Top 10 Best Spas in India

Wildflower Hall Spa, Shimla
Set amongst cedar forests, with fresh air and a view of snow capped mountains, the Spa Pavilion at the Oberoi's Wildflower Hall Resort is a haven of tranquility. Twice voted "India’s Best Spa Resort" in the World Travel Awards, the spa uses plant and flower essences in its aromatherapy and Ayurveda based treatments.

Ananda In the Himalayas Spa, Rishikesh
The Ananda In the Himalayas is another award winning spa in India, set against the soothing background of the Himalayas. The spacious destination spa is built on a Maharaja's palace estate. It offers therapeutic treatments based on traditional Indian practices of ayurveda, yoga and meditation. There's also an enticing spa boutique, stocking everything from music to organic food. A three night minimum stay is required.

Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa, Agra
Opened in March 2008 and declared the "World's Best City Spa" by the UK's Tatler Magazine within six months, Kaya Kalp is a spa like no other. Spread over 99,000 square feet of unsurpassed opulence, it could very well be the biggest spa in Asia. However, it's the jaw dropping grandeur of the spa that will take your breath away.

Maya Spa, Kumarakom
Winner of "Best Resort Spa" at the 2007 AsiaSpa awards, Maya Spa is located amidst the Kerala backwaters on the shores of Vembanad Lake. It's the largest spa in southern India and has two wings -- one dedicated to Ayurvedic treatments, and the other to Oriental and Western style treatments including massage, skin treatments, reflexology, and Shiatsu. The resort also has a special meditation and yoga pavilion on an island in the lagoon.

Taj Lake Palace Jiva Spa, Udaipur
As if the alluring lake setting of the Taj Lake Palace isn't enough, the Jiva spa takes it to a whole new level. Its exquisite treatment suites, with hand painted heritage frescoes adorning their walls, are the perfect places to relax and receive an unwind. What really makes this spa unique though, is its Royal Spa Boat. It will take you gliding across Lake Pichola as you soak in the spa bath on the deck or get an aromatherapy massage.

Sereno Spa, Goa
Voted "World’s Number One Spa" and "Best Spa in the Asian and Indian Subcontinent" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2006, Sereno Spa is a real delight for the senses. Located on a quiet Goa beach and spread over 36,000 square feet, the stunning outdoor spa pavilions have breathtaking sea views. A delicious range of ayurvedic inspired massage, skin, and body treatments is on offer.

Taj Malabar Jiva Spa, Cochin
Conde Nast Traveller readers rated the Jiva Spa, at the Taj Malabar Hotel, as one of their Top 10 favorite hotel spas in Asia for 2008. Located on a peaceful island, the spa looks out over a shimmering swimming pool that appears to merge into the ocean. Guests can choose from in-depth Ayurveda programs, traditional Indian massages, body scrubs, Ashtanga yoga and meditation. Perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation!

Amatrra Spa, New Delhi
The sensuous Amatrra Spa defines itself as the only metropolitan standalone lifestyle spa in India. It was awarded "Best Day Spa" by AsiaSpa India in 2007, and was recognized by Forbes as one of the "10 Best Spas in India" in 2006. The spa is unique in that its treatments are based on the ancient study of "Astroveda" -- a combination of Ayurveda and astrology.

Quan Spa, Mumbai
The opulent Quan Spa won Asia Spa's "New Spa of the Year" Award in 2006, and was one of Conde Nast Traveler's Hot Spas for 2007. This is a place where you can truly indulge yourself. The spa has four different types of treatments on offer -- rejuvenating, detoxifying, enhancing, and Indian style massages. What's great is that you don't have to be a hotel guest to visit this spa.

Amarvilas Spa, Agra
What could me more exquisite than relaxing in a bath full of flowers, with a view of the Taj Mahal outside? You can turn this dream into reality at the Oberoi Amarvilas Spa. The spa claims that it befits the self-indulgence of royalty, and its not wrong. Couples will find it impossible not to feel romantic! Treatments blend classic Ayurvedic techniques with traditional Thai massage, and use exotic herbal oils and creams of ancient Indian royalty.

