Monday, August 30, 2010

Fashion event highlights Delhi's style

A week-long fashion event in the city of Delhi recently showcased a number of designer collections.

The Pearl Delhi Couture week featured designers such as JJ Valaya and Manish Malhotra and focused on the art of high-fashion that is developing in India, reports PFI. Ahead of the event, Sunil Sethi, president of the Fashion Design Council of India, explained that the shows would be impressive and bring India's top couture names together at one event.

He added: "Designers get more time to prepare for couture (high-fashion clothing) shows. So creativity is at its highest level." So far only France and the US have hosted a couture week. Therefore, the showcase was a major development for India - with a bill featuring a total of 13 designers- especially as there are only 22 worldwide listed couturiers.

The event took place at the five-star Grand Hotel in the Vasant Kunj area of the city and highlights the range of great attractions on offer to those benefiting from cheap flights to India.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Women perfect holiday packing

Women taking flights to India may be taking just the right amount of clothing in their suitcase, according to a new survey.

Research by HolidayExtras.com concluded it is often men that pack too much in their baggage and therefore return with a number of items never being worn. In total, 64 per cent of men returned home with 20 per cent of their clothes unworn, compared to 54 per cent of women.

However, when it came to packing shoes, women did tend to over pack. Most men took up to three pairs of footwear in their luggage, but 26 per cent of ladies took between four and nine pairs and seven per cent admitted to taking more than ten different sets of shoes.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Golden Triangle holidays - Explore the legacy of India

For any excursion to India to be meaningful, touring the Golden Triangle circuit is a must. Covering Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, tourists get to see the splendid Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Hawa Mahal and many other historical monuments that offer fascinating insights into India’s rich and complex history. New Delhi is an enigma for tourists who book flights to India for the first time. Be it the imposing Humayun tomb, colossal Qutab Minar, impressive Red Fort, captivating Jantar Mantar, celebrated Jama Masjid or the entrancing Lotus Temple. The city offers rare insights into India’s varied and complex history like no other city. No wonder all international airlines offer cheap flights from UK airports for those who want to explore India’s rich and fascinating history. Tourists can relive the grandeur of the British Raj by visiting the imperial India Gate, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan that stand, even today, as classic examples of Victorian architecture. Experience the tempo and chaos of New Delhi in its busy markets, high streets & the rush hour traffic. It is beneath the commotion of the city appeal that one can discover the real Delhi.

Continue your Golden Triangle Tour and you will be enthralled by the sheer exquisiteness and architectural brilliance of the structures built during the Mughal era. Marble–white structures with sparkling blue pools, pillars stamped with intricate carvings, decorative staircases and sunlit vents with light streaming through the windows. The architectural splendour of these places would leave an indelible imprint on your psyche and you will surely count this Golden Triangle tour as the best part of your holidays to India. Though you will find forts and palaces in all the states of India, it is Rajasthan where you find the most opulence & grandeur. Rajasthan has preserved its royal heritage that is visible in the forts, palaces and havelis that still retain their pristine glory. Constructed by the legendary rulers of the Marwar state, forts, palaces and monuments in Rajasthan still retain their architectural splendour and have withstood the vagaries of time. The last leg of your tour should include a trip to the Agra where you get to see the iconic Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. The city will cast a spell on you and you won’t feel like coming out of the place soon.

Wait no further, surf the web for all cheap fares to India as there are a number of airlines offering great deals. It is advisable that you ask you agent to book the package deal as you tend to save more when you book the flights and hotels together.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Hotel groups eye expansion in Indian market

Accor and InterGlobe are both looking to expand within the Indian hotel market, which could see those taking cheap flights to Delhi rewarded with a wider choice of places to stay.

So far, Accor Hotels have opened eight properties across India and a further 19 ibis hotels have committed to a joint project between ibis and InterGlobe.

Between them, Accor and InterGlobe are aiming to have 90 hotels in place in the country by 2015 and are also aiming to become the top international hotel operator in India.

Accor chief executive officer Gilles Pelisson said: "India today is one of the world's most exciting growth markets with strong demand across all segments. Together with our partners InterGlobe, Accor is capitalizing on this demand with a bold growth strategy that will see it have 90 hotels in India by 2015. The rate of this expansion places India as Accor's first emerging growth market globally."

