tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009-08-17://1 2012-05-16T11:07:21Z Movable Type Pro 4.3-en tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2465 2012-05-16T10:59:32Z 2012-05-16T11:07:21Z

Plenty of pop-up spaces are springing up in Cannes during the film festival (May 16-27) to meet the gastronomic, party and wellness needs of visitors and locals alike.

AFP View image Plenty of pop-up spaces are springing up in Cannes during the film festival (May 16-27) to meet the gastronomic, party and wellness needs of visitors and locals alike. Here's a round-up of some of these temporary sites, where you might bump into a couple movie stars.Nikki BeachLaunched ten years ago, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2464 2012-05-16T10:32:54Z 2012-05-16T10:51:09Z

Movie firm Paramount has announced plans to launch a chain of hotels.

AFP View image Movie firm Paramount has announced plans to launch a chain of hotels.The firm, one of the most active studios in Hollywood and the name behind movies ranging from Breakfast at Tiffany's to Mission Impossible, plans to create up to 50 hotels and resorts themed around Hollywood and California.The hotels will tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2463 2012-05-16T10:07:29Z 2012-05-16T10:19:14Z

As the Cannes film festival gets underway, the French Riviera will once again be under the spotlight, in every sense of the word.

AFP View image As the Cannes film festival gets underway, the French Riviera will once again be under the spotlight, in every sense of the word. But there are plenty of places around the world which offer its glamorous holiday mix -- here, a selection of eight of the best.English RivieraThe warmth of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2462 2012-05-16T09:49:07Z 2012-05-16T10:05:44Z

Passengers on certain Virgin Atlantic flights are now able to use their cell phones to make and receive phone calls at 35,000 feet, the airline announced Tuesday.

AP View image The phrase "Can you hear me now" has entered the jet age.Passengers on certain Virgin Atlantic flights are now able to use their cell phones to make and receive phone calls at 35,000 feet, the airline announced Tuesday.The British airline's new service could be a blessing for business travelers who tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2461 2012-05-15T07:12:10Z 2012-05-15T07:22:22Z

The world's tallest Lego Tower has been erected in South Korean capital Seoul, after five days of work.

AFP View image The world's tallest Lego Tower has been erected in South Korean capital Seoul, after five days of work.The tower, which measures some 31.9 meters in height, took a team of 4000 children to build and uses some 500,000 bricks.It begins with a cross formation at the base for stability, and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2460 2012-05-15T07:02:17Z 2012-05-15T07:10:29Z

Normally, top perks when it comes to travel are restricted to the most loyal customers of the airlines and hotels.

AFP View image Normally, top perks when it comes to travel are restricted to the most loyal customers of the airlines and hotels.The quid-pro-quo -- give us your business, and we'll make your experience better -- has been the driving force behind lounges and hotel executive clubs for decades now, but social media tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2459 2012-05-15T06:35:22Z 2012-05-15T06:44:09Z

This weekend, a tower in Seoul took the world record for the tallest Lego structure, but it's not the only spectacle on offer for globetrotting fans of the famous colored bricks.

AFP View image This weekend, a tower in Seoul took the world record for the tallest Lego structure, but it's not the only spectacle on offer for globetrotting fans of the famous colored bricks.Here, a look at some of the best places to be for Lego fans young and old.Lego TowerSeoul, South KoreaThe tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2458 2012-05-14T11:34:45Z 2012-05-14T11:52:26Z

Here are five things the guide books won't tell you about the Arab world

Rochelle Pinto View image The Arab world is a study in opposites. Egypt is in a perpetual state of meltdown, where every Friday, massive crowds gather in Tahrir Square to fight for their right to an honest government.In Jordan, you can't go more than two kilometres without a poster of King Abdullah II staring tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2457 2012-05-14T11:13:37Z 2012-05-14T11:25:12Z

The annual film festival starts soon in Cannes, bringing thousands of movie stars, industry members and fans to the palm-lined shores of the French Riviera.

AFP View image The annual film festival starts soon in Cannes, bringing thousands of movie stars, industry members and fans to the palm-lined shores of the French Riviera.During the festival, Cannes is a town transformed, but visit out of season and it's a place with plenty to offer. Here, a look at what tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2456 2012-05-14T08:22:48Z 2012-05-14T13:25:37Z

When the French seized Casablanca in the early 1900s, they turned the historic Morrocan port into a classic of colonial architecture that would be immortalised in the 1942 namesake film.

AFP View image When the French seized Casablanca in the early 1900s, they turned the historic Morrocan port into a classic of colonial architecture that would be immortalised in the 1942 namesake film.In the decades since the release of "Casablanca", real-estate development and property speculation have reshaped the city into one bearing little tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2455 2012-05-11T10:33:39Z 2012-05-11T10:37:54Z

Global hotel chain Hyatt has unveiled a new program which will see it revamp its menus around the world to focus on sustainability.

AFP View image Global hotel chain Hyatt has unveiled a new program which will see it revamp its menus around the world to focus on sustainability.The chain, which operates in some 45 countries around the world, has followed in the footsteps of rival Sheraton in launching a healthy eating program, which it says tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2454 2012-05-11T10:16:04Z 2012-05-11T10:19:50Z

Looking for a colonial style holiday spot in the mountains? Nestled in Dhanachuli village, a few kilometres from this popular destination, is the Te Aroha resort.

IANS View image Looking for a colonial style holiday spot in the mountains? Nestled in Dhanachuli village, a few kilometres from this popular destination, is the Te Aroha resort.A summer house converted into a boutique luxury hotel, Te Aroha offers its guests traditional architecture and contemporary comforts. The surroundings are breathtaking, thanks to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2453 2012-05-10T11:11:02Z 2012-05-10T11:48:42Z

Tourists thronging Srinagar are captivated by the famous floating vegetable market on the Dal Lake.

ANI View image Tourists thronging Srinagar are captivated by the famous floating vegetable market on the Dal Lake.The 150-year old market is one of its kind in India and only second in the world after the rowing shops along the Mekong River in Vietnam.Around 12,500 acres of land along the Dal Lake is tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2452 2012-05-10T08:28:23Z 2012-05-10T12:20:24Z

Wondering where the film stars stay when they're in Cannes? With some help of hotel price comparison site Trivago, we've taken a look at some of the French town's hottest hotels and some of the high-profile guests that have crossed the threshold.

AFP View image Wondering where the film stars stay when they're in Cannes? With some help of hotel price comparison site Trivago, we've taken a look at some of the French town's hottest hotels and some of the high-profile guests that have crossed the threshold.Hotel MartinezA Cannes institution, the Martinez has played host tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2451 2012-05-10T08:12:35Z 2012-05-10T08:17:49Z

Fans in Japan of boy wizard Harry Potter will soon be able to explore the magical world of Hogwarts when Universal Studios Japan expands its theme park with a half-billion dollar investment.

AFP View image Fans in Japan of boy wizard Harry Potter will soon be able to explore the magical world of Hogwarts when Universal Studios Japan expands its theme park with a half-billion dollar investment.The company is going to boost the footprint of its park in Osaka, western Japan, by one fifth, with tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2450 2012-05-09T11:41:48Z 2012-05-09T11:45:39Z

Hotel prices jumped eight percent across Europe in May, new research from Trivago revealed this week, with prices reflecting current affairs and the onset of summer.

AFP View image Hotel prices jumped eight percent across Europe in May, new research from Trivago revealed this week, with prices reflecting current affairs and the onset of summer.The average cost of a room for the night across the continent this month is €132, up €10 on last month, with some destinations seeing tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2449 2012-05-08T07:29:16Z 2012-05-08T07:41:45Z

Conventional wisdom suggests that Dubai or neighboring Abu Dhabi aren't the place for a cheap getaway in the sun -- but that could be changing quickly, it emerged last week.

AFP View image Conventional wisdom suggests that Dubai or neighboring Abu Dhabi aren't the place for a cheap getaway in the sun -- but that could be changing quickly, it emerged last week.Famed for its seven-star hotel, gold bar vending machines and the luxury fashion brands tucked away from the desert heat in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2448 2012-05-08T07:13:18Z 2012-05-08T07:22:00Z

The Arab Spring has resulted in a sharp drop in tourism in countries at the centre of the turmoil, to the benefit of safe destinations in the region, experts say.

AFP View image The Arab Spring has resulted in a sharp drop in tourism in countries at the centre of the turmoil, to the benefit of safe destinations in the region, experts say.Major tourist destinations such as Tunisia and Egypt saw the numbers of visitors plummet because of uprisings last year that spread tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2445 2012-05-07T11:55:58Z 2012-05-07T12:02:22Z

When Berlin's new airport opens for its first flights June 3, it will be a milestone for Berlin's already-booming tourism scene.

AFP View image When Berlin's new airport opens for its first flights June 3, it will be a milestone for Berlin's already-booming tourism scene.Last month, the authority responsible for Berlin's current airports, Tegel and Schoenefeld, noted that it has seen traffic figures nearly double from 12.2 million passengers in 2002 to 24 million tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2447 2012-05-07T10:13:02Z 2012-05-07T14:02:38Z

Ever wished you could slow down a train to get a better look at the landscape whizzing past? A new scheme in New Zealand is offering tourists the opportunity to do just that, and proving an environmental hit to boot.

AFP View image Ever wished you could slow down a train to get a better look at the landscape whizzing past? A new scheme in New Zealand is offering tourists the opportunity to do just that, and proving an environmental hit to boot.'Railcruising', a new concept which launched late last year, uses formerly tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2441 2012-05-07T07:38:43Z 2012-05-07T13:46:22Z

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. The place is known for its uniqueness and biodiversity.

Hindustan Times View image 1. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. The place is known for its uniqueness and biodiversity.2. Alask: This place is just divine. There is no other inhabited place on this planet that is as close to nature or as pristine as Alaska.3. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2440 2012-05-07T07:16:21Z 2012-05-08T13:10:34Z

Didn't have time to plan your mini summer break? Don't sweat. There are quite a few countries that you can visit without a visa hassle

Sneha Mahale View image The next time you want to make some interesting conversation,casually drop the word visa. You'd be surprised how everyone has a funny story associated with it. While some recount meeting memorable characters at embassies, others talk about the stringent checks you go through for the US, UK and Australian visas tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2439 2012-05-07T06:43:26Z 2012-05-07T13:12:50Z

Beijing has announced plans to rebuild some of the gates in its long-lost imperial city wall: such is the way of heritage in China, where conservation often means demolition and putting up a replica.

AFP View image Beijing has announced plans to rebuild some of the gates in its long-lost imperial city wall: such is the way of heritage in China, where conservation often means demolition and putting up a replica.The authorities are promising to restore the original appearance of the monumental Ming and Qing dynasty arches tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2438 2012-05-07T05:52:17Z 2012-05-07T06:18:16Z

Afghanistan, which achieved global notoriety for cultural barbarism when the Taliban blew up the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas, this week opened an exhibition highlighting the country's rich Buddhist heritage.

AFP View image Afghanistan, which achieved global notoriety for cultural barbarism when the Taliban blew up the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas, this week opened an exhibition highlighting the country's rich Buddhist heritage.In sharp contrast to the religious intolerance behind the destruction of the Buddhas 11 years ago, the immaculate exhibition is on display in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2436 2012-05-05T11:50:37Z 2012-05-05T12:01:14Z

Asia's architectural treasures, from a Buddhist monastery in Afghanistan to an ancient city in China, are in danger of vanishing under a tide of economic expansion, war and tourism, experts said Thursday.

AFP View image Asia's architectural treasures, from a Buddhist monastery in Afghanistan to an ancient city in China, are in danger of vanishing under a tide of economic expansion, war and tourism, experts said Thursday.The Global Heritage Fund named 10 sites facing "irreparable loss and destruction.""These 10 sites represent merely a fragment of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2420 2012-05-04T11:39:15Z 2012-05-05T10:00:56Z

Architects in Dubai are all geared up to build a partially submerged hotel, complete with underwater rooms offering views of life below the surface of the sea.

ANI View image Architects in Dubai are all geared up to build a partially submerged hotel, complete with underwater rooms offering views of life below the surface of the sea.The 'Water Discus Hotel', a spaceship-shaped building perched in the water is set to be the first of several planned across the region.The designers, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2419 2012-05-03T12:36:12Z 2012-05-05T10:05:28Z

South Africa aims to double domestic travel by 2020 as part of efforts to create jobs and boost the economy, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said Wednesday.

AFP View image South Africa aims to double domestic travel by 2020 as part of efforts to create jobs and boost the economy, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said Wednesday."Our message to South Africans who seek world-class destinations to relax in, have an adventure in and to explore, is that they will find tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2418 2012-05-02T12:57:18Z 2012-05-05T10:05:04Z

Tourists to Iceland, who have a penchant for adventure, will be able to sign up for a tour that takes them inside the crater of a colossal volcano, from next month.

ANI View image Tourists to Iceland, who have a penchant for adventure, will be able to sign up for a tour that takes them inside the crater of a colossal volcano, from next month.The Eyjafjallajokull volcano had erupted with great force in March 2010, spewing out a vast cloud of ash and debris tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2417 2012-05-02T10:27:59Z 2012-05-05T10:06:03Z

Keen to stub out an era of dope tourism, the Netherlands on Tuesday starts restricting cannabis sales in the country's south to residents only, despite opposition from pro-pot lobby groups.

AFP View image Keen to stub out an era of dope tourism, the Netherlands on Tuesday starts restricting cannabis sales in the country's south to residents only, despite opposition from pro-pot lobby groups.Famous for decades for its laid-back attitude to marijuana, the Netherlands will now require so-called coffee shops in some regions to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2416 2012-05-02T10:12:49Z 2012-05-02T12:30:42Z

With the Cannes Film Festival just around the corner, the city's hotels are already jam-packed. But if you're lucky enough to find a room, some of the newest options are below.

AFP View image With the Cannes Film Festival just around the corner, the city's hotels are already jam-packed. But if you're lucky enough to find a room, some of the newest options are below.La VillaThis hotel has been totally renovated and reopened in January, offering a cozy four-star boutique experience. It's just 50 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2415 2012-05-02T09:56:14Z 2012-05-02T12:31:04Z

Travellers have named 2012 Olympics host London as the world's best holiday destination.

ANI View image Travellers have named 2012 Olympics host London as the world's best holiday destination.The UK capital beat cultural hotspots New York, Paris and Rome plus a string of beach paradises to claim the number one spot.London came top of three lists -- best in Britain, best in Europe and best in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2408 2012-05-01T13:13:40Z 2012-05-02T12:30:03Z

Endless pillars of teak trees stood like a silent army, their rust-red leaves thick on the crunchy ground.

Geetika Jain View image Endless pillars of teak trees stood like a silent army, their rust-red leaves thick on the crunchy ground. We could easily spot the sambar, neelgai and gaur that slinked through them. Closer to the roads, the denizens of the jungle seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits; the plentiful ripe tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2407 2012-05-01T12:03:08Z 2012-05-01T12:17:39Z

Tourist spot Bota Pathri in Jammu and Kashmir opened up for visitors after 22 years on Monday.

ANI View image Tourist spot Bota Pathri in Jammu and Kashmir opened up for visitors after 22 years on Monday.The popular tourist spot, which is also called the Nagin Valley, had been closed to tourists due to militant related threats.State Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora praised the Indian Army for restoring peace in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2406 2012-05-01T07:13:24Z 2012-05-01T07:16:08Z

French hotel brand Mama Shelter, voted among Europe's trendiest properties, has announced it will expand internationally.

AFP View image French hotel brand Mama Shelter, voted among Europe's trendiest properties, has announced it will expand internationally.The company confirmed earlier this month that it plans to open a property in Los Angeles, California next year and Istanbul, Turkey this year, with further French expansion also planned in Lyon and Bordeaux over tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2405 2012-05-01T06:52:43Z 2012-05-01T07:07:40Z

The Angry Birds landed in Finland over the weekend, making the Sarkanniemi Adventure Park the first official place to boast attractions based on the hit smartphone game by Rovio.

AFP View image The Angry Birds landed in Finland over the weekend, making the Sarkanniemi Adventure Park the first official place to boast attractions based on the hit smartphone game by Rovio.With 12 rides, the new area of Sarkanniemi has been created for fans of the Angry Birds franchise, widely regarded as the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2404 2012-04-30T13:57:04Z 2012-04-30T14:01:26Z

To get to North Korea, one can make the rare journey by taking a plane from Beijing to Pyongyang.

AFP View image To get to North Korea, one can make the rare journey by taking a plane from Beijing to Pyongyang. But for those who have the opportunity, the train offers a unique glimpse of the most closed country in the world.It is 9:30 am when we leave Dandong, the last Chinese tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2403 2012-04-30T12:56:14Z 2012-04-30T13:01:41Z

The United States has unveiled its first national destination commercials, in an attempt to lure more tourists from around the world.

View image The United States has unveiled its first national destination commercials, in an attempt to lure more tourists from around the world.The new ads were shown for the first time April 21 and have been put together by Brand USA, the organization established by President Barack Obama to increase interest in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2402 2012-04-30T12:48:54Z 2012-04-30T12:56:07Z

The place has so many layers of political and religious history. Plus, it is the land of my favourite writers, Rumi and Pamuk.

View image Istanbul, Turkey: The place has so many layers of political and religious history. Plus, it is the land of my favourite writers, Rumi and Pamuk.Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: I love wildlife (I'm a little wild myself!). One of my unfulfilled ambitions was to be a vet. The nobility of animals tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2400 2012-04-30T08:21:01Z 2012-04-30T08:26:19Z

For a city known more for the shiny, the new and the spectacular, the latest addition to the hotel scene in Hong Kong marks another step in what is being seen by locals as a welcome trend in the city.

AFP View image For a city known more for the shiny, the new and the spectacular, the latest addition to the hotel scene in Hong Kong marks another step in what is being seen by locals as a welcome trend in the city.The Tai O Heritage Hotel (http://www.taioheritagehotel.com), which began welcoming guests in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2399 2012-04-30T08:06:51Z 2012-04-30T08:14:37Z

From naked computer technicians to a concert where the audience -- and musicians -- are all in the buff, South Africans are embracing whipping their kit off two decades after the fall of apartheid's stuffy rule.

AFP View image From naked computer technicians to a concert where the audience -- and musicians -- are all in the buff, South Africans are embracing whipping their kit off two decades after the fall of apartheid's stuffy rule.Membership of the South African Naturist Federation (Sanfed) is growing briskly, from 130 people in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2398 2012-04-27T07:54:09Z 2012-04-27T12:42:32Z

Walking down the narrow, steep staircase in a rock crevice surrounded by dense foliage, one enters through a small iron door the pitch dark and intimidating Kutumsar caves.

IANS View image Walking down the narrow, steep staircase in a rock crevice surrounded by dense foliage, one enters through a small iron door the pitch dark and intimidating Kutumsar caves. Considered one of the longest caves in the world, the exhilarating journey which lasts for about an hour is a must for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2397 2012-04-27T07:23:49Z 2012-04-27T12:42:00Z

India's New Delhi airport will become the world's most expensive, with its operator GMR Infrastructure Ltd permitted to raise charges, hurting the airport's ambition to become an aviation hub, an airline industry body said.

Reuters View image India's New Delhi airport will become the world's most expensive, with its operator GMR Infrastructure Ltd permitted to raise charges, hurting the airport's ambition to become an aviation hub, an airline industry body said.Earlier on Wednesday, GMR, which received a regulatory approval to raise the airport charges from May 15, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2396 2012-04-27T06:57:34Z 2012-04-27T07:05:47Z

Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group said Thursday it will spend $2 billion to double the size of its flagship resort by mid-2015.

AFP View image Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group said Thursday it will spend $2 billion to double the size of its flagship resort by mid-2015.The firm said construction for the second phase of Galaxy Macau, which opened in May last year, had started and would expand the size of the property to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2384 2012-04-26T11:30:39Z 2012-04-26T11:35:21Z

Anecdotal evidence suggests that dark tourism -- academically known as thanatourism -- has been growing in popularity in recent years, although specific figures are hard to come by.

AFP View image Why do people visit former concentration camps? Or the site of a terrorist attack? Or former prisons?None offer the relaxing, lighthearted experience many of us have come to expect on vacation, but all have become accepted tourist destinations -- and such visits are only increasing in popularity.Now, a team from tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2383 2012-04-26T11:00:55Z 2012-04-26T11:22:10Z

A new institute in Britain is to look at the phenomenon of 'dark tourism,' the popularity of sites and attractions that are focused on death, suffering or the macabre.

AFP View image A new institute in Britain is to look at the phenomenon of 'dark tourism,' the popularity of sites and attractions that are focused on death, suffering or the macabre. Here, a look at some of the world's most popular dark tourism destinations.Pere Lachaise CemeteryParisParis's largest cemetery is home to luminaries tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2382 2012-04-26T07:27:43Z 2012-04-26T09:52:37Z

The restored Cutty Sark will be re-opened by Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, five years after the 19th century British tea clipper was ravaged by fire.

AFP View image The restored Cutty Sark will be re-opened by Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, five years after the 19th century British tea clipper was ravaged by fire.The three-masted ship, one of Britain's maritime treasures, has been restored to its former glory at a cost of £50 million (61 million euros, $81 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2381 2012-04-26T07:16:01Z 2012-04-26T09:53:14Z

If you're keen to avoid sitting next to your fellow passengers on a flight, you should head for the back of a plane and an odd row number, a new study has suggested.

AFP View image If you're keen to avoid sitting next to your fellow passengers on a flight, you should head for the back of a plane and an odd row number, a new study has suggested.Flight comparison site Skyscanner revealed the results of its poll of 1,000 travelers' seat preferences this week, concluding tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2364 2012-04-25T07:30:31Z 2012-04-25T07:34:50Z

'Operation Family Vacation" was mounted in January. It finally arrived at a consensual decision after much email exchange, website touring and cross referencing.

Taru Bahl View image 'Operation Family Vacation" was mounted in January. It finally arrived at a consensual decision after much email exchange, website touring and cross referencing. The final choice was the'Tree House' on the Delhi-Jaipur highway for a family of eight, out to celebrate the patriarch's 75th birthday. The idea of having rabbits tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2363 2012-04-25T07:13:49Z 2012-04-25T07:21:00Z

Asia's first Legoland Hotel is to open in Malaysia in 2014 next to a theme park dedicated to the popular children's building bricks, the developers said Tuesday.

AFP View image Asia's first Legoland Hotel is to open in Malaysia in 2014 next to a theme park dedicated to the popular children's building bricks, the developers said Tuesday.Groundwork for the hotel in southern Johor state -- the world's fourth Legoland hotel -- began last month, developer Merlin Entertainments Groups and LL tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2362 2012-04-24T09:59:13Z 2012-04-24T13:07:06Z

Edinburgh has a well-earned reputation for comedy brilliance, not least thanks to the annual Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, the largest cultural festival in the world, of which comedy is a big part.

AFP View image Edinburgh has a well-earned reputation for comedy brilliance, not least thanks to the annual Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, the largest cultural festival in the world, of which comedy is a big part.Most visitors, though, would probably draw the line at being served breakfast by a comedian, but that's exactly what tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2361 2012-04-24T09:46:09Z 2012-04-24T13:07:16Z

Kazakhstan's foreign minister on Monday thanked "Borat," the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy that the Central Asian nation once banned for lampooning its people, for massively boosting its tourism.

AFP View image Kazakhstan's foreign minister on Monday thanked "Borat," the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy that the Central Asian nation once banned for lampooning its people, for massively boosting its tourism."With the release of this film, the number of visas issued by Kazakhstan grew tenfold," local news agencies quoted Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2360 2012-04-23T11:18:55Z 2012-04-23T12:44:38Z

White Collar Hippies give you two good reasons to take a break and drive down the Konkan route this summer.

Hindustan Times View image White Collar Hippies give you two good reasons to take a break and drive down the Konkan route this summer. The travel group has come up with two journeys that have very different endings, so you can choose the one that suits your story the best. Both trips involve much tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2359 2012-04-23T11:11:57Z 2012-04-23T12:36:00Z

I have visited Egypt a few times for shoots. Besides the pyramids and sphinx at Giza, the Necropolis of Thebes and the Valley of Kings are also great places to see. You get a very royal feeling when you visit such places.

View image 1 Valley of the kings, Egypt: I have visited Egypt a few times for shoots. Besides the pyramids and sphinx at Giza, the Necropolis of Thebes and the Valley of Kings are also great places to see. You get a very royal feeling when you visit such places. 2 Kandy, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2358 2012-04-23T09:14:35Z 2012-04-23T09:32:39Z

Not going anywhere these summer holidays? Aww. But never mind. Seat yourself at your home computer and take awesome online tours.

Sneha Mahale View image I have attracted the envious stares of friends each time I've rambled about some unheard spots visited in India or abroad. So it did come as a surprise when a friend described her thrilling encounter with a cheetah in Africa. "Oh, you visited?" I asked. "Only via webcam," she said.Welcome tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2357 2012-04-23T08:48:12Z 2012-04-24T13:06:27Z

With the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth just weeks away, the British capital is gearing up to host all kinds of special events to mark the occasion.

AFP View image With the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth just weeks away, the British capital is gearing up to host all kinds of special events to mark the occasion.Here, a look at five events not to be missed, if you're one of the millions of visitors expected to descend on London for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2356 2012-04-23T08:40:03Z 2012-04-23T08:43:54Z

The first weekend of June sees the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, with events planned across the UK and in London in particular.

AFP View image The first weekend of June sees the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, with events planned across the UK and in London in particular.If you're heading to the British capital to catch the celebrations, here are six hotel packages fit for a queen:St Ermin's HotelApril - August 2012A tour tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2355 2012-04-23T05:37:39Z 2012-04-23T08:25:36Z

With just six weeks to go until Euro 2012, travel arrangements for many are still looking rather blurry.

AFP View image With just six weeks to go until Euro 2012, travel arrangements for many are still looking rather blurry.Last week, it emerged that UEFA president Michel Platini is furious with Ukrainian hotel price hikes, with reports suggesting that some venues in Ukraine were seeking to charge fans $1000 (€760) a night tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2354 2012-04-21T13:59:45Z 2012-04-21T14:09:18Z

Belfast in the 21st century is developing into a chic capital of culture, character and chatter built on a proud industrial heritage which includes the world's most famous luxury liner.

Reuters View image Belfast in the 21st century is developing into a chic capital of culture, character and chatter built on a proud industrial heritage which includes the world's most famous luxury liner.A century after the sinking of the "unsinkable" Titanic - considered a marvel of engineering when it was built in Belfast's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2353 2012-04-21T12:14:37Z 2012-04-21T12:47:30Z

With its fairy-tale facade, elaborately turreted roofline and vast grounds, Chambord is probably the French Loire Valley's best-known Renaissance Chateau.

AFP View image With its fairy-tale facade, elaborately turreted roofline and vast grounds, Chambord is probably the French Loire Valley's best-known Renaissance Chateau.But every house and garden needs a spruce-up now and then, and the French state is about to embark on a four-million-euro ($5.3-million) renovation of this grand home which mixes mediaeval tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2352 2012-04-20T14:25:12Z 2012-04-20T15:44:20Z

A workshop was conducted in the capital to instruct adventure tour operators regarding safety guidelines for adventure tourism.

Sonakshi Babbar View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2349 2012-04-20T10:15:24Z 2012-04-20T10:23:47Z

The objects displayed in Michigan's newest museum range from the ordinary, such as simple ashtrays and fishing lures, to the grotesque - a full-size replica of a lynching tree.

AP View image The objects displayed in Michigan's newest museum range from the ordinary, such as simple ashtrays and fishing lures, to the grotesque - a full-size replica of a lynching tree. But all are united by a common theme: They are steeped in racism so intense that it makes visitors cringe.That's the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2348 2012-04-19T11:51:52Z 2012-04-20T06:00:21Z

Conde Nast Traveler magazine has revealed its annual list of the hottest new hotels in the world, compiled by its editorial staff.

AFP View image Conde Nast Traveler magazine has revealed its annual list of the hottest new hotels in the world, compiled by its editorial staff.The 'Hot List' takes a look at 121 newly-opened properties on four continents, identifying the cream of the crop as chosen for their service, food, atmosphere and amenities.The list tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2347 2012-04-19T11:35:44Z 2012-04-19T11:44:29Z

Qatar could invest in a new ancient Roman theme park, Italian media reported Wednesday, a day after the Gulf state's emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani met with local officials in the Eternal City.

AFP View image Qatar could invest in a new ancient Roman theme park, Italian media reported Wednesday, a day after the Gulf state's emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani met with local officials in the Eternal City."We showed the emir several plans. The one that most caught his attention and which he said tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2346 2012-04-19T11:30:27Z 2012-04-20T06:01:02Z

The revolution that ousted Zine El Abidine Ben Ali spells an opportunity for Tunisia to remake and grow its tourism industry, the head of the World Tourism Organisation said Tuesday.

AFP View image The revolution that ousted Zine El Abidine Ben Ali spells an opportunity for Tunisia to remake and grow its tourism industry, the head of the World Tourism Organisation said Tuesday."The political change in Tunisia creates a very significant opportunity to ... offer some key areas for tourism such as the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2345 2012-04-19T08:32:17Z 2012-04-19T08:38:47Z

The attention of the world will be on London's Olympic Park in 100 days' time, but Nigerian tourist Olatunde Ojo's more immediate focus is spending money at the adjoining super-sized shopping mall.

Reuters View image The attention of the world will be on London's Olympic Park in 100 days' time, but Nigerian tourist Olatunde Ojo's more immediate focus is spending money at the adjoining super-sized shopping mall."I've come to see Westfield," the 32-year-old public health worker said, taking photographs of his friends standing outside the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2344 2012-04-19T05:29:18Z 2012-04-19T12:27:20Z

This week, Ernest Hemingway's family announced plans to open a series of literature-themed hotels in the great man's name.

AFP View image This week, Ernest Hemingway's family announced plans to open a series of literature-themed hotels in the great man's name.It's a fun idea, but it wouldn't be the first time that hotels have tried this novel approach to winning new visitors -- literary hotels are surprisingly common. Here, a selection of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2329 2012-04-17T11:42:25Z 2012-04-17T11:47:22Z

This summer, Berlin's famous TV Tower will welcome visitors with a fresh lick of paint and some brand-spanking-new features.

AFP View image This summer, Berlin's famous TV Tower will welcome visitors with a fresh lick of paint and some brand-spanking-new features. For those not heading to Berlin, there are plenty of other super-tall structures to visit -- assuming you've got a head for heights. Here, eight of the world's best.Riga Television TowerRiga, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2328 2012-04-17T10:54:29Z 2012-04-17T10:59:29Z

Packed into a subway train that has broken down, or stuck in gridlocked traffic, it's easy to spot one key aspect of London's 2012 Olympic Games that is causing organisers sleepless nights.

AFP View image Packed into a subway train that has broken down, or stuck in gridlocked traffic, it's easy to spot one key aspect of London's 2012 Olympic Games that is causing organisers sleepless nights.Despite seven years of planning and a colossal budget, transport remains the Achilles heel of preparations that otherwise seem tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2327 2012-04-17T09:54:34Z 2012-04-17T13:03:17Z

Waxworks museum Madame Tussauds opened a branch in Sydney on Monday with Australian personalities Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman sharing the stage with Barack Obama and Lady Gaga.

AFP View image Waxworks museum Madame Tussauds opened a branch in Sydney on Monday with Australian personalities Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman sharing the stage with Barack Obama and Lady Gaga. The world-famous London attraction set up shop in tourist precinct Darling Harbour after 56,000 hours of work creating the 70 figures on tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2326 2012-04-17T06:53:19Z 2012-04-17T11:50:26Z

Travel destinations with forts, palaces and temples have always fascinated me and I have long wanted to visit them.

Shruti Menon View image Travel destinations with forts, palaces and temples have always fascinated me and I have long wanted to visit them. Before I decided to pack my bags, I was of two minds whether to discover the hills of Mount Abu or the heart of incredible India - Madhya Pradesh. When I tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2314 2012-04-16T11:38:45Z 2012-04-17T13:03:28Z

Room77 has announced that it will offer hotel loyalty points for users that book through its site.

AFP View image Room77 has announced that it will offer hotel loyalty points for users that book through its site.In a break from the tradition of many online travel agencies, where earning points for discounted hotel rooms is normally not an option, the site revealed this week that it would allow users to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2313 2012-04-16T06:03:33Z 2012-04-16T06:19:44Z

Grindr, the popular social networking app for gay men, has announced the favorite destinations of its 3.5 million users.