Source: goindia

Winde & Dine in Jaipur, India

The cuisines of Rajasthan are very diverse and reflect the royal legacy of the state. So dining can be a unique experience in Jaipur, which happens to be the capital of Rajasthan. One of the first restaurants in Jaipur that grabs one's attention is the Om Revolving Restaurant. It revolves, and that's something of a novelty. Though the food is pretty standard and only vegetarian is served, the view offered by the restaurant is unsurpassed.

The LMB Restaurant, originally known as the Laxmi Misthan Bhandar, was a Jain-Vaishnav place which specialized in vegetarian food cooked without onions or garlic. The place is quite famed for the Rajasthani thali. The Handi restaurant at Jaipur is famous for its Mughlai offerings. Though low on the ambience, the non-vegetarian dishes here are one of the best in Rajasthan. But the most prominent of them all is the Chokhi Dhani- the restaurant famed for its rural ambience. It is famous for its traditional Rajasthani thalis.

The place remarkably looks like a rustic locale. The restaurant greets every visitor with a bright red tikka and flowers. Entertainment is aplenty with young women dancing with pots on their heads, street acrobats, folk melodies, camel rides, cotton candy, hookahs, and a haat (market) selling everything from printed bed covers to silver jewelry. Food is also served traditionally on the floor.

A dine - in style option is the Gulab Mahal Restaurant, patented by the Taj group. It is one of the few restaurants in Jaipur, which offers the heritage, ambience and cuisine under arches and glittering chandeliers.

The Surabhi Restaurant, a 300-year-old palace in Jaipur, is the third largest hall in the city. This heritage restaurant in Jaipur serves food in regal style in its Durbar Hall- the main seating area- and has an extensive menu.

The palace is ornamented with carvings on walls, exotic murals and antiques. The most significant feature is the diversified entertainment it offers, ranging from folk singer to astrologist. It also has the world's largest turban collection on display.

Other restaurants in Jaipur include the Suvarna Mahal Restaurant, which is a classic treat with an Italian Renaissance ceiling overhead, live classical and semi-classical music playing, silver engraved glasses for water, and lac and mirror work napkin rings.

The place also has an extensive wine menu. The copper chimney restaurant is famous for its tourist patronage and fine dining options. The Dasprakash Restaurant is one of the very few restaurants in Jaipur having South Indian and Continental vegetarian cuisine. It is renowned for its hospitality.

Restaurants in Jaipur thus offer an excellent insight into the culture and taste of Rajasthan and should never be missed.

Source: indfy

Train Travel in India

Food and drink on Indian trains

There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains an attendant will appear in your coach and ask you if you would like to order food. He will note down your order (usually a choice of 'veg' or 'non-veg') on a bit of paper. An hour or so later he will reappear with some rice and curry in small foil containers from the kitchen car. It is not expensive - you can reckon on £1-£2 per meal.

Attendants also regularly pass down each car selling soft drinks, snacks, or excellent hot sweet Indian tea (garam chai) for a few rupees. On the premier Rajdhani Express trains (linking Delhi with Bombay, Calcutta, etc.) and the premier daytime Shatabdi Express trains (linking Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, etc.), food is included in the fare, served at your seat.

Cleanliness, toilets and crowding

The efficient reservation system means that you can safely forget any photos you've seen of overcrowded Indian trains with people on the roof or hanging on the side - these photos show suburban trains, or basic unreserved 2nd class on long distance ones. On fast long-distance trains in AC1, AC2, AC3, or AC Chair Class, all passengers have an assigned seat or sleeping berth so there's no overcrowding.

Don't expect pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class fairly clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition. See the train interior photos below. On the other hand, Sleeper Class gets much grubbier than the AC classes and unreserved passengers can sometimes enter the coaches making it crowded. 2nd class unreserved can be incredibly crowded. Toilets in sleeper class or basic non-AC 2nd class seats can leave a lot to be desired.

Security on Indian trains

Indian trains are safe to travel on, even for families or women travelling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems at all. Having said that, theft of luggage is not unheard of, so for peace of mind take along a bicycle lock or medium-sized padlock to secure your bags. In the sleeping-cars, there are wire hoops hanging down underneath the seats to which you can padlock your luggage. As in any busy place, pickpockets operate at the major stations (for example Delhi and New Delhi), so take care.

Do Indian trains run on time?