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Witness the thundering glory of the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Apart from the Zimbabwean cricketers what comes to one’s mind about Zimbabwe is the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ‘The greatest known curtain of falling water’ which is a must-witness site in a life time, lures many to book tickets to Zimbabwe at any cost. While it tumbles down from more than 100 m high cliff and bangs upon the rocks below, this fall makes an exhilarating sight. The falls, like many other treasures of nature is believed to have a therapeutic effect on ones mind, body and soul.

The Victoria waterfalls have in the recent past experienced a drastic fall in the number of visitors owing to the political tensions in the region. This has resulted in specialist tour operators offering cheap tours to this magnificent marvel of the nature. And the fact that there are plentiful cheap tickets to Zimbabwe swarming the internet, you can look forward to an affordable yet exciting holiday.

The falls straddle the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe and for security reasons travellers often head towards the Zambian side of the falls. However, the Zimbabwean side is where the real beauty and magnificent glory of the falls could be witnessed. The sight of the stupendous waterfalls from atop a helicopter makes for an incredible bird’s eye view. Adventure minded can enjoy a variety of adventure sports such as Flying Fox, Foofie Slide and Gorge Swing around the site of the waterfalls.

During the rainy season the patch around Victoria Falls is flooded and it is difficult to see the foot of the falls and most of its face. Yet the colossal falls, shrouded in the mist, make its presence felt with the constant thundering and roaring sound of sheets of water rolling down the edge of the abysmal cliff and smoky showers rising up in the air – an experience that none other creation of the nature can match. The spray of water emanating from the falls rises as high as 400 meters or more above it and is visible from as far as 50 kilometres.

Zambia's Knife-Edge Bridge, the Victoria Falls Bridge and Lookout Tree are amongst the best vantage points for magnificent views of the falls. The Victoria Falls Bridge affords a breathtaking 360 degree view of both the falls on one side and the sea-green river down the gorge along with shiny black rock and verdant foliage.

The Victoria Waterfall are considered amongst the seven natural wonders of the world and are the region’s prime draw apart from the picturesque lush gardens, national parks and game sanctuaries that boast unique flora and fauna. Don’t wait as now is the right time to book your cheap holiday. There are plenty of travel agents who specialise in booking cheap flights and holidays to Africa and can help lead you to this land of beauty and grandeur.

Sightseeing for History Buffs in Dhaka

Dhaka, an over-crowded, vibrant, colourful city, bustling with endless activities is primarily a city that appeals to all your five senses – sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. After reaching Dhaka, allow yourself to sail along with the city’s natural movement to listen to the music of the city. Touring Dhaka is not a costly affair and if you have booked your cheap flights from London, you have already saved a lot of money.

The language, Bangla, has such an exquisite depth, subtlety and variety that it percolates through the lives of the city adding to the cultural richness of the region. The Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka, a monument built in commemoration of those souls who laid down their lives in demanding an equal status of Bangla is an amazing and proud piece in the history of languages in this world.

Dhaka bears cultural legacies from all the dynasties that rose and fell in this rich soil. Its ancient architecture bears testimony to its rich past and the most marvellous piece of architecture is the Old High Court. It is an imposing white structure built in the European renaissance style and in terms of beauty and splendour, the Curzon Hall contends with it.

Laid out in a spacious and manicured garden, Curzon Hall is one of the stupendous British architectures in Bangladesh representing a blend of British and Mogul art. Apart from its ancient architecture, Dhaka also boasts modern architecture and its love for exquisite art is felt at the sight of Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban, National Assembly Building of Bangladesh, designed by the famous American architect Louis Kahn. Construction of The National Assembly complex was completed in 1982 with the potential to accommodate 300 members.

For a history buff, a visit to the National Museum is unavoidable. This Museum has a wide array of ancient artefacts belonging to both historical and contemporary times and ranging from antique textiles to stuffed tigers, medieval weapons, porcelain, filigree work, embroidered quilts, pieces of ivory, and superb wooden furniture to ancient sculptures and coins. The most interesting part of this Museum is a collection of paintings and charcoal drawings by Shilpachariya Zainul Abedin on the 1943 Great Bengal Famine.

The Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb is a witness to the first war of independence (1857) in India. This Fort houses the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, and Audience Hall. The Ahsan Manjil (Pink Palace) built on the bank of river Buriganga is the Palace of Nawab (local ruler) of Dhaka and reflects the aestheticism of the times of Nawabs.