AFP View image Grindr, the popular social networking app for gay men, has announced the favorite destinations of its 3.5 million users.The app, which allows users to chat, send photos and meet up in the real world, has become a global hit for gay men, notching up downloads in nearly 200 countries.This week, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2311 2012-04-13T12:17:26Z 2012-04-13T12:24:49Z

Peppered with parks and crafts markets, Quito's status as a UNESCO world heritage site and its sweeping Andean panoramas have made this highland city an up-and-coming tourist destination.

Reuters View image Peppered with parks and crafts markets, Quito's status as a UNESCO world heritage site and its sweeping Andean panoramas have made this highland city an up-and-coming tourist destination.The main attractions of Quito, which caters for all tastes, are its colonial centre, magnificent churches, cobblestone streets and quaint squares.Visitors can enjoy tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2310 2012-04-13T07:33:02Z 2012-04-13T07:38:22Z

Tourism to South Africa last year hit a new record as foreign arrivals increased by 3.3 percent to 8.3 million, building on the boom from the 2010 World Cup, the tourism minister said Thursday.

AFP View image Tourism to South Africa last year hit a new record as foreign arrivals increased by 3.3 percent to 8.3 million, building on the boom from the 2010 World Cup, the tourism minister said Thursday."The 2010 FIFA World Cup was a once in a lifetime global showcase for our country which tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2309 2012-04-12T08:30:17Z 2012-04-12T10:16:47Z

One of Greece's most famous archaeological sites, the prehistoric town of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini, reopened on Wednesday seven years after a deadly roof collapse, local authorities said.

AFP View image One of Greece's most famous archaeological sites, the prehistoric town of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini, reopened on Wednesday seven years after a deadly roof collapse, local authorities said."The archaeological site is open to the public as of this morning," the office of local mayor Nikolaos Zorzos said in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2308 2012-04-11T13:48:55Z 2012-04-27T12:49:48Z

Here, a look at some of the top ways to avoid paying for an internet connection.

AFP View image The average cost of logging on in a US hotel is $13.95, a new survey from HotelChatter found this week, but if you plan and book carefully, it's often possible to dodge wifi fees altogether. Here, a look at some of the top ways to avoid paying for an internet tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2307 2012-04-11T13:37:28Z 2012-04-11T13:41:12Z

A century after the Titanic sank, the legacy of the ship's wealthiest and most famous passenger lives on quietly at the luxury hotel he built in New York City.

Associated Press View image A century after the Titanic sank, the legacy of the ship's wealthiest and most famous passenger lives on quietly at the luxury hotel he built in New York City.John Jacob Astor IV, who was one of the richest men in America, went down with the ship in 1912 after helping tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2306 2012-04-11T13:13:06Z 2012-04-11T13:21:20Z

London has been voted the most impressive city in the world, followed by New York, according to a new survey.

PTI View image London has been voted the most impressive city in the world, followed by New York, according to a new survey.Hong Kong, Paris and Singapore came third, fourth and fifth respectively in the survey, called The Wealth Report, which focussed on 10 global cities deemed the most impressive by mega-rich individuals, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2304 2012-04-10T09:46:16Z 2012-04-10T09:57:16Z

Pod Hotel announced this past week that it would expand, bringing a new capsule-hotel property to New York City.

AFP View image Pod Hotel announced this past week that it would expand, bringing a new capsule-hotel property to New York City. But it's not the only name trying to make big business from small rooms -- here, six names you should look out for.Qbic HotelsAmsterdamQbic's rooms are designs around the concept of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2303 2012-04-09T10:43:36Z 2012-04-09T10:54:01Z

Got 48 hours to spare in Bonn? This sleepy city perched on the banks of the romantic River Rhine offers history, culture, and beautiful scenery galore.

Reuters View image Got 48 hours to spare in Bonn? This sleepy city perched on the banks of the romantic River Rhine offers history, culture, and beautiful scenery galore.Located about 30 km south of Cologne, the city of around 325,000 prides itself on being the birthplace of influential German composer Ludwig van Beethoven.But tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2300 2012-04-09T08:00:04Z 2012-04-09T11:34:23Z

This weekend, the Hainan Rendez-vous draws China's glitterati to the city of Sanya on the shores of the 'Chinese Riviera'.

AFP View image This weekend, the Hainan Rendez-vous draws China's glitterati to the city of Sanya on the shores of the 'Chinese Riviera'. It's regularly claimed that Sanya is China's answer to the French destination of Cannes -- but how do the two stack up?Getting thereMost visitors to Cannes arrive through Nice, though tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2302 2012-04-09T05:44:26Z 2012-04-09T08:50:35Z

Use the heat to your advantage and catch India's big cat at one of its favourite dens

Sneha Mahale View image I was 5 or 6 when I first got a glimpse of two tiger cubs in Kanha National Park. Intrigued, I had first asked my mother if we could take one home. Amused, she asked where we would keep it. "Our balcony," was my pat reply. Though we didn't take tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2299 2012-04-07T09:06:34Z 2012-04-07T09:11:53Z

In a little under four months, thousands of visitors will descend on London for the Olympic Games.

View image In a little under four months, thousands of visitors will descend on London for the Olympic Games.As the British capital is widely regarded as among the world's most expensive destinations, inflated prices for hotels and airline tickets will mean that making the journey could stretch the wallet -- but it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2298 2012-04-06T10:43:48Z 2012-04-06T10:53:20Z

If cheery locals are the thing that you look for on holiday, Scandinavia is the place to go to, a new report has suggested.

AFP View image If cheery locals are the thing that you look for on holiday, Scandinavia is the place to go to, a new report has suggested. The World Happiness Report, released this week by the United Nations, took a look at the mood in countries around the world to determine which ones tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2297 2012-04-06T10:26:15Z 2012-04-06T10:39:26Z

British Airways has unveiled a series of celebrity-inspired products and designs ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

AFP View image British Airways has unveiled a series of celebrity-inspired products and designs ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Passengers stepping aboard the airline's planes in the run-up to this summer's event will find a very unusual menu waiting for them, inspired by food from post-war Britain in 1948 -- the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2296 2012-04-05T11:06:04Z 2012-04-05T11:10:39Z

Pradeep Singh is at ease as he lounges on a charpai, a makeshift rope bed, smoking a hookah in the courtyard of his ancestral house. His male cousins sit beside him while the womenfolk demonstrate the art of milking cows to guests from the city.

Reuters View image Pradeep Singh is at ease as he lounges on a charpai, a makeshift rope bed, smoking a hookah in the courtyard of his ancestral house. His male cousins sit beside him while the womenfolk demonstrate the art of milking cows to guests from the city.For many Indians who live in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2295 2012-04-05T09:54:57Z 2012-04-05T10:12:19Z

When turban-swathed Tuareg rebels swept into Timbuktu on Sunday to plant the flag of their northern Mali homeland, they found very few tourists in the bars, hotels, museums, mosques and libraries of the fabled and ancient Saharan trading town.

Reuters View image When turban-swathed Tuareg rebels swept into Timbuktu on Sunday to plant the flag of their northern Mali homeland, they found very few tourists in the bars, hotels, museums, mosques and libraries of the fabled and ancient Saharan trading town. Local guides say numbers of foreign visitors had already fallen off tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2294 2012-04-05T07:36:41Z 2012-04-05T07:48:50Z

Splurging on a vacation home shortly after the housing market meltdown was not an easy decision for Kathy and Dan Nikolai.

Reuters View image Splurging on a vacation home shortly after the housing market meltdown was not an easy decision for Kathy and Dan Nikolai. The couple, who live in California's San Fernando Valley, wanted a nearby escape that would accommodate their teenage son's busy schedule and allow the family to ski in the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2293 2012-04-04T05:41:35Z 2012-04-04T08:55:25Z

With age being just a number and fitness being a guiding mantra, especially for those above 60, travelling just became more fun-filled, exciting and adventurous.

Rishabh Bahl View image With age being just a number and fitness being a guiding mantra, especially for those above 60, travelling just became more fun-filled, exciting and adventurous. According to Rahul Dutta, who works in the Hilton in London, "our peak season in summer sees groups of seniors coming from the US and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2292 2012-04-03T11:33:22Z 2012-04-06T09:14:49Z

Once feared as a gangster's paradise, downtown Johannesburg's restored buildings, flowing fountains and sidewalk art are attracting an unusual breed of tourist -- local pedestrians.

AFP View image Once feared as a gangster's paradise, downtown Johannesburg's restored buildings, flowing fountains and sidewalk art are attracting an unusual breed of tourist -- local pedestrians."I was born in Johannesburg, but I had never been to the city centre," said student James van Biljon on a guided Saturday stroll with his tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2291 2012-04-03T11:13:46Z 2012-04-04T12:24:08Z

Last week, tourism authorities in Brighton issued an appeal for tourists to return some of the stones they have been removing from the famous beach in the Southern English town.

AFP View image Last week, tourism authorities in Brighton issued an appeal for tourists to return some of the stones they have been removing from the famous beach in the Southern English town. With tongue firmly in cheek, the authority noted that it had thousands to replace, as a result of light-fingered visitors tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2290 2012-04-03T10:40:46Z 2012-04-03T11:03:13Z

Flights from London's newest airport terminal have finally begun, adding a sixth air option for those looking to come to the British capital, just months before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

AFP View image Flights from London's newest airport terminal have finally begun, adding a sixth air option for those looking to come to the British capital, just months before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games. But how does it compare to the most established London terminals for visitors? Distance Distance from tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2289 2012-04-03T08:27:52Z 2012-04-04T05:43:11Z

Two flares fired into the morning sky above Belfast on Saturday will mark the opening of a 97-million pound ($154 million) Titanic centre at the site of its launch, telling the story of the doomed liner which sank 100 years ago.

Reuters View image Two flares fired into the morning sky above Belfast on Saturday will mark the opening of a 97-million pound ($154 million) Titanic centre at the site of its launch, telling the story of the doomed liner which sank 100 years ago. Titanic Belfast is one of a number of signature tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2288 2012-04-03T08:03:44Z 2012-04-03T08:26:57Z

Scandinavian countries Denmark, Finland and Norway have been declared the three happiest nations in the world during the last six years (2005 to 2011), according to a Gallup poll.

ANI View image Scandinavian countries Denmark, Finland and Norway have been declared the three happiest nations in the world during the last six years (2005 to 2011), according to a Gallup poll. An L.A. Times report has listed the ten happiest countries, as follows: Denmark Finland Norway Netherlands Canada Switzerland Sweden New Zealand tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2286 2012-04-02T11:29:00Z 2012-04-02T11:30:46Z

A huge chunk of the largest holiday camp ever constructed by the Nazis will be converted into a 400-bed luxury hotel and 400 apartments.

ANI View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2285 2012-04-02T08:37:53Z 2012-04-02T08:45:07Z

Residents of the Northern Hemisphere are downright giddy this time of year with the official arrival of spring.

Reuters View image Residents of the Northern Hemisphere are downright giddy this time of year with the official arrival of spring. In honor of longer days, sunshine and the tantalizing prospect of summer on the horizon, Cheapflights.com has chosen its top 10 list of places around the world to see a magnificent sunrise. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2284 2012-04-02T08:00:36Z 2012-04-02T08:29:13Z

Summer has set in, but if the city's beaches don't satisfy your quota of surf, sand and sun, head out and test these waters

Sneha Mahale View image Ironically, this story began on a beach five years ago. Friends from the hinterlands had just had their first glimpse of Juhu Beach. While two rejoiced in the waves that lapped gently against their feet, the third said, "Doesn't it stink? It feels like I am walking in sewage." Thus tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2283 2012-04-02T07:28:55Z 2012-04-04T05:42:41Z

"Become a Christiania stockholder today!": on its Facebook page Copenhagen's "free city", long a refuge for hippies and artists and a popular tourist destination, pleas for help to save the 40-year-old enclave.

AFP View image "Become a Christiania stockholder today!": on its Facebook page Copenhagen's "free city", long a refuge for hippies and artists and a popular tourist destination, pleas for help to save the 40-year-old enclave. Following a court ruling, the self-governed hippie community needs to come up with 76 million kroner (10.2 million tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2282 2012-04-02T06:58:51Z 2012-04-02T11:05:08Z

After decades nurturing its reputation as one of the coolest party spots in Europe, Berlin's nightlife is under threat, according to reports.

AFP View image After decades nurturing its reputation as one of the coolest party spots in Europe, Berlin's nightlife is under threat, according to reports. The trendy clubs and alternative dens of the German capital, which thrived in the chaotic years following the fall of the Berlin wall, are facing extinction thanks to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2281 2012-04-02T05:22:51Z 2012-04-02T06:02:52Z

Indonesia's Batam island, an industrial zone with dreams of transforming into a major tourist destination, is sprucing itself up to lure big-spending visitors from next-door Singapore.

AFP View image Indonesia's Batam island, an industrial zone with dreams of transforming into a major tourist destination, is sprucing itself up to lure big-spending visitors from next-door Singapore. Batam is looking to emulate the success of another Indonesian island close to Singapore, Bintan, which is already a luxury beach and golfing destination tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2280 2012-03-31T10:51:46Z 2012-03-31T12:14:50Z

Indigenous tourism came under the spotlight this week in Darwin, Australia, at the Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference 2012. Here, a look at eight unique indigenous tourism experiences around the world.

AFP View image Indigenous tourism came under the spotlight this week in Darwin, Australia, at the Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference 2012. Here, a look at eight unique indigenous tourism experiences around the world. Australia Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Australia Ayers Rock, or Uluru, is one of Australia's most famous destinations and this tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2279 2012-03-30T13:34:46Z 2012-03-30T13:54:38Z

With 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, Antigua in the Leeward Islands is considered one of gems of the Eastern Caribbean.

Reuters View image With 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, Antigua in the Leeward Islands is considered one of gems of the Eastern Caribbean. Palm trees and lush vegetation line the pristine shores of the island, which was once an important base for Britain. Today, Antigua is a stop for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2278 2012-03-30T11:28:56Z 2012-03-31T06:49:03Z

Greece's tourism sector will grow moderately this year, a top United Nations official said on Thursday, in a rare optimistic forecast for the crisis-hit Mediterranean country whose image has been dented by strikes and protests.

Reuters View image Greece's tourism sector will grow moderately this year, a top United Nations official said on Thursday, in a rare optimistic forecast for the crisis-hit Mediterranean country whose image has been dented by strikes and protests. Visits to Greece's sun-drenched islands and ancient ruins account for about 15 percent of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2277 2012-03-30T11:16:14Z 2012-03-31T12:08:34Z

A new tour at the film studios outside London where the Harry Potter blockbusters were shot aims to champion the "unsung heroes" -- from seamstresses to special effects wizards -- who made the movies magical for millions.

Reuters View image A new tour at the film studios outside London where the Harry Potter blockbusters were shot aims to champion the "unsung heroes" -- from seamstresses to special effects wizards -- who made the movies magical for millions. "Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter" opens to the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2275 2012-03-29T13:15:36Z 2012-03-29T13:33:40Z

To create awareness about Mumbai's forts, a one-day trek will be organised on April 8. Professional photographers will tag along to help amateurs document our heritage

Sneha Mahale View image The summer vacations are on. And as people plan trips to exotic and popular destinations in and outside India, Youth Hostels Association of India, Kandivali unit, is organising a trek with a difference on April 8. Catering to adventure lovers, photographers and history buffs, this one-day activity hopes to reacquaint tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2274 2012-03-29T12:00:50Z 2012-03-30T08:21:40Z

Gas prices are widely expected to push up the cost of a vacation this summer, hitting those who are planning to drive and fly the hardest.

AFP View image Gas prices are widely expected to push up the cost of a vacation this summer, hitting those who are planning to drive and fly the hardest. The price of oil keeps going up, making gas to fill our cars more expensive and forcing airlines to hike prices or impose surcharges, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2273 2012-03-29T09:09:23Z 2012-03-29T09:17:38Z

New York's gritty subway has got its sense of poetry back with the return of a popular program to bring verses to commuters.

AFP View image New York's gritty subway has got its sense of poetry back with the return of a popular program to bring verses to commuters. The Metropolitan Transport Authority, which runs the underground system, announced it was restoring its Poetry in Motion initiative after a hiatus of four years. The first offering, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2272 2012-03-29T08:06:22Z 2012-03-29T08:16:41Z

Holidaymakers planning a getaway in the next few months should expect higher airfares, industry experts warned Tuesday, but airlines passing on higher fuel costs may be just the tip of the iceberg.

AFP View image Holidaymakers planning a getaway in the next few months should expect higher airfares, industry experts warned Tuesday, but airlines passing on higher fuel costs may be just the tip of the iceberg. Pricier flights are starting to feel like a pre-summer tradition -- as common as buying sunscreen or thumbing tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2270 2012-03-29T05:39:44Z 2012-03-29T08:52:39Z

Vacations for those who like to plan things down to the last detail entail extensive drawing up of lists and to-do's.

Shruti Menon View image Vacations for those who like to plan things down to the last detail entail extensive drawing up of lists and to-do's. This could include little diaries with phone numbers of travel agents/airlines/hotels, travel related information, booking details, print outs and an updated mobile contact list. Usually, a lap top is tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2269 2012-03-28T09:30:18Z 2012-03-28T09:54:37Z

Elite Traveler, a magazine targeted towards the jet setting, "wealthy elite" has published its ranking of the top 20 restaurants in the world.

AFP View image Elite Traveler, a magazine targeted towards the jet setting, "wealthy elite" has published its ranking of the top 20 restaurants in the world. Topping the list is US chef Grant Achatz for his award-winning eatery Alinea in Chicago. Here's the full list according to critics and readers of Elite Traveler: tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2268 2012-03-28T08:53:17Z 2012-03-29T12:10:07Z

This weekend's box office success for thriller The Hunger Games is set to deliver a significant boost for North Carolina's tourism industry.

AFP View image This weekend's box office success for thriller The Hunger Games is set to deliver a significant boost for North Carolina's tourism industry. Directors used the state's dramatic natural scenery and myriad towns and villages to full effect in the film, which was entirely shot there. Here, a look at some tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2267 2012-03-28T08:21:48Z 2012-03-28T08:53:14Z

The recent launch of TripAdvisor-owned Tingo has added yet another option for vacationers keen to snag a deal on hotels.

AFP View image The recent launch of TripAdvisor-owned Tingo has added yet another option for vacationers keen to snag a deal on hotels. But with so many types of hotel booking sites out there, which ones offer what? Here, a handy guide to the sites. Flash sale sites Sites such as Jetsetter, Voyage tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2253 2012-03-27T07:26:41Z 2012-03-27T07:33:13Z

Rail ticketing firm Eurail, which sells train tickets valid across Europe to visitors, revealed its most popular routes for 2011 last week, proving that Italy is still top spot for travelers on the continent.

AFP View image Rail ticketing firm Eurail, which sells train tickets valid across Europe to visitors, revealed its most popular routes for 2011 last week, proving that Italy is still top spot for travelers on the continent. The journey from Florence to Rome was the most popular route traveled by Eurail pass holders tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2252 2012-03-27T07:12:51Z 2012-03-27T07:19:38Z

A new report has suggested that Australian holidaymakers should be persuaded to holiday at home using a sense of 'nostalgia'.

AFP View image A new report has suggested that Australian holidaymakers should be persuaded to holiday at home using a sense of 'nostalgia'. The report from market research firm TNS Domesticate suggested that Australians are searching for a sense of 'security and certainty' as the world's financial crisis rumbles on, a gap which tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2236 2012-03-26T07:00:56Z 2012-03-26T07:09:37Z

For those of you observing Lent, the long slog of abstinence and reflection that also coincides with the last of the winter chill in the northern hemisphere will soon be over with the chocolate, feasting and springtime blooms of Easter.

Reuters View image For those of you observing Lent, the long slog of abstinence and reflection that also coincides with the last of the winter chill in the northern hemisphere will soon be over with the chocolate, feasting and springtime blooms of Easter. In celebration, Cheapflights.com (www.cheapflights.com) has come up with a list tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2235 2012-03-26T06:55:11Z 2012-03-26T07:00:28Z

The advent of the internet has transformed travel writing, not least thanks to the rise of a new class of travel bloggers of varying quality who dominate much of today's online travel discourse.

AFP View image A paperback? A magazine? Or maybe a curated article on your e-reader? Nowadays, it could be any of the above, but the latter has been given a boost by Virgin Atlantic, after it announced a deal with long-form journalism website Longreads for a new travel writing collection known as 'Travelreads'. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2234 2012-03-26T06:44:18Z 2012-03-27T09:45:51Z

With the first Angry Birds-themed attraction Särkänniemi Adventure Park opening in Tampere, Finland last month, the creators of the mobile phone game phenomenon, Rovio, are planning to open an in the UK.

AFP View image With the first Angry Birds-themed attraction Särkänniemi Adventure Park opening in Tampere, Finland last month, the creators of the mobile phone game phenomenon, Rovio, are planning to open an in the UK.Then the Angry Birds will fly over to the US, followed by China, according to a report in Mashable.As tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2233 2012-03-26T05:37:39Z 2012-03-27T11:55:34Z

Celebs tell us about the coldest place they've ever been to by Priyanka Jain

Priyanka Jain View image Dipannita Sharma Atwal Model and Actress "The coldest place I have been to was Davos in Switzerland. I had gone there to be a part of a fashion show at a financial conference. It was my first trip abroad during winter and I was truly excited to see the scenic tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2232 2012-03-26T05:07:55Z 2012-03-26T05:30:54Z

Between 1976 and 2012 the hotels in South India have evolved -- and how

Vir Sanghvi View image These days, South India is the centre of the growing Indian hotel industry. The fanciest palace hotel (most lovingly restored and newly opened) is the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. The most spectacular city hotel to ever open in India will be the Grand Chola in Chennai (I had a preview tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2231 2012-03-23T11:41:47Z 2012-03-23T13:07:52Z

Finland's capital comes alive as soon as the snow begins to melt and residents start venturing outdoors again, cafes spill onto sidewalks and the city's modernist architecture sparkles.

Reuters View image Finland's capital comes alive as soon as the snow begins to melt and residents start venturing outdoors again, cafes spill onto sidewalks and the city's modernist architecture sparkles. While cross-country ski trails and saunas offer entertainment for visitors during the colder months, the city is best explored after it emerges tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2230 2012-03-22T11:21:23Z 2012-03-22T13:16:50Z

Brazil Tourism Board has kicked off an interactive marketing campaign ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as it tries to raise its profile as a viable tourist option.

AFP View image Brazil Tourism Board has kicked off an interactive marketing campaign ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as it tries to raise its profile as a viable tourist option. In a bid to familiarize travelers with the 12 host cities of the 2014 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2229 2012-03-22T07:38:28Z 2012-03-22T07:52:04Z

The Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District "aims to further strengthen UAE's emerging role as the cultural hub of the region," a statement said.

AFP View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2228 2012-03-22T06:57:31Z 2012-03-22T07:11:22Z

Earlier this month, users of image-sharing app Instagram gathered in Amsterdam to conduct a "photo walk" around the city. Low-cost-carrier bmibaby had flown participants in from London so they could meet fellow members in the flesh.

Reuters View image Earlier this month, users of image-sharing app Instagram gathered in Amsterdam to conduct a "photo walk" around the city. Low-cost-carrier bmibaby had flown participants in from London so they could meet fellow members in the flesh. A destination guide to the Dutch city based on the images followed on the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2227 2012-03-21T08:37:09Z 2012-03-21T08:42:30Z

Imagine standing at the Eiffel Tower and being able to see messages and videos overlaid through your smartphone from all visitors who have come before you.

Reuters View image Imagine standing at the Eiffel Tower and being able to see messages and videos overlaid through your smartphone from all visitors who have come before you. A new app called Wallit combines augmented reality, a virtual view of the real world that can be extended with graphics and other content, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2226 2012-03-21T07:53:28Z 2012-03-21T08:14:34Z

With mobile technology growing more and more advanced, today's business traveller is expected to keep on top of all correspondence, respond to any client questions and remain as productive as if he were sitting in his office in front of the computer.

Reuters View image With mobile technology growing more and more advanced, today's business traveller is expected to keep on top of all correspondence, respond to any client questions and remain as productive as if he were sitting in his office in front of the computer. FindTheBest.com rates its top five. Reuters has not tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2225 2012-03-21T07:39:15Z 2012-03-21T07:53:25Z

India will urge its airlines to boycott the European Union's carbon charge scheme, raising the prospect of a global trade war over a law requiring flights in and out of Europe to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions

Reuters View image India will urge its airlines to boycott the European Union's carbon charge scheme, raising the prospect of a global trade war over a law requiring flights in and out of Europe to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions. A senior Indian government official told Reuters that India would soon ask tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2224 2012-03-21T07:02:24Z 2012-03-21T07:07:58Z

This week, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced plans for a China-specific chain which will eventually set up shop outside of the country, highlighting yet again that China's growing economic might is having an interesting effect on the way we travel.

AFP View image This week, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced plans for a China-specific chain which will eventually set up shop outside of the country, highlighting yet again that China's growing economic might is having an interesting effect on the way we travel. Thanks to the staggering statistics (outbound trips from China alone tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2223 2012-03-20T09:48:12Z 2012-03-20T09:50:15Z

The growing power of Chinese tourists is now being reflected in the design of hotels and resorts across Asia as the hospitality industry looks to cash in by catering for their specific tastes.

AFP View image The growing power of Chinese tourists is now being reflected in the design of hotels and resorts across Asia as the hospitality industry looks to cash in by catering for their specific tastes.More than 70 million Chinese left the country on holidays in 2011 -- a figure that is expected tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2222 2012-03-20T07:04:10Z 2012-03-20T09:54:49Z

As Greece's debt crisis rumbles on with no clear end in sight, a drop in the number of visitors is likely to lead to some summer bargains this year, as Greeks mobilize support from both inside and outside the country to boost tourism.

AFP View image As Greece's debt crisis rumbles on with no clear end in sight, a drop in the number of visitors is likely to lead to some summer bargains this year, as Greeks mobilize support from both inside and outside the country to boost tourism.Just weeks from the start of the summer tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2221 2012-03-20T06:49:13Z 2012-03-20T09:53:54Z

An adventure tourism company that specializes in trips to obscure and off-the-beaten-path destinations in northeast Asia has announced plans to visit the abandoned Soviet-era city of Kadykchan -- which in Russian means "death valley."

AFP View image An adventure tourism company that specializes in trips to obscure and off-the-beaten-path destinations in northeast Asia has announced plans to visit the abandoned Soviet-era city of Kadykchan -- which in Russian means "death valley."Beijing-based Koryo Tours is this summer returning for the second time to the remote Magadan region of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2220 2012-03-19T06:23:45Z 2012-03-19T09:54:59Z

The world's biggest Titanic visitor attraction opens in the ship's Belfast birthplace this month, 100 years to the day since the doomed liner was completed in the same yards.

AFP View image The world's biggest Titanic visitor attraction opens in the ship's Belfast birthplace this month, 100 years to the day since the doomed liner was completed in the same yards. After decades of quietly forgetting "the most famous ship since Noah's Ark", Belfast has reclaimed the Titanic, and is championing a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2217 2012-03-17T11:07:59Z 2012-03-17T11:22:23Z

When you mention the word "museum," most travelers imagine the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the throngs of people trying to sneak a peek at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre.

Reuters View image When you mention the word "museum," most travelers imagine the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the throngs of people trying to sneak a peek at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. While art may be the first thing to come to mind, many other subjects can be tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2216 2012-03-17T05:53:01Z 2012-03-17T07:57:32Z

Want to see the world and save it at the same time? Sign up to participate in one of the many volunteer-based projects in India and all over the globe

Sneha Mahale View image If the idea of exploring the unknown or discovering new locations gets you as pumped up as does the chance to gain some good karma, there is no reason to choose one over the other. Volunteer tourism -- the opportunity to travel the world and save it at the same tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2215 2012-03-16T13:29:05Z 2012-03-17T11:18:54Z

Set between two major mountain ranges, the Olympics and the Cascades, with the Puget Sound's fjord-like waters to the west and massive Lake Washington to the east, Seattle has one of the most dramatic settings of any city in the country.

Reuters View image Set between two major mountain ranges, the Olympics and the Cascades, with the Puget Sound's fjord-like waters to the west and massive Lake Washington to the east, Seattle has one of the most dramatic settings of any city in the country. The frequent moody cloud cover can hide those jagged tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2214 2012-03-15T13:38:41Z 2012-03-15T13:51:40Z

Earlier this year, Francis Ford Coppola opened his fifth hotel, the Palazzo Margherita in Italy, adding yet another outpost to the expanding Coppola Resorts chain.

AFP View image Earlier this year, Francis Ford Coppola opened his fifth hotel, the Palazzo Margherita in Italy, adding yet another outpost to the expanding Coppola Resorts chain. But read further than just the first page of a hotel's website and you'll find that several properties have celebrity proprietors or backers -- here, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2213 2012-03-15T07:20:50Z 2012-03-16T13:30:14Z

The Edinburgh International Festival EIF.L, taking advantage of the London Olympic Games, has spread its wings around the world this year to bring nearly 3,000 artists from 47 nations to the Scottish capital in August and attract a global audience.

View image The Edinburgh International Festival EIF.L, taking advantage of the London Olympic Games, has spread its wings around the world this year to bring nearly 3,000 artists from 47 nations to the Scottish capital in August and attract a global audience. The EIF combines with festivals of jazz, literature and the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2212 2012-03-15T05:25:25Z 2012-03-15T13:38:34Z

Next month, Disneyland Paris will kick off celebrations for its 20th anniversary, proving that with enough time and money, even the most ardent skeptics of US-style amusement parks can be won over.

AFP View image Next month, Disneyland Paris will kick off celebrations for its 20th anniversary, proving that with enough time and money, even the most ardent skeptics of US-style amusement parks can be won over. It was by no means certain that the fancy parades, fast rides and multitude of food outlets would tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2211 2012-03-14T08:42:45Z 2012-03-14T08:49:32Z

Travelers in London will be able to get a taste of life inside one of the world's most notorious detention facilities this week, as an Alcatraz-themed hotel opens for a limited time only.

AFP View image Travelers in London will be able to get a taste of life inside one of the world's most notorious detention facilities this week, as an Alcatraz-themed hotel opens for a limited time only. The 'hotel' is based in London's Kings Cross and offers just four rooms, built as replicas of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2210 2012-03-14T07:01:41Z 2012-03-14T12:30:11Z

It's the kind of travel guide that won't appeal to sensitive stomachs averse to dirt, grease and questionable hygiene.

AFP View image It's the kind of travel guide that won't appeal to sensitive stomachs averse to dirt, grease and questionable hygiene. Because in Lonely Planet's new list of the world's best street food, there is no foam, architecturally plated dishes -- or plates at all for that matter. Instead, the first edition tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2208 2012-03-13T08:20:33Z 2012-03-13T08:26:43Z

Completing the same journey they have made for the past 2,000 years, a flock of swifts has flown halfway around the world to nest among the ancient stones of Jerusalem's Western Wall.

Reuters View image Completing the same journey they have made for the past 2,000 years, a flock of swifts has flown halfway around the world to nest among the ancient stones of Jerusalem's Western Wall. The scores of small black birds who spend the spring flying high above Jerusalem's Old City and laying tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2207 2012-03-13T07:58:15Z 2012-03-13T12:10:37Z

Last weekend, Swiss voters opted to maintain their country's statutory four weeks of vacation leave, balking at the suggested idea of a mandated six weeks of vacation.

AFP View image Last weekend, Swiss voters opted to maintain their country's statutory four weeks of vacation leave, balking at the suggested idea of a mandated six weeks of vacation. Trade unions tabled an initiative to raise the minimum paid holiday entitlement to six from four weeks due to the increased pressure of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2206 2012-03-13T05:21:46Z 2012-03-13T07:49:05Z

With her crisp uniform, immaculate makeup and hair swept up, Mew looks like any other air hostess, but she's one of a handful of Thai transsexuals blazing a trail in the skies.

AFP View image With her crisp uniform, immaculate makeup and hair swept up, Mew looks like any other air hostess, but she's one of a handful of Thai transsexuals blazing a trail in the skies. Fledgling Thailand-based carrier PC Air has hired four transgender cabin crew in a highly publicised recruitment drive that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2205 2012-03-12T11:49:08Z 2012-03-12T12:12:44Z

Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, Jack Nicholson, Groucho Marx and Arnold Schwarzenegger -- meet the cast of notables Janio Nunez has sculpted entirely out of Cuba's famed tobacco

AFP View image Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, Jack Nicholson, Groucho Marx and Arnold Schwarzenegger -- meet the cast of notables Janio Nunez has sculpted entirely out of Cuba's famed tobacco. The Cuban sculptor uses the same sticky leaves and time-honored rolling techniques that go into the famed cigars enjoyed by his subjects, and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2204 2012-03-12T11:42:55Z 2012-03-12T11:49:04Z

Mexico City's 'bug' taxis, a sight as familiar to locals as black cabs are to Londoners, will be extinct by the end of the year.

