Tag Archives: india

Asia, Australia, Editor's Picks, Luxury Travel

Luxury Around the World

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Len Rutledge

Luxury and experiential travel are changing the travel industry and the way many people think about travel. While trips to see grandma will always occur, family trips today are often camping safaris through Africa or visits to remote lodges in Bhutan.

Today’s travellers are braver than ever and are prepared to travel well off the beaten track. They are looking for something unique and individual.  As new destinations emerge, traditional tourist hotspots and resorts have to rethink their approach in order to stay relevant.

I have just returned from Luxperience, an unmissable annual get-together for all those associated with the high-end travel industry. It was a meeting which exposed all the newest and best operators, and showed where this growing part of the industry is heading.

I have selected five products which show the level of luxury and diversity that is now available to world travellers. Any of them would be an experience of a lifetime for most people.

Deccan Odyssey

This is a luxury train in India comprising 21 luxuriously appointed coaches; 11 are to accommodate guests and the rest are used for different purposes such as dining, lounge, conference car and health spa. All the cabins of Deccan Odyssey are fully equipped with air-conditioning, internet connectivity, and personalized guest amenities that make sure that your journey is a comfortable and memorable one. There are two restaurant cars available which serve Indian, continental and oriental delicacies.

deccan

There are six itineraries which travel to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an excellent vineyard, palatial residences, sun-kissed beaches, magical cities, and tranquil backwaters. All is done with the luxury and pomp that only India can muster. Truly, this is the journey of a lifetime.

Over the Top

This New Zealand helicopter company based in Queenstown provides more than just a helicopter ride. You can visit alpine glaciers and remote lakes, for hiking, boating, extreme golfing, winery visits, heliskiing or fly fishing. For guests wanting an interaction with some distinctive New Zealand characters, you can fly with eco-guides, chefs, artists – genuine New Zealanders who delight in making your stay a once in a lifetime experience.

over-the-top-golf-tee

One activity that is gaining in popularity is Over the Top Golf. This provides access to New Zealand’s most picturesque golf hole. Nestled at 4500 feet in the New Zealand alps this par 3 hole overlooking Queenstown has four tee boxes so you can attempt your hole in one. Players have to fly in, drive, chip and putt out on the top.

The Racha

This deluxe island hideaway in Thailand is set on a pristine beach on Racha Island 18 km south of Phuket. The resort features 85 luxurious villas and strives to be recognized as a leader in responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism. The island is known for its natural beauty and for its excellent corals and marine life. It is also a wonderful place for relaxation and for doing nothing.

lighthouse-pool

Many rooms have a large living area and a spacious private terrace. Each villa is superbly designed and features a luxurious bathroom and a rain-shower outside. The Earth Cafe is a contemporary chic international café serving Western and Thai food in air-conditioned comfort or on the terrace. Sunset Beach is a casual restaurant serving local specialties and snacks for lunch and fresh barbequed seafood and steaks for dinner right next to the beach. Firegrill is a fine dining restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine.

R.M. Williams Tour

R.M.Williams was an Australian hero who did much to put the Australian Outback on the map. His famous boots became a symbol of toughness and style which continues to this day. The Tailor, in conjunction with R.M.Williams, has designed the ultimate tribute to RM Williams. In RM’s Footsteps is a 4-day journey which traces his personal history, telling the story of how he created the famous leather boots now sold around the world.

This amazing trip offers guests a rare opportunity to explore the legend of RM Williams by visiting several magnificent Outback destinations, such as the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre, enjoying traditional country hospitality and eating delicious regional cuisine. Guests travel in ultimate luxury aboard a Swiss-built Pilatus PC12 aircraft.

nilpena-station-with-the-flinders-ranges-behind

The trip begins in Adelaide with a private tour of the RM Williams workshop, factory, and museum, plus a chance to be fitted with your own boots, clothing and other bush apparel. You will receive a complimentary pair of Craftsman Boots. Another highlight is a visit to the historic Nilpena Station, a tour of the nearby red desert dunes, and a rare visit to the heritage listed Ediacara fossils made famous by the likes of Sir David Attenborough.

The Strand Cruise

On a languid journey along the Ayeyarwady River, the new luxurious Strand Cruise reveals the core of Burma in exceptional comfort. Cruise itineraries include 4 nights from Bagan to Mandalay and 3 nights from Mandalay to Bagan. While cruising you can clear your mind with a rejuvenating massage, or relax by the swimming pool. Enjoy the magnificent sunset from the upper deck while the sommelier delights you with a wide variety of wines. At dinner, the Chef will take you on a journey through refined cuisine.

slide-strand-cruise-b

Pampering and relaxation are the goals of the spa. You can heighten the experience with a massage in either an individual room or share the experience in our double room. The foot reflexology station will leave you ready to take on a new day of exploration and discoveries. The fitness room comes complete with treadmills, weights, and other gym equipment; everything needed for an invigorating workout.

