| October 2016 |
unique ways to showcase Indian Subcontinent |
|
|
| 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. |
| |
|
| Experience: Cycle the Coast road from Cochin |
| This is a wonderful, leisurely bike ride which explores the coastal road from Cochin, exploring small coves, watching the fishermen as they arrive with their catch and auctioning their stock. Visit boat yards to see the local fishing boats being built and visit coir cottage industries to see just one of the many uses of a coconut. Pass deserted Chinese fishing nets and visit a local toddy shop before changing into a country boat to be gently punted along the backwaters. With not another boat in sight, arrive at your very own Robinson Crusoe island where an exclusive traditional Keralan Sadhya lunch will be home prepared for you. After lunch, take time out to explore the surrounding village or spend a leisurely hour watching the world go by. It doesn't get much better than this! |
|
|
| Visit: Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu |
| Pondicherry is where India and France effortlessly entwine. A town which is, unusually, proud of its colonial heritage; whose street names are still in French, where the policemen still wear kepis and the colonial buildings are being lovingly and thoughtfully restored. A walk along the (traffic free) promenade could also be reminiscent of the French Riviera, but with a charming Indian twist; chai stalls stand along side chic cafes, and Tamilian statues amidst catholic edifices. Many of the colonial buildings in the White Town have now been converted into charming little hotels, boutiques and cafes. A stay here gives a completely different experience from the usual Indian feel, that of almost, being in the Mediterranean. |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
| Festival: Pongal Festival, Tamil Nadu |
| Pongal is a popular harvest festival of Tamil Nadu which marks the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere. It's celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour, quite like Thanksgiving in America. It is an important festival because much of the state relies on agriculture to generate an income. Bulls and cows have their horns brightly painted, bullock cart races take place and of course, there is a large focus on food. Pongal actually means "boiling over" or "spilling over" in Tamil, signifying abundance and prosperity.
13 – 16 January 2017 |
|
|
| Stay at: Neeramaya, Kovalam |
| A 22 acre garden meandering down to a rugged cliff edge which overlooks the turbulent Arabian sea is the setting for Niraamaya Retreats. Having undergone a wonderful transformation over recent years, this hotel offers stays both in individual Kerala style cottages and tasteful modern rooms. Dining is in the open pavilion-like 'Cafe Samsara' and barbecue nights are in the 'Essence'. A sea facing bar, an infinity pool and Niraamaya Spa, outdoor pavilions for yoga are some of the retreat's appealing features. Add to this a secluded beach just a few steps away and you have Niraamaya - a luxurious boutique, sea side retreat. |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
|