AFP View image Mexico City's 'bug' taxis, a sight as familiar to locals as black cabs are to Londoners, will be extinct by the end of the year. The green VW Beetle models, known locally as a 'Vocho', have been rattling around the congested streets of Mexico's capital for over half a century, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2203 2012-03-12T08:11:47Z 2012-03-12T08:18:31Z

Japan's tourism industry is still hurting a year after the tsunami and nuclear disaster, international industry officials said, warning business was only likely to get fully back on track next year.

AFP View image Japan's tourism industry is still hurting a year after the tsunami and nuclear disaster, international industry officials said, warning business was only likely to get fully back on track next year. Japan saw a 28-percent fall in the number of visitors arriving in the country in 2011 compared with a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2192 2012-03-10T07:20:05Z 2012-03-10T07:32:28Z

The world's big hotel chains and airlines are rushing to serve new corporate customers in Africa, as Chinese and Middle East investment boosts business interest in the resource-rich region.

Reuters View image The world's big hotel chains and airlines are rushing to serve new corporate customers in Africa, as Chinese and Middle East investment boosts business interest in the resource-rich region. "Africa is becoming the next frontier, perhaps the last frontier," Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Tewolde Gebremariam told Reuters at the ITB tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2191 2012-03-10T06:56:14Z 2012-03-10T07:17:34Z

With a weak western European economy, fear of political unrest in North Africa and a cruise business hit by the Costa Concordia disaster, travel groups are looking to eastern Europe, China and corporate travel to brighten up 2012.

Reuters View image With a weak western European economy, fear of political unrest in North Africa and a cruise business hit by the Costa Concordia disaster, travel groups are looking to eastern Europe, China and corporate travel to brighten up 2012. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects global arrivals of international tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2190 2012-03-10T06:00:40Z 2012-03-10T13:05:31Z

Spring is just around the corner for the northern hemisphere and as the winter weather lifts, northerners might consider getting a jump on the summer holiday crush by taking a trip to the more popular places well before the heavy June-September tourist season.

Reuters View image Spring is just around the corner for the northern hemisphere and as the winter weather lifts, northerners might consider getting a jump on the summer holiday crush by taking a trip to the more popular places well before the heavy June-September tourist season. Online travel adviser Travel Ticker (www.travel-ticker.com) offers tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2189 2012-03-09T14:05:58Z 2012-03-09T14:18:43Z

Japan's national Tourism Agency launched its global "Japan. Thank you" campaign last week, expressing the nation's gratitude for all the assistance it received last year and inviting people to visit the country.

AFP View image Twelve months after the Great East Japan Earthquake caused devastation along the northeast coast of this country, perennial favorites of ancient capitals, beach resorts and mountain hotels equipped with "onsen" natural springs are the most popular destinations for Japanese tourists planning their vacations for the coming Golden Week, the series tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2188 2012-03-09T13:46:08Z 2012-03-09T15:05:13Z

If being constantly interrupted by the shrill sound of a cellphone is your idea of a holiday from hell, one Caribbean hotel group might have the answer.

AFP View image If being constantly interrupted by the shrill sound of a cellphone is your idea of a holiday from hell, one Caribbean hotel group might have the answer. Elite Island Resorts, which runs resorts across Antigua, Grenada, the Grenadines, St Lucia and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, announced this week tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2187 2012-03-09T10:16:34Z 2012-03-09T11:29:29Z

Got 48 hours to explore Phoenix? The sun-drenched city, the nation's sixth-largest, which boasts up to 300 sunny days a year, is growing fast.

Reuters View image Got 48 hours to explore Phoenix? The sun-drenched city, the nation's sixth-largest, which boasts up to 300 sunny days a year, is growing fast. Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors get the most from a short stay in the capitol of Arizona. Friday 6 PM - Start at a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2186 2012-03-09T06:58:47Z 2012-03-09T14:59:31Z

The Colosseum in Rome held a special tour to mark Women's Day on Thursday, exploring the famous monument's feminine angle

AFP View image The Colosseum in Rome held a special tour to mark Women's Day on Thursday, exploring the famous monument's feminine angle -- from female gladiators to noblewomen in love with the arena fighters. "From senators' wives to humbler women, many were crazy about gladiators. They were like footballers today," said Lucilla tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2185 2012-03-07T10:56:56Z 2012-03-27T11:47:45Z

Satyajit Chaurasia is the man behind that look and he has been around for more than a decade helping and guiding some of our toughest looking heroes with their fitness regimen.

Aamit Khanna View image Somebody, apart from the man himself had to be behind Aamir's six-pack ab look in Ghajjini which was not a computer generated wonder but the result of 13 months of work out with a daily regimen of four hours. Indeed, Satyajit Chaurasia is the man behind that look and he tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2184 2012-03-07T05:37:47Z 2012-03-07T07:48:05Z

This week, Northern Ireland's capital Belfast launched a new attraction designed to capitalize on one of its most famous (or infamous) exports and boost tourism.

AFP View image This week, Northern Ireland's capital Belfast launched a new attraction designed to capitalize on one of its most famous (or infamous) exports and boost tourism. The Titanic Belfast Festival will run March 31 to April 22 with a series of events to celebrate the centenary of Titanic's fateful maiden voyage, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2183 2012-03-05T13:45:45Z 2012-03-05T13:56:56Z

If you've ever tried to book a hotel for a large event such as a wedding or a bachelor party, you'll know the experience isn't always pleasant.

AFP View image If you've ever tried to book a hotel for a large event such as a wedding or a bachelor party, you'll know the experience isn't always pleasant. Head over to the booking sites of most of the major chains, for instance, and you'll see that booking more than a couple tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2182 2012-03-05T08:06:24Z 2012-03-05T08:15:33Z

Disney has christened its latest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy, at a glittering ceremony in New York March 1.

AFP View image Disney has christened its latest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy, at a glittering ceremony in New York March 1. With no sign that the recent high-profile events involving competitor Costa Cruises has dampened the mood, the lavish celebration saw Mariah Carey named the ship's godmother. Carey, who sang the 1995 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2181 2012-03-05T05:32:56Z 2012-03-05T06:16:28Z

If you've done the Swiss Alps, you can add a bit of Italian splendour to your Swiss experience by including the Ticino region.

Aruna Rathod View image If you've done the Swiss Alps, you can add a bit of Italian splendour to your Swiss experience by including the Ticino region. Super smooth, the train from Zurich to Lugano encounters plenty of tunnels and stunning views of serene lakes and valleys as it nears the Ticino region. Lugano tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2180 2012-03-02T09:25:12Z 2012-03-02T09:42:43Z

Bookings for travel to Britain around the time of the summer Olympics have jumped, helping to dispel fears many tourists would stay away during the Games, a study showed on Thursday.

Reuters View image Bookings for travel to Britain around the time of the summer Olympics have jumped, helping to dispel fears many tourists would stay away during the Games, a study showed on Thursday. Analysis by Spanish travel bookings group Amadeus (AMA.MC) found a 143 percent spike in arrivals on July 26 -- tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2179 2012-03-02T06:08:41Z 2012-03-02T07:02:58Z

Travelling with children, right from the time they are born till they are into their teenage years, and moreso infants and toddlers, puts special demands on the adults responsible for their well being.

Rishabh Bahl View image My mother tells me that I was an atrocious kid. In the umpteen trips we made on the Chandigarh-Delhi Shatabdi train when as a baby I was in her lap and during flights when again I was seated on her lap, I unfailingly spilled her coffee, made a mess with tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2178 2012-03-01T13:01:18Z 2012-03-02T05:31:27Z

It's time again to pack your bags and take off on a vacation as the Hindustan Times travel fair is back in the Capital.

Hindustan Times It's time again to pack your bags and take off on a vacation as the Hindustan Times travel fair is back in the Capital. Titled, Destinations, the 11th edition of the fair will see some of the most sought after names from the travel industry such as Thomas Cook, Royal tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2177 2012-03-01T12:53:38Z 2012-03-02T05:31:17Z

Indian travellers are in awe of Abu Dhabi's old-world charm and modern architecture Indian travellers are quite fascinated with Abu Dhabi, UAE as a tourist destination.

PTI View image Indian travellers are in awe of Abu Dhabi's old-world charm and modern architecture Indian travellers are quite fascinated with Abu Dhabi, UAE as a tourist destination. A new data has revealed that India sustained its ranking as the second-largest international source market for Abu Dhabi's hotels after the United Kingdom. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2176 2012-03-01T10:58:19Z 2012-03-01T11:10:44Z

Rajasthan has bagged the second best national award in the Comprehensive Development of Tourism category.

ANI View image Rajasthan has bagged the second best national award in the Comprehensive Development of Tourism category. The award was given away by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi to the Principal Resident Commissioner in Delhi, Seema Bahugana. In the same category, Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the best tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2175 2012-03-01T08:18:04Z 2012-03-01T08:26:14Z

Egypt has decided to lift a travel ban preventing American pro-democracy activists from leaving the country, judicial sources said on Wednesday, a move that is likely to defuse a standoff that has plunged U.S.-Egyptian ties into a crisis.

Reuters View image Egypt has decided to lift a travel ban preventing American pro-democracy activists from leaving the country, judicial sources said on Wednesday, a move that is likely to defuse a standoff that has plunged U.S.-Egyptian ties into a crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she had no confirmation that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2168 2012-02-29T11:06:49Z 2012-02-29T14:43:37Z

A confident Germany will host tourism officials and travelers from all over the world next week at ITB Berlin

AFP View image A confident Germany will host tourism officials and travelers from all over the world next week at ITB Berlin (March 7-11), a show which promises the possibility of 'discover[ing] the whole world within a few hours.' The event comes just weeks after Destination Germany announced record tourism figures for 2011, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2167 2012-02-29T10:56:40Z 2012-03-02T09:42:13Z

Giant Olympic rings were launched on the River Thames in London on Tuesday to mark 150 days until the start of the 2012 Games.

AFP View image Giant Olympic rings were launched on the River Thames in London on Tuesday to mark 150 days until the start of the 2012 Games. The rings -- 25 metres (82 feet) wide and 11 metres (36 feet) high -- travelled on a barge along the Thames, which runs through the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2166 2012-02-29T07:41:11Z 2012-03-01T07:12:39Z

The bright early summer sun lingered a while longer before putting on its ink-blue shades, headlights came on and the long road from Raipur to Chitrakote seemed to be coming to an end.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image The bright early summer sun lingered a while longer before putting on its ink-blue shades, headlights came on and the long road from Raipur to Chitrakote seemed to be coming to an end. Our car glided effortlessly on the smooth tarmac of National Highway 43 with hardly any traffic. Some tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2165 2012-02-28T11:29:43Z 2012-03-27T11:46:52Z

Television actor, Akashdeep Saigal was first noticed when he played the role of Ansh Gujral on the long running soap, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi".

Aamit Khanna View image Television actor, Akashdeep Saigal was first noticed when he played the role of Ansh Gujral on the long running soap, "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi". He recently shot into the limelight again, with his entry into the realty television show, "Big Boss", Season 5 on Star Plus. He was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2163 2012-02-28T07:34:47Z 2012-02-28T07:44:47Z

The Simpsons celebrated the 500th episode last week, with a special episode which saw them banned from their hometown Springfield.

AFP View image The Simpsons celebrated the 500th episode last week, with a special episode which saw them banned from their hometown Springfield. To celebrate the milestone and the Simpsons' latest forced migration (the family have a history of being sent away, often to apologize for a misdemeanor), Slate Magazine has compiled a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2162 2012-02-27T12:09:39Z 2012-02-27T12:15:06Z

Men's magazine and lifestyle brand Playboy has predicted a bold future for space travel

AFP View image Men's magazine and lifestyle brand Playboy has predicted a bold future for space travel, producing a study of what it describes as the first 'Playboy Club in Space' and jumping on a futurology bandwagon that seems very popular at the moment. Building on the existing Playboy Clubs on Earth, the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2161 2012-02-27T06:12:56Z 2012-02-27T13:48:41Z

Got 48 hours to explore Lima? Long considered just a stopover on the way to the famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, Lima has emerged as a destination spot of its own in recent years and boasts the best cuisine in Latin America.

Reuters View image Got 48 hours to explore Lima? Long considered just a stopover on the way to the famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, Lima has emerged as a destination spot of its own in recent years and boasts the best cuisine in Latin America. Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2160 2012-02-27T05:59:28Z 2012-02-27T10:20:43Z

Corrupt Tour has made a hit out of "The Best of the Worst" trips showing places tied to scandals that have plagued the country's political life.

Reuters View image Prague has long been a favoured destination for its medieval looks and cheap beer, but one travel agency has freshened up the offering with a new type of tourism experience which spotlights graft and sleaze. Corrupt Tour has made a hit out of "The Best of the Worst" trips showing tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2158 2012-02-24T06:40:32Z 2012-02-24T06:57:08Z

The Unidos da Tijuca samba school was Wednesday declared the winner of the 2012 Rio Carnival, with its tribute to the late singer and composer Louis Gonzaga, the "king of Baiao", a popular music style from Brazil's northeast.

AFP View image The Unidos da Tijuca samba school was Wednesday declared the winner of the 2012 Rio Carnival, with its tribute to the late singer and composer Louis Gonzaga, the "king of Baiao", a popular music style from Brazil's northeast. In an eagerly awaited verdict, Carnival judges gave the title to Unidos tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2157 2012-02-24T05:58:15Z 2012-02-24T11:56:41Z

It's said that variety is the spice of life, but you wouldn't guess that from the destination choices of most skiers, who spend winters whizzing down the slopes of the European Alps, western North America or the peaks of Japan.

AFP View image It's said that variety is the spice of life, but you wouldn't guess that from the destination choices of most skiers, who spend winters whizzing down the slopes of the European Alps, western North America or the peaks of Japan. For those prepared to cast an eye further afield than tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2150 2012-02-23T11:55:59Z 2012-02-23T13:05:08Z

Travel is a about destinations and all destinations have 'must-view' sites. A picturesque hill side or a placid lake is perhaps great photo-op as much as it fills the senses with the pure thrill of a perfect view.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image Travel is a about destinations and all destinations have 'must-view' sites. A picturesque hill side or a placid lake is perhaps great photo-op as much as it fills the senses with the pure thrill of a perfect view. But more than the sights and the sounds, it is the sheer tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2149 2012-02-23T11:07:12Z 2012-02-23T13:49:43Z

Tourism officials in Christchurch have described a sense of optimism in the city, as it commemorates the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake which hit in February 2011.

AFP View image Tourism officials in Christchurch have described a sense of optimism in the city, as it commemorates the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake which hit in February 2011. More than 20,000 people filled Hagley Park in the city February 22 to remember the 185 people killed in the earthquake exactly tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2147 2012-02-23T06:13:33Z 2012-02-23T06:25:34Z

Toronto, which is also known as Hollywood North - likes to stand in for its more famous U.S. neighbour New York, but Canada's largest metropolis is a star all its own, which is often overlooked and under-hyped.

Reuters View image Toronto, which is also known as Hollywood North - likes to stand in for its more famous U.S. neighbour New York, but Canada's largest metropolis is a star all its own, which is often overlooked and under-hyped. Toronto is North America's fifth biggest city and Canada's financial and artistic powerhouse. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2146 2012-02-22T11:47:37Z 2012-02-22T11:58:32Z

The Philippine government said Tuesday it was aiming to boost passenger capacity at its congested Manila airport next year with the long-awaited completion of a controversial terminal.

AFP View image The Philippine government said Tuesday it was aiming to boost passenger capacity at its congested Manila airport next year with the long-awaited completion of a controversial terminal. Upgrading Ninoy Aquino International Airport's Terminal 3 will allow it to handle its maximum design capacity of 13 million passengers a year, four tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2145 2012-02-22T07:11:49Z 2012-02-22T08:56:07Z

Trekking is a mode of travel in the hills, but on foot. It is nothing but walking, involving moving up and down the hills in a pattern that is dictated by the individual trekker. While all this may sound too simple, a few precautions and must-do's would help.

Ashok Dilwali View image Trekking is a mode of travel in the hills, but on foot. It is nothing but walking, involving moving up and down the hills in a pattern that is dictated by the individual trekker's levels of stamina, interest and familiarity with the local environment. It does not have to be tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2143 2012-02-21T09:04:49Z 2012-03-27T12:10:29Z

With her Big Boss stint, Sunny Leone has became a household name in India. As the Penthouse model laps up the 'love and affection' in the country, she gets candid on how being in the India has changed her life, her travel experiences, sex tourism and more.

Aamit Khanna View image Born as Karen Malhotra, she was rechristened "Sunny" in 2001. The "Leone" in her name came from Bob Guccione, former owner of Penthouse magazine when she was named as the "Penthouse Pet of the month" for March 2001. Sunny has had a mixed parentage. Her father was born in Tibet tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2140 2012-02-18T16:40:15Z 2012-03-27T11:46:04Z

If there is one thing that describes Kalki it is 'endearing'. What contributes to her being endearing is her honesty, freshness, child-woman expressions and a very natural and spontaneous way of being 'different'.

Aamit Khanna View image If there is one thing that describes Kalki it is 'endearing'. What contributes to her being endearing is her honesty, freshness, child-woman expressions and a very natural and spontaneous way of being 'different'. Yes, she makes no effort to be unconventional. She quite simply is. Kalki made an impressive debut tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2139 2012-02-17T14:43:51Z 2012-02-18T05:59:55Z

Global survey reveals that 20% travellers are unaware of the 'Seven Wonders of the World', while Indians like visiting Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China

Hindustan Times View image There are the Seven Wonders of the World and then there are the New Seven Wonders of the World. And, then to add to the chaos there are arguments about which list is more accurate. As if all that was not enough, a recent survey gives a shock by revealing tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2138 2012-02-17T09:45:28Z 2012-02-17T10:00:30Z

Dubai's economy will continue to grow in 2012, despite persistent contraction in its once rapidly-booming construction sector, thanks to healthy trade and tourism, an official and economists said Wednesday.

AFP View image Dubai's economy will continue to grow in 2012, despite persistent contraction in its once rapidly-booming construction sector, thanks to healthy trade and tourism, an official and economists said Wednesday.Growth in the gross domestic product of the debt-laden emirate is "expected to be over 4.5 percent this year," said Sheikh Ahmed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2136 2012-02-16T14:09:57Z 2012-02-16T14:14:33Z

Bollywood movies have for long popularised foreign destinations in India and now the same tool will be used to promote Indian destinations among foreign travellers and filmmakers.

View image Bollywood movies have for long popularised foreign destinations in India and now the same tool will be used to promote Indian destinations among foreign travellers and filmmakers. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Tourism Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the reach of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2135 2012-02-16T07:09:24Z 2012-02-16T07:12:30Z

Visitors from China and other new markets drove a surge in Kenya's tourism revenues last year, but the euro zone crisis and fears that 2007's election violence will be repeated are likely to hurt arrivals in 2012, its tourism minister warned.

Reuters View image Visitors from China and other new markets drove a surge in Kenya's tourism revenues last year, but the euro zone crisis and fears that 2007's election violence will be repeated are likely to hurt arrivals in 2012, its tourism minister warned.Revenues from tourism, a major source of income for the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2134 2012-02-16T06:40:30Z 2012-02-16T06:43:14Z

Modern technology reveals the secrets kept for thousands of years by Egyptian mummies in a major exhibition at Scotland's National Museum.

Reuters View image Modern technology reveals the secrets kept for thousands of years by Egyptian mummies in a major exhibition at Scotland's National Museum.Scientists used advanced scanning techniques on the mummified corpses of a young woman and a girl child laid over her feet to reveal jewellery in the binding and also have tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2132 2012-02-15T12:57:42Z 2012-02-15T13:08:59Z

A survey reveals that one in five travellers (20 per cent) do not even know of their existence. Worse still, one in three people (30 per cent) have never visited any of them. Surprised? Read on.

View image A Global survey reveals that 20 per cent travellers are unaware about 'Seven Wonders of the World', Indians like visiting Taj Mahal and Great Wall of ChinaThere are the 'Seven Wonders of the World' and then to add to the chaos, there are the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2122 2012-02-14T12:29:48Z 2012-02-14T13:04:33Z

It seems fitting that some of the best tippling to be found in Vancouver is in an area noted for its boozy past.

Reuters View image It seems fitting that some of the best tippling to be found in Vancouver is in an area noted for its boozy past. Indeed, historic Gastown is named after "Gassy" Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman and barkeeper who arrived in 1867 to open the area's first saloon. As late as tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2121 2012-02-14T12:13:59Z 2012-02-14T12:31:08Z

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) today said that it is aiming to double its annual tourist arrivals from India to one lakh by 2015.

PTI View image Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) today said that it is aiming to double its annual tourist arrivals from India to one lakh by 2015. With India being the strategic market, the tourism board would expand the product offering of the destination through a gamut of integrated destination marketing initiatives, it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2119 2012-02-14T08:57:38Z 2012-02-14T11:24:56Z

Ignoring gruesome news stories of ongoing drug violence, Mexico for the third consecutive year saw an increase in foreign visitors, government tourism figures out Monday showed.

AFP View image Ignoring gruesome news stories of ongoing drug violence, Mexico for the third consecutive year saw an increase in foreign visitors, government tourism figures out Monday showed. Some 22.6 million foreigners visited Mexico in 2011, just slightly less than the record 23 million in 2008, the office of Tourism Secretary Gloria tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2118 2012-02-14T05:17:46Z 2012-02-14T05:25:28Z

Perfectly sculpted bodies lie poolside at The Glen, a guesthouse that's the first listing on the Pink Map to Cape Town, handed out at the airport for the 225,000 gay tourists who visit every year.

AFP View image Perfectly sculpted bodies lie poolside at The Glen, a guesthouse that's the first listing on the Pink Map to Cape Town, handed out at the airport for the 225,000 gay tourists who visit every year. Gay culture has flourished since the fall of apartheid, which harshly penalised homosexuality, as South tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2117 2012-02-14T05:09:12Z 2012-02-14T05:15:50Z

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you are thinking about popping the question, here's a list of romantic places to profess your love and propose marriage to your dream companion.

Reuters View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2116 2012-02-11T17:10:13Z 2012-02-11T17:14:08Z

From Chennai, and close to Chennai VGP, is the Golden Beach which is around 40 kms away.

View image Which are the nearest tourist destinations around Chennai to spend a weekend. I want to get away from the mayhem of city life? ManjithFrom Chennai, and close to Chennai VGP, is the Golden Beach which is around 40 kms away. Maha-balipuram is around 70 kms and Pondicherry/ Puducherry is at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2115 2012-02-11T17:01:33Z 2012-02-11T17:08:13Z

The political battle for Uttar Pradesh may be currently making news, but in the city of Lucknow, old world charm continues to reign

Sneha Mahale View image Those living in other parts of India, and especially those from Mumbai, often look at Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the unofficial 'bad boys' of the country, with some scorn. But Lucknow is a mystery to these very people. The capital of Uttar Pradesh has long been one of the country's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2114 2012-02-11T05:23:03Z 2012-03-27T11:43:59Z

Little did actor Gulshan Grover know that playing the role of "bad man" Khiladion Ke Khiladi will give him the permanent tag of "bad man".

Aamit Khanna View image Little did actor Gulshan Grover know that playing the role of "bad man" Khiladion Ke Khiladi will give him the permanent tag of "bad man". Well, good or bad, he has played his cards well. After acting in nearly 400 Indian films in a career spanning over 30 years, Grover tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2113 2012-02-11T05:09:32Z 2012-02-11T15:55:53Z

12.12.12 will be the date when India plays host to the world's biggest travel awards -- World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final 2012, for the first time.

Shara Ashraf View image 12.12.12 will be the date when India plays host to the world's biggest travel awards -- World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final 2012, for the first time. Established 19 years ago, WTA is considered the highest honour in the global tourism industry. The gala ceremony will be held at The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2112 2012-02-11T05:02:34Z 2012-02-11T05:07:46Z

The beach state is not just a traveller's haven. It's also becoming a platform for budding musical talent in the country

Siddhartha Barik View image From a fishermen's hamlet to a popular tourist destination, Goa is always changing to keep up with the times. Since a few years it's been turning into a music lover's hub by hosting various musical festivals and concerts. This year, when we were invited to Channel V Nokia Indiafest held tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2111 2012-02-09T07:37:21Z 2012-02-09T07:44:30Z

Political instability and unrest in the Maldives have raised fears for the islands' vital tourism industry which caters to high-end travellers and honeymooning couples.

AFP View image Political instability and unrest in the Maldives have raised fears for the islands' vital tourism industry which caters to high-end travellers and honeymooning couples. The archipelago nation, made up of 1,192 coral and sand-fringed islands dotted with luxury resorts, depends on tourism for a third of its gross domestic product tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2110 2012-02-09T07:24:38Z 2012-02-09T07:31:01Z

A restaurant in Buckinghamshire that's already gained the distinction of being the first pub to earn two coveted Michelin stars has been crowned the best gastropub in Britain.

AFP View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2109 2012-02-08T13:40:11Z 2012-02-11T05:53:25Z

Travel is now an inescapable part of our lives be it for business or leisure, or just to meet an important personal commitment.

Sadhana Bakshi View image Travel is now an inescapable part of our lives be it for business or leisure, or just to meet an important personal commitment. With travel and hotel bookings a mere mouse click away, planning a trip has never been so easy and travelers have endless options (air, sea or land) tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2108 2012-02-08T13:26:18Z 2012-03-27T11:42:38Z

Gulshan Devaiya a graduate from NIFT has made a splash in Bollywood, thanks to his role as 'KC' in the film "Shaitan".

Aamit Khanna View image Gulshan Devaiya a graduate from NIFT has made a splash in Bollywood, thanks to his role as 'KC' in the film "Shaitan". His first film was Anurag Kashyap's "That Girl In Yellow Boots" where he plays the role of the bumbling Kannada gangster Chittiappa Gowda. He followed this up with tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2106 2012-02-07T13:08:19Z 2012-02-08T05:49:30Z

Looking for an adrenaline rush on a holiday? Avid traveller and VJ Gaurav Kapur shares his top five 'freak out' destinations in the country

View image Want to do More than just sightseeing on your vacation? Say, something more fun and a wee crazy along with some adventurous exploration of nature. Seasoned traveller, actor and VJ Gaurav Kapur, who has just finished grooming Fox History and Traveller's new show Freaky Traveller's host, tells us about five tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2105 2012-02-07T07:39:44Z 2012-02-07T08:01:07Z

Most of these festivals see a large flow of tourists, photographers and domestic travellers gripped with a sense of urgency to sample a taste of India.

Sadhana Bakshi View image For those who have missed Nagaland's Hornbill Festival and the Pushkar cattle fair in Rajasthan and are feeling a bit under the weather, they can still sample some of India's colourful customs, traditions and celebrations by taking part in any of the five festivals that we have listed below. As tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2103 2012-02-06T13:27:02Z 2012-02-06T14:37:18Z

Want a quick divorce without the hassle of lawyers, fights and courtroom drama? Just pack your bags and head to the Divorce Hotel which assures a speedy and cheap end of marriage for estranged couples.

View image A hotel in The Netherlands that offers quick and cheap divorce is proving popular among couples who are desperate to end their marriage. The 'Divorce Hotel' helps husbands and wives to arrange all the necessary legal documentation to end their marriage over the course of just two days. They meet tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2095 2012-02-06T06:35:20Z 2012-02-06T06:42:09Z

A security guard pointing a gun at your chest may not be a perk of first-class travel in the West, but it's all part of the service on Pakistan's gleaming Business Express.

AFP View image A security guard pointing a gun at your chest may not be a perk of first-class travel in the West, but it's all part of the service on Pakistan's gleaming Business Express. Thirteen carriages have been lovingly restored into a sleek sleeper to ply the 1,200 kilometres (800 miles) between tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2094 2012-02-06T06:21:51Z 2012-02-06T06:28:18Z

Britain is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne, with five months of festivities to rival the extravagant wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton last year.

AFP View image Britain is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne, with five months of festivities to rival the extravagant wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton last year. Here are the key events: February 6: The day the queen came to the throne tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2093 2012-02-05T08:56:09Z 2012-02-05T10:13:00Z

In Auckland, New Zealand, you can dive off a tower at 192 feet and live to tell the story

Roshmila Bhattacharya View image I've grown up hearing, "The sky's the limit." In Auckland, New Zealand, on a four-day visit, the 328-metre Sky Tower, taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney's AMP Tower, was the focal point of my orbit. Especially since I was staying next door at Sky City Grand Hotel. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2092 2012-02-04T09:49:47Z 2012-02-04T09:58:42Z

The German capital is a wonderful mix of both worlds -- the charm of the East and the luxury of the West

Aruna Rathod View image Berlin is where one can still witness remnants of the East-West Germany divide. Extremely organised, it represents the modern west and eclectic east. As in most European cities, walking around is the best way to get to know the city better. But beware of cyclists who zip past, as most tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2091 2012-02-04T09:29:41Z 2012-02-04T09:36:20Z

London in the 21st century is not all that different from the heaving Victorian metropolis forever preserved in the novels of English writer Charles Dickens, whose 200th birthday is next week.

Reuters View image London in the 21st century is not all that different from the heaving Victorian metropolis forever preserved in the novels of English writer Charles Dickens, whose 200th birthday is next week.Fans of Dickens can still walk the same streets of the city - whose population helped to inspire such characters tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2090 2012-02-03T12:12:26Z 2012-02-03T12:35:37Z

Want to experience para gilding? Wish to ride the toy train as it chuggs along cliffsides and rolling plains? Or perhaps you want to bathe in a gurgling stream that flows past your doorstep and then spend a leisurely afternoon roaming through tea gardens? Rock climbing, trekking or adventure, Palampur has it all.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image If Kashmir is a paradise on earth, Palampur has its own heavenly charms. And if Darjeeling is the Queen of the Himalayan Hills, Palampur may be likened to a rosy cheeked princess that rules the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh.The comparison comes to the mind of someone like me who tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2089 2012-02-03T07:28:34Z 2012-02-03T07:37:16Z

New American cuisine came out on top this week in a list that names the most romantic restaurants in the US, in time for Valentine's Day.

AFP View image New American cuisine came out on top this week in a list that names the most romantic restaurants in the US, in time for Valentine's Day. According to the five million reviews submitted on user-generated online reservation website OpenTable.com, homegrown American cuisine that uses locally sourced ingredients led a list tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2088 2012-02-03T07:10:07Z 2012-02-03T07:15:09Z

Mementos from capsized cruise liner Costa Concordia have been turning up for sale on eBay, according to reports.

AFP View image Mementos from capsized cruise liner Costa Concordia have been turning up for sale on eBay, according to reports. Fans of the ship -- now lying on the Italian coastline with an estimated 15 passengers still unaccounted for -- have been bidding on items ranging from casino tokens to models, reports tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2087 2012-02-03T06:49:22Z 2012-02-03T07:08:05Z

TV remotes are reportedly among the dirtiest objects in the average hotel room -- but now, hundreds of thousands of travelers will be able to watch television without even needing to touch one.

AFP View image TV remotes are reportedly among the dirtiest objects in the average hotel room -- but now, hundreds of thousands of travelers will be able to watch television without even needing to touch one. A new app produced by Lodgenet, the firm which provides in-room entertainment for thousands of hotels in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2086 2012-02-02T14:37:48Z 2012-02-03T07:24:59Z

The dragon is a symbol of wealth and fortune in Chinese culture, and with 2012 being the Year of the Dragon, the southern Chinese enclave of Macau has a lot to offer for tourists.

Relaxnews View image The dragon is a symbol of wealth and fortune in Chinese culture, and with 2012 being the Year of the Dragon, the southern Chinese enclave of Macau has a lot to offer for tourists. Earlier this month, it was announced that gross revenues from the gaming industry in the city, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2085 2012-02-02T08:45:21Z 2012-02-02T09:22:17Z

Australia beat out the United States and Singapore to take top place among expatriates as an ideal residence for quality of life and career prospects, according to an international survey released on Thursday.