Generally, Indian Railways are very efficient, but Indian trains do run late, and sometimes it's hours rather than minutes. To get a feel for it, why not go to www.erail.in and see how late yesterday's Delhi-Jaisalmer Express arrived, or last Thursday's Bombay-Delhi Rajdhani Express? At www.erail.in, select the origin and destination that interests you, and bring up the train list. Now find the train that you want and click on it. Now select a date and click the 'train running status' button. It will show you a table of scheduled times and actual times at each station. Data is only held for the last few days, not weeks or months ago.

Alternatively, these examples from my own travels may give you a feel for the likely delay: Delhi-Varanasi overnight express spot on time, Bombay-Calcutta Mail 1½ hours late, Madras-Bombay 'Chennai Express' 40 minutes late, Calcutta-Delhi 'Rajdhani Express' spot on time (Rajdhani Expresses get priority and are pretty punctual), Delhi-Agra 'Shatabdi Express' spot on time (Shatabdi Expresses also get priority and are pretty punctual), Jaisalmer-Delhi Express 2 hours late starting and 3 hours late arriving, Delhi-Kalka-Simla 'Himalayan Queen' spot on time, Varanasi-Agra-Jaipur 'Marudhar Express' 50 minutes late, Delhi-Madras 'Grand Trunk Express' 1½ hours late.

Recharging mobiles & cameras

These days, people seem unable to go anywhere without an array of electrical gadgetry. You'll find shaver sockets in most AC1/2/3 sleeper cars, which can be used to recharge cameras & mobiles, though you won't generally find specific power sockets for this purpose on Indian trains. One tip is to invest in a Power Monkey universal backup battery, which will give you up to 96 hours phone stand-by when your phone's battery dies, and can also be used for recharging PDAs, iPods & some cameras whilst on the move.

Other Indian train tips

Bring your own toilet paper. You'll normally find one one western toilet and one squat toilet at one or both ends of the car. In AC1, AC2, AC Chair Class and even AC3 the toilets are normally reasonably clean by Indian standards, and in full working order. Sleeper Class and 2nd class toilets may be a different matter!

Source: seat 61

India's Largest Aquarium in Mount Abu

Owners of the Datda Sea World in Mount Abu, lone hill resort of Rajasthan, plan to introduce scuba diving at the Datda Sea World, where the travellers can dive in an 80-feet aquarium with fish swimming alongside. They also plan to screen short films on aquatic life to provide the travellers with in-depth information on marine life, informed a ANI report by Lokendra Singh.

Datda Sea World is enchanting visitors with its wide collection of fish and sea shells. Built with an investment of Rs 35 million, the aquarium is touted to be the largest in India, housing 100 small aquariums. The aquarium has a variety of fishes imported from Singapore, Netherlands, Kenya, US, Pakistan and many other countries. Datda Sea World has become a hot spot for travellers in Mount Abu.

Apart from housing numerous varieties of fish, the aquarium is also a storehouse for vast collection of seashells, all gathered from different places in the world. The seashell museum has around 10,000 seashells of more than 1,000 varieties in different shapes and sizes.

Source: travel biz monitor

India Secret Places for Holiday

Cherrapunjee

Cherrapunjee seems to be a place quite unknown in our country, other than the fact that it is the wettest place on earth, and also the state it belongs to,Meghalaya. Cherrapunjee is 56km in distance from Shillong(a famous tourist place) and takes about 90 minutes drive to reach on a clear day.

But during monsoon the clouds are thick and the drive is difficult. The sights to see here are the Khasi monoliths and Mawsmai falls during the day time and Limestone caves can be visited on the way back.

However, it does not rain during the months of winter and becomes completely dry.The city of Cherrapunjee is 1290 meters above sea level and much of the torrential rain runs off the mountains into the valley below. Another reason why this place has been undiscovered is mainly due to the lack of hotels and lodgings close by.

Daman & Diu

This Union Territory of Daman and Diu and are governed from Delhi. The Daman-Ganga river divides the town in half. The southern part of the city is known as Moti(Big) Daman and the northern part known as Nani(Little)Daman.

Moti Daman is an old Portuguese area where the government buildings and old churches are located. A large wall surrounds it. And Nani Daman consists of most of the hotels of the city. The roads in Daman Diu are well maintained. Daman lies about 15kms off Vapi along the Mumbai Ahmedabad highway.

