| Discover,
Dream, Experience |
| India has myriad destinations, activities, experiences, colours and a vibrancy rarely experienced elsewhere in the world. In each newsletter we will focus on slightly more off beat destinations, experiences and hotels to showcase the best of ‘’off-beat’’ India. |
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| Experience: Lunch with Bomti |
| Bomti Iyengar is a Kolkata Art Dealer and socialite who lives in (a part of) what was once a prominent British Department Store during the times of the Raj, think Harrods in Calcutta. This eclectic residence also houses Bomti’s contemporary art collection and Bomti invites you to lunch, where he serves Bengali cuisine in ambient surroundings and entertains you with tales from the city. This is a fun opportunity to gain an insight not only into the history of the area and the Calcutta art scene but a rare chance to meet one of Calcutta’s true characters and see what life really is like in the ‘City of Joy.’ |
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| Visit: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Bhopal is often underestimated as a destination, despite its fascinating history and impressive monuments. It was ruled by a succession of Begums, or ‘queens’ from 1819-1926, as well as being equidistant to 2 UNESCO world heritage monuments;
Sanchi an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to 3BC and the Bhimbetka Caves featuring magnificent rock formations and cave paintings which date back thousands of years. The Tribal Museum and Museum of Man are considered the best in the country and the Old City Chowk is an ancient market with narrow alleys, impossibly small shops and wonderful street food. We recommend Poha with Jalebi, a local specialty!
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| Festival: Onam, Kerala |
Onam is the annual harvest festival in Kerala which also marks the start of the new year on the Malayalam calendar. A huge range of activities take place over two weeks but three of our favourites are:
The Festival Feast - Traditionally referred to as Onasadya, it consists of up to 20 different curries served on a banana leaf. This usually takes place on the main day which in 2016 will be 14th September.
Pulikkali Tiger Play - Hundreds of men paint themselves as tigers and dance to the beat of traditional drums. Extraordinary! 16 September 2016.
Aranmula Boat Race - One of the oldest snake boat races in Kerala and where the focus is more on tradition than competition. It starts in the afternoon after the religious rituals have been completed and almost 50 boats take part. 17 September 2016 |
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| Stay at: Vismaya, Kerala |
| A luxurious, private escape in the heart of the backwaters, surrounded on three sides by Lake Vembanad, Vismaya is an exclusive hideaway. There are just two bedrooms, a private infinity pool with sun deck, lush gardens, a lobby with a library and a private team of staff including a chef who will prepare your meals on request. Combining traditional antique architecture with modern facilities, this 400 year old building has been immaculately restored; add to that excellent service and attention to detail and this is pampering at its best. Spacious, private, exclusive this gem of a hideaway is just a one hour drive south of Cochin, and a world away in time. |
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