View image Australia beat out the United States and Singapore to take top place among expatriates as an ideal residence for quality of life and career prospects, according to an international survey released on Thursday. More than 3,000 expatriates in over 100 countries rated nations on a range of criteria from accommodations tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2084 2012-02-02T06:02:32Z 2012-02-02T07:00:38Z

Travel website TripAdvisor was censured by Britain's advertising watchdog on Wednesday and warned that it must not claim that all of its user-generated reviews are from real travellers.

View image Travel website TripAdvisor was censured by Britain's advertising watchdog on Wednesday and warned that it must not claim that all of its user-generated reviews are from real travellers. The website carried statements such as "more than 50 million honest travel reviews and opinions from real travellers around the world" and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2083 2012-02-01T13:14:16Z 2012-02-01T13:20:11Z

China has long claimed its annual Lunar New Year holiday period breaks all records when it comes to the amount of people seen moving around the countryside

AFP View image China has long claimed its annual Lunar New Year holiday period breaks all records when it comes to the amount of people seen moving around the countryside -- and the figures coming in from the 2012 edition are certainly backing the claim. And then some.This year the Lunar (or Chinese) tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2076 2012-02-01T06:05:40Z 2012-02-01T06:11:46Z

Trump has opened its latest international property, adding another 261 rooms to Toronto's booming hotel scene.

AFP View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2075 2012-01-31T09:18:37Z 2012-01-31T09:49:35Z

The global economic downturn may have temporarily slowed business activity around the world

Reuters View image The global economic downturn may have temporarily slowed business activity around the world, but many countries are playing their part to improve domestic regulations aimed at helping facilitate business.According to the World Bank's global economy standings - which ranks 183 countries on the basis of how easy it is to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2074 2012-01-31T08:51:40Z 2012-01-31T09:02:36Z

South Africa is eyeing 42.85 per cent growth in number of tourists from India to about 1,00,000 by 2014, especially with growing interest for it as an adventure and holiday destinations.

PTI View image South Africa is eyeing 42.85 per cent growth in number of tourists from India to about 1,00,000 by 2014, especially with growing interest for it as an adventure and holiday destinations. "In 2011, we saw 70,000 tourists from India which is expected to be much better this year. With this tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2073 2012-01-31T08:35:16Z 2012-01-31T08:42:15Z

London 2012 Olympics organisers have released more than 120,000 hotel room nights back onto the open market, they announced Sunday.

AFP View image London 2012 Olympics organisers have released more than 120,000 hotel room nights back onto the open market, they announced Sunday. They confirmed that some 20 percent of the room nights they had reserved in London would be returned to hotels to offer up to other customers. The spaces had been tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2072 2012-01-31T06:43:02Z 2012-02-06T07:46:21Z

Kashid is one such getaway. With a relatively uncrowded and pristine beach, it makes for a great overnight or weekend getaway.

Yateesh Srivastava View image The coastline along the Raigad district of Maharashtra is relatively unexplored, save for Alibag, and provides a number of serene and tranquil alternatives to the hurly burly of an over crowded Lonavala. Kashid is one such getaway. With a relatively uncrowded and pristine beach, it makes for a great overnight tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2071 2012-01-30T10:23:36Z 2012-01-30T11:32:14Z

Britain's tourism industry is set to lose billions as organizers of the London 2012 Olympic Games have been accused of scaring off visitors through a damaging rise in hotel rates.

ANI View image Britain's tourism industry is set to lose billions as organizers of the London 2012 Olympic Games have been accused of scaring off visitors through a damaging rise in hotel rates. The organizing committee for the London 2012 Games, LOCOG, revealed yesterday that it had puffed up the number of rooms tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2070 2012-01-30T05:53:42Z 2012-02-06T07:47:32Z

The good season is here. Balmy weather and a host of long weekends till mid-March make the coming months ideal for a day out with friends and family.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image The good season is here. Balmy weather and a host of long weekends till mid-March make the coming months ideal for a day out with friends and family. Here is a quick list of the top five places to go for a day-long picnic or even an overnight sojourn at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2069 2012-01-30T05:43:06Z 2012-01-30T05:52:27Z

It is said that the medieval era never really ended in Nepal, its historic towns and architectural jewels blessed by an unbroken continuity of life and ritual that links the present with the past.

AFP View image It is said that the medieval era never really ended in Nepal, its historic towns and architectural jewels blessed by an unbroken continuity of life and ritual that links the present with the past. The lasting image for tourists flying out of Kathmandu is of the multi-roofed pagodas of palaces tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2068 2012-01-29T05:20:28Z 2012-01-30T06:14:41Z

A journey to Tawang does test your resolve but the place is a must-visit

Sneha Mahale View image When conversations started about a potential trip to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, I was overjoyed. Not because I had heard or read about the beauty of the place or its famous tourist spots. On the contrary, it was because not a soul I knew had ever visited it and it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2067 2012-01-27T12:49:47Z 2012-01-27T12:56:47Z

When Thomas Roth first visited India, he was often asked about his wife and children -- questions he would try to evade.

Reuters View image When Thomas Roth first visited India, he was often asked about his wife and children -- questions he would try to evade. That was thirty years ago, when homosexuality was a criminal offence in India and for many the term "gay" only meant "happy". Roth is again planning a trip tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2065 2012-01-27T09:53:04Z 2012-01-27T10:01:50Z

The World Travel and Tourism Council this week announced its list of finalists for the prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, set to be presented in April.

AFP View image The World Travel and Tourism Council this week announced its list of finalists for the prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, set to be presented in April. The awards, among the world's most high profile for responsible tourism, recognize achievements by destinations and companies in the areas of conservation, community benefit, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2064 2012-01-27T07:01:20Z 2012-01-27T07:06:45Z

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have announced the opening dates for a series of high-profile museums planned for the emirate.

AFP View image Authorities in Abu Dhabi have announced the opening dates for a series of high-profile museums planned for the emirate. Ambitious plans to turn Abu Dhabi into a cultural hub by opening branches of famous museums such as Paris's Louvre and New York's Guggenheim originally ran into problems last year, prompting tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2063 2012-01-26T11:25:03Z 2012-01-26T11:42:26Z

Got 48 hours to spend in Dallas-Fort Worth? There is plenty to see and do in this metropolitan area featuring two cities with distinctly different vibes.

Reuters View image Got 48 hours to spend in Dallas-Fort Worth? There is plenty to see and do in this metropolitan area featuring two cities with distinctly different vibes. Rich in Texas heritage, the DFW area is the place to sample the full gamut of distinctively Texas cuisine, from chicken-fried steak, barbecue and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2062 2012-01-25T10:11:12Z 2012-01-25T10:19:38Z

Upcoming photography exhibition offers a glimpse of Kenya's scenic landscape and predators in action

Sneha Mahale View image For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, a trip to Kenya is a great opportunity to make some unforgettable memories -- the great wilderness, contrasting landscape and a wide range of predators and prey in action. Now, you can catch some of these moments at PL Deshpande Art Gallery, Ravindra Natya tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2049 2012-01-21T15:10:08Z 2012-01-23T11:11:50Z

The hill station, approximately 285 kms or a five-hour drive from Mumbai, is a regular haunt for those looking for "fair weather, strawberries, mulberries, honey, and horse rides," not always in that order.

Sneha Mahale View image Sun, surf, sand, forts, wildlife, cool climes and even some hot springs, it's all here. So it comes as no surprise that while looking for weekend getaway options, we don't look too far or beyond our home state. That would also probably explain why eight places from Maharashtra feature in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2048 2012-01-21T14:53:19Z 2012-01-22T03:20:49Z

Going over the Coronation Bridge spanning the Teesta river, we crossed over from West Bengal to Sikkim.

Katie Dubey View image Going over the Coronation Bridge spanning the Teesta river, we crossed over from West Bengal to Sikkim. From here on, the sapphire blue Teesta became our companion. Originating in the icy confines of a glacial lake at 17,487 feet, Tso Lhamo, the Teesta gathers strength and volume as it streams tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2047 2012-01-21T13:36:22Z 2012-01-22T03:20:19Z

Ask any passionate traveller and he would agree that on a holiday, the place one stays, plays an equally important role in enriching the travel experience.

Relaxnews View image Ask any passionate traveller and he would agree that on a holiday, the place one stays, plays an equally important role in enriching the travel experience. So if you are planning a holiday and are wondering about the choice of the hotel, then this year's list of best hotels around tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2046 2012-01-21T09:54:17Z 2012-01-21T10:01:37Z

The Chinese dish stir-fry has beaten Chicken Tikka Masala to become Britain's most popular foreign meal, a new survey has revealed.

ANI View image The Chinese dish stir-fry has beaten Chicken Tikka Masala to become Britain's most popular foreign meal, a new survey has revealed. One in five people in Britain have it at least once a week, with many claiming that the dish - typically meat and fresh vegetables fried rapidly in a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2045 2012-01-21T08:04:02Z 2012-01-21T08:41:16Z

It's a bit unfortunate, but for most of the past decade, Japanese whisky has been inextricably linked to the 2003 film "Lost in Translation."

Washington Post View image It's a bit unfortunate, but for most of the past decade, Japanese whisky has been inextricably linked to the 2003 film "Lost in Translation." You surely remember when Bill Murray's character the sad-sack, washed-up actor shilling in a cheesy commercial declares, "For relaxing times, make it Suntory time." Back then, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2043 2012-01-20T06:03:32Z 2012-01-20T06:15:16Z

Ancient texts refer to Pushkar as the centre of the world, and every year, thousands of tourists and believers come to take a dip in the holy waters on Kartik Purnima.

Nikkita Chawla View image Madam, do you want a guided tour of the world's only Brahma temple. I'll show you the temple and tell you its story." I looked up from my lafa falafel (an Israeli street food item), amidst the busy street, to be greeted by the local lingo of a tout. I tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2042 2012-01-19T10:39:18Z 2012-01-19T14:33:49Z

Adolf Hitler's secret fortress 'Wolf Lair', located deep in the heart of a forest in north-eastern Poland, is to be turned into a major tourist attraction.

ANI View image Adolf Hitler's secret fortress 'Wolf Lair', located deep in the heart of a forest in north-eastern Poland, is to be turned into a major tourist attraction. Forestry workers are looking for an investor to help make the Nazi leader's ruined fortress more accessible to holidaymakers, the Daily Mail reported. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2041 2012-01-19T08:44:21Z 2012-01-19T09:01:55Z

Most of these festivals see a large flow of tourists, photographers and domestic travellers gripped with a sense of urgency to sample a taste of India.

Sadhana Bakshi View image For those who have missed Nagaland's Hornbill Festival and the Pushkar cattle fair in Rajasthan and are feeling a bit under the weather, they can still sample some of India's colourful customs, traditions and celebrations by taking part in any of the five festivals that we have listed below. As tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2040 2012-01-19T05:49:36Z 2012-01-19T06:29:14Z

Guiding Mumbaikars through iconic bungalows and historical places that lie undiscovered and go beyond the usual tourist spots

View image Jinnah House (2, Bhausaheb Hirey Marg, Malabar Hill): The 2.5 acre bungalow has been a hot site of contest, with no s olution to the years-long legal battle between the Pakistani government, Indian government and Jinnah's daughter Dina Wadia. The sea-facing house was built in 1936 at a whopping price tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2039 2012-01-17T13:15:17Z 2012-03-27T11:41:20Z

Vijay Wanchoo, Senior Vice President and General Manager, The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi is an avid traveller.

Aamit Khanna View image Vijay Wanchoo, Senior Vice President and General Manager, The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi is an avid traveller. He shares with hindustantimes.com some of his thoughts and experiences on travel. Which is the last holiday you took and what were the highlights of the trip? The last holiday was a mix tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2033 2012-01-17T09:03:50Z 2012-01-17T11:34:30Z

It's an interesting diversion away from the famed Santa Cruz beach and the legendary surf that builds up on the coastline.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image It's an interesting diversion away from the famed Santa Cruz beach and the legendary surf that builds up on the coastline. The Surf City of the US of A is best known globally for the waves that create the most sought after surfing sites. It is also the city that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2032 2012-01-17T08:33:54Z 2012-02-06T13:37:57Z

A former VJ for Channel V, a model and actor, Sushma Reddy is a recognisable face, having modeled for over 50 well known products, such as Liberty , Godrej, Blender's Pride, Ford Icon, Limca and Thumbs Up with Salman Khan.

Aamit Khanna View image A former VJ for Channel V, a model and actor, Sushma Reddy is a recognisable face, having modeled for over 50 well known products, such as Liberty , Godrej, Blender's Pride, Ford Icon, Limca and Thumbs Up with Salman Khan. She did make a foray into offbeat cinema but remained tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2031 2012-01-16T14:43:44Z 2012-01-16T14:47:59Z

Luxury hotel chain Fairmont has partnered with Abbey Road Studios, the iconic recording studio made famous by the Beatles.

AFP View image Luxury hotel chain Fairmont has partnered with Abbey Road Studios, the iconic recording studio made famous by the Beatles. As part of a new collaboration announced January 12, guests at the hotel chain will be offered exclusive experiences at Abbey Road, which famously featured on the front of the 1969 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2025 2012-01-16T05:57:51Z 2012-01-16T06:44:12Z

You don't have to be a skier to enjoy the charm of Auli, or for that matter, see the snow capped Himalayas.

Taru Bahl View image You don't have to be a skier to enjoy the charm of Auli, or for that matter, see the snow capped Himalayas. As luck would have it, I decided to drive up to Auli which nestles, rather cozily, at an altitude of 2,500 to 2,050 metres above sea level, in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2024 2012-01-14T09:00:45Z 2012-01-14T09:11:10Z

In Auckland, New Zealand, you can dive off a tower at 192 feet and live to tell the story

Roshmila Bhattacharya View image I've grown up hearing, "The sky's the limit." In Auckland, New Zealand, on a four-day visit, the 328-metre Sky Tower, taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney's AMP Tower, is the focal point of my orbit. Especially since I am staying next door at Sky City Grand Hotel. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2023 2012-01-14T08:27:57Z 2012-01-14T08:49:23Z

Hospitality is king in New Orleans whether the city is hosting major sports events, the annual Mardi Gras or thousands of visitors who have dropped in for a fun weekend.

Reuters View image Hospitality is king in New Orleans whether the city is hosting major sports events, the annual Mardi Gras or thousands of visitors who have dropped in for a fun weekend. Known as the Big Easy or the Crescent City, New Orleans, which straddles the Mississippi River, is famous for its tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2022 2012-01-13T09:59:44Z 2012-01-13T10:48:43Z

If you like your history with some shopping and hogging on the side, then head to the Mehrauli area this weekend.

Chetna Dua View image If you like your history with some shopping and hogging on the side, then head to the Mehrauli area this weekend. With one of the city's most famous historical landmarks -- Qutub Minar -- as its star attraction, the nearby area has a lot more to offer visitors. From high-end tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2021 2012-01-13T09:09:57Z 2012-01-13T09:15:11Z

European hotel prices have dropped again this month, according to the Trivago Hotel Price Indicator released January 10.

AFP View image European hotel prices have dropped again this month, according to the Trivago Hotel Price Indicator released January 10. Travelers will pay an average of €105 for a bed for the night on the continent, a three percent fall from the €109 average rate to be found in December 2011. Rates tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2020 2012-01-13T08:40:48Z 2012-01-13T08:44:19Z

A group composed of the world's largest hotel chains has launched a new hotel booking site to help consumers find accommodation across their respective chains.

AFP View image A group composed of the world's largest hotel chains has launched a new hotel booking site to help consumers find accommodation across their respective chains. Roomkey.com launched January 11, promising to offer consumers greater "flexibility, accuracy and assurance" when booking a room. The collaborative effort is founded by some of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2019 2012-01-12T06:17:36Z 2012-01-12T06:22:18Z

The foundation that administers the iconic Guggenheim museums has given Helsinki the go-ahead to build a state-of-the-art museum, city officials said Tuesday.

View image The foundation that administers the iconic Guggenheim museums has given Helsinki the go-ahead to build a state-of-the-art museum, city officials said Tuesday. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation handed over its concept and development study to city officials on Tuesday, proposing that a new museum be built at a cost of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2018 2012-01-11T13:20:24Z 2012-01-11T13:27:03Z

Anishiya Taneja and her husband turned a rocky honeymoon into inspiration for a free online travel service that matches people with ideal vacation itineraries.

AFP View image Anishiya Taneja and her husband turned a rocky honeymoon into inspiration for a free online travel service that matches people with ideal vacation itineraries. TravelDNA has been a viral hit during an invitation-only test period and has already caught the eyes of Google, Facebook and Amazon. "We are trying to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2010 2012-01-11T07:38:14Z 2012-01-11T07:45:06Z

Explore the unique and heady cocktail of Portugese and South Indian culture in the beach state of Goa

Geetika Jain View image In Delhi, it is a relief to drive at a good pace in the night because the roads are deliciously empty. In North Goa, during the run up to the New Year, it is just the opposite. Partygoers cram the streets all night, and driving during the day is when tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2008 2012-01-10T09:23:59Z 2012-01-10T09:31:50Z

In "The Third Man", the 1949 film classic, a taxi hurtles hero Holly Martins through the bombed-out streets of Vienna, the surly driver screeching around corners with no regard for his passenger.

AFP View image In "The Third Man", the 1949 film classic, a taxi hurtles hero Holly Martins through the bombed-out streets of Vienna, the surly driver screeching around corners with no regard for his passenger. Fast-forward to 2012 and the World War II bomb damage may be gone from the Austrian capital, but tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.2007 2012-01-10T06:03:12Z 2012-01-10T06:16:38Z

The world's largest annual migration of people officially began in China on Sunday with millions of travellers boarding public transport to journey across the vast country for Lunar New Year celebrations.

AFP View image The world's largest annual migration of people officially began in China on Sunday with millions of travellers boarding public transport to journey across the vast country for Lunar New Year celebrations. The government estimates the number of passenger trips on trains, planes, boats and buses will reach 3.2 billion during tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1998 2012-01-09T06:19:50Z 2012-01-09T06:29:58Z

Japan, Costa Rica, the Mediterranean, Orlando and Thailand have been identified as the best five destinations for anyone seeking a deal on their vacation in 2012.

AFP View image Japan, Costa Rica, the Mediterranean, Orlando and Thailand have been identified as the best five destinations for anyone seeking a deal on their vacation in 2012. Travelzoo Inc., a global internet travel company, interviewed more than 400 executives in the travel industry before coming up with its list of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1997 2012-01-09T05:56:33Z 2012-01-09T06:17:09Z

African jungles are famous for their wildlife. But what were veteran cricketers doing there?

Amrah Ashraf View image When Lord Byron wrote There is pleasure in the pathless woods... the verse was just a bunch of words for me, but the moment I set foot in the wilderness of South Africa, I realised their true essence. The pleasure of being amidst the uninhibited beauty of the forest and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1996 2012-01-06T07:57:16Z 2012-01-06T11:19:12Z

How about a getaway in the lap of nature, with adrenalin-pumping adventure sports thrown in? Kikar Lodge in a forested part of northern Punjab may be just the place.

IANS View image How about a getaway in the lap of nature, with adrenalin-pumping adventure sports thrown in? Kikar Lodge in a forested part of northern Punjab may be just the place. After two hours of an exhausting bumpy road ride from Chandigarh, 70 km away, when visitors enter the lodge nestled in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1995 2012-01-05T13:23:51Z 2012-01-05T13:32:45Z

Even as the whole world is talking about economic slowdown, Indians travelling abroad seem to have thrown the worry to the wind, that is if one goes by the figures of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

PTI View image Even as the whole world is talking about economic slowdown, Indians travelling abroad seem to have thrown the worry to the wind, that is if one goes by the figures of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Spending by Indian tourists visiting Singapore increased by 41 per cent to SGD 296 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1994 2012-01-05T06:45:45Z 2012-01-05T06:55:50Z

There are books and then there are travel books. Not necessarily travelogues, these are classic pieces that bring alive places, people and all things associated with travel.

Sanjana Roy Chowdhury View image There are books and then there are travel books. Not necessarily travelogues, these are classic pieces that bring alive places, people and all things associated with travel. And even if you do not get to actually reach out to your travel agent and do your bookings, you do experience the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1993 2012-01-03T09:34:18Z 2012-01-03T09:40:56Z

The Louvre cemented its position as the world's most-visited museum with a record 8.8 million visitors last year to the Paris home of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and other masterpieces.

AFP View image The Louvre cemented its position as the world's most-visited museum with a record 8.8 million visitors last year to the Paris home of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and other masterpieces. The Louvre saw a five percent increase in visitors in 2011, after three years in a row in which tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2012://1.1992 2012-01-03T09:24:29Z 2012-01-03T09:34:21Z

North Korea will reopen to tourists on January 10, less than a month after strongman Kim Jong-Il died, a tour organiser said Friday, in a sign of a return to normality in the isolated state.

AFP View image North Korea will reopen to tourists on January 10, less than a month after strongman Kim Jong-Il died, a tour organiser said Friday, in a sign of a return to normality in the isolated state. Kim died on December 17 from a heart attack at the age of 69, prompting tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1989 2011-12-31T06:02:28Z 2012-02-06T07:49:18Z

The mandate of travel shows is to present places, cuisine, people and culture in a tantalising manner, enough to make you call up your travel agent and make your bookings to the chosen destination pronto.

Sadhana Bakshi View image The mandate of travel shows is to present places, cuisine, people and culture in a tantalising manner, enough to make you call up your travel agent and make your bookings to the chosen destination pronto. So, when a regular commercial film with its central and sub plots, histrionics, music and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1983 2011-12-30T09:16:38Z 2011-12-30T12:26:49Z

It's not only the rolling ramparts with their legendary canons, panoramic city views, chambers, palaces and museums that make the Mehrangarh Fort experience truly memorable, but its sounds, its chatter, and its silence, too.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image For an avid forts-addict, it was a moment of history. A sharp turn out of a downtown alley and I was on the slope leading to the fort I had always wanted to see--the Mehrangarh Fort atop Jodhpur, the blue city of Rajasthan. Forts have always had a special fascination tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1982 2011-12-29T10:12:32Z 2011-12-29T10:28:41Z

New York has edged out Las Vegas as the most popular place to spend New Year's in the US for the first time in seven years, according to new data released by a travel booking website December 27.

AFP View image New York has edged out Las Vegas as the most popular place to spend New Year's in the US for the first time in seven years, according to new data released by a travel booking website December 27. As the world edges closer to ringing in 2012, it seems that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1981 2011-12-29T08:08:40Z 2011-12-29T08:17:17Z

The economic slowdown in the US and Europe coupled with adverse travel advisories hit the tourism sector in 2011 as the country saw less footfalls even during the festive season.

PTI View image The economic slowdown in the US and Europe coupled with adverse travel advisories hit the tourism sector in 2011 as the country saw less footfalls even during the festive season. In mid-October, travellers from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia were advised by their governments to exercise tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1980 2011-12-28T11:05:41Z 2012-02-06T07:34:12Z

For Ashish, travelling revolves around food, meeting and observing the lives of the locals in any place that he visits and coming across any form of animal life.

Aamit Khanna View image Ashish Nayyar is an actor, model and owner of three beach hut resorts in South Goa called Chattai. He was part of the four-member lead cast of Parvin Dabbas' movie 'Sahi Dande, Galat Bande'. He is a well-known face on television thanks to Zee TV's popular serial 'Tumhari Disha' which tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1979 2011-12-28T08:03:37Z 2011-12-28T08:45:53Z

Going beyond books, paintings and films relating the heart-wrenching story of the Titanic, a group of tourists will be able to travel two and a half miles under the Atlantic next summer to witness first hand the final resting place of the dreamliner.

PTI View image Going beyond books, paintings and films relating the heart-wrenching story of the Titanic, a group of tourists will be able to travel two and a half miles under the Atlantic next summer to witness first hand the final resting place of the dreamliner. Among those who have already signed up tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1978 2011-12-27T11:56:52Z 2011-12-28T08:57:22Z

With the New Year round the corner, we give you a list of places to visit in 2012. From hosting sporting events to boasting off natural beauty, these places are worth your time and money and a must to visit for their numerous reason.

Mohit Negi View image With the New Year round the corner, we give you a list of places to visit in 2012. From hosting sporting events to showing off natural beauty, these places are worth your time and money and a must to visit for numerous reasons. 1. London, United KingdomThe popularity of London tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1976 2011-12-27T05:53:18Z 2011-12-27T06:08:31Z

Bad planning and bad luck can be seriously disappointing, especially when you are an Indian in Kathmandu.

Anutosh Saxena View image There are many reasons to visit Nepal. The best views of the Himalayas, amazing trekking trails, loads of adventure sports, exquisite monasteries, ancient temples and until fairly recently, shopping arcades full of cheap imported stuff for the Indians. The Indian love affair with Nepal lost its sheen ever since the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1975 2011-12-26T11:40:46Z 2012-02-06T07:33:35Z

Born into the Jaipur Royal family to Maharaja Sawai Bhavani Singh, Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur is married to Maharaja Narendra Singh.

Kashish Singh View image Born into the Jaipur Royal family to Maharaja Sawai Bhavani Singh, Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur is married to Maharaja Narendra Singh. She has played a key role in shaping the tourism and hospitality scene in Jaipur. She is actively involved in charity, running schools and museums with aplomb, dedicated tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1962 2011-12-26T06:34:02Z 2011-12-26T06:50:30Z

Brussels has long been defined by trade and used to be the crossroads where silk and tapestries changed hands. Forty-eight hours is barely enough time to scratch the surface of past and present identities. Here're tips on how to make the best of a short stay.

Reuters View image Brussels has long been defined by trade. Once it was a crossroads where silk and tapestries changed hands. Now it's the capital of Europe for the exchange of ideas and extremely tough negotiations, especially of late. Forty-eight hours is barely time to scratch the surface of past and present identities, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1961 2011-12-24T10:07:29Z 2011-12-24T10:14:22Z

Your last trip this year may just be driving home for Christmas, but 2012 is already shaping up to be a year when travellers will be seeking to maximise their money with gateway destinations, mini-upgrades and combine adventure with altruism.

Reuters View image Your last trip this year may just be driving home for Christmas, but 2012 is already shaping up to be a year when travellers will be seeking to maximise their money with gateway destinations, mini-upgrades and combine adventure with altruism. That's why online travel adviser Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) has come up tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1958 2011-12-24T07:33:20Z 2012-02-03T12:58:24Z

Youthful, buoyant and irreverent - that is what Chunky Pandey is. An interviewer's delight, he shoots from the hip, has a great sense of humour and is interesting with a capital I.

Aamit Khanna View image Youthful, buoyant and irreverent - that is what Chunky Pandey is. An interviewer's delight, he shoots from the hip, has a great sense of humour and is interesting with a capital I. Little wonder then that his travels are as interesting as he is. Even going to supposedly staid places, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1957 2011-12-23T12:19:52Z 2011-12-23T12:51:02Z

Indians too are now travelling abroad a lot more frequently than they did say a decade ago and they are looking aggressively for deals, discounts and freebees.

Sadhana Bakshi View image Indians too are now travelling abroad a lot more frequently than they did say a decade ago and they are looking aggressively for deals, discounts and freebees. While there are budget holidays which are cheap and affordable there are 'value' holidays which apart from offering some great financial bargains also tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1956 2011-12-23T11:58:56Z 2011-12-24T07:00:27Z

Barely a week to go. The countdown has started. And if you are still the one planning for that last minute New Year's eve travel, 'frenzy' might just be an understated way to describe your state.

Lipi Mohapatra View image Barely a week to go. The countdown has started. And if you are still the one planning for that last minute New Year's eve travel, 'frenzy' might just be an understated way to describe your state. Most of the friends I know have headed for Goa, an obvious choice for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1955 2011-12-23T10:31:40Z 2011-12-23T10:54:01Z

Well-lit Christmas trees, illuminated churches with stars of various sizes, fairs, organised carols, homemade cakes, wines and pickles... Kerala is in a buoyant mood as Christmas is round the corner.

IANS View image Well-lit Christmas trees, illuminated churches with stars of various sizes, fairs, organised carols, homemade cakes, wines and pickles... Kerala is in a buoyant mood as Christmas is round the corner. Central Kerala's Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts - home to a large number of Christians who make tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1954 2011-12-23T10:22:14Z 2011-12-23T12:15:14Z

For generations, a competition for the best nativity scene has been drawing artists to Poland's historic royal capital Krakow, in a Christmas tradition that has become one of the city's greatest.

AFP View image For generations, a competition for the best nativity scene has been drawing artists to Poland's historic royal capital Krakow, in a Christmas tradition that has become one of the city's greatest. The cribs are made entirely by hand, from a glittering rainbow of coloured aluminium foil, wood, cardboard, lace and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1953 2011-12-22T08:52:48Z 2011-12-22T10:45:52Z

President Raul Castro is Friday expected to announce an end to onerous, unpopular travel restrictions that have been in place for almost 50 years and which keep most Cubans from traveling abroad.

AFP View image President Raul Castro is Friday expected to announce an end to onerous, unpopular travel restrictions that have been in place for almost 50 years and which keep most Cubans from traveling abroad. The Roman Catholic Church and regime-friendly musicians like Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanes have joined a chorus of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1952 2011-12-21T10:58:17Z 2011-12-21T13:08:44Z

Oslo dresses up in white lights ahead of Christmas but keeps the spirit of the season partly under wraps as befits a reserved Nordic capital. Here's how to see the best of the city in just two days.

Reuters View image Oslo dresses up in white lights ahead of Christmas but keeps the spirit of the season partly under wraps as befits a reserved Nordic capital with a winter shroud of darkness and some of Europe's highest food and drink prices. Norwegians are a bit preoccupied with home and hearth in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1949 2011-12-21T06:37:54Z 2011-12-21T06:44:59Z

Tourist numbers in London could actually fall in 2012 because of the Olympic Games, according to reports.

AFP View image Tourist numbers in London could actually fall in 2012 because of the Olympic Games, according to reports. Visit Britain has forecast 30.7 million international arrivals to the UK next year, an amount on par with the expected number this year. According to the Financial Times though, the prediction ranges between tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1948 2011-12-20T12:32:45Z 2011-12-20T12:53:57Z

Oslo is best known for its picturesque fjords and easy access to world-class skiing, but don't overlook its city life.

Reuters View image Oslo is best known for its picturesque fjords and easy access to world-class skiing, but don't overlook its city life. Norway's capital has a vibrant nightlife and budding cocktail scene. Some tips for the Oslo-bound business traveller: First, bring the corporate charge card. Norway is among the most affluent nations tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1947 2011-12-20T10:57:47Z 2011-12-20T11:10:17Z

Cuba has broken its record for tourism this year with more than 2.5 million foreign visitors, helped by increases from Canada, Britain, Russia and Argentina, officials said Friday.

AFP View image Cuba has broken its record for tourism this year with more than 2.5 million foreign visitors, helped by increases from Canada, Britain, Russia and Argentina, officials said Friday. The ministry of tourism said that as of December 13, the number of visitors to the island was 2,531,745, topping the record tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1946 2011-12-20T06:27:27Z 2011-12-20T06:36:43Z

This year has seen a proliferation of funky new properties around the world, a gloomy economic outlook seemingly unable to hold back our desire for edgy style or stellar luxury (or both) wherever we go.

AFP View image This year has seen a proliferation of funky new properties around the world, a gloomy economic outlook seemingly unable to hold back our desire for edgy style or stellar luxury (or both) wherever we go. Here, a look at some of our favorite openings throughout the year. W London February tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1945 2011-12-20T05:34:39Z 2011-12-24T14:38:44Z

Once you are done with sifting through the party invites for the year-end celebrations and have figured what you want to wear, it is time to make sure you have a great time.

Sadhana Bakshi View image Once you are done with sifting through the party invites for the year-end celebrations and have figured what you want to wear, it is time to make sure you have a great time. At the end of the ruminations, you should be ready to shed the negative experiences of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1944 2011-12-19T11:50:50Z 2011-12-19T12:11:00Z

Planning a trip and looking for some recommendations? A new app aggregates information from guidebooks, local and international publications and friends to provide useful suggestions.

Reuters View image Planning a trip and looking for some recommendations? A new app aggregates information from guidebooks, local and international publications and friends to provide useful suggestions. The iPhone app called Wenzani was developed by travel guide company Lonely Planet. It enables users to compare reviews on restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1943 2011-12-19T06:34:19Z 2011-12-19T06:48:52Z

The wonderful thing about both Frankfurt and Stuttgart was that it all felt very different. At the Christmas markets in both cities, I was the only Indian and the Germans I met knew little about our country. But they were nearly always warm and positive about India and curious to learn more.