There are 39 resorts & hotels listed for Daman & Diu. Cidade De Daman seems to be a popular place to stay. Places to visit in Daman Diu are the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Se Cathedral, Fort at Moti Daman, the Light House, Nani Daman Fort, St. Jerome’s Fort and Beaches of Devka and Jampore.

Tarkali Beach

Situated in Sindhudurg in Southern Maharashtra, Tarkarli beach has clear waters that allow one to snorkel and scuba dive. The beach is known for its pure shores with emerald green ocean waters, so clear you could see upto 15 feet deep. The places to visit here are Sindhudurg Fort, Devbag Beach and the Backwaters.

The Malwani cuisine is quite famous here and one can have fresh fish or prawns in a thick coconut curry base. The MTDC resort is the only place of accommodations here which has 20-odd cottages on the beach front.

This place though, has been spotted by the international luxury cruise liner Hebridean Spirit and the State’s Deccan Odyssey, its largely unknown by our country people. Maybe because of the substandard treatment given to our people. There have been bad reviews about double standard treatments given to the guests in the resorts.

Auroville

The Auroville(which means the 'City of Dawn') is an international experimental township. It was inspired by the evolutionary vision of Sri Aurobindo and founded by Mirra Alfassa, known as the Mother. The small but exotic town of Auroville is located at a distance of 6 km north of Pondicherry.

Now why this place is interesting is because of the different concept of living adapted by the people of this town. They build community-based housings and the whole township is planned around the Matimandir which is located in the centre of the Auroville.

In 1968 the land was a barren and out of use, but now it has become a developed and productive land, entirely through the efforts of Aurovilians. Out of 20 sq. km of the designated area of the township, about 12% is presently developed for urban uses and the rest is under agriculture, plantation and other non-urban uses.

The town offers a great deal for tourists to do, see and experience. You can rent a rickshaw or a taxi from Pondicherry to get to Auroville. The places to visit in Auroville are:

1. Matrimandir - temple has a gold plated exterior while the interior is done in stark white with a huge crystal placed in the centre.

2. Visitor's Centre - Here, you can attend exhibitions and indulge yourself in shopping. The centre also offers video viewing facilities and a cafeteria for to spend time at your convenience.

3. Auroville Beach - the finest beach in Pondicherry.

Wayanad

Yet another unexplored place in Kerala, Wayanad is one of the northern districts of kerala, on its border with Karnataka. It is hilly country with a huge swathe of plantations & estates (particularly coffee estates). This mountain district is in many ways the most picturesque in the state, with its rolling hills covered with tropical rain forest.

Wayanad also contributes richly to its fortunes, with its flourishing cultivation of many spices, and also Tea, Coffee and Cocoa. Wayanad is situated at a height of 700 to 2100m above sea level with temperatures ranging from 12 to 25 degrees centigrade.

This district also has the added advantage of linking Kerala with the golden triangle of South India : Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty. Kalpetta town is the center for all the sight seeing places. An ideal place for trekking and other adventure activities.

Its famous wildlife sanctuary has got everything from exotic flora,birds and a collection of reptiles. The best time to visit is between the months of June to October. There are a number places to visit in Wayanad like Phookat lake, Eddakal caves, Kuruvadweep and Chembara Falls.

Source: indiamarks

Attractions in Pondicherry - India

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

This was founded in 1920 by Sri Aurobindo when Pondicherry was a French colony with the aim of putting in place his ideas of a peaceful community. The ashram was run by Mirra Alfassa, his French companion, universally known as the Mother. The members of the Ashram are allowed to mediate as they wish; there being no rituals, obligatory practices or systematic instruction. The ashram consists of a diversified community with almost1,200 members, of whom 400 are students at the Centre of Education.

There are various departments to run the administrative system of the ashram and to cater to the basic needs of its members. It also has farms and gardens, a printing press, libraries as well as a number of small-scale industries. The “samadhi" or tombs of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother are within the precincts of the ashram itself. It is open to all for a fixed number of hours everyday.

Pondicherry Museum

The Pondicherry Museum situated in the Government Park has a fine sculpture gallery and a section for archaeological findings dating back to the Roman settlement at Arikamedu. There is also a section which charts the history of the colony under the French. The objects in the museum include a four-poster bed believed to have been slept in by Dupleix. There is also an amazing collection of snail shells from the region surrounding Pondicherry.