Excursions allow you to explore the royal cities of Mingun, Amarapura, and Ava by horse-drawn cart; take in landmarks such as the U Bein bridge; and marvel at the enduring beauty of the country’s innumerable temples and monasteries.

Further information:

Deccan Odyssey: http://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/

Over the Top: http://www.flynz.co.nz/

The Racha: http://www.theracha.com/new/index.htm

R.M.Williams Tour: http://www.thetailor.com.au/rmwilliams/

The Strand Cruise: http://www.thestrandcruise.com/

www.LenRutledge.com

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

Impressive New Delhi

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The noise from honking horns, market sellers and mosques and temples is relentless. The smells from flowers, incense, food and open sewers are overwhelming. The colour from saris, spices and sparkling jewellery is intense. Welcome to Delhi, India’s grand capital.

New Delhi is a city of enormous contrasts where poverty sits beside wealth, beauty intermingles with filth, and structure and chaos compete for supremacy. It will dazzle all your senses and cause you heart-ache at the same time.

It can be challenging and charming, overwhelming and stunningly beautiful. The eager friendliness of the people is endearing, and the food is unforgettable but there is likely to be unexpected glitches no matter how much you plan.

New Delhi has some wonderful sights with the following just a sample.

The Red Fort

This was the centre of Mughal India, functioning as both a military fort and palace, at a time when the emperors would ride out into the streets of Old Delhi on elephants in a magnificent display of pomp and power.

Red Fort (3)

Red Fort is protected by a massive 18m-high wall and inside there is some outstanding architecture, shaded pathways, and beautiful gardens. A visit here will last several hours if you want to see all areas.

The Jama Masjid

The largest mosque in India has a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Tāj Mahal and the Red Fort.

Mosque

This is a highly decorative mosque with three gates, four towers and two 40m-high minarets with distinctive strips of red sandstone and white marble. Three black and white marble domes surmount the prayer hall.

One of the main attractions is to climb one of its minarets to the highest level and get a great 360 degrees aerial view of the mosque and the city. The view is worth the climb.

Crafts Museum

The government-run Crafts Museum holds an amazing collection of rare and distinctive craft pieces covering painting, embroidery, textiles, and various crafts of clay, stone and wood.

Craft Museum (7)

The museum also houses a village complex spread over two hectares, with 15 structures representing village dwellings, courtyards and shrines from different states of India, with items of day-to-day life displayed.

The entire village complex is a remnant of a temporary exhibition on the theme of rural India, held in 1972. Several traditional craftsmen can be seen working here and they also sell the crafts they create. There is a shop and a very popular cafe.

Humayan’s Tomb

Further to the south is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun built in 1569-70. The tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has undergone extensive restoration in recent years and was spotlessly clean on my last visit. It is a delightful spot. The pathway from the western entrance passes several smaller structures including Isa Khan’s tomb that even pre-dates the main tomb itself.

Humayun's tomb-2

The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum and was designed by a Persian architect. It was the first structure to use red sandstone on such a large scale. The tomb’s architecture and the attached garden are the best examples in Delhi of the early Mughal style of tomb and it set a precedent for subsequent monumental Mughal buildings.

Qutb Minar

Still further south, the Qutb complex, is even older and it contains many ancient monuments and buildings. It is the said to be the second most visited place in India. This is located in Lalkot, later called Qila Rai Pithora, the first of the seven cities of Delhi, established by a Tomar Rajput ruler.

The original complex contained many ancient Hindu and Jain temples but most were destroyed for material during the construction of the Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque. This was the first mosque built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India and it is now known as the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The mosque consists of a courtyard, cloisters, and a prayer hall.

New Delhi (25)

The best-known structure in the complex is the Qutb Minar, built over many years from 1202. The tapered Qutb Minar is 72.5 metres high and has five distinct storeys. There are 379 steps to the top but there is no access to the public. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lotus temple

The Bahá’í Lotus temple was completed in 1986. It is set among lush green landscaped gardens and has won numerous architectural awards. Its unusual lotus shape has made it a major attraction. It was named “The most visited religious building in the world” by Guinness World Records in 2001 and is said to receive more visitors than the Taj Mahal.

Lotus Temple

The temple has 27 free-standing marble clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall that is capable of holding up to 2,500 people. Light and water are used in place of the thousands of statues and carvings to be found in other temples. At sunset it is a dramatic sight as the white marble is stunning.

You can preview Len’s latest book Experience India’s Gold Triangle

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations

Tourist Destination in Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, India

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With its vibrant culture, New Delhi offers wide range of tourist destinations to visit. Hauz Khas is one of its prominent tourist destinations, where people from around the world love to spend their holiday. Hauz Khas offers the most vibrant culture of India, where you can enjoy both rural and urban environments, surrounded by attractive places.