Vir Sanghvi View image For some reason, Germany rarely features on my travel schedule. I'm happy enough to go to other European countries - France and Italy most often, though I am now dying to go to Spain - but somehow Germany poses little attraction. Even when I was a member of the India-EU tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1942 2011-12-19T06:14:33Z 2012-02-06T07:43:01Z

Driving out of the city for the weekend getaway? Most people are least prepared when going on long drives on chilly winter days, here're some tips to keep in mind before setting off.

AFP View image Young people are among those least prepared for winter driving, according to a new survey from satellite navigation manufacturer Garmin. The company revealed December 14 that 57 percent of 18-24-year-olds in the UK said they were unprepared for winter driving, despite being the ones likely to cover the most ground. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1931 2011-12-16T12:41:48Z 2012-02-03T12:57:40Z

Randeep Hooda, a recognisable face on the Hindi film screen is known as much for the different roles he essays in his films as he is for the controversies he keeps getting into.

Aamit Khanna View image Randeep Hooda, a recognisable face on the Hindi film screen is known as much for the different roles he essays in his films as he is for the controversies he keeps getting into. Not many know that he has a management degree from Australia tucked under his belt and that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1930 2011-12-16T11:26:57Z 2011-12-16T11:36:55Z

Britain's royal family will tour the globe next year to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee marking 60 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday.

AFP View image Britain's royal family will tour the globe next year to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee marking 60 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday. Prince William and his wife Catherine will travel to the Asia-Pacific region, while heir to the throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1929 2011-12-16T09:01:44Z 2011-12-16T09:09:27Z

Heading to Europe for an adventurous skiing experience? We bring you the cheapest as well as the most expensive ski destinations in Europe. Take your pick.

AFP View image Bansko in Bulgaria offers the cheapest skiing in Europe, according to a new study by TripAdvisor released December 13. The resort was named Europe's best value ski destination by the travel review giant, which studied the costs associated with a skiing trip to 30 destinations across Europe. Calculating the combined tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1928 2011-12-16T07:55:09Z 2011-12-16T13:18:57Z

Often overshadowed by its bigger and more powerful ancient rival Florence, Siena has always been a jewel in Italy's rich crown of cultural heritage. Here's how to get the best experience of the city in just 48-hours.

Reuters View image Often overshadowed by its bigger and more powerful ancient rival Florence, Siena has always been a jewel in Italy's rich crown of cultural heritage and an ideal place to immerse yourself in the history of Tuscan art. Old Siena, spread over three hills in southern Tuscany and surrounded by medieval tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1927 2011-12-15T07:23:04Z 2011-12-15T07:56:57Z

To reach Olympic Park in East London, I had to battle those fierce and unforgiving competitors, Time and Chaos.

Andrea Sachs, Washington Post View image To reach Olympic Park in East London, I had to battle those fierce and unforgiving competitors, Time and Chaos. The race to the venue, and the starting line of the tour, required pan-athletic skills: gymnastics (leaping off the train and landing on the platform), judo (wrestling down a cab), tennis tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1926 2011-12-14T11:01:37Z 2011-12-14T11:05:36Z

Thomas Cook reported a worse than expected decline in full-year operating profit and said it would close 200 of its underperforming shops in Britain, as it looks to reduce its debt and restore confidence among investors.

View image Thomas Cook reported a worse than expected decline in full-year operating profit and said it would close 200 of its underperforming shops in Britain, as it looks to reduce its debt and restore confidence among investors.Europe's second biggest travel firm by sales, which secured a rescue package from its banks tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1925 2011-12-12T10:30:09Z 2012-02-06T07:41:51Z

Going for an international conference on my maiden trip to the US in 2003 sounded exciting.

Taru Bahl View image Going for an international conference on my maiden trip to the US in 2003 sounded exciting. I was all set for the transatlantic flight having meticulously packed my hand and check-in baggage. Being an over zealous Indian who wanted to play her generosity card right, I had literally 15kg of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1924 2011-12-12T08:02:39Z 2011-12-12T08:09:22Z

Himachal Pradesh, which is highly dependent on tourism, attracted 13,298,748 tourists, including 454,851 foreigners, last year.

IANS View image Himachal Pradesh's popular tourist resorts like Narkanda and Manali are wrapped up in a blanket of white, with snowfall turning the hill stations more picturesque and magnetic for holidaymakers. Hospitality industry representatives say the timely onset of snowfall is a good indication of bountiful business ahead. They said last week's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1923 2011-12-12T07:49:32Z 2011-12-12T07:58:38Z

The price of a hotel night in Europe this month is three percent cheaper than it was last month, coming in at an average of €108.

AFP View image The price of a hotel night in Europe this month is three percent cheaper than it was last month, coming in at an average of €108. In its monthly Hotel Price Index report, Trivago said December 9 that although the cost of a double room in Europe this month has tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1914 2011-12-12T06:21:37Z 2011-12-12T08:36:54Z

Puri. The place has so many avatars. It has a strong traditional, religious and spiritual side.

Lipi Mohapatra View image Puri. The place has so many avatars. It has a strong traditional, religious and spiritual side. And it has a sunny and windy side to it with good weather, great sea food, large expanses of beach and an overall soulful ambiance. With so many definitions, it is not difficult to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1913 2011-12-12T05:54:54Z 2011-12-12T11:05:50Z

On the well trodden pilgrim route to Badrinath in the Garhwal Himalayas, the habitation of Karanprayag sees the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Pindari Gangas.

Ashok Dilwali View image On the well trodden pilgrim route to Badrinath in the Garhwal Himalayas, the habitation of Karanprayag sees the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Pindari Gangas. At a further distance of about 35 km from Rudraprayag is the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini Ganga, with an alternate route via tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1902 2011-12-08T11:19:45Z 2011-12-08T11:28:49Z

As research has proved, guests will steal plenty of things from hotels given the chance -- but most would draw the line at a piece of art valued in the thousands.

AFP View image As research has proved, guests will steal plenty of things from hotels given the chance -- but most would draw the line at a piece of art valued in the thousands. One hotel, however, is inviting guests to steal art, in a clever promotion drawn up by Art Series Hotels, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1901 2011-12-08T06:49:56Z 2011-12-08T07:04:34Z

Udaipur can be a great winter holiday destination for its scenic beauty, rich culture and pleasant weather

Shruti Dargan View image Udaipur -- the City of Lakes, has a lot more to it than its picturesque lakes. Plan your New Year vacation to see the lush Girwa Valley, Aravalli ranges, stunning royal palaces, forts, temples and gardens that add to the kaleidoscope of this city. Situated in Rajasthan, its rich history tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1900 2011-12-08T05:28:41Z 2011-12-08T05:40:06Z

Here are five reasons to be in London for the upcoming Christmas season

Geetika Jain View image The winter wonderland Launched tentatively five years ago the Christmas Fair at Hyde Park, near the boating in the Serpentine Lake is now a resounding success. A beacon of shining lights for miles, it attracts people to its giant Observation Wheel and ice skating rink that encircles the live Victorian tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1898 2011-12-07T12:42:03Z 2011-12-07T12:54:31Z

If you're traveling from the US over the Christmas period, Monday, December 19 departures and Friday, December 30 returns are the dates to avoid, according to new research from Travelocity.

AFP View image If you're traveling from the US over the Christmas period, Monday, December 19 departures and Friday, December 30 returns are the dates to avoid, according to new research from Travelocity.The travel booking site become the latest to release its predictions of holiday airfares December 6, saying that a US domestic tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1897 2011-12-05T11:48:50Z 2011-12-05T12:06:17Z

Greece's culture ministry on Monday said it was improving services and amenities at nearly 200 archaeological sites and museums to encourage repeat visitors and keep its crisis-hit economy afloat.

AFP View image Greece's culture ministry on Monday said it was improving services and amenities at nearly 200 archaeological sites and museums to encourage repeat visitors and keep its crisis-hit economy afloat. "It was a necessary step even during the crisis. In fact, I'd say it is particularly necessary during a crisis," Culture tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1896 2011-12-05T10:35:40Z 2012-02-06T07:50:47Z

Whether jetting off to a seaside vacation or heading home for the Christmas holidays, remember these 10 travel tips to have a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Reuters View image Silver bells, sleigh rides, menorahs and mistletoe are on the not-so-distant horizon. But before the festivities get underway, there are flights to catch, security lines to endure and delays to tolerate. With that in mind, online travel adviser Cheapflights.com (www.cheapflights.com) have come up with 10 top holiday travel tips tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1894 2011-12-03T07:58:02Z 2011-12-03T08:06:08Z

With a little help from the world's most famous green frog, US President Barack Obama and the first family Thursday lit up the national Christmas tree in the heart of the capital city.

AFP View image With a little help from the world's most famous green frog, US President Barack Obama and the first family Thursday lit up the national Christmas tree in the heart of the capital city.Kermit the Frog, one of the irrepressible Muppets, was on hand for the traditional lighting ceremony which dates tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1893 2011-12-02T09:59:13Z 2011-12-02T10:05:19Z

The painstaking restoration of Venice's famed Bridge of Sighs and the facade of the adjoining Doge's Palace is finally finished after three years of work, officials said on Thursday.

AFP View image The painstaking restoration of Venice's famed Bridge of Sighs and the facade of the adjoining Doge's Palace is finally finished after three years of work, officials said on Thursday.The restoration project -- which was launched after a piece of marble fell off the Palace and hit an elderly German tourist tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1892 2011-12-02T07:15:57Z 2011-12-02T07:18:46Z

Oscar Wilde's renovated Paris tomb was unveiled on Wednesday, complete with a new glass barrier to shield the monument to the quintessential dandy from a torrent of admiring kisses.

AFP View image Oscar Wilde's renovated Paris tomb was unveiled on Wednesday, complete with a new glass barrier to shield the monument to the quintessential dandy from a torrent of admiring kisses.Kiss upon lipsticked kiss in honour of Wilde, who died penniless aged 46 in a Paris hotel room in 1900, had worn tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1891 2011-12-01T13:31:07Z 2012-02-06T07:32:43Z

Versatility and youthful charm are the qualities that come to mind the moment you think of Shaan the singer-performer who is today one of India's leading playback singers.

Aamit Khanna View image Versatility and youthful charm are the qualities that come to mind the moment you think of Shaan the singer-performer who is today one of India's leading playback singers. Infact as a stage artist, he has a very high recall and repeat value with people thronging to his shows time and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1890 2011-12-01T13:14:49Z 2011-12-02T06:25:23Z

A marvelous week in Rio de Janeiro is not just about sipping cocktails at the beach, admiring the views, but mostly about sipping cocktails at the beach, admiring the views.

Anutosh Saxena View image First off, you must say it right. It starts with a roaring 'R', stretches on to a rolling 'e', and ends with an 'oh' - Rio, R-eee-oh! And please dispense with the clunky Rio de Janeiro, that's for boring official purposes only, and nothing, not-a-thing is boring about Rio, or tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1889 2011-12-01T06:22:32Z 2012-02-06T07:32:09Z

28-year old Singh was a participant and finalist in the first season of MTV Roadies in 2003 and subsequently went on to host it.

Aamit Khanna View image Ranvijay Singh Singha, actor, VJ, columnist, customising company owner and one of India's most visible television anchors with a sizeable fan following among the youth gets the maximum out of any situation, including travel, which is an integral part of his work schedule. 28-year old Singh was a participant and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1888 2011-11-29T11:53:11Z 2011-11-29T12:09:32Z

If the strong Swiss franc fails to keep holidaymakers away from Switzerland's luxury resorts, then the current lack of snow certainly will.

AFP View image If the strong Swiss franc fails to keep holidaymakers away from Switzerland's luxury resorts, then the current lack of snow certainly will.Operators are desperately waiting for the first fall of flakes to draw in ski tourists who are putting off making their reservations just yet."It's difficult to give an opening tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1887 2011-11-29T11:36:38Z 2011-11-29T11:50:11Z

The 400-odd Russians living or holidaying in Goa will now get a chance to vote in parliamentary elections in their country next month, even as they sunbathe in this beach state.

IANS View image The 400-odd Russians living or holidaying in Goa will now get a chance to vote in parliamentary elections in their country next month, even as they sunbathe in this beach state.Russia's Mumbai-based consul general has written to the Goa government, asking the authorities to help organise a polling station by tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1886 2011-11-28T12:07:44Z 2011-11-28T12:10:13Z

The most recent addition to their TV shows includes Restaurant Impossible, hosted by Robert Irvine

AFP View image It's a website that helps food TV junkies map and find where Giada De Laurentiis goes to get her favorite hot chocolate spiked with chili powder, and where to find Bobby Flay's favorite breakfast item, a peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast.TVFoodMaps.com has curated 2,2,00 restaurants seen on 20 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1884 2011-11-28T11:38:57Z 2011-11-28T11:44:54Z

A new iPhone app which tracks discounts on flights and hotels has hit the App Store, promising to offer credits for those who have already booked.

AFP View image A new iPhone app which tracks discounts on flights and hotels has hit the App Store, promising to offer credits for those who have already booked. Yapta, a US-based firm, tracks flight prices constantly to determine when prices fall, much like flight intelligence sites such as AirFareWatchdog.com. However, the new tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1879 2011-11-25T06:44:18Z 2012-02-06T07:51:31Z

Diving is fast becoming a recreational sport in India and a must-do on seaside winter vacations.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image Diving is fast becoming a recreational sport in India and a must-do on seaside winter vacations. Here are some tips on making your scuba dives scintillating events. The first time I dived, I was at the deep-end of my honeymoon. The place was Andaman Islands and the dive was rather tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1877 2011-11-24T11:33:10Z 2011-11-24T11:45:23Z

A Copenhagen hotel will continue reserving a whole floor for women, despite a recent ruling that doing so is discriminatory and illegal, the hotel director said Tuesday.

AFP View image A Copenhagen hotel will continue reserving a whole floor for women, despite a recent ruling that doing so is discriminatory and illegal, the hotel director said Tuesday.Last May, the Bella Sky Hotel in central Copenhagen opened a floor dubbed the Bella Donna with 20 specially decorated rooms for women, and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1876 2011-11-24T11:20:58Z 2011-11-24T11:30:09Z

Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas is to become the first ship at sea to offer an iPad in every stateroom as part of a wider roll-out plan from the cruise line.

AFP View image Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas is to become the first ship at sea to offer an iPad in every stateroom as part of a wider roll-out plan from the cruise line.The ship, which will emerge from dry dock November 25, is set to offer passengers use of Apple's hot-selling tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1874 2011-11-23T13:10:59Z 2011-11-24T11:18:22Z

French painter and poet Jean Cocteau's residence on the Cote d'Azur, decorated by the master himself, is being opened to the public.

AFP View image French painter and poet Jean Cocteau's residence on the Cote d'Azur, decorated by the master himself, is being opened to the public.Jean Cocteau's floor mosaic is a fitting welcome to the Santo Sospir villa. This was the holiday home of Francine Weisweiller, the writer's patron. He came here frequently after tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1863 2011-11-21T13:45:25Z 2011-11-22T13:50:04Z

Mongolian calligraphy, Armenian fertility rites or French horsemanship? Envoys meet this week to decide which of 84 traditions should join UNESCO's list of protected "intangible heritage".

AFP View image Mongolian calligraphy, Armenian fertility rites or French horsemanship? Envoys meet this week to decide which of 84 traditions should join UNESCO's list of protected "intangible heritage".The UN cultural agency suspended much of its work this month after the United States suspended funding in a row over Palestinian membership, but delegates tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1862 2011-11-21T12:16:44Z 2011-11-21T12:33:08Z

Huts on stilts perch above the coral of the turquoise lagoon, hammocks awaiting a lazy siesta and sunset cocktails.

AFP View image Huts on stilts perch above the coral of the turquoise lagoon, hammocks awaiting a lazy siesta and sunset cocktails. The Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat is a living Eden. But for how long? This remote pearl of Asia between the Pacific and Indian oceans in eastern Indonesia's Papua province has tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1861 2011-11-21T11:04:39Z 2011-11-21T13:01:22Z

The vast palm groves of Marrakesh in southern Morocco are in danger from urbanisation, massive tourist projects and even golf courses, so a conservation programme is in hand to save them.

AFP View image The vast palm groves of Marrakesh in southern Morocco are in danger from urbanisation, massive tourist projects and even golf courses, so a conservation programme is in hand to save them. Ten centuries after they came to be, these palm groves, which are among the most prized sites in the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1859 2011-11-21T08:13:21Z 2011-11-21T13:01:46Z

The festival is held in and around Sapporo, the capital of the most northerly Japanese island of Hokkaido

AFP View image The festival is held in and around Sapporo, the capital of the most northerly Japanese island of Hokkaido, and can trace its roots back to a group of high school friends who decided in 1950 to see who could make the best ice sculpture in the city's Odori Park. Since tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1858 2011-11-21T08:04:51Z 2011-11-21T13:02:10Z

Already home to some of the world's most popular theme parks, Japan will be adding to its entertainment opportunities with the opening in 2015 of a Legoland park.

AFP View image Already home to some of the world's most popular theme parks, Japan will be adding to its entertainment opportunities with the opening in 2015 of a Legoland park. Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd. and GCDS Corp. are to move ahead with formal negotiations with the city of Nagoya, in central Japan, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1857 2011-11-21T06:30:58Z 2011-11-21T13:02:41Z

Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto is to benefit from the opening of two high-end hotels in 2014, a demonstration of faith in a city that was recently voted the best in Asia by readers of US magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

AFP View image Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto is to benefit from the opening of two high-end hotels in 2014, a demonstration of faith in a city that was recently voted the best in Asia by readers of US magazine Conde Nast Traveler. Ritz-Carlton has confirmed the long-rumored plan for a hotel alongside tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1856 2011-11-21T05:59:41Z 2011-11-21T13:10:25Z

A Frenchman in Agra designed Emperor Jahangir's favourite throne and also worked as a martial engineer. He lived a luxe life and revelled in gifts from the emperor text and photos by Jonathan Gil Harris

Jonathan Gil Harris View image What most arrested my gaze at the Taj Mahal was not anything physically substantial: rather, it was an absence, a door surrounded by jali work through which I could see only darkness. For me, that absence hinted at something that has receded from historical visibility: the elusive identity of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1848 2011-11-19T13:21:34Z 2011-11-21T13:09:03Z

In the 17th century, a penniless English traveller began a love affair with Ajmer. He stayed on for months, rode an elephant, wore desi garb - and became one with the country text and photos by Jonathan Gil Harris

Jonathan Gil Harris View image There I was: pickpocketed and penniless in a strange city - Ajmer - not knowing how I would afford my next meal. I had never felt more like a firangi. Since my first visit to India over 10 years ago, I have grown increasingly fascinated by the word firangi. To tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1847 2011-11-19T11:22:10Z 2011-11-21T13:09:17Z

Izmir in Turkey, Ayutthaya in Thailand, Sao Paolo in Brazil, Ekaterinburg in Russia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates were named Friday as candidate cities to host the 2020 Universal Exposition.

View image Izmir in Turkey, Ayutthaya in Thailand, Sao Paolo in Brazil, Ekaterinburg in Russia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates were named Friday as candidate cities to host the 2020 Universal Exposition. The five rivals will present their bids to an assembly of the 157 member states of the Paris-based tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1846 2011-11-19T10:38:36Z 2011-11-19T20:06:58Z

As our jeep manoeuvres through the broken forest trail, a gale of wind blows off the hood of my jacket and whispers in my ear.

Shivya Nath View image As our jeep manoeuvres through the broken forest trail, a gale of wind blows off the hood of my jacket and whispers in my ear. Suddenly, I've forgotten that I'm cold and sleepy at an hour when even the sun is tucked in. I've been to Corbett before, but only tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1844 2011-11-18T09:21:56Z 2011-11-18T12:51:34Z

Gulf carriers have underlined their ambition to redraw world travel maps and turn the region into a global hub by placing record orders for new planes at the Dubai Airshow closing on Thursday.

AFP View image Gulf carriers have underlined their ambition to redraw world travel maps and turn the region into a global hub by placing record orders for new planes at the Dubai Airshow closing on Thursday.Aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have embraced the game-changing vision, built on the geographic advantages of these young tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1843 2011-11-18T07:02:57Z 2011-11-21T13:10:34Z

A trip to Pushkar in Rajasthan, the holy abode of the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma, would pretty much encapsulate the entire 'Eat, Pray, Love' experience.

Kashish Singh View image A trip to Pushkar in Rajasthan, the holy abode of the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma, would pretty much encapsulate the entire 'Eat, Pray, Love' experience. And unlike Elizebath Gilbert, you won't need to travel three countries to experience indulgence with life and food, mysticism and uncanny coincidences and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1828 2011-11-18T05:28:30Z 2011-11-18T06:39:26Z

Two angry eyes were staring down at us from the heavens. God had parted the celestial veil and revealed His face before us. We stared back at Him for a very long time.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image I am no Moses and this isn't Mount Sinai; but on a cold, windy sundown hour atop Mount Hamilton, my brother Sameer suddenly jolted me with a plaintive cry, "Look, there is an eye in the sky!" I looked at the sight amazed. Two angry eyes were staring down at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1826 2011-11-17T10:24:11Z 2011-11-18T06:37:41Z

Southwest Airlines Co was sued by an Illinois man over the discount carrier's decision to stop honoring coupons for free alcoholic drinks, which it had given to select travelers and which lacked expiration dates.

Reuters View image Southwest Airlines Co was sued by an Illinois man over the discount carrier's decision to stop honoring coupons for free alcoholic drinks, which it had given to select travelers and which lacked expiration dates. The plaintiff Adam Levitt said Southwest had for years awarded customers like him, who bought tickets tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1825 2011-11-17T06:06:19Z 2011-11-17T07:59:05Z

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park is inviting tourists on treks to witness the Nyamulagira volcano spewing geysers of lava into the night

AFP View image The Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park is inviting tourists on treks to witness the Nyamulagira volcano spewing geysers of lava into the night, a park official told AFP Tuesday.Volcano fanatics will have to pay $300 (220 euros) to be escorted to a viewing site in the east of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1824 2011-11-16T11:28:52Z 2011-11-16T11:58:42Z

US hotel rating program Forbes has launched a new website which allows visitors to browse the hotels and experiences it rates online.

AFP View image US hotel rating program Forbes has launched a new website which allows visitors to browse the hotels and experiences it rates online.Announcing the launch with its 54th annual listing of five and four star hotels, restaurants and spas, Forbes said that the site would provide a new, interactive way for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1823 2011-11-16T06:01:05Z 2011-11-16T06:04:55Z

Residents of Saint Emilion, a hugely popular UNESCO World Heritage site in southwest France, were shocked when their mayor sold a medieval monument to pay off debts.

AFP View image Residents of Saint Emilion, a hugely popular UNESCO World Heritage site in southwest France, were shocked when their mayor sold a medieval monument to pay off debts.And while the council has defended the controversial sale as a means of raising much-needed cash for the upkeep of historic sites, it has tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1822 2011-11-16T05:55:32Z 2011-11-16T05:59:13Z

The new functionality also allows travelers to compare pricing for multiple room categories in a simple grid format, in contrast to many sites, which simply show the cheapest room rates.

AFP View image Room 77, the website which allows travelers to review individual hotel rooms, has announced a major upgrade to its site that allows customers to request a specific room when booking.The new functionality, dubbed a 'Room Concierge', means that travelers can select the rooms in a hotel which they prefer from tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1806 2011-11-15T08:36:10Z 2011-11-15T13:53:32Z

Life is all about the journeys, scaling new heights, taking a break, rejuvenating and then again embark on something new with a twist.

Ajit Eusebius View image It all starts with the clichéd line, 'better late than never'Life is all about the journeys, scaling new heights, taking a break, rejuvenating and then again embark on something new with a twist.For me, the passion of birding began with the very first camera - a Sony DSC H 5,that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1805 2011-11-14T10:51:32Z 2011-11-16T12:32:36Z

Lucknow is one of those unique cities who's reputation precedes its mention. Dripping with a heritage that dates back to mughuls , it perhaps is more stereotyped than any other city that one can think of.

Chandni Moudgil View image Lucknow is one of those unique cities who's reputation precedes its mention. Dripping with a heritage that dates back to mughuls , it perhaps is more stereotyped than any other city that one can think of. Perhaps like the mention of Paris throws an image of impeccably dressed models catwalking tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1797 2011-11-14T10:08:26Z 2011-11-16T13:23:38Z

The Amazon rainforest, Vietnam's Halong Bay and Argentina's Iguazu Falls were named among the world's new seven wonders of nature, according to organisers of a global poll.

AFP View image The Amazon rainforest, Vietnam's Halong Bay and Argentina's Iguazu Falls were named among the world's new seven wonders of nature, according to organisers of a global poll.The other four crowned the world's natural wonders are South Korea's Jeju Island, Indonesia's Komodo, the Philippines' Puerto Princesa Underground River and South Africa's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1796 2011-11-14T09:41:49Z 2011-11-14T09:42:43Z

Which Indian site should have made it to the New 7 Wonders of Nature list?...

Which Indian site should have made it to the New 7 Wonders of Nature list? tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1795 2011-11-14T08:41:09Z 2011-11-14T08:52:54Z

Tourism operators in Sri Lanka heaved a sigh of relief after the government reduced a $50 visa fee to $20, an official said here Monday.

IANS View image Tourism operators in Sri Lanka heaved a sigh of relief after the government reduced a $50 visa fee to $20, an official said here Monday. It will be effective January 2012. They will now charge $10 from South Asian travellers and $20 from others, reported Xinhua. The move comes after tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1794 2011-11-14T07:17:35Z 2011-11-15T11:12:48Z

Australia's ailing tourism industry on Thursday warned it was in crisis, with arrivals in September slumping as its soaring dollar and global economic woes kept visitors away.

AFP View image Australia's ailing tourism industry on Thursday warned it was in crisis, with arrivals in September slumping as its soaring dollar and global economic woes kept visitors away.There were just 432,200 international visitors to Australia in September according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this week, compared with 790,600 cashed-up tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1793 2011-11-14T06:57:33Z 2011-11-15T11:12:07Z

China's luxury cruise ship market is preparing to welcome two new international operators, expanding a market that last year experienced a rise of 43 percent in terms of trips available for tourists to take.

AFP View image China's luxury cruise ship market is preparing to welcome two new international operators, expanding a market that last year experienced a rise of 43 percent in terms of trips available for tourists to take.Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises will be sending the 138,000 tonne Voyager of the Seas into China next tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1790 2011-11-12T08:18:36Z 2011-11-15T11:27:51Z

Bandhavgarh National Park is a magnificent reserve and wilderness retreat. One of the finest national parks in India, it is home to a wealth of endemic flora and fauna.

Sanjay Browne View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1772 2011-11-11T11:05:16Z 2011-11-15T11:13:37Z

It was 11.11.11 and the thick blanket of snow covering the hills surrounding this picturesque Himalayan town made it all the more perfect for tourists looking to make Friday a memorable day.

Indo-Asian News Service View image It was 11.11.11 and the thick blanket of snow covering the hills surrounding this picturesque Himalayan town made it all the more perfect for tourists looking to make Friday a memorable day."The hills overlooking Manali have been experiencing mild to moderate snow," a met department official said.Rohtang Pass, located at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1771 2011-11-11T07:36:46Z 2011-11-11T07:41:01Z

Japan's first snow fell in Hokkaido on October 2, around 20 days earlier than usual and the earliest since 1898

AFP View image Japan's first snow fell in Hokkaido on October 2, around 20 days earlier than usual and the earliest since 1898 -- and an excellent omen for a campaign designed to get skiers back onto Japan's world-class slopes.The Support Japan, Ski Japan campaign has been launched by the London offices of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1769 2011-11-11T04:55:02Z 2012-02-06T07:39:25Z

If there is one shopping experience that even the most snobbish shoppers find irresistible, it is browsing and compulsive buying at a flea market.

Taru Bahl View image If there is one shopping experience that even the most snobbish shoppers find irresistible, it is browsing and compulsive buying at a flea market. Apart from bargain hunting and the choice of local bric-a-brac, is the overall festive look and feel of these open air bazaars, which in many ways, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1768 2011-11-10T10:29:13Z 2012-02-02T14:32:06Z

Cheap airfares, affordable stay arrangements and attractive packages have been drawing out Indian travellers overseas.

IANS View image Cheap airfares, affordable stay arrangements and attractive packages have been drawing out Indian travellers overseas. But actor Purab Kohli, who features on a new travel show "Life Mein Ek Baar", suggests that people must explore the diverse and fascinating landscapes of their own country first."I think if you are an tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1767 2011-11-10T10:17:04Z 2011-11-10T10:50:43Z

A tourism project which offers guides by homeless people and a safari program in Zambia have been named joint overall winners of the 2011 Responsible Tourism Awards at the World Travel Market.

AFP View image A tourism project which offers guides by homeless people and a safari program in Zambia have been named joint overall winners of the 2011 Responsible Tourism Awards at the World Travel Market.Organizers of the event, which exists to highlight the best of ethical tourism, announced that Robin Pope Safaris and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1757 2011-11-09T05:29:24Z 2011-11-09T05:41:49Z

Say hello to "the United States of Awesome Possibilities" as it looks to visitors from abroad to help lift it out of the economic doldrums.

AFP View image Say goodbye to the United States of America. Say hello to "the United States of Awesome Possibilities" as it looks to visitors from abroad to help lift it out of the economic doldrums. By soft-pedaling patriotism, the newly-formed US national tourism board tasked with getting more tourists -- and their tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1756 2011-11-05T07:55:22Z 2011-11-05T10:53:28Z

The sixth iteration of the Conde Nast Traveller Luxury Travel Fair continues in London this weekend, ahead of the major event in the city next weeek -- the 32nd World Travel Market.

AFP View image The sixth iteration of the Condé Nast Traveller Luxury Travel Fair continues in London this weekend, ahead of the major event in the city next weeek -- the 32nd World Travel Market. Tourism boards, transport organizations, hoteliers and almost everybody else in travel will be converging on the exhibition for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1753 2011-11-04T19:03:37Z 2011-11-04T19:14:15Z

One gets so caught up in the grind of life and daily affairs that we all look forward to a good break.

Vijay Kumar Sharma View image One gets so caught up in the grind of life and daily affairs that we all look forward to a good break. Forgetting the rigmarole of life and hectic pace of activity - my friends Anil, Prashant, Sandeep and I decided to visit the sacred city of Ujjain in Madhya tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1752 2011-11-04T10:51:14Z 2011-11-04T11:00:27Z

Why people would want to sit on tiny tables three feet away from roaring traffic and poisonous fumes, consume copious amounts of food and drink at a leisurely pace, and believe that they are absorbing the feel of being in gay Paree, is beyond me.

Sudeep Ralhan View image Why people would want to sit on tiny tables three feet away from roaring traffic and poisonous fumes, consume copious amounts of food and drink at a leisurely pace, and believe that they are absorbing the feel of being in gay Paree, is beyond me. While I am familiar with tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1751 2011-11-03T05:52:19Z 2011-11-03T06:17:32Z

Hard at work in the office and craving some outside time? Now you don't even have to leave your desk to take a virtual visit to some of the world's most spectacular parks.

AFP View image Hard at work in the office and craving some outside time? Now you don't even have to leave your desk to take a virtual visit to some of the world's most spectacular parks.Google's Street View crew have been "hard at work" photographing scenic parks, delicate flower beds and romantic picnic tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1750 2011-11-02T12:44:31Z 2012-02-06T07:52:52Z

With the weather turning into a pleasant pink, it is time to picnic. Here are some tips on how to organise your picnic basket

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image The earliest memories of a picnic date back to the time when I was perhaps in Class V. Strangely, picnics were most frequent during the hot summer months when the whole clan got together for a two-month long school break. The basic ingredients were simple: a dozen or so water tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1749 2011-11-02T07:37:07Z 2011-11-02T07:45:22Z

The reality of budget airlines operating no-frills services out of Japanese airports is coming on leaps and bounds

AFP View image The reality of budget airlines operating no-frills services out of Japanese airports is coming on leaps and bounds -- which will delight travelers who want to visit a nation that has a reputation for being expensive to get to and a domestic tourism industry that is crying out for more tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1748 2011-11-02T07:32:15Z 2011-11-02T07:48:35Z

New York's commuters have been given the first look at the future interior of their city's iconic yellow cabs.

AFP View image New York's commuters have been given the first look at the future interior of their city's iconic yellow cabs. A new exhibition running this week in association with Nissan focuses on the new design for the interior of the taxi -- arguably a more important aspect for travelers than the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1747 2011-11-02T06:55:55Z 2011-11-04T05:41:35Z

Abounding in natural beauty, the Himalayan region is full of places of worship and reverence dating back to ancient times.