Promenade

This lovely beach with a 1.5-km-long promenade, within a biking range from the heart of the city is one of the most delightful places in Pondicherry for a stroll, a sunbath or a swim. On the beachfront there are many sites like the statue of Mahatma Gandhi bordered by eight delicately carved monolithic pillars and a war memorial.

Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial Museum

Located on Eswaran Koil Street, it is the place where the celebrated Tamil poet Kanakasubburatnam lived after arriving here in 1908 as a refugee. He changed his name to Bharthidasan, which means the disciple of Bharti. His home is now the second most important place of literary pilgrimage in Pondicherry.

Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This massive church built in the Gothic style, is one of the most beautiful in Pondicherry.

Source: tcindia

Entertaining Activities in Goa, India

Goa Beaches

Famous for its beaches enjoy the sun drenched beaches of Goa. Arjuna Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach, Arambol Beach are some of the famous beaches of Goa.

Goa Adventure

Goa Fun includes the water activities and sports you would enjoy. Goa is ideally located for water sport activities like sailing, para sailing, wind surfing, water skiing.

Goa Museums

Goa has a history. Catch a glimpse of the historical heritage in Goa's Museums. Archeological Museum, Museum of Goa Daman and Diu, Institute Menezes Braganza are some of the famous museum of Goa.

Places of Worship

Hindus, Christians and Muslims lived in great amity in Goa. Their places of worship are great architectural splendors.

Cuisine in Goa

Goan cuisine, like the land itself, has many flavors and tastes with its vast treasure trove of culinary delicacies.

Goa's Cultural Dances

Cultural festivals and fairs abound in songs and dances. Temples and churches in Goa commemorate early legends. They are the occasions when a Goan peasant manifests joy and happiness. Hunt for the occasions to enjoy the cultural Goa.

Goa Wild Life

The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bhagvan Mahavir Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the wild life sanctuaries of Goa.

Goa Beach Parties

The ideal destination for parties, Goa attracts the young to its sprawling beaches and nightlife. Anjuna beach is a focal point, there are many bars and night clubs where young gather from sunset until midnight. Reasonable discotheques and restaurants stretch out on to the beach. Beach parties are Goa's pulsating center. There are clubs located at Anjuna and Vagator area that are known for their non-stop all night music. They are more famous for its drug scene and trance music.

Bird Watching In Goa

Goa, one of the hot spots for bird watchers. On can spot more than 40 species of birds here, some being White-throated Kingfisher, Green Bee-eaters, Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, female Asian Koel, Rose-ringed Parakeets being some of them

Crocodile Watching In Goa

The Cumbarjua canal near Panaji that links the Zuari and Mandovi rivers is a thriving place for mugger crocodiles. Crocodile watching in Goa is a unique experience.

Casinos in Goa

Goan nightlife is known for its wild character. Drinking, dancing and gambling are part of Goan night parties. Goa has casinos with popular games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps.

Windsurfing In Goa

Windsurfing is an adventure that many wouldn't risk to take up but those who do, love to feel the wind against their face and the spay of water cooling their heels.

Dinghy sailing In Goa

Dinghy Sailing is as much fun as Windsurfing. The wind is kind most of the time and so one doesn't need to be youthful and agile to enjoy the sport.

Scuba Diving In Goa

Scuba diving in Goa is a delightful experience. Welcome to the world of underwater delight in Goa.

Water Skiing in Goa

Adventurous individuals who love to be on the edge and love the risks needed to enjoy the speed of life may find skiing a very thrilling experience.

Angling In Goa

Combining family fishing with a fun holiday is a great experience in this sun-drenched paradise.

Parasailing In Goa

Parasailing is another thrilling sport popular in Goa . Also known as Para ascending this sport requires a speedboat and a parachute. The parachutes are tied to the speedboats.

Water Scooters In Goa

The thrill of water scooter sports needn't be just restricted to the thrill of watching 'Baywatch'. You can enjoy the experience at Dona Paula jetty, Cidade de Goa, Majorda, and Candolim beach.

Swimming In Goa

Swimming is an exercise, which would not only rejuvenate you, but the beautiful placid waters with the blue firmament above would help you enjoy immensely.

Source: goa hub