By exploring the above places you would be able to cover the history of Bangladesh quite a bit and to unravel the rest you can pick from plentiful cheap flights from UK for your next trip to Dhaka.

Luxury Taj Mahal hotel opens its doors once again

Luxury hotel the Taj Mahal Palace has re-opened its palace wing following a two-year restoration.

The hotel, which is member of prestigious global accommodation group The Leading Hotels of the World, is an iconic building in Mumbai and first opened its doors to the most discerning guests back in 1903. Since then, it has hosted princes, maharajas, presidents and world leaders, the hotel group said.

"It offers guests an unforgettable experience that encapsulates a slice of history, legend and romance," it commented.

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Thursday, August 5, 2010

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai reopens to Celebrate Independence of India in new Extravaganza

The astounding Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai is ready to reopen its doors to its admirers and patrons on the 15th August 2010, to celebrate Independence Day. The indomitable spirit of the Taj Group opens in new splendour for all Patrons and Travellers to the Indian metropolis of Mumbai. It’s just a matter of few days as Taj Mahal Palace Hotel once again ready to welcomes all after renovation to new extravaganza, will be operational.

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel underwent massive renovation and reconstruction work utilising the services of internationally acclaimed designers. The hotel now stands as the epitome of the unyielding courage, resilience and determination of the people of India. The Palace wing of The Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Mumbai now surpasses its former glory and is all set to sweep visitors off their feet. Even as the hotel still dons the same legendary oriental style in its century old façade, there are a number of changes and additions made on the inside to offer a superlative experience to its varied patrons.

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Booming 2010 Projections for India’s Travel Industry 2010

The year 2010 would be a good time to book flights to India. With Commonwealth Games round the corner, the market is flooded with travel deals. The country is also shaking off the economic slump.


There are indications that the Indian travel industry would be doing a turn around in 2010 after a somewhat bleak season in 2009. This is also in line with the changing global scenario, which is slowly recuperating from the worldwide economic slump. In 2009, global travel markets dipped by as much as about 15% and India could not escape completely unscathed from the scenario. However, as of now, there are many positive projections. In fact, there have been estimates that the travel industry would grow by 5-6%, which is a shade higher than the predicted global average growth of 4.5%.

Earnest government efforts are also highly likely to boost the travel industry. A case in point is the successful completion of Terminal 3 in the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. This terminal is now said to be the sixth largest in the world with a capacity to handle 37 million passengers every year. Billions of pounds went into its construction. The terminal spans more than four square kilometres and has 78 aerobridges, 97 automated walkways, and 168 check-in counters. It would not be unreasonable to assume that many airlines would increase the density of flights to India as the country is now better equipped to handle more visitors. With the opening of this terminal, India can now also play host to the Airbus A 380, the biggest passenger carrier in the world.

Besides the completion of the new terminal, 2010 will also see Delhi hosting the Commonwealth Games. It is anticipated that over 3.5 million tourists would be converging upon India to witness this sporting extravaganza. This automatically implies that the travel industry would be doing brisk business. Here again, the government has left no stone unturned to gear up for this event. In fact, the entire city of Delhi is being given a major face lift. Some industry observers have even gone on to say that India in general and Delhi in particular might become one of the top travel destinations in the world. This assumption is based on the surge in Sydney’s popularity after the Commonwealth Games were hosted there. Overall, the year 2010 seems to be the harbinger of better times for the India travel industry.

Everybody is eager for a share of the pie. Travel companies are falling over each other to offer the best possible deals to lure tourists. This in itself is prompting more and more bookings. Be it hotels, car hires, or airlines, 2010 would be one of those years when one may expect unbelievable travel deals. Even domestic carriers like Indian Airlines are offering irresistibly lucrative fares to cash in on the overseas visitors who would flock to India. All said and done, the fact of the matter is that the travel industry is viewing 2010 with keen anticipation.

Monday, August 2, 2010

India 'could catch up with west' in aviation

Emerging economies including India, China, Brazil and Russia will in the future catch up with western aviation travel, according to a sector commentator.

Robin Mannings, an independent futurologist, said that in 40 to 50 years' time such economies will have the same number of planes in the air as other more developed nations and this will help contribute to around four or five times as many craft in the skies around the world.

Those taking cheap flights to India may also be interested to hear Ms Mannings' thoughts on how airports could function in the future.

She said that modern passengers could be "guided personally" by a device which could flag up any potential delays or help make "endless queuing" a thing of the past.

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