Ashok Dilwali View image Abounding in natural beauty, the Himalayan region is full of places of worship and reverence dating back to ancient times. Numerous legends connected with great Indian epics are associated with these shrines. According to Hinduism, Himalaya, in Sanskrit means, "Abode of Snow" and is also revered as the abode of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1744 2011-11-01T11:46:29Z 2011-11-01T11:49:27Z

Universal Studios Singapore is tapping into one of cinema history's most successful franchises for its next big attraction as it continues to stake its claim as one of the city's -- and Asia's -- premier attractions.

AFP View image Universal Studios Singapore is tapping into one of cinema history's most successful franchises for its next big attraction as it continues to stake its claim as one of the city's -- and Asia's -- premier attractions.The world's first Transformers The Ride will be unveiled at Universal Studios Singapore from December tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1743 2011-10-31T12:34:00Z 2011-10-31T12:39:38Z

Despite paying all expenses, more than 500 Kashmiris cannot perform the Haj pilgrimage this year thanks to a local travel agency that backed out at the last moment, the victims say.

Indo-Asian News Service View image Despite paying all expenses, more than 500 Kashmiris cannot perform the Haj pilgrimage this year thanks to a local travel agency that backed out at the last moment, the victims say. Dozens of locals who had paid all expenses to a local travel agency one year earlier for undertaking the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1742 2011-10-31T10:13:49Z 2011-10-31T10:35:29Z

On my way to Komic, believed to be the highest inhabited village in the Himalayas, the unassuming village of Lhangza enchants me.

Shivya Nath View image In the cold mountain desert landscape of Spiti, it's easy to forget the color green. On my way to Komic, believed to be the highest inhabited village in the Himalayas, the unassuming village of Lhangza enchants me. Blue, green, brown and white are the predominant colors; the foremost of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1741 2011-10-28T12:55:26Z 2011-10-28T13:08:20Z

London has been named the best city in the world to visit next year by influential travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.

AFP View image London has been named the best city in the world to visit next year by influential travel guide publisher Lonely Planet. The city, which will host the London 2012 Olympic Games and celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, topped Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2012' list, a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1736 2011-10-27T08:50:26Z 2011-10-28T08:27:54Z

Shiva-Purana is one of the most important Hindu scriptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. It contains 24,000 shlokas (verses) with no less than one thousand names of Shiva.

Ashok Dilwali View image Shiva-Purana is one of the most important Hindu scriptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. It contains 24,000 shlokas (verses) with no less than one thousand names of Shiva. He is undoubtedly the most popular of the three main divinities of Hinduism, the others being Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is the destroyer tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1735 2011-10-25T11:02:43Z 2011-10-25T11:08:27Z

Foreign tourists brought a dose of economic relief to Spain this summer, making it one of the best years ever for the sector which is helping keep the indebted country afloat.

AFP View image Foreign tourists brought a dose of economic relief to Spain this summer, making it one of the best years ever for the sector which is helping keep the indebted country afloat."Spain had one of the best summers in its history for tourism," the government said in a statement."In the months tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1725 2011-10-24T06:30:36Z 2011-10-24T06:41:19Z

Organisers describe the three-wheeled auto rickshaw provided for a rally across India as the "ultimate long-distance off-road machine".

View image Organisers describe the three-wheeled auto rickshaw provided for a rally across India as the "ultimate long-distance off-road machine".A driver calls it a "hair-dryer-powered tin can on shopping cart wheels".A sense of humour is as important as a sense of adventure and a willingness to raise cash for charity for anyone tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1724 2011-10-24T06:20:15Z 2011-10-24T06:29:11Z

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi has opened the doors to his pay-what-you-can restaurant in his home state

AFP View image Rocker Jon Bon Jovi has opened the doors to his pay-what-you-can restaurant in his home state where those who have been living on nothing but bread and a prayer can sit down to healthy, organic and vegetarian meals. The Soul Kitchen, a project of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1723 2011-10-24T06:04:24Z 2011-10-25T05:59:18Z

Kerala and the backwaters had been high on our list of dream destinations.

Ajit Eusebius View image Our country is blessed with unique craftsmanship of the great creator. Be it the mighty Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau(Ladakh), Sunderbans, Thar Desert or the Backwaters of the Malabar coast, these gifts of nature could very easily fall in a 'Bucket List' for worldwide travellers. Kerala and the backwaters had been high tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1716 2011-10-21T07:01:47Z 2011-10-21T07:10:42Z

The world's first off-road Segway course opens its doors in Denmark's second city of Aarhus on Friday modelled as a miniature version of Yellowstone National Park

AFP View image The world's first off-road Segway course opens its doors in Denmark's second city of Aarhus on Friday modelled as a miniature version of Yellowstone National Park, the Segworld Park owner told AFP. Visitors can steer their two-wheel Segway scooters through mountains and waterfalls in a giant indoor hall. "We have tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1715 2011-10-21T06:44:26Z 2011-10-21T07:11:03Z

Google's imaging and mapping service Street View will soon expand to include the spectacular scenery along the railway lines of the Swiss Alps

AFP View image Google's imaging and mapping service Street View will soon expand to include the spectacular scenery along the railway lines of the Swiss Alps according to an October 20 blog post by Google. Street View, which provides images of locations on Google Maps, has recently undergone something of an expansion -- tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1714 2011-10-20T10:33:03Z 2011-10-20T10:45:05Z

The US says its latest India travel alert was based on recent Indian government advisories and local media reports indicating terrorist attacks possibly being planned during the current holiday season.

IANS View image The US says its latest India travel alert was based on recent Indian government advisories and local media reports indicating terrorist attacks possibly being planned during the current holiday season. "So it's really just an effort on our part to do due diligence and to alert folks of the heightened tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1713 2011-10-20T06:15:18Z 2011-10-20T06:22:16Z

The Philippine government pledged Wednesday to improve the country's main airport after it was named the world's worst following complaints of thieving staff, dirty toilets and a collapsing ceiling.

AFP View image The Philippine government pledged Wednesday to improve the country's main airport after it was named the world's worst following complaints of thieving staff, dirty toilets and a collapsing ceiling. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport's Terminal 1 was given the dubious title by an online budget travel guide, www.sleepinginairports.net, based tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1704 2011-10-19T07:55:56Z 2011-10-19T08:05:46Z

The old imperial capital of Kyoto boasts 29 of the 59 restaurants awarded with two stars in the latest guide, and is home to 70 of the 222 that have earned one-star.

View image Japan has overtaken France for the number of restaurants with three Michelin stars, according to the latest guide to the nation's western cities to be released on Friday. Japan is now home to 29 establishments that hold the highly coveted three-star rating, against 25 in France. The latest version of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1703 2011-10-19T07:40:33Z 2011-10-19T13:00:13Z

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has officially dedicated a new Spaceport for his commercial space venture Virgin Galactic

AFP View image Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has officially dedicated a new Spaceport for his commercial space venture Virgin Galactic, in New Mexico, USA. The British business described the opening of Spaceport America, a purpose-built terminal which will serve as the launch and return site for commercial spaceships, as a "history-making day tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1702 2011-10-19T07:26:33Z 2011-10-19T11:38:05Z

A new mobile app enables travelers to plan trips with a little help from their friends.

Reuters View image A new mobile app enables travelers to plan trips with a little help from their friends. The app, called Trippy, links the users with friends in their social networks who have information on a particular city, either through living, studying, or traveling there, who can offer recommendations. "We're in a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1701 2011-10-18T08:25:30Z 2011-10-19T10:05:12Z

My recent trip to the United States of America was an experience of a lifetime. During my stay there I visited Orlando, New York, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Jitendra Gupta My recent trip to the United States of America was an experience of a lifetime. During my stay there I visited Orlando, New York, Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Orlando is the fifth largest city in Florida and the largest inland city of America. We visited Central Florida Ballet, Mad Cow tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1679 2011-10-15T13:30:47Z 2011-10-15T13:34:02Z

Passengers in London taxis may soon be able to surf the internet while sitting in the city's notoriously bad traffic, thanks to a new advertising technology to be rolled out this year.

AFP View image Passengers in London taxis may soon be able to surf the internet while sitting in the city's notoriously bad traffic, thanks to a new advertising technology to be rolled out this year. Following a pilot test scheduled to begin later this year, thousands of the city's iconic black cabs could tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1678 2011-10-15T13:17:09Z 2011-10-15T13:24:15Z

The end of the summer season has brought considerably lower hotel prices across Europe, statistics released by Trivago October 14 have shown.

AFP View image The end of the summer season has brought considerably lower hotel prices across Europe, statistics released by Trivago October 14 have shown. The average price for a standard double in Europe this month is €127, Trivago said, a fall of seven percent on September and a widespread trend seen across tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1675 2011-10-15T08:53:42Z 2011-10-19T09:54:37Z

It is 8'oclock in the morning. And adventure is the mood. I'm at Kerwa Dam, 14 km from Bhopal, the Lake city.

Lipi Mohapatra View image It is 8'oclock in the morning. And adventure is the mood. I'm at Kerwa Dam, 14 km from Bhopal, the Lake city. A spray of different shades of greenery covers the hills surrounding the Kerwa dam. Nature always bears a different hue in the morning. You can feel the quiet tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1664 2011-10-14T08:19:44Z 2011-10-15T06:27:21Z

Great rivers can sometimes have very modest origins and as they go along, acquire a majestic greatness, something akin to remarkable human beings.

Ashok Dilwali View image Great rivers can sometimes have very modest origins and as they go along, acquire a majestic greatness, something akin to remarkable human beings. The river Chenab too had a very nondescript birth, being barely a trickle, before it came to assume gigantic proportions in its later avatar. Today, it qualifies tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1663 2011-10-13T10:12:32Z 2011-10-13T10:30:35Z

The picturesque Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur will come alive with the strains of lilting folk music and Indo-Western collaborations at the fifth Rajasthan International Folk Festival this year.

PTI View image The picturesque Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur will come alive with the strains of lilting folk music and Indo-Western collaborations at the fifth Rajasthan International Folk Festival this year. Beginning October 11, the festival that finds itself amongst the top 25 music festivals in the world will feature artists from around tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1662 2011-10-13T09:09:29Z 2011-10-13T10:10:49Z

This was announced at the ongoing United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference at Gyeongju, South Korea.

PTI View image This was announced at the ongoing United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference at Gyeongju, South Korea. The chairmanship of the commission was with Iran for the last four years. Addressing the UNWTO meeting, Tourism Minister Subodh kant Sahai, who is leading the Indian delegation at Gyeongju, said that it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1661 2011-10-11T12:58:34Z 2011-10-11T12:59:09Z

Have you ever had a horrible flight experience? Share with us.

Have you ever had a horrible flight experience? Share with us. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1647 2011-10-10T12:39:23Z 2011-10-11T10:46:58Z

The city has a lot of cultural activity, especially during summer months when the afternoons are warm and windy and the nights witness thunderstorms.

Harkirat Singh View image The serene ambience and quiet of Riva Del Garda wins hands down as my preferred business travel destination. When travelling out of the country for business, I look for not just completing official engagements at breakneck speed but also someplace I can just let go and merge with the landscape tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1646 2011-10-10T12:06:46Z 2011-10-11T11:34:43Z

Applications have changed the way we live by pushing all this and more, to the small display on our smartphones. Listed below are a few apps that will let you book flight tickets and track real time flight status from anywhere, anytime.

Adish Jain View image Who says booking air tickets and keeping an eye on the flight status can only be done by sitting in from of a PC with an internet connection? Those were in the pre-application era where the world was restricted to a big monitor. Today, applications have changed the way we tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1645 2011-10-10T06:40:19Z 2011-10-10T07:07:36Z

New helpline to decode public transport launches, aims to help callers move around city with ease

Sneha Mahale View image If you are frustrated by the periodic auto and taxi strikes and the constant rise in tariffs, here's a helpline that could give you a helping hand while travelling around the city. Started by three former Tata Institute of Social Sciences students, Sandeep Kothawade (28), Pradeep Singh (28) and Ruchi tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1644 2011-10-07T19:11:40Z 2011-10-07T19:27:49Z

Growing tourism, lack of resources, neglect and natural disasters pose a threat to the world's cultural heritage, a private foundation said Wednesday identifying 67 sites in need of preservation.

AFP View image Growing tourism, lack of resources, neglect and natural disasters pose a threat to the world's cultural heritage, a private foundation said Wednesday identifying 67 sites in need of preservation. The sites and monuments are found in 41 countries from Peru to Vietnam and England to China, the World Monuments Fund tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1636 2011-10-04T11:43:45Z 2011-10-05T08:13:15Z

Spiti, located along the Indo-Tibetan border, is the land of ragged and snow-capped mountains that reach out to the clear deep blue skies.

Maneesh Goal View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1630 2011-10-03T09:23:20Z 2011-10-04T10:22:06Z

Lake Tahoe is a four-hour drive from San Francisco's Bay Area, up north through the Bonanza Road which constantly reminds you of the Californian Gold Rush of the 1849-59 decade.

Ashwini Bhatnagar View image It was so quiet on the banks, you could hear Tahoe rustle up and lap at your feet. The gentle waves come one after and another in swift, clear laps seizing you with the luminosity that it so typical of the lake known once as the spiritual haven of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1620 2011-10-01T10:40:05Z 2011-10-05T12:16:08Z

The town is divided into two sections - the French quarters and the Indian quarters.

Lipi Mohapatra View image Ta-da! After a three and a half hour drive, we reached 'India's little France', Puducherry. What should have taken about three hours from Chennai took nearly five since we succumbed to the temptation of stopping over at the Covelong Beach. Having a simple yet luxurious lunch of fish fingers, fries tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1619 2011-10-01T06:39:20Z 2011-10-01T06:54:45Z

Enjoy folk dances, native cuisine at the annual Konkani Day celebrations in the city

Collin Rodrigues View image Although Mumbai houses a large population of Goans, their native language Konkani has seen a gradual decline over the years. English has replaced the original mother tongue in most Goan homes and the chances of finding a household where parents converse with their young children in Konkani are minuscule. But tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1607 2011-09-29T12:05:37Z 2011-09-29T12:13:03Z

India has been voted the top future global destinations by travellers from the UAE.

PTI View image India has been voted the top future global destinations by travellers from the UAE. India (27 per cent), UK (23 per cent) and Singapore (20 per cent) have been voted the preferred future global destinations for travellers from the Emirates, according to the Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey 2011. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1606 2011-09-26T10:58:40Z 2011-09-27T11:05:16Z

Representatives from the birthplaces of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Josef Stalin will meet at the weekend in Austria to discuss the heritage of their towns, an organiser said Tuesday.

View image Representatives from the birthplaces of Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Josef Stalin will meet at the weekend in Austria to discuss the heritage of their towns, an organiser said Tuesday. Saturday's meeting in the town of Branau in Upper Austria, where Hitler was born, will also draw representatives from Gori tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1602 2011-09-26T10:05:58Z 2011-09-27T07:10:47Z

It was not too much out of the ordinary to be assigned the role of "lead trip planner" by family and friends visiting from the US, wanting to sample a pie of exotic India.

Ajit Eusebius View image Having grown up in the Gangetic plains, fishing in swollen rivers, plucking ripe, fresh guavas and mangoes straight off the trees it was not too much out of the ordinary to be assigned the role of "lead trip planner" by family and friends visiting from the US, wanting to sample tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1605 2011-09-26T08:30:00Z 2011-09-27T10:59:39Z

Next week, the world will mark UN World Tourism Day, with events around the world scheduled to highlight the benefits of tourism.

View image Next week, the world will mark UN World Tourism Day, with events around the world scheduled to highlight the benefits of tourism. After the excitement dies down at the weekend, the enormous Genoa Boat Show gets underway in Italy. World Tourism Day September 27 Aswan, Egypt Another major tourism event tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1597 2011-09-23T05:30:37Z 2011-09-23T05:45:28Z

A motorcycle ride on the Himalayan terrain will test your grit and surprise you with breathtaking nature.

Neha Dixit View image A motorcycle ride on the Himalayan terrain will test your grit and surprise you with breathtaking nature.An ideal road trip includes adventure, challenge, breathtaking views and a 1600 km motorcycle ride from Delhi to Leh. As eight bikers storm through Leh over 11 days, we trace their journey. For adventure tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1596 2011-09-23T05:18:37Z 2011-09-23T05:26:49Z

Did you know the Japanese people usually learn about the arrival of each season through the variety of fish available in the super market?

View image If you thought that Japan was all about Kimono clad women, sumo wrestlers and perhaps the world's best car makers, well, you surely don't know it all! Did you know the Japanese people usually learn about the arrival of each season through the variety of fish available in the super tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1588 2011-09-20T06:01:16Z 2011-09-20T07:02:57Z

The 6.8 magnitude quake has shaken the anticipation of a great tourist season this October in the Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills.

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1587 2011-09-19T07:41:48Z 2011-09-19T07:52:59Z

It's an issue that has London divided in a Zagat survey released Wednesday that asked respondents to weigh on the issue.

View image Is it rude to tweet about a luscious treacle tart at dinner? Or take a phone call when your starter is being served? It's an issue that has London divided in a Zagat survey released Wednesday that asked respondents to weigh on the issue. According to the 5,500 diners answering tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1571 2011-09-17T07:08:38Z 2011-09-17T07:22:13Z

Most of the families in USA do not cook and bring stuff from nearby restaurants, to save them from cleaning the kitchen.

Punshil Kumar To ward off the stifling summer heat of Delhi, my two daughters in America insisted that we join them. They are putting up in Bowie and Virginia. I left for the United States of America (USA) in April with my wife. We got a warm and affectionate welcome from our tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1570 2011-09-16T12:32:37Z 2011-09-16T12:37:00Z

If you feel Goa is all about beaches, think again. The custodians of tourism here are going for new hooks.

View image If you feel Goa is all about beaches, think again. The custodians of tourism here are going for new hooks. The tourism industry here plans to aggressively pitch the state as a destination with "hidden treasures" during the Goa International Tourism Mart (GITM) which gets under way next month. GITM tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1567 2011-09-12T12:43:35Z 2011-09-12T12:50:17Z

The isolated kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world and a haven for celebrities and the well-heeled.

View image The isolated kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world and a haven for celebrities and the well-heeled. In 2012, it will become even more costly. Foreign tourists are required to book through licensed tour operators, who charge a minimum high-season price of 200 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1566 2011-09-12T05:43:24Z 2011-10-04T09:44:02Z

If you like to push yourself and are a bit of an adrenaline junkie, then online men's magazine AskMen's (www.askmen.com) top 10 list of extreme vacations may be just the thing for you.

View image If you like to push yourself and are a bit of an adrenaline junkie, then online men's magazine AskMen's (www.askmen.com) top 10 list of extreme vacations may be just the thing for you. Reuters has not endorsed this list: 1. Go shark-baiting Only one thing better than experimenting with high-tech tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1557 2011-09-07T16:27:34Z 2011-09-07T16:42:56Z

Sri Lanka on Monday set an ambitious target of attracting 2.5 million foreign holiday-makers in the next five years, as the Indian Ocean island emerges from decades of ethnic bloodshed.

View image Sri Lanka on Monday set an ambitious target of attracting 2.5 million foreign holiday-makers in the next five years, as the Indian Ocean island emerges from decades of ethnic bloodshed. "We had 650,000 tourists last year, but this year we crossed the 500,000 mark in the first eight months alone," tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1556 2011-09-07T16:14:52Z 2011-09-07T16:44:49Z

Budget Indian carrier IndiGo launched its first international services this month, beginning with low-cost flights to the UAE

View image Budget Indian carrier IndiGo launched its first international services this month, beginning with low-cost flights to the UAE.IndiGo, India's largest low-cost carrier, inaugurated its first flight from Delhi to Dubai September 1, the first in an expansion drive that will see it launch routes to Muscat, Singapore and Bangkok. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1552 2011-09-03T07:43:51Z 2011-09-03T07:54:52Z

It's a suite that may appeal to only the most die-hard of fans but one London hotel reckons it can cash in on love for Jaguar cars with a dedicated 'Jaguar suite'.

View image It's a suite that may appeal to only the most die-hard of fans -but one London hotel reckons it can cash in on love for Jaguar cars with a dedicated 'Jaguar suite'. Set to open this September, the Jaguar Suite at Taj Hotels 51 Buckingham Gate is a canny arrangement tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1551 2011-09-03T07:34:51Z 2011-09-03T07:56:21Z

Ten years after the attacks on the World Trade Center, after much controversy and struggle, the rebuilding of the towers is finally underway, with the significant structure, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, opening on the 10th anniversary.

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1550 2011-09-03T05:48:02Z 2011-09-03T07:52:07Z

The 50th Caravan Salon opens to the public after a press preview this weekend. On September 2, the World Travel Awards roll into Antalya, Turkey, for the latest stop in its journey to showcase the best of the globe's travel experiences.

View image The 50th Caravan Salon opens to the public after a press preview this weekend. On September 2, the World Travel Awards roll into Antalya, Turkey, for the latest stop in its journey to showcase the best of the globe's travel experiences. 50th Caravan Salon Dusseldorf August 27 - September 4 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1549 2011-08-29T08:14:46Z 2011-08-29T08:39:03Z

This week, the 15th annual Food and Drinks show takes place in the Philipppines. Highlights include a Mixology and Flairtending Cup. The show attracted 28,500 attendees last year.

View image This week, the 15th annual Food and Drinks show takes place in the Philipppines. Highlights include a Mixology and Flairtending Cup. The show attracted 28,500 attendees last year. 15th annual Food and Drinks Asia September 1-4 Manila, Philippines An international exposition on specialty foods, delicatessen, confectionary, beverages, beers, wine and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1539 2011-08-26T11:57:54Z 2011-08-26T12:27:19Z

Rare artifacts are on display at the world's first exhibition on Amritsar's famous Golden temple in central London.

View image Rare artifacts are on display at the world's first exhibition on Amritsar's famous Golden temple in central London.Over 80 artifacts, including the earliest known paintings and photographs of the temple, along with film footage and eye witness accounts from western travelers.The 10-week show has been organized by the UK Punjab tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1528 2011-08-25T11:27:07Z 2011-08-25T11:40:32Z

Global tourists may finally be able to fly directly into Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal that attracts millions every year.

View image Global tourists may finally be able to fly directly into Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal that attracts millions every year. While the civil aviation ministry has moved to identify land for an international airport, the existing airport at Kheria is also being upgraded to cater to global visitors tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1527 2011-08-25T11:10:46Z 2011-08-25T11:24:41Z

A picnic basket, children playing cricket while elders watch indulgently and, in the backdrop, rolling hills and a gurgling stream.

View image A picnic basket, children playing cricket while elders watch indulgently and, in the backdrop, rolling hills and a gurgling stream. The idyllic scene may seem an anachronism and at odds with Jammu and Kashmir's bruising two-decade insurgency, but bonding the old-fashioned way is still a way of life in the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1526 2011-08-24T11:25:01Z 2011-08-24T11:28:10Z

With its proximity to Asia and emphasis on enjoying the outdoors, it makes sense that the beachside financial centre of Sydney favours drinks that are "fresh, fruity and with a Pacific Rim influence."

Kara Newman View image With its proximity to Asia and emphasis on enjoying the outdoors, it makes sense that the beachside financial centre of Sydney favours drinks that are "fresh, fruity and with a Pacific Rim influence." For many years, the city was largely dominated by huge "beer barns" filled with poker machines tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1524 2011-08-24T10:49:07Z 2011-08-24T11:02:59Z

With a backpacker's budget, and just two days to sightsee New York City, here's an itinerary that will make your visit memorable

View image It's known for its Broadway shows, designer shops and exclusive restaurants, but there are plenty of things to enjoy in the Big Apple without burning a hole in your pocket. Here's what all you can do in 48 hours in the New York city. Friday 6 pm: Soak in the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1523 2011-08-23T04:47:06Z 2011-08-23T05:14:19Z

Sightseeing? Shopping? Those are outdated reasons to travel, says the Internet generation. Now, going on holiday is all about the 'experience'

View image As you read this, Mahek Shahani, a partner at the handbag label Princesse K, is probably running around like a maniac, packing for her long-held dream: a trip to Argentina and Peru. The 25-year-old Mumbaikar will leave in a few days to put a Latin-American spin on the Spanish she's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1522 2011-08-20T08:17:03Z 2011-08-20T09:42:05Z

No one can spin yarns quite like the Irish. From legends of leprechauns to fables of fairies, here are just some of the myths that cast their magic over tourists in Ireland.

Kiran Mehta View image The Emerald Isle is a land full of folklore. And tradition continues to whisper these tall tales in the ears of all Irishmen, across the ages. Here are some of the most delightful stories that gabby locals will be only too happy to tell you over a glass of Guinness. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1521 2011-08-20T07:35:03Z 2011-08-20T08:54:36Z

A Russian company which plans to build the world's first space hotel has released further details on its ambitious project.

View image A Russian company which plans to build the world's first space hotel has released further details on its ambitious project. The plan, which would see a hotel placed into orbit some 350 kilometers above the earth, was first unveiled last year by Russian firm Orbital Technologies as a commercial alternative tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1518 2011-08-18T05:41:17Z 2011-08-18T05:46:41Z

Driving through amazing lush green, winding road was pleasant. The place totally amazed us with its lovely nature walks and peaceful rest amid a magnificent natural environment even before we set our feet on the sandy terrain of the zoo.

Rajesh Krishnan Sunday is a family day which is usually spent at home. For a change, we challenged our usual Sunday routine and decided to have an outing. Our biggest challenge was to find a place that wasn't too far from the city yet a good value. So, it took us good tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1517 2011-08-17T07:13:51Z 2011-08-17T07:24:09Z

At an elevation of 3500m above sea level, valley is spread in 87-sq-km with almost 300 species of flowers.

Jackwinder Singh Uppal tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1516 2011-08-17T07:01:42Z 2011-08-17T07:09:48Z

For a city that's supposed to be one of the oldest settlements in the world, its interesting mix of how the old and rustic meets the new and jazzy is jaw-dropping.

Chandni Moudgil View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1513 2011-08-16T08:58:02Z 2011-08-16T09:13:54Z

A high-profile international advertising campaign by Visit Britain with the tag line "You're Invited" was suspended this week after officials deemed it "not appropriate" in the current climate.

View image Visit Britain has announced record visitor numbers to Britain for June 2011, as the country begins to clean up after the worst civil unrest in decades. A total of 2.89 million visits were made to the United Kingdom during June, Visit Britain said August 11, nine percent up on June tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1501 2011-08-16T06:49:00Z 2011-08-16T08:23:30Z

The Faidherbe bridge, a century-old emblem of Senegal's former colonial riverside capital Saint-Louis, is being fully restored after threatening to collapse into the Senegal River.

View image The Faidherbe bridge, a century-old emblem of Senegal's former colonial riverside capital Saint-Louis, is being fully restored after threatening to collapse into the Senegal River. Its seven majestic arches once again firmly straddle the river, providing a key link between the mainland and the island city which was founded in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1499 2011-08-12T08:26:30Z 2011-08-12T08:40:07Z

Named after Rani Jhansi, the city stands witness to bravery and heroism. If you are fond of history, this is a place which will definitely attract you.

View image Along weekend is round the corner and all travel enthusiasts have a reason to revel. Pack your bags on Friday and rush to your favourite destination. There are a lot of travel options for this weekend. A short trip to one of the neighbouring states is a good option. Avoid tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1498 2011-08-12T07:54:46Z 2011-08-12T08:23:24Z

The weather in Mauritius was incredible. It was sunny, yet refreshing due to the four sided sea facing shore.

Nivedita Srinivas While everyone was preparing for the Commonwealth Games in October last year, my family planned a trip to Mauritius. It was supposed to be a nine day trip. On a seven-hour flight I slept for six hours. When I woke up, I could see the vast ocean spread in front tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1495 2011-08-11T07:35:04Z 2011-08-11T09:08:20Z

Global hotel chain Marriott has announced plans to build the tallest hotel in New York City.

View image Global hotel chain Marriott has announced plans to build the tallest hotel in New York City. The brand, which operates 3,600 hotels around the world, plans to build a new 68-story skyscraper on Manhattan's 54th Street to house two hotels under the brands Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1494 2011-08-10T07:02:29Z 2011-08-10T09:42:23Z

From cultural insights to rare culinary experiences, a keen traveller can savour a lot while gallivanting

Geetika Jain View image In most places, so much unfolds on the roadsides that the journey is just as fascinating as the destination. Insights into cultures and how people live are doled out liberally; you just have to keep an eye for them. Vignettes fly by constantly and if you're not on the lookout, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1487 2011-08-08T07:50:58Z 2011-08-18T10:26:31Z

The majestic city of St Petersburg, with its romantic bridges and canals, takes on an ethereal quality on midsummer nights by Geetika Jain.

Geetika Jain View image We're in a boat gliding on St Petersburg's endearing rivers and canals, taking in the classical and baroque facades of the buildings, and lowering ourselves every now and then to pass under a landmark bridge. The extraordinary thing is that it is 10.30 pm, and the sky is bright blue. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1484 2011-08-06T05:20:11Z 2011-08-08T07:39:51Z

Kathmandu's casinos are located in star hotels, but if you're planning on venturing to these casinos hinging your hopes on being ushered into an exclusive arena, you will be in for a shock. Read on to know why.

View image Having just crossed the Indian border at Kakkarvitta and fending off vociferous Nepalese middlemen, each one of whom promised us better deals on hotel rooms and air tickets than the last, we finally made it to the immigration office, where Shaun, my American travel companion, would have to get his tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1483 2011-08-06T05:06:08Z 2011-08-08T07:36:37Z

A world in its own, 'Majnu Ka Tila' has a lot to offer other than just Momos. The entrance to the place is a small temple shaped door, a normal passerby cannot even being to imagine the vastness of this place and the world that exists inside.

View image Tenzin, who belongs to the third generation of a Tibetan family was born and raised in India and has only visited his home town through a number of his grandparent's stories told to him over the years, but ask him anything about a land he wishes to go back to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1482 2011-08-05T11:10:49Z 2011-08-18T09:39:39Z

Five kilometers from main city Barmer, is the Mahabar desert, home to the annual Thar festival that takes place in the month of March. Read on to know more about the place.

View image "Yeh yahi banti hain" was my question to the owner of a small shop keeper in Pushkar while buying juttis for myself . "Barmer se aati hain, Pakistan boder ke paas se" prompt came the reply from him. "Kafi duur hoga yahan se?" asked I, "haan yahi koi teen soh tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1457 2011-08-02T05:48:18Z 2011-08-08T07:46:56Z

Thimpu, capital of Bhutan, is often described as the most unusual capital in the world. It is a city oscillating between the contemporary and traditional. The enigmatic city offers...

Prajwal Sharma View image Paying scant attention to well-intentioned warnings about June not being an ideal month to visit Bhutan, the three of us set off - by land - to see what has been touted as the Last Shangrilla. It was a family reunion of sorts, except that we left the faint-hearted behind. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1456 2011-08-02T05:23:18Z 2011-08-02T05:30:15Z

According to the Guptas, the most amazing thing about Singapore is its discipline and clean surroundings.

Mukesh Gupta We are very fond of holidaying like any other Indian family. Last year in April, we planned a visit to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. It was our first overseas trip and we were very excited. As my son Nitesh was pursuing his MBA programme in Singapore, he gave me a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1455 2011-08-01T07:05:44Z 2011-08-01T07:32:39Z

Mumbaikars can now attend classes and learn lessons on the local fauna and flora the city has to offer

Sneha Mahale View image The green cause will soon get new warriors. From being aware of the difference between a parrot and a parakeet to knowing whether a neem tree is indigenous or not -- and even knowing Mumbai's secret biodiversity hotspots -- these guys are familiar with it all. EcoFolks, a group into tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1449 2011-08-01T05:52:24Z 2011-08-01T06:52:39Z

With plans to open one hotel every 45 days over the next two years in India, the Hilton chain has massive opportunities in the non-luxury space - and it seems to be grabbing them

Vir Sanghvi View image You may not know this but the Taj Mahal in Bombay was nearly a Hilton. Or, to put it another way, if the Tatas had acceded to one proposal, then there may not even have been a Taj Mahal Hotel in Apollo Bunder, just the Bombay Hilton. The story (told tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1448 2011-07-29T11:55:38Z 2011-08-08T07:49:06Z

There are no words that can perfectly describe the grandeur of Dhauladhar range, which is situated at a height of 3,350m. Here's the personal experience of a trekker.

