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hamburg
40/228060
|
|
Graumannsweg 10
40/2208704
|
|
|
|
Hamburg Marriott Hotel
40/35050
|
|
ABC Str. 52
40/35051777
|
|
|
|
Hotel Inter-Continental Hamburg
40/41420
|
|
Fontenay 10
40/41422299
|
|
|
|
Park Hyatt Hamburg
40/368060
|
|
Levantehaus Bugenhagenstr. 8-10
40/33321235
|
|
|
|
Steigenberger Hamburg
40/368060
|
|
Heiligengeistbrucke 4
40/36806777
|
|
|
|
Munich
Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
89/21250
|
|
Maximilianstr. 17
89/21252000
|
|
|
|
Munich City Hilton
89/48040
|
|
Rosenheimer Str, 15
89/48044804
|
|
|
|
Greece
|
|
Athens
Athenaeum Inter-Continental
1/9206000
|
|
89-93 Syngrou Ave
1/9206500
|
|
|
|
Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel
1/9300000
|
|
115 Syngrou Ave.
1/9358603
|
|
|
|
Holiday Inn Athens
1/7278000
|
|
50 Michalacopoulou
Ave.
1/7278600
|
|
|
|
Metropolitan Hotel
1/9471000
|
|
385 Syngrou Ave.
1/9471010
|
|
|
|
India
|
|
Bangalore
The Leela Palace
80/5211234
|
|
Airport Rd.
80/5212323
|
|
|
|
Le Meridien Bangalore
80/2262233
|
|
28 Sankey Rd.
80/2262050
|
|
|
|
The Oberoi Bangalore
80/5585858
|
|
37-39 Mg Rd.
80/5585960
|
|
|
|
The Taj West End
80/2255055
|
|
Race Courwse Rd
80/2200010
|
|
|
|
Mumbai
The Oberoi
22/2325757
|
|
Nariman Point
22/2043282
|
|
|
|
Le Royal Meridien Mumbai
22/8380000
|
|
Ascot Centre, Sahar
Airport Rd.
22/8380101
|
|
|
|
The Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai
22/2023366
|
|
Appollo Bunder
22/2872711
|
|
|
|
New
Delhi
Grand Hyatt Delhi
11/6121234
|
|
Vasant Kunj Phase II,
11/6895891
|
|
Nelson Mandela Rd.
|
|
|
|
Le Meridien New Delhi
11/3710101
|
|
Windsor Pl, Janpath
11/3716996
|
|
|
|
The Oberoi
11/4363030
|
|
Dr. Zakir Hussain Rd.
11/4360484
|
|
|
|
The Taj Mahal Hotel
11/3026162
|
|
One Mansingh Rd.
11/3026070
|
|
|
|
Taj Palace
11/6110202
|
|
Sardar Patel marg
11/6110808
|
|
|
|
Italy
|
|
Florence
Grand Hotel Villa Medici
055/2382331
|
|
Via il Prato 42
055/2381336
|
|
|
|
Hotel Regency
055/245247
|
|
Piazza Massimo
d’Azeglio 3
055/2346735
|
|
|
|
Hotel Villa San Michele
055/59451
|
|
Via Doccia 4, Fiesole
055/598734
|
|
Milan
Carlton Hotel Baglioni
02/77077
|
|
Via Senato 5
02/783300
|
|
|
|
Excelsior Hotel Gallia
02/67851
|
|
Piazza Duca d’Aosta
9
02/667123239
|
|
|
|
Grand Hotel et De Milan
02/723141
|
|
Via Manzoni 29
02/86460861
|
|
|
|
Hotel Principe de Savoia
02/62301
|
|
Piazza della
Repubblica 17
02/6595838
|
|
|
|
The Westin Palace Hotel
02/63361
|
|
Piazza della
Repubblica 20
02/654485
|
|
|
|
Four Seasons Hotel
02/77088
|
|
Via Gesu 8, Milano
02/7708500
|
|
|
|
Rome
Aldrovandi Palace Hotel
06/3223993
|
|
Via U. Aldrovandi 15
06/3221435
|
|
|
|
Rome Cavalieri Hilton
06/35091
|
|
Via Cadlolo 101
06/35092241
|
|
|
|
St. Regis Grand, Rome
06/47091
|
|
Via V.E. Orlando 3
06/4747307
|
|
|
|
Da La Ville Inter-Continental Roma
06/67331
|
|
Via Sistina 67-69
06/6784213
|
|
|
|
The Westin Excelsior
06/47081
|
|
Via Vittorio Veneto
125
06/4826205
|
|
|
|
Venice
Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin
041/5207744
|
|
Giudecca 10
041/5203930
|
|
|
|
Hotel Danieli
041/5226480
|
|
Riva degli Schiavoni
4196
041/5200208
|
|
|
|
Hotel Gritti Palace
041/794611
|
|
Campo S. Maria del
Giglio 2467
041/5200942
|
|
|
|
The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido
041/5260201
|
|
Lungomare Marconi 41
041/5267276
|
|
|
|
Japan
|
|
Osaka
Hyatt Regency Osaka
6/66121234
|
|
1-13-11 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ki
6/66147800
|
|
|
|
Hotel New Otani Osaka
6/69411111
|
|
1-4-1 Shiromi, Chuo-ku
6/69419769
|
|
|
|
Tokyo
Century Hyatt Tokyo
3/3348-1234
|
|
2-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku
3/33445575
|
|
|
|
Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo
3/55006711
|
|
2-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku
3/55004507
|
|
|
|
The Westin Tokyo
3/54237000
|
|
1-4-1 Mitra, Meguro-ku
3/54237600
|
|
|
|
Hotel New otani Tokyo
3/32651111
|
|
4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku
3/322212619
|
|
|
|
Malaysia
|
|
Kuala
Lumpur
JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur
3/27159000
|
|
183 Jln. Bukit Bintang
3/27157000
|
|
|
|
Mandarin Oriental
3/3808888
|
|
Kuala Lumpur City
Centre
3/3808833
|
|
|
|
Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur
3/21611111
|
|
165 Jln. Ampang
3/21611122
|
|
|
|
The Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur
3/40425555
|
|
Jln. Putra
3/40417236
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Shangri-La Hotel
3/20322388
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11 Jln. Sultan ismail
3/20701514
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PLACES (FOREIGN /
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