There is no better place in New Delhi to enjoy the country’s excitement of shopping and sightseeing than Hauz Khas Complex. Both the urban part, and Hauz Khaz Enclave, Market and the rural area or the Hauz Khas Village have their own history and attractive hotspot for holiday destination.

Modern Side of Hauz Khas Village

When the designer Bina Ramani opened the first boutique in 1988, Hauz Khas developed its status as the national capital of ethnic city, leading to the opening of hundreds of boutiques and shops afterwards. The tight alleyways of the village are crammed with shops selling Indian traditional clothing, handicrafts, Indian carpets, handmade furniture, and designer clothing lines. Antique shops are also available for visitors who like to stock up their collection with ancient saris, salwar, and vintage accessories from the ethnic shops. It is also interesting to see many LGBT activists set up their shops and communities in this area.

Hauz Khas Village also offers endless entertainment options for tourist to spend their days and nights. The music venue like Downstairs At Zo gives you different atmosphere, as it is located underground with restaurant attached to it. This site often held performance and occasional parties. Enjoy teatime and Indian cuisines at the restaurants and café available. A cozy afternoon will be perfect by having tea or in ultimate relaxed atmosphere, or have a taste at Indian traditional cuisine, rasam and other dishes in restaurants you find along the streets.

Rural Side of Hauz Khas Village

Both urban and rural areas coexist in the harmony of vibrant culture of Hauz Khas Village. One of the most favorable sites in Hauz Khas Village is the Deer Park, which was previously a farmland, located near Safdarjang Enclave. Tourists can enjoy their time visiting beautiful meadow and well-maintained trees in this area. It is also popular place to see spotted deer. In addition, you can also spot guinea pigs, rabbits, and various kinds of birds by having a tour in the Deer Park.

The road to Hauz Khas Village is dominated by ancient stone monuments, characterized by ancient Muslim Royals tombs in the village. Just like the name implies, Hauz (means lake) and Khas (means royal), Hauz Khas also characterized by the reservoir built by Alaudin Khilji as water sources.

In Hauz Khas Village, there is also Firuz Shahi Madrasa built in 14th century, a form of Islamic learning institute and considered as the most complete and largest Islamic seminary education at that time. Across the reservoir, there are also six pavilions in the garden, built with various shapes and sizes. Muslim tombs and mosque that available in Hauz Khas Village make Islamic nuances can be deeply felt in this area.

Asia, Destinations, Luxury Travel

Experience the very best of India on Royal Rajasthan on wheels

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Rajasthan is the most famous tourist destination in India and extremely popular among world travelers. A vibrant land most synonymous with its colorfully dressed people with men in their turbans and women in their sarees, a trip to Rajasthan is a visual treat. Ruled by Rajput princes whose heroism and bravery are often romanticized in the folklores. It is a great tourist destination with stunning palaces, majestic forts and serene lakes which adds to the charming desert settings. When it comes to offering choices, Rajasthan can stun people with its variety and please even the most fussy traveler. Get a taste of the regal aura of this fabled land by traveling like a Maharaja on Royal Rajasthan on wheels which offers an elegant ride to the most fascinating destinations in Rajasthan.

The journey is designed to give you a taste of royal living which you will notice as soon as you enter this luxury train. You will not only be impressed by the plush interiors which are designed keeping in mind the style and grandeur of royalties. A traditional welcome with tikka and garland awaits you at the railway station. A music band will give you a royal salute and you will be pampered throughout the journey. The train has total 13 coaches each named after a famous palace of Rajasthan and creates same cultural ethos in their interiors. There are also two restaurants for the delight of the visitors. The menu includes Thai, Chinese, Mexican and continental along with authentic Indian cuisine. The luxury train of Royal Rajasthan on wheels is equipped with world-class amenities like lounge saloon, rejuvenation center and souvenir shop. You can enjoy yourselves at leisure and play games or just enjoy the panoramic view outside and savor each of them.

The itinerary of the luxury train is tastefully created to provide an insightful and enjoyable tour experience. You explore not only the rich wildlife if the region but also marvel at the spectacular architecture of some of the most ancient temples and remarkable forts offering you the very best of Rajasthan. The train journey includes destinations like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Agra. Varanasi and Khajuraho has also been included in the itinerary recently. Khajuraho is the spectacular rock cut temples and also a UNESCO world heritage site white Varanasi is the spiritual center for Hindus and one of the oldest living city in the world. Luxury trains in India have come a long way after the introduction of first luxury train, Palace on wheels and 1982. Royal Rajasthan on wheels recreates the romance and splendor of royalties of the bygone era and brings out the colors of amazing land of Rajasthan.

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