View image The thought of climbing to a height of 3,350m had me in a tizzy because the last time I trekked to a height of 2,975m left me gasping for breath. But here I was again walking the same path, which looked even more magnanimous than the last time and that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1441 2011-07-28T08:18:07Z 2011-08-08T07:49:31Z

Sikar is not your typical heritage city and this is exactly what makes it so unique. One of the biggest tourist attractions of the place are the havelis, known for their beautiful mural paintings.

Nikki Sachdev View image The legacy continues Old buildings turned into small shops, their old wooden doors are replaced by modern shutters, but that's as far as it goes. There are people everywhere, some looking to buy things and some looking to sell them. Bandhani items on display in the most charismatic colours that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1438 2011-07-25T04:57:25Z 2011-07-25T05:07:31Z

The valley is still a treasure house of natural and spiritual beauty; its people as warm and hospitable as ever

Vikramaditya Singh View image Earlier this year I made plans with my family to visit our summer home in Srinagar and I am delighted to have done so. As I sit on the balcony of Karan Mahal and watch the shikaras go by on the Dal Lake, I realise how privileged and blessed my tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1437 2011-07-21T06:57:27Z 2011-07-21T07:11:52Z

Walk through the lanes of the only inhabited forts of RajasthanWalk through the lanes of the only inhabited forts of Rajasthan

Nikki Sachdev View image First Impressions It catches your imagination the moment set your eyes on it and not just because of its magnanimity, because that is just obvious; but because it lets you live a royal tale. Of course the gigantic walls that once served their purpose still stand tall and strong as tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1428 2011-07-20T07:56:25Z 2011-07-20T08:03:16Z

God's own country, Kerala, exhibits the best of nature's contrast with its tranquil forests and furious waterfalls

Gangadharan Menon View image Kerala, the narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Sahyadris and the Arabian Sea is a visitor's delight. Every drop of sweet water that originates in the Sahyadri range reaches its saline grave within 12 hours.Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, located about 60 km north-east from Kochi, is many sanctuaries rolled into tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1427 2011-07-20T05:45:41Z 2011-07-20T06:19:29Z

Some name it 'City of Brotherly Love', but to the nationalists it is the 'Birth Place of a Nation'. Formally known as Philadelphia, the capital city of the US State of Pennsylvania, is often overlooked by travel enthusiasts. Read on to know about the city.

Sandip Hor View image Some name it 'City of Brotherly Love', but to the nationalists it is the 'Birth Place of a Nation' and many Americans call it just 'Philly'. Formally known as Philadelphia, the capital city of the US State of Pennsylvania, is often overlooked by travel enthusiasts in favour of other east tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1426 2011-07-18T11:01:12Z 2011-07-18T11:44:42Z

Away from the crazy hustle bustle of Mussoorie, Landour is a haven for relaxation. With clean roads, big beautiful houses with well-manicured lawns, exploring the town is a serene experience.

Nikki Sachdev View image The roads suddenly tilted to 60 degrees the moment we took a right from the Mussoorie mall. I heard Namrata saying "Welcome to Mullingar", and the already nervous driver almost refused to go up to our guesthouse till he got some encouragement from the locals. Away from the crazy tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1425 2011-07-16T08:31:20Z 2011-07-16T08:45:59Z

It's time to say goodbye to the annoying aunts who have hounded you during your wedding.

Kaustav Bhattacharya It's time to say goodbye to the annoying aunts who have hounded you during your wedding. Honeymooners, pack your bags and make a run for your dream destination. Be it the green hills or the sun-kissed beaches, you can plan out a wonderful getaway. Amazing nightlife, good shopping options and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1424 2011-07-16T07:18:06Z 2011-07-16T08:27:27Z

Ready to catch that flight for the all Euro trip? Here are a couple of things you should know and take care of before you depart for your journey

View image So you've got your backpack ready, your visa done, numbers and addresses all in a book and ready to catch that flight for the all Euro trip but do you have a good plan for a small thing known as Forex? If you are anything like me, clumsy and horribly tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1423 2011-07-16T06:28:49Z 2011-07-16T07:11:14Z

Historical places lie undiscovered in this city, beyond the unusual tourist traps. Learn the stories behind these lesser-known spots

Sneha Mahale View image Six decades since India's independence, does the nation know this city beyond Gateway of India and CST Station? Still present in its many lanes, and lost among the many skyscrapers and bursting population, is a bit of history, hoping to be discovered some day. While others may be demolished or tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1422 2011-07-14T08:50:48Z 2011-07-14T11:07:29Z

Samode, a 450 years old town in Rajasthan, still manages to keep its rich culture and traditions intact. Samode Palace and Samode Bagh have now been turned into Heritage properties.

View image It is one thing to know your history and it's entirely something else to experience it. And I think it was this feeling that made my excursion to Samode a lifetime experience. When I was asked to go to Samode, I thought I pretty much knew what I was going tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1421 2011-07-12T10:01:39Z 2011-07-12T10:07:10Z

Knowing that the fastest way to a traveler's heart is through his or her stomach, tourism boards are aggressively pitching their culinary heritage during peak travel season.

Relaxnews View image Knowing that the fastest way to a traveler's heart is through his or her stomach, tourism boards are aggressively pitching their culinary heritage during peak travel season. From Singapore to Slovenia, governments are trying to woo hungry travelers to their respective countries by enticing them with promises of spicy, exotic tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1419 2011-07-12T09:08:03Z 2011-07-12T09:23:11Z

Set amidst lush gardens, this bucolic lodge overlooks the serenely beautiful Ramgarh Lake(an artificial lake) that existed up until as recent as seven years back. The lodge was also the hunting spot for a King.

Nikki Utpaul View image I really needed to get out of Delhi's maddening hustle-bustle to sustain whatever little sanity was left in me. A quiet getaway was just what was needed to rejuvenate the senses and come out as good as new. So when I was given the opportunity to take two days off tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1418 2011-07-11T06:35:33Z 2011-07-11T06:45:10Z

Bhutan is located in the Eastern region of the Himalayas, a small country roughly the size of Switzerland and fondly referred to as Druk Yul

Aniruddha Ray View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1417 2011-07-11T06:13:44Z 2011-07-11T06:20:21Z

The name Yellowstone comes from the color of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon rocks formed in the last glaciation and eroded by the Yellowstone River.

Asman View image With an area larger than the island of Corsica Yellowstone Park in the United States is famous for due to its its geysers has over 200 and its volcanic activity, has more than 10000 hot springs. The famous character of Hanna Barbera The Yogi Bear Jellystone lives in an allusion tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1416 2011-07-08T10:37:54Z 2011-07-08T11:00:07Z

Rajaji National Park comes under the Elephant project, however, apart from the big animals, there are 430 species of birds including migratory birds that can be spotted at the conservation.

View image The connectivity bars on my phone started doing the vanishing act as we drove further into the green stretch. As we took a sharp turn from the last village standing between us and our destination for the next two days, what lay ahead of us was the 12-km river bed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1415 2011-07-06T09:47:39Z 2011-07-06T10:12:42Z

City duo start tourism company focusing solely on the best places to let your hair down across the world.

Shweta Mehta View image Not content with heading to Goa for the best parties every year, this 20-something duo travelled around the world seeking revelry. Now, taking their global nightlife experiences into account, Chirag Khandelwal and Akhilesh Lakhotia have set up Trips Gone Crazy, a travel company that focuses on party tourism. "It was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1411 2011-07-04T10:29:12Z 2011-07-11T11:41:16Z

There really isn't much more to Los Angeles than the world of entertainment. Hollywood is in your face by Sharif D Rangnekar

Sharif D Rangnekar View image When you think of Los Angeles, the immediate recall is usually Hollywood, the Oscars, Beverly Hills, Staples Center, Santa Monica Boulevard, Rodeo Drive - addresses that most of us have learnt of over the years courtesy films and soaps. An education from a distance, driven by marketing, public relations and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1391 2011-06-25T12:08:35Z 2011-06-25T12:22:06Z

Kerala is a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Sahyadris and the Arabian Sea.

Gangadharan Menon View image Kerala is a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Sahyadris and the Arabian Sea. Every drop of sweet water that originates in the Sahyadris reaches its saline grave within 12 hours. The only way to make optimum use of this water is to delay its demise. So there are tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1390 2011-06-25T11:53:37Z 2011-06-25T12:06:43Z

Three city travel groups offer cheap treks, night trails and adventure sports for enthusiasts

Nirmika Singh View image If your idea of de-stressing is being around nature, here are ways to enjoy quick getaways without burning even the smallest hole in your pocket. This monsoon, three city-based experiential travel groups offer a chance to trek along beautiful green sceneries around the outskirts of the city. Travel group Life tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1389 2011-06-24T09:57:41Z 2011-06-24T10:01:28Z

The newest entrant made to look fashionable is the festival of tomatoes in Spain or more popularly known as the La Tomatina

Nikki Sachdev View image Leave it to Bollywood to introduce something new in style. First it was the snow clad mountains of Switzerland romanced immensely and made ever so famous by on the larger than life canvas of Yash Raj movies. Once the mountain fever was over Bollywood's fixation was caught by the west tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1386 2011-06-22T14:41:30Z 2011-06-22T14:48:13Z

The Greek island of Milos is less well-known than some of the others in the Cyclades group of islands, such as the world-famous Santorini and Mykonos.

Marc Levy View image The Greek island of Milos is less well-known than some of the others in the Cyclades group of islands, such as the world-famous Santorini and Mykonos. But Milos, a volcanic, horseshoe-shaped island about 160 kilometers southwest of Athens, is a perfect beach destination, and with no major ruins of note, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1385 2011-06-22T14:29:06Z 2011-06-22T14:36:48Z

A touch of royalty, it turns out, can do wonders for a destination. That seems to be the experience of the Seychelles

Relax News View image A touch of royalty, it turns out, can do wonders for a destination. That seems to be the experience of the Seychelles, basking in the glory of being chosen as the honeymoon spot for the world's most watched couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Ever since the first reports of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1384 2011-06-20T05:17:16Z 2011-06-20T05:24:46Z

The capital of Italy, Rome is surrounded by seven hills. Layers of history are superimposed here and they seem to be pouring out of every nook and corner.

Dr Ruchika Mendiratta The moment one reaches Rome one falls in love with it. This ancient city of Europe, situated on both sides of river Tiber, is a city of contrasts in many ways. A modern city squeezed into a maze of old streets. The capital of Italy, Rome is surrounded by seven tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1383 2011-06-18T05:20:26Z 2011-06-18T05:38:05Z

Escape the monsoon by heading to this German city, the fan-shaped plan of which inspired the layout of Washington DC

Aruna Rathod View image Cutting-edge technology, coupled with an old world charm, plenty of history, exhibitions and great shopping options make Karlsruhe in south-west Germany an offbeat summer destination. And surprisingly, not many are aware that this city's fan-shaped plan inspired the layout of Washington DC. Once there, check into one of the efficient tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1380 2011-06-15T07:18:51Z 2011-06-15T07:31:58Z

This ancient land has been here for aeons, and the tribal park status ensures it remains unchanged for future generations.

Shivangi Ambani View image The eroded remains of the ancestral Rocky Mountains -- the monolithic buttes and mesas that form Monument Valley, have come to define our notions of the Wild West by providing powerful backdrops to cowboys like John Wayne. Yet, nothing prepares you for the sight of those rocky giants materialising out tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1555 2011-06-15T07:18:47Z 2011-09-07T07:38:54Z

Today the group is already 400 members strong, and too only on basis of word-of-mouth referrals. Members appreciate the interesting activity mix and flexible format Get Alive offers.

View image Rock-climbing, Heritage walks, Mixology sessions, Art Walks, Ballroom bootcamps, Giveback initiatives, Wine-tasting, Photography courses, Pottery lessons .... The leisure activities segment is suddenly exploding in Gurgaon.And a primary catalyst of this change is Get Alive Gurgaon, an online social activity and outdoors group that specializes in constructing offline, real-time, fun, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1372 2011-06-11T07:00:41Z 2011-06-11T14:14:14Z

Adventurous Father-daughter duo braved the storms and unfurled the tricolour at Greenlandic icecap by crossing the 500 km stretch in just 19 days

Kanika Johri View image The distance to be covered is about 550 kms. The minimum temperature goes as low as -45° Celsius. Skiing through this unforgiving land is not for the weak. Ajeet Bajaj and his daughter Deeya skied through it in 19 days.The father-daughter duo braved the storms and blizzards to unfurl the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1371 2011-06-08T05:32:54Z 2011-06-08T05:57:33Z

My husband. My younger brother is a great travel partner too, as I make him do all the running.

Priyanka Monga View image 1. Are you a beach bunny or a terrain traveller? A terrain traveller, except my once-a-year-beach-vacation. 2. Your ideal travel partner? My husband. My younger brother is a great travel partner too, as I make him do all the running. 3. One destination that will never be on your wish tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1370 2011-06-04T04:26:29Z 2011-06-04T04:30:41Z

What makes matters worse is that we all have some relative or the other who actually gets these magical vacations.

Damini Purkayastha View image On Tuesday, my editor told me to take Hindi classes during the summer vacations. Within seconds, she added, "Oh wait, we don't get summer vacations." No. We don't. But we do get to write about them and rub salt into our wounds! We get to tell you about hobby classes tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1369 2011-06-02T08:03:43Z 2011-06-02T08:26:05Z

London will lead the world in terms of international tourist arrivals this year, according to new research released June 1 by MasterCard.

Relaxnews View image London will lead the world in terms of international tourist arrivals this year, according to new research released June 1 by MasterCard.The global payment giant's new index of Global Destination Cities predicts London will receive 20.1 million inbound passengers in 2011, slightly more than Paris's 18.1 million.Bangkok is expected to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1368 2011-06-02T06:22:14Z 2011-06-02T06:27:47Z

Holidays are a break from daily routine. My parents also made a plan to take a break from their daily routine for a refreshing short trip to Coorg.

Ipshita Soni Holidays are a break from daily routine. My parents also made a plan to take a break from their daily routine for a refreshing short trip to Coorg. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) is a favourite holiday destination in Karnataka with foggy hills, lush green forests, tea and coffee tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1367 2011-06-02T06:12:21Z 2011-06-02T06:19:36Z

In the US, we visited Boston and New York. Here, the most exciting place we thought was the Statue of Liberty.

Praveen Gupta I visited the northern parts of USA, Toronto and London, along with my wife and children, last summer. Though I had visited Canada and the US earlier on business trips, this trip with my family members was full of pleasure and fun. My children were delighted to see all these tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1366 2011-06-02T05:57:57Z 2011-06-02T07:01:54Z

Looking to run away from the Delhi heat this summer? Try one of these quaint and quiet spots...

Shoumeli Das View image Cannot bear the nine to seven job routines or the constant buzzing of your telephone anymore? Tired of the crowded metropolis and looking for a rejuvenating break that will rid you off your woes? Fret not if your boss refused you that two week holiday wou wanted this summer. HT tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1363 2011-05-31T09:57:10Z 2011-05-31T10:25:15Z

Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park guarantees big cat sightings throughout June. Find out why

Sneha Mahale View image The park is renowned as one of India's premier tiger reserves and shot to fame after a 1997 BBC documentary titled Land of the Tigers, showcasing Machali, the then local dominant tigress. Circa 2011, Machali has lost her territory to her daughter yet visitors continue to pile in searching for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1356 2011-05-27T05:16:22Z 2011-05-27T05:34:50Z

As dusk falls each day Sydney will be awash in a kaleidoscopic sea of light this week for the third edition of Vivid Sydney, the largest light and music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Relaxnews View image As dusk falls each day Sydney will be awash in a kaleidoscopic sea of light this week for the third edition of Vivid Sydney, the largest light and music festival in the Southern Hemisphere. In nearby Hong Kong, international collectors will have their eyes on Asia's thriving art scene at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1355 2011-05-26T07:29:58Z 2011-05-26T07:39:10Z

On the way from Pattaya to Bangkok we saw the world's largest gemstone gallery. We were introduced to the history and processing of gemstones.

Neena Jain View image In January this year, we, a group comprising five couples (all from the medical fraternity) from Sohna, planned a six-day trip to Bangkok and Pattaya. Our plane landed at the Swarnbhumi airport in Bangkok on a very pleasant morning. Immediately we left for Pattaya and on the way saw tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1354 2011-05-26T06:19:23Z 2011-05-26T06:32:27Z

We were searching for an offbeat locale and after doing our due diligence, we zeroed in on Khimsar, a name that sounded as exotic as the place that it was to be.

Namrata Kohli View image We were searching for an offbeat locale and after doing our due diligence, we zeroed in on Khimsar, a name that sounded as exotic as the place that it was to be. We reached the Khimsar fort, an hour or so before sunset. The majestic fort building is visible from tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1351 2011-05-22T17:23:21Z 2012-02-02T14:29:51Z

Whether or not you are a gizmo freak, there are a few gadgets that are a must-carry whenever you are travelling.

Sandeep Verma View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1350 2011-05-21T10:34:33Z 2011-05-21T11:04:34Z

A 15-day road-trip along the Konkan coast, from Mumbai to Goa, offers the best of sea-food options

Denise D'Silva View image The fish are everywhere. Heaped high on tables, drying in copious quantities on front porches. There's so much of fish around, that it's hard to tell if the Konkan is the coastline or the ocean itself. The Konkan coast is a gorgeous stretch of more than 25 beaches. If tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1321 2011-05-18T14:06:51Z 2011-05-19T05:50:21Z

Every week, The J Report will bring you a dispatch from the spiraling skyline of Manhattan.

Prabhat Jaiswala View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1319 2011-05-16T05:39:58Z 2011-05-16T05:59:46Z

These days, planning a summer vacation is no longer a choice between deluxe hotels for the rich and modest places for the rest of us.

Vir Sanghvi View image Now that the summer holidays are nearly upon us and everyone is making vacation plans, what are you planning to do? And where do you think you will go? Once upon a time, the choice was easy. The rich went to Europe or to some fancy destination. And the rest tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1318 2011-05-16T04:42:51Z 2011-05-16T04:51:33Z

Everyone earns at least a few air miles when they take a flight. Learn how to use them intelligently

Rishad Saam Mehta View image There is no such thing as a free flight. Unless of course you jump off a cliff or a tall building and fly from there for a few seconds before you land with a crash. Now that we've put the morbidity behind us, here is the good news. For a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1317 2011-05-07T07:40:10Z 2011-05-17T08:14:09Z

Head to this village in Sindhudurg for an authentic alphonso experience that will benefit the locals to

Shweta Mehta View image If you're among the thousands disappointed by the mangoes available in the city this season, head t o Sindhudurg for an authentic alphonso experience. Culture Aangan is organising trips to the village, 150 kms from Goa, all through this month, targeted at city dwellers and foreign tourists. And it's the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1316 2011-05-07T06:42:38Z 2011-05-07T06:48:17Z

Actor Bhagyashree takes a trip around the city and showcases the splendour that's on offer

View image Must See: The Burj Khalifa i s the tallest building in the world. It has an observation deck on the 124th floor, made o f concrete as a security measure. They say that even i f a plane collides into it, nothing will happen. The structure i s made keeping tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1315 2011-05-07T05:10:26Z 2011-05-07T06:19:41Z

Tired of a hectic work schedule and humdrum of a busy city life, I decided to take a weekend break with my family to the famous Corbett National Park.

Ravi Chopra Tired of a hectic work schedule and humdrum of a busy city life, I decided to take a weekend break with my family to the famous Corbett National Park. Being close to Delhi the place seemed a perfect weekend getaway. As we crossed the Kosi barrage the road sign directed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1314 2011-05-06T05:06:30Z 2011-05-06T07:28:24Z

So you enjoy zipping on the city roads on your bike, but always long for wide open spaces where you can go for leisure biking?

Sandeep Verma View image So you enjoy zipping on the city roads on your bike, but always long for wide open spaces where you can go for leisure biking? While long distance biking can be fun, safety is of paramount importance on such road trips. We spoke to a few biking enthusiasts on places tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1313 2011-05-05T05:48:46Z 2011-05-05T05:56:08Z

If birds, wildlife and beautiful flora and fauna are what the traveller in you has been craving for, the Bandhavgarh National Park is sure to put a smile on your face.

Geetika Jain View image Lush, scenic and teeming with wildlife, Bandhavgarh National Park nestles in the Vindhya mountains in Madhya Pradesh at the very heart of India. Bandhavgarh is famous for having the densest population of wild tigers anywhere in the world. Over a three night stay and five game drives in the park, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1312 2011-05-02T05:27:50Z 2011-05-02T08:07:36Z

Trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp is difficult, but exhilarating. And the abominable snowman is nowhere in sight

Utpal Parashar View image As someone who enjoys a brisk 90-minute walk daily, I think of myself as fit. So when an assignment required me to trek to Everest Base Camp, I presumed it wouldn't be difficult. But my confidence sank when the travel agent gave me a wry smile on learning of my tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1311 2011-04-30T07:10:13Z 2011-05-05T05:47:32Z

Head to The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense, which offers a glimpse of a rarely seen side of a city that is suffused with history

Kanupriya Kapoor View image It sounds like a place that is off the beaten track, and it is. The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense stands overlooking the eastern approach to Victoria Harbor -- a 20-minute subway ride from central Hong Kong, it offers up a rarely-glimpsed side of the city that is suffused tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1310 2011-04-30T06:16:02Z 2011-04-30T10:48:20Z

You've put in the extra hours, survived meetings and met crazy deadlines at work. Your reward, a trip worth a million dollars to the land Down Under

Kiran Mehta View image Irrespective o f whether you work for a multinational or a small startup; whether you're employed in a tiny rural village or a city that never sleeps; whether you're a CEO or a factory worker, here's a chance for you and your colleagues to win an all expenses trip to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1309 2011-04-30T06:05:54Z 2011-04-30T06:13:48Z

Kuoni launches exotic holidays in castles, palaces and villas in breathtakingly beautiful locales of Ireland, Switzerland and Greece.

View image Kuoni launches exotic holidays in castles, palaces and villas in breathtakingly beautiful locales of Ireland, Switzerland and Greece. These holidays are designed to indulge i n flamboyance suited for royalty but infused with a mix of modern facilities. A castle holiday to Dromoland Castle Galway Ireland, a magnificent example of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1308 2011-04-28T09:55:52Z 2011-04-28T10:07:03Z

I went on a tour of south India recently with my wife Anita, her younger sister Amita and son Pulkit.

VK Srivastav I went on a tour of south India recently with my wife Anita, her younger sister Amita and son Pulkit. We went by air from Delhi to Madurai and stayed there for four days. It was our first holiday in a group. We visited all the historical places and the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1307 2011-04-28T07:22:24Z 2011-04-28T08:06:24Z

Seoul, the capital of South Korea or sparkling Korea as it is called, is well-connected to most big cities of the world.

Alka Tandon View image Seoul, the capital of South Korea or sparkling Korea as it is called, is well-connected to most big cities of the world. Also referred to as the 'Land of the Morning Calm', Korea is the seventh largest economy of the world. The city is a unique blend of the traditional tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1306 2011-04-28T07:00:07Z 2011-04-28T07:16:11Z

Malta, an island divided between traditional and more out of the party is visited annually by thousands of tourists.

Sunil Sharma View image Malta, an island divided between traditional and more out of the party is visited annually by thousands of tourists. Malta, a country of travel contrasts. There you can find more remote from traditional to more uncontrolled parties so this is a country that tourists come looking for a different kind tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1305 2011-04-28T06:50:31Z 2011-04-28T07:19:13Z

Corbett and River Rafting at Uttarkhand leaves you breathless!Corbett is a delightful educational trip for the whole family! Of nature in a superabundant, undisturbed state.

Elsie Gabriel View image Corbett and River Rafting at Uttarkhand leaves you breathless!Corbett is a delightful educational trip for the whole family! Of nature in a superabundant, undisturbed state. An image of a vanishing world!Go off the beaten track, go to Corbett Country . I came away highly refreshed and accelerated! River Koshi had tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1296 2011-04-21T06:42:34Z 2012-02-02T14:28:14Z

TV host Mini Mathur on being a lusty traveller and her love for local cuisines

Priyanka Monga View image Are you a beach bunny or a terrain traveller? I oscillate between the two. The beach bunny goes on a trek at least once a year! Your ideal travel partner? My husband Kabir. He has such a keen sense of history and adventure. He is my perfect travel match, except tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1292 2011-04-20T08:27:08Z 2011-04-20T09:24:10Z

This hilly retreat is all about watching the wildlife, walking through old villages and soaking up some Colonial charm

View image An ideal getaway from the humdrum of city life, the Binsar Hills in Kumaon are a traveller's dream. They're peaceful, pretty and untouched by urban chaos. For those who think they'll miss luxury, the Heritage Home Mary Budden Estate perched atop the hills would prove otherwise. It's a dream come tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1291 2011-04-20T06:51:43Z 2011-04-20T07:00:08Z

Japan's rich culture and tradition is reflected in the grit showcased by its people

Geetika Jain View image As I watch the cherry trees bloom in London, my enjoyment is tinged with sadness. The gardens of Tokyo, canals of Kyoto and in the countryside everywhere, the Japanese hearts would have been stirring, for it is time to sit under the blooms and enjoy their picnics. This spring, however, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1288 2011-04-16T05:16:14Z 2011-04-16T06:02:55Z

Life Away from Life plans exclusive jeep safaris especially for aspiring photographers, across the moon-land of Ladakh.

View image Life Away from Life plans exclusive jeep safaris especially for aspiring photographers, across the moon-land of Ladakh. These safaris will be organised from May to September, 2011. All creative souls interested in experimental travel photography have to simply grab their cameras (professional camera not required) and get the best opportunity tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1287 2011-04-16T04:59:24Z 2011-04-16T05:14:44Z

Summer may not be the best time to visit these arid plains, but it's perfect weather to check out how people have learnt to subsist on meagre resources

Gangadharan Menon View image Bhuj is the gateway to a unique landscape that doesn't exist anywhere else in this world. It's called Kachchh. The vast expanse of these endless arid plains looks like a desert, but it's not a desert. It's not made of sand, but soil encrusted with salt. The British coined a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1286 2011-04-16T04:55:40Z 2011-04-16T04:56:41Z

Going to Goa in June is indeed a great idea. June is basically off-season and the beaches in the north and south are secluded. However, to ensure you have a lot of fun along with shopping, food and stay, I...

Going to Goa in June is indeed a great idea. June is basically off-season and the beaches in the north and south are secluded. However, to ensure you have a lot of fun along with shopping, food and stay, I would recommend that you go the northern part of Goa tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1285 2011-04-16T04:52:01Z 2011-04-16T04:54:14Z

If you are heading to Manali, then these are definitely some places worth visiting: 1. You can visit Solang Valley for paragliding and zorb ball. There is also a temple, and a waterfall en route to Solang Valley, look for...

If you are heading to Manali, then these are definitely some places worth visiting: 1. You can visit Solang Valley for paragliding and zorb ball. There is also a temple, and a waterfall en route to Solang Valley, look for it just when you cross Iron Bridge. We trekked over tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1284 2011-04-11T05:31:30Z 2011-04-11T05:46:47Z

Goa isn't just about beaches and babes. This holiday season, head to Fontainhas, and check out the history on offer

Sonia Nazareth View image Six o' clock in the morning and I can't sleep. I'm too excited. I stare out the window of my hotel in Fontainhas, Panaji's oldest and most interesting district with wide tree-lined boulevards, winding residential alleys and a row of neoclassical houses. It's very peaceful and entirely still. I leap tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1283 2011-04-11T04:56:01Z 2011-04-11T05:52:25Z

As South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on April 27, we take a tour to Robben Island, a place that signifies the country's long walk to freedom from apartheid

Vidya Balachander View image Until I took the boat from the Victoria and Albert waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, I always visualised Robben Island to be a dark, forsaken island, not much touched by sunlight or positive energy. After all, it was where Nelson Mandela, the former president of the Rainbow Nation, had tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1282 2011-04-07T04:04:03Z 2011-04-07T04:18:46Z

This spring, soak up in the sun and enjoy bright yellow daffodils and plush green meadows at the Tyringham Hall in Buckinghamshire, England

Geetika Jain View image This spring, soak up in the sun and enjoy bright yellow daffodils and plush green meadows at the Tyringham Hall in Buckinghamshire, England With the Magnolias and Cherry blossoms in full bloom, England starts to look very attractive now. Winter's short, dark days are chased away by the summer's sun tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1281 2011-04-04T06:05:58Z 2011-04-04T06:16:09Z

The celebrated ancient monuments of the Nile Valley beckon tourists to explore the ingenuity of the Pharaohs' creations, despite simmering political tensions

Neena Bhandari View image Our arrival in Cairo had co-incided with the tumultuous events that led to the end of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's dictatorial reign. But even at 3 am on January 26, the streets were buzzing with Hyundais, Fords and some old oil guzzlers. Illuminated monuments and buildings went whizzing past as tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1280 2011-03-31T10:18:06Z 2011-04-27T10:07:11Z

Cape Town was born in 1652, the day Dutch commander Jan van Riebeeck laid claim to the land for the Dutch East India Company.

Sandip Hor View image After 21 years, Mahatma Gandhi left the shores of South Africa permanently for India, on board SS Kinfauns Castle, from the port city Cape Town, located at the southernmost tip of Africa. Landing there almost a century later, I pleasingly discovered that modern Capetonians continue to remember him with respect. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1279 2011-03-30T07:38:13Z 2011-03-30T07:57:39Z

Soak in the calmness of Bhutan, a country resting in a time warp

Namya Sinha View image Nestled in the southern slopes of the Himalayas, the landlocked Kingdom of Bhutan will take you back in time with its ethnic grandeur and unspoilt cultural heritage. You still wouldn't find traffic intersections or red lights in any of its cities, and you'd notice people go to office wearing the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1278 2011-03-28T04:56:08Z 2011-03-28T05:31:19Z

Art and science creativity comes together at the ArtScience Museum in Marina Bay Sands, has managed to create quite a buzz

Kalpana Sunder View image Call it a bunch of bananas or an upturned lotus, or 'the welcoming hand of Singapore', the ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is supposedly the 'first' ArtScience Museum in the world. Its creator, Moshe Safdie, the Israel-born, US-based architect known for his geometric designs and open tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1277 2011-03-23T06:16:10Z 2011-03-23T06:45:32Z

Munich woos you with its relaxed life, old-world feel, and lively beer halls

Geetika Jain View image "Munich is very similar to Boston" observed our host Paul, a Munchner, who has lived in several cities. "They are both university towns settled on the banks of a river, have low rise, charming architecture, a strong focus on the tech industry, a pace of life which tends to be tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1276 2011-03-22T04:08:27Z 2011-03-22T04:29:40Z

If you love that glass of single malt, then travel to the various distilleries dotting the Speyside region by Bhaichand Patel

Bhaichand Patel View image I thought it was the water that gave Scotch whisky its unique character. The whisky has often been imitated but never equalled. The water does play a vital role but there is more to it than just that, as I found out on my recent visit to Speyside. This was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1275 2011-03-09T11:36:55Z 2011-03-09T11:45:01Z

A trip to Hong Kong Disneyland is the stuff most dream holidays are made of

View image Tinker Bell sprinkled her magical mist over Sleeping Beauty's castle at dusk to turn it into a glistening kaleidoscope of colours. A laser show of lights and fireworks looked as if this wasn't happening in Hong Kong Disneyland but in a fairy tale itself. Tinker Bell, the pixie fairy from tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1274 2011-03-09T11:24:48Z 2011-03-09T11:35:29Z

Panama: Off the beaten path Nancy Trejos discovered Panama's hidden gems thanks to recommendations from her online social network. By Nancy Trejos

Washington Post Staff Writer View image "Bocas del Toro!" said Seth, a guy I'd briefly dated, directing me to an archipelago in the Caribbean. "Stay the hell away from Hotel Tropical," warned William, a grade-school classmate. Never mind that I hadn't seen these people in years. They were my Facebook friends, and I was willing to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1273 2011-03-07T05:25:25Z 2011-03-07T06:32:49Z

The town of Niagara offers so much more to visitors than just the spectacular waterfalls

Kinjal Dagli Shah View image There's Niagara Falls, and then there's Niagara-on-the Lake. For most tourists, the ride ends at the beauty of the Falls, with a few hundred photographs and some souvenirs. Nothing wrong with this if you're terminating your sojourn on the US side of the Falls, but you've left much unexplored if tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1272 2011-03-03T07:02:52Z 2011-03-03T07:08:12Z

On the Disney Dream, a ship with less than a month of sailing time under her keel, I sniffed my way around 14 decks and 1,250 staterooms. I stuck my nose into six restaurants, two theaters, one spa and one mouse face.

Andrea Sachs, Washington Post View image Ah, new-boat smell.On the Disney Dream, a ship with less than a month of sailing time under her keel, I sniffed my way around 14 decks and 1,250 staterooms. I stuck my nose into six restaurants, two theaters, one spa and one mouse face. I stood in the airy atrium, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1271 2011-02-23T05:50:50Z 2011-02-23T05:54:39Z

Religious tourism gets an overhaul with the coming up of luxury hotels at various pilgrimage destinations

Navdeep Kaur Marwah View image The religious destinations are no longer just places of worship. The tourism industry is realising the vast untapped potential of religious spots as the new destination of choice. And if one was to say that religious tourism in the country has taken a new dimension with the coming up of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1270 2011-02-19T07:59:15Z 2011-02-19T08:28:21Z

The protests are over, and time may be right to make a trip to the land of the Nile, pyramids and mummies

Sneha Mahale View image Of late, Egypt has been in news for all the wrong reasons. But it isn't easy to ignore the art, architecture and history of the country. Here are some places that are a must in any itinerary. Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx and Cairo Museum: Any trip to Cairo is incomplete tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1269 2011-02-16T06:07:22Z 2011-02-16T06:43:30Z

Landscapes that stretch forever, are the antidote to stressful city dwelling

Geetika Jain View image Spending time in wilderness is increasingly becoming the antidote to stressful city living. World population has narrowly become more urban than rural. Experts are predicting that within the next fifty years or so, seventy-five percent of the world's people will be living in cities. I remember walking in the valleys tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1268 2011-02-07T09:56:05Z 2011-02-07T10:11:52Z

The Malaga area at this time of the year is heaving with the seventy-five years plus generation from across Europe, trying to escape from harsh winters to the sunny side.

Himali Kothari View image The bus moves out of the Malaga bus station, heading towards Mijas, the first of the white Andalusian villages on my itinerary. The Malaga area at this time of the year is heaving with the seventy-five years plus generation from across Europe, trying to escape from harsh winters to the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1267 2011-02-05T09:32:42Z 2011-02-05T11:19:35Z

As thousands of locals join the world's biggest exodus to Mainland China to celebrate the Lunar New Year, tourists can head to few overlooked destinations in Hong Kong that are worth checking out

Kanupriya Kapoor View image Hong Kong is many things to different people. Some carve a space for themselves in its crowded tenements, and others take comfort in the transience it embodies; the moneyed elite tout its wide offering of high culture, while the cultured scoff at how shallow it is. Even as thousands join tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1266 2011-02-05T09:29:29Z 2011-02-05T11:28:11Z

Alhambra is not just another historical site and a visit to the Alhambra is not just any ordinary visit.

Himali Kothari View image The Alhambra is not just another historical site and a visit to the Alhambra is not just any ordinary visit. The Alhambra is a matter of great pride for Spain and great care is being taken towards its preservation. Only a limited number of tickets are sold to restrict footfalls. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1265 2011-02-04T10:52:55Z 2011-02-04T11:28:59Z

The Albaicin is a hootch-porch pile of whitewashed, red-roofed houses connected by pebble-stoned steps and inclines.

Himali Kothari View image "So, is this is the road that comes from the direction of the airport, and this is the island of Haji Ali, then about 30 minutes down this road is where my friends live," he says. "How long was I on that train? Am I back in Bombay?" He laughs. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1264 2011-02-03T10:12:59Z 2011-02-03T10:30:23Z

Today, I am daytripping to Cordoba from Seville. Cordoba's entire old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Himali Kothari View image Today, I am daytripping to Cordoba from Seville. Cordoba's entire old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus great care has been taken to curtail any development that mars the original features. Bars, cafes, boutiques and shops have found a way to co-exist within the framework of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1263 2011-02-02T06:10:42Z 2011-02-02T06:41:21Z

Seville is considered to be the tapas capital of Spain and some statistic I read said that there are more tapas bars per person in Seville than anywhere in Spain

Hemali Kothari View image Cafes in Seville, for that matter in most of Spain, change personalities through the day. The same places that were tapas bars by the day and watering holes by evening, don the hat of breakfast cafes in the morning. The most popular breakfast dish is the tostada, a yummier version tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1258 2011-01-31T08:14:56Z 2011-01-31T08:37:01Z

Seville's old town is a maze of narrow brick lanes and plazas adorned with fountains and orange trees.

Himali Kothari View image The train station of Seville needs to be moved. Or maybe some kind of a vacuum tube can be created which sucks visitors out of the train and straight to the centre of the old town. The periphery is drab and lifeless and it is only when you see the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1257 2011-01-30T08:07:18Z 2011-01-30T09:30:04Z

Toledo is serviced by a hop-on hop-off tourist bus but for those fairly able it is best discovered on foot.

Himali Kothari View image My hotel in Toledo is located within the old town in an ancient stone building in one of the many one-car-at-a-time lanes. The tiny balcony overlooks a street lit golden at night by a trapezoid wrought iron lamp fixed into the building wall. The brick wall of the building across tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1256 2011-01-29T08:14:13Z 2011-01-29T08:27:48Z

Visit synagogues, eat Jewish cuisine and listen to Klezmer music in Kazimierz, Poland

Kalpana Sunder View image We are sitting at an outdoor table at the Jewish restaurant Ariel in the Jewish district of Krakow, Poland called Kazimierz. The witty waiter has worked on large cruise ships and regales us with stories of Indian guests on board. Inside the restaurant is a Fiddler On The Roof ambience tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1255 2011-01-28T06:51:55Z 2011-01-28T07:20:14Z

Toledo is a town with lots to see. It is often referred to as a melting pot of three cultures - Christian, Jewish and Islamic and this synergy of architecture and design all over town lends it a unique flavour.

Himali Kothari View image Just 45 minutes by bus from Madrid, Toledo is a day visit from Madrid for most visitors. But, since fairytale towns are more my thing than large cities, I chose to spend a couple of nights in Toledo. As the bus approached Toledo, I knew I had made the right tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1254 2011-01-28T06:25:39Z 2011-01-29T08:11:10Z

Mumbai is the city by the sea - and yet, Mumbaikars have been determined landlubbers. No longer, though. As more people are beginning to realise, anyone can sail - right here

Mignonne Dsouza View image There are three myths about sailing 1. It is glamorous 2. It is expensive 3. It can only be done in exotic locales abroad, like the Mediterranean We're happy to report, then, that while sailing is indeed glamorous, it is neither expensive nor something you can only hope to do tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1253 2011-01-28T05:00:25Z 2011-01-28T05:17:55Z

Andorra has many spas, but the biggest and most amazing one is Caldea. It has a huge indoor-outdoor pool with bubbles and jets.

View image It's less than 32 kilometres from border to border. It has two heads of state, a bishop from Spain and the president of France, but its official language is Catalan. Its mountains rise higher than 2,745 meters, and they accommodate some 20 kilometres of ski slopes. This is Andorra, a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1252 2011-01-27T04:08:31Z 2011-01-27T04:16:56Z

Segovia's piece de resistance is the Roman Aqueduct. It is stunning to see this ancient emblem of the Roman times running through the centre of the town slicing it neatly into two halves.

Himali Kothari View image I spotted my reflection in the window in the metro yesterday and realised I am a walking talking babushka! You know, the Russian dolls that are packed one into another and as you remove one layer, there is a smaller one inside it! Thankfully I am travelling solo and all tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1251 2011-01-25T10:56:11Z 2011-01-25T11:08:47Z

I had put Cuenca on my itinerary purely on the basis of a picture I had seen of its famed Casas Colgadas, literally translated, the Hanging Houses.

Himali Kothari View image I had put Cuenca on my itinerary purely on the basis of a picture I had seen of its famed Casas Colgadas, literally translated, the Hanging Houses. When I got off the station I was sure I had made some mistake. Maybe there were two Cuencas in Spain? The station tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1250 2011-01-24T12:00:46Z 2011-01-24T12:19:15Z

A typical Spanish Sunday would be incomplete without a two hour long post-lunch siesta. Sunday evening is spent strolling at Parque del Retiro.

Hemali Kothari View image It is a lovely Sunday morning. Ok, that's not true. It is -1°C and my strawberry flavoured moisturiser has taken on the appearance of strawberry ice-cream, so it is not a lovely morning but there is something to be said about the power of positive thinking, right? And lovely or tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1243 2011-01-23T15:49:58Z 2011-01-23T16:07:06Z

A recent survey meant to list out the top ten bed and breakfast stay destinations in the world has declared a quaint B&B from a tiny village in Scotland as the number one choice.

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1242 2011-01-23T15:17:04Z 2011-01-23T15:36:31Z

Shoestring wallets have heart. The city's outskirts offer great escapes for travellers in under Rs 500

Sharin Bhatti View image Maximum City never ceases to amaze. Of all its clustered cubbyholes of culture at every corner, it also offers great escapes at reasonable rates. From great historical heritage walks to a visit to virgin beaches and even waterfall treks, the Western Ghats offer much respite for the traveller's soul. Here tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1241 2011-01-23T15:06:50Z 2011-01-23T15:16:01Z

At Nuwara Eliya, visit Horton Plains for an encounter with the ethereal

Anushree Chatterjee View image Most initial impressions of Sri Lanka are those of palm-lined beaches and azure seas. Nuwara Eliya stands as a mystic counterpoint to these primary notions. Stationed at a dizzying 6,000-odd feet above the Sri Lankan waters, Nuwara Eliya is simply the 'city on a plain'. This highland town was once tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1240 2011-01-23T14:39:21Z 2011-01-23T14:48:27Z

One of the most interesting sections of the palace is the Pantheon which houses crypts containing the mortal remains of 12 Spanish monarchs and their queens and parents.

Himali Kothari View image The weather application on my ipod is not working. How can it be 2°C AND bright and sunny? I tap it a few times to make it see reason but it remains obstinate. Then it comes to me, in Madrid the sun is ONLY the source of light NOT heat! tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1239 2011-01-22T07:36:04Z 2011-01-22T08:44:35Z

My name can now be added to the hordes that came to this experience that is called Barcelona and fell in love with it.

Himali Kothari View image My name can now be added to the hordes that came to this experience that is called Barcelona and fell in love with it. But, heavy as the feet may be, it's time for them to move on. Adios Barcelona, hola Madrid. I am prepared for the worst, weather-wise. Or tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1237 2011-01-21T17:21:45Z 2011-01-27T05:07:20Z

The first sight of the Montserrat leaves me spellbound. As the train snakes through the route, I twist my neck in all directions to avoid losing sight of the mountain.

Himali Kothari View image Hevre's friend Ana joins us for breakfast today. She is an Argentinian who came to visit Barcelona six years ago, fell in love with its vibe and has been living here ever since. The cultural mix at the table provides for some interesting conversation before we all head off towards tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1234 2011-01-20T13:56:03Z 2011-01-22T07:17:46Z

The town has a beautifully landscaped promenade by the sea and a few buildings of note, like a church, town hall and a couple of museums.

Himali Kothari View image so, obviously people must be getting robbed in Barcelona all the time...those articles on the internet cannot all be made up! But if the last two days are anything to go by, I haven't felt more safe in a city than here! Whether it is in the metro, or the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1233 2011-01-20T13:50:15Z 2011-01-20T13:53:06Z

When I first started planning a trip to Spain, I had intended to do a language immersion course for 10 days and devote just a week to travel.

Himali Kothari View image When I first started planning a trip to Spain, I had intended to do a language immersion course for 10 days and devote just a week to travel. I had just completed my Diploma in Spanish in Mumbai and thought such a course would help me dig my roots deeper tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1232 2011-01-20T13:46:02Z 2011-01-20T13:48:54Z

The previous evening Herve had informed me that breakfast time would be signalled by playing music.

Himali Kothari View image The previous evening Herve had informed me that breakfast time would be signalled by playing music. "Don't need to rush out if you are in the shower, come after you are finished." I guess that instruction must have been added after a few instances of dripping guests in their towels tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1228 2011-01-15T04:13:25Z 2011-01-15T04:29:59Z

Thoughts of an Indian bride recently initiated into a new country's culture

Vidya Balanchander View image I have visited Sri Lanka twice: the first was as a tourist and the second as a bride. Predictably, perhaps, the Emerald Isle revealed different facets of its social and cultural fabric to me each time. The common thread linking both these visits was that they were made in December. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1227 2011-01-14T04:08:07Z 2011-01-14T04:20:41Z

The journey is nearly 160 km. After an overnight stay in the Jain Mandir complex we started trekking at 7am to the main sanctorum from where the 12th Jain Tirthankar, Vasupujyaji attained Nirvana. It is 3 km from the complex.

AK Jain View image We often go on pilgrimages and it is a unique experience. This time we went to Shikharji, Parasnath, one of the biggest Jain pilgrimage centres in the country. It is the place where 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation. One has to trek 27 km and cover tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1226 2011-01-13T06:03:51Z 2011-01-13T06:28:39Z

If your idea of fun is pushing your body to its limits, the sports activities listed below may be worth your while

View image Mumbai may seem all sin and vice but there's something for everyone in this city. Especially for those who like heading outdoors and climbing a peak. The city is located near the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) that run parallel to the western coast of India, separating it from the heartland. Trekking tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1225 2011-01-10T04:19:35Z 2011-01-10T06:01:20Z

Kannur is a land with pristine beaches, old-school churches and forts, and an impressive display of tradition

Sonia Nazareth View image Kannur's spotlight on Kerala's stage remains a little dim, but only because its tourism hasn't actively kicked in. I find the place as historic, artistic and attractive as its bigger, louder neighbours. I also find it has come well recommended. Marco Polo, the intrepid traveller, christened Kannur many centuries ago: tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1224 2011-01-09T13:41:05Z 2011-01-09T13:49:15Z

1 Plan it right: Make sure your trip is planned well in advance. Check on the general road conditions and before travelling, confirm whether the high mountain passes are open . 2 Woolly alert: Carry heavy woollens to beat the...

View image 1 Plan it right: Make sure your trip is planned well in advance. Check on the general road conditions and before travelling, confirm whether the high mountain passes are open . 2 Woolly alert: Carry heavy woollens to beat the chill in the high mountain areas. Don't forget your snow tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1223 2011-01-09T13:27:58Z 2011-01-09T13:36:45Z

Although 2011's cruise ships lack the star power of Royal Caribbean's gigantic Oasis-class cruise ships launched in 2010 and 2009, the year will see the launch of several rather more nimble ships. Look out for the long-awaited Disney Dream, the...

View image Although 2011's cruise ships lack the star power of Royal Caribbean's gigantic Oasis-class cruise ships launched in 2010 and 2009, the year will see the launch of several rather more nimble ships. Look out for the long-awaited Disney Dream, the Carnival Magic and the Costa Favolosa, which are likely to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1222 2011-01-07T04:14:41Z 2011-01-07T06:06:17Z

St Tropez is a a resort town in South of France. The closest airports are Nice and Marseille.

Amrit Kiran Singh View image Two of the three most photographed women in the world, Princess Diana and Bridgette Bardot (the third being Marilyn Monroe) have a Saint Tropez connection. Read on... The harbor at Saint Tropez with its clear blue skies, shimmering blue waters for miles, gleaming yachts with their bright white sails filled tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1221 2011-01-06T04:05:24Z 2011-01-06T04:16:12Z

One can indulge in rock climbing, rappeling, elephant eafari, fishing or bird watching

Sunil Pathania Last March we travelled to Jim Corbett National Park and it was an amazing experience. We left from Delhi by road and enjoyed every bit of the journey. The Corbett National Park has hills, swamps, riverine belts and meadows, covering an area of 522 km at the foothills of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1220 2011-01-05T08:01:12Z 2011-01-05T09:10:51Z

The climate in the district is very harsh as much of the land falls under a cold desert. The mercury drops below minus 20 degrees Celsius.

View image What would you do if you were stuck in a snow- covered place and cut off from the rest of the world for five months? Lament? But this landlocked Himachal Pradesh town makes the most of it by holding celebrations, gambling, knitting, drinking and making merry! Heavy snowfall high up tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1219 2011-01-03T06:44:08Z 2011-01-03T07:23:35Z

Thousands of birds fly to Nandur every year to beat the November chill

C Gangadhar Menon View image There are over a dozen waterbodies in a 50 km radius around the city of Nashik. The largest and most beautiful of them is Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary, known as the Bharatpur of Maharashtra. Islands of reeds float serenely in this vast waterbody created by the backwaters of the Nandur tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2011://1.1218 2011-01-03T06:26:32Z 2011-01-03T06:42:47Z

Cox and Kings tells us what destinations Indians most preferred in 2010

View image Maldives: Maldives is the ideal tropical holiday destination for Indians as it offers a heady mixture of sun, sand and sea. It has a thousand 'Robinson Crusoe' islands, massive lagoons, infinite shades of blue and turquoise, underwater coral gardens, water sports activities and luxurious spas. Macau: Macau is considered to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1217 2010-12-31T05:27:07Z 2010-12-31T05:42:28Z

Visiting Turkey is like dipping into a mystery box of sweets

Parul Khanna Tewari View image It's difficult to describe Turkey, however many words you've got. The country feels like home, yet it has much to discover. It has beautiful beaches, romantic cities and unique mountains. It has a family system like ours - believe it or not, people there also live with their in-laws and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1216 2010-12-30T09:35:17Z 2010-12-30T09:51:07Z

Mauritius is a beautiful tropical island, deep within the Indian Ocean, many nautical miles from the coast of Madagascar.

Elsie Gabriel View image It is easy to run out of adjectives when attempting to describe the awesome natural luscious beauty of the tropical Indian Ocean island paradise of Mauritius. The volcanic island Republic, lies east of Madagascar, near Africa just south of the Equator. Besides the sun and sand, Mauritius is a very tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1215 2010-12-30T06:11:34Z 2010-12-30T06:33:23Z

The city of Chandigarh is a birdwatcher's ultimate quick getaway this winter

View image Escaping the harsh cold of their habitats, hundreds of warbling guests among them brahmi ducks, red-crusted pochards, grebes and geese have come flocking to Sukhna Lake and the 190 water bodies dotting the area. And they are being made to feel at home. Migratory birds start arriving in the Sukhna tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1214 2010-12-29T04:59:26Z 2010-12-29T05:21:21Z

We stayed at the Movenpick Resort right on the Dead Sea, a luxurious hotel with stunning views and rooms built like a Moroccan village.

Kalpana Sunder View image This may be the lowest point on earth at 422m below sea level, but it's certainly been the high point of my trip to Jordan! The stark Dead Sea landscape has an otherworldly beauty, almost like a moonscape. It's enshrouded by a diaphanous haze in the air, created by the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1213 2010-12-29T04:22:24Z 2010-12-29T04:30:20Z

This megalithic passage tomb is older than the Pyramids, and also as mysterious

Kalpana Sunder View image An alien flying saucer? My first glimpse of Newgrange from outside the shuttle bus is magical and otherworldly. Five thousand years ago, settlers raised livestock and grew crops in this fertile valley. They were artful architects and engineers who built mounds, hilltop forts and shrines. Newgrange is part of a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1210 2010-12-24T06:22:04Z 2010-12-24T06:33:35Z

Jordan has an interesting and strong connect with the legend of Christ

Rupali Dean View image Having heard about Moses and the Promised Land, Jordan had always intrigued me, so when a bunch of friends planned a trip, there was no way I could not be a part of it! Mosaic floor map at Madaba My first port of call was Madaba after a brief rest tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1209 2010-12-22T06:03:26Z 2010-12-22T08:39:07Z

Myanmar's essence is that of a teenager experiencing a prolonged childhood enforced by draconian parents.

Geetika jain View image I'd stopped to take a photograph of local men playing a game of chinlon, with a cane ball, when our otherwise relaxed guide, Mrs. Kyi Kyi, ushered us away. "The party's headquarters are here, we must not linger." Earlier, she not only dissuaded us from tarrying near the barricade outside tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1208 2010-12-20T10:06:26Z 2010-12-21T14:36:31Z

On a short trip to Hong Kong, I discovered that Christie's auctions are nothing like the glamorous events we see in the movies

View image Back in Hong Kong after a year for a flying visit to learn a little something about jewellery - a subject in which I have been proud to take no interest at all so far! But more about that in a minute. I still remember, when the new Hong Kong tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1204 2010-12-17T05:15:28Z 2010-12-19T18:53:41Z

Louisville a charming little town in the heart of the Big Apple

Navroze D Dhondy View image If you're packing your bags for a trip to the Big Apple, take a detour from the big cities, and savour a sip of one of America's best from Louisville, Kentucky, not just the world's favourite horse centre, but also the world's favourite 'bourbon-playground'. "We haven't had much rain here tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1203 2010-12-16T06:21:29Z 2010-12-16T07:08:19Z

In his years at this resort in Thekkady in Kerala he had obviously encountered many a stubborn Gujarati palate and knew better than to mess with one.

Himali Kothari View image "No, no, no...this is not how tur dal is made", my aunt said. "You have not put any jaggery or curry leaves and kokam...how can you make tur dal without kokam? "Kokam?" the chef said. "We never put in dal." "Nonsense! Dal cannot not have kokam!" The chef succumbed. "Smart tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1198 2010-12-15T04:13:10Z 2010-12-15T04:50:06Z

Planning a trip to London this Christmas? Three days are enough to enjoy!

Upala Sen View image No, I am not trying to sell you London for the nth time. I know you go to London more often than I frequent Lajpat. I know you know Trafalgar Square like the back of your hand and perhaps you can even quote back to me the price of fleece tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1195 2010-12-11T14:41:41Z 2010-12-11T14:48:07Z

Coonoor, defined by its chirpy birds, pristine blue skies, red soil and dew-laden leaves, is not far from a Van Gogh idyll

Sonia Nazareth View image This summer, I was invited to spend a few days with friends in a farmhouse in Upper Coonoor. All I knew about the town was that it was regarded by people to be a perfect hilly getaway. "Ah, Coonoor...", they would sigh, in tones otherwise reserved for an Indian tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1194 2010-12-10T07:34:58Z 2010-12-10T09:13:48Z

The lady likes night flights and prefers sightseeing to shopping

Samarth Goyal View image Actor Soha Ali Khan (left) likes to travel in style. And though she does get tired of her constant jet-setting routine, she tries to take a break with a rejuvenating holiday every once in a while. Here's a quick peek into her travelling habits. Louis Vuitton trunk or a good tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1193 2010-12-08T04:36:10Z 2010-12-08T05:15:33Z

Here's a list of places to rock your New Year's Eve celebrations

View image Macau You ain't experienced anything till you've taken a leap off the Macau Tower. At 764ft, the world's highest bungee jump takes you six seconds to get down (it takes 60 to go up in the elevator), and you do so at 200 km/hr. Visit macau.ajhackett.com Thailand One night in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1192 2010-12-08T04:13:36Z 2010-12-08T04:32:44Z

My visit to Khajjiar was quite memorable. After a tiring bus journey of almost 16 hours, when I reached Dalhousie with my family, we felt as fresh as we were at the time of starting the journey.

Jitendra Gupta View image My visit to Khajjiar was quite memorable. After a tiring bus journey of almost 16 hours, when I reached Dalhousie with my family, we felt as fresh as we were at the time of starting the journey. With the sun rising from behind the mountains one could feel the freshness tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1191 2010-12-04T09:44:37Z 2010-12-04T11:11:26Z

Learn about the hierarchy that birds follow, get a hydromassage in a rivulet and a glimpse of a breathtaking waterfall, all at Mollem, Goa

C Gangadharan Menon View image When we reached Mollem forest office, we were offered two stay options. One was at the rest house next to the office, and the other in a tent smack in the middle of the forest. Without batting an eyelid, we chose the more romantic option. But it came with a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1190 2010-12-03T06:37:29Z 2010-12-03T08:08:36Z

It is not just the airlines that have had a makeover, so have many of the ancillary services.

Himali Kothari View image This apology comes, long over due...a little over 30 years. It goes out to all my co-passengers on Sabena Airlines, Bombay-Brussels sector on 10th March 1979. I bawled through most of the ten-hour long flight and even crapped in my pants a few times. I was nervous and fidgety. No tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1189 2010-12-02T04:44:20Z 2010-12-02T05:10:16Z

We, a group of three families, decided to visit Malaysia that has something for everyone, beautiful beaches and theme parks, and is also a shopper's paradise.

Mukul Sagar View image We, a group of three families, decided to visit Malaysia that has something for everyone, beautiful beaches and theme parks, and is also a shopper's paradise. The moment our flight landed in Langkawi, the fun began. It was drizzling and the weather was perfect. On our way to the hotel, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1184 2010-11-29T06:35:51Z 2010-11-29T06:36:59Z

You can take the Paschim Express from Mumbai to Bharatpur. You need to reserve your tickets up to Mathura. The closest station to Ranthambore is Sawai Madhopur. Janashatabdi train is a good choice from Bharatpur as the distance is around...

You can take the Paschim Express from Mumbai to Bharatpur. You need to reserve your tickets up to Mathura. The closest station to Ranthambore is Sawai Madhopur. Janashatabdi train is a good choice from Bharatpur as the distance is around 150-200 km. The Ranthambore jungle safari starts at 6 am tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1183 2010-11-29T06:33:52Z 2010-11-29T06:34:55Z

The nearest railway station is Cochin, and it takes about five hours by cab to Munnar. Taxis are the best mode of transport. Budget hotels can be found in the middle of town. There are many places of interest, like...

The nearest railway station is Cochin, and it takes about five hours by cab to Munnar. Taxis are the best mode of transport. Budget hotels can be found in the middle of town. There are many places of interest, like the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupatty Dam and lake, Top station, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1182 2010-11-29T04:23:12Z 2010-11-29T05:00:47Z

For my family and two other families who had joined us, it was a very special trip cum pilgrimage to Srinagar and the Amarnath cave.

Yogesh Aggarwal For my family and two other families who had joined us, it was a very special trip cum pilgrimage to Srinagar and the Amarnath cave. We boarded a flight to Srinagar from where we headed to Sonmarg by road. There was tight security everywhere due to the disturbance. Even we tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1181 2010-11-28T15:25:36Z 2010-11-29T05:12:47Z

After you've swung 400 meters above Queenstown, all other adventure sports will seem tame in comparison

Shweta Mehta View image As a child, I remember competing aggressively with the kid on the swing next to mine at the local playground -- who could go higher? The reward may have been as measly as bragging rights for the next 10 minutes, but it was fiercely contested nonetheless. If I was still tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1180 2010-11-26T04:00:32Z 2010-11-26T05:14:41Z

Preparation for a visa application is a complicated affair.

Himali Kothari View image She gave me a nervous smile as she turned towards me. The tremor in her hand was evident. Her nervousness powered my confidence. I composed my features to present the most languid picture that I could. "Is this your first time?" she asked. I gave myself a mental pat on tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1179 2010-11-24T06:22:54Z 2010-11-24T06:53:54Z

Photographer hopes to draw tourists back, compares its winters to those in Antarctica

Shweta Mehta View image August 2010 saw a cloudburst wreck the homes and lives of several Ladakhis, while temporarily blocking one of their main sources of income - tourism. And tourists are still shying away from one of the most popular among offbeat travel locations in India. "Some people went to Ladakh barely two tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1178 2010-11-24T05:15:22Z 2010-11-24T05:24:27Z

At this time of the year, New York is abuzz with old traditions and new ideas

Geetika Jain View image It is autumn in New York, and the leaves in Central Park are turning orange, yellow, red and purple. As people crumple them underfoot on long walks, it's hard not to be are arrested by the beauty. The shop windows festively reflect the autumn colours. Just a few days to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1177 2010-11-23T06:14:30Z 2010-11-23T07:06:26Z

Lonar in Buldhana district of Maharashtra has a special place on the geological map of India. Its claim to fame is a salt water lake in basaltic rock

Aditya Gokhale View image Lonar in Buldhana district of Maharashtra has a special place on the geological map of India. Its claim to fame is a salt water lake in basaltic rock -- the world's only such lake -- believed to have been caused by the impact of a meteorite that struck the earth tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1176 2010-11-20T07:12:41Z 2010-11-20T07:30:05Z

The Tatra mountains loom large over Zakopane in Southern Poland, a region known best for its distinctive culture and snowy ski slopes

Kalpana Sunder View image I am staring at a local Polish lad with mesmeric light eyes standing beside his horse and carriage. He is confident, thriving on all the attention that he gets. He is a Gorale (from the Polish word, goral for mountain), wearing Highlander clothes embellished with embroidery. His outfit includes a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1174 2010-11-17T16:18:42Z 2010-11-17T16:31:33Z

For those who want to try a more adventurous holiday in 2011, but do not want to leave their home comforts behind, a cruise could provide the solution.

View image For those who want to try a more adventurous holiday in 2011, but do not want to leave their home comforts behind, a cruise could provide the solution. Pick one from among these world's top 10 destinations: Australia: While in Australia, you can avoid long coach tours, time-consuming drives and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1172 2010-11-15T08:29:42Z 2010-11-17T16:29:56Z

With its sheer variety of bars and restaurants, it's impossible not to have a good time in the Spanish capital

Sonia Nazareth View image To get an idea of how much Madrilenos like to go out and let their hair down, I am fed this one simple statistic: Madrid has more bars than any other city in the world -- six in fact, for every 100 inhabitants! Which explains why the city is buzzing tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1160 2010-11-10T08:42:57Z 2010-11-10T10:41:28Z

Paraty is a charm-infused historic town on Brazil's east coast

Geetika Jain View image When my friend heard that I was going to visit the town of Paraty in Brazil, she became animated. "Paraty is where we went for our honeymoon. A friend had offered us her house on the beach, and when we reached it after driving four hours south of Rio, we tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1159 2010-11-08T04:12:17Z 2010-11-08T04:24:51Z

During the visit the Chanders took a tour around the city schools, hospitals,Nickel mines and lakes.

Suresh Chander Cherished yet fresh, unforgettable, rejoicing. These words describe my most beautiful and unforgettable experience in Canada. It was June of 2010 when in a Friendship Exchange Programme by Rotary District Club 3010, my spouse, I and three more families enjoyed an exuberating trip to this wonderful place. It was a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1158 2010-11-07T06:00:52Z 2010-11-07T06:13:55Z

A dried up lake bed in Kenya provides a great opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat

Sneha Mahale View image The Ark - Tree Lodge is undoubtedly one of Kenya's best-kept secrets. Hidden away from the tourists that throng Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru each year, it is set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, 160 km north of Nairobi. This unique game lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1155 2010-11-04T08:35:15Z 2010-11-04T09:06:44Z

Genting Highlands in Malaysia offers the best of an organic and a leisure trip

Rupali Dean View image On offer was a mother and daughter package to unwind together, so off we set to Genting Highlands, situated just 45 minutes away from the glitzy capital of Malaysia. The place seemed perfect for a bonding holiday, where we met up with another mother-daughter duo. The girls instantly bonded and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1154 2010-11-03T04:58:47Z 2010-11-03T05:08:26Z

If you're a sport freak, here's the list of must-visit top ten sporting destinations

View image Sports fanatics happily travel to all corners of the globe to watch their favourite sport or team but planning ahead is key to securing good seats and hotel rooms. So here's a list of the Top 10 sporting event destinations in 2011 to help sports buffs plan their vacation next tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1152 2010-11-01T05:10:37Z 2010-11-01T05:25:39Z

For the Singhs, a visit to the Disneyland in Florida was a dream come true.They visited the various parks there.

Sunita and SP Singh Our last trip to the United States of America was one of the best vacations we have ever had. A good climate and car renting facility make it quite an attractive proposition for tourists. People in America are very friendly and cordial with foreigners. This time we had gone to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1151 2010-11-01T04:10:19Z 2010-11-01T04:23:41Z

Many golfers are known to spend their vacations in different courses around the globe for their fairway fix. If you're one of them, or aspire to join the gang, here are the top 10 golf destinations you can't miss.

View image Play golf, will travel. Many golfers are known to spend their vacations in different courses around the globe for their fairway fix. If you're one of them, or aspire to join the gang, here are the top 10 golf destinations you can't miss. 1 Portugal European golfers flock to Algarve, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1150 2010-10-30T04:20:22Z 2010-10-30T04:24:46Z

I am assuming you are hiring a private vehicle for your trip. 1st day: Night journey from Bangalore 2nd day: Reach Rameswaram early in the morning. Leave from Rameswaram after lunch and reach Kanyakumari at night. 3rd day: See the...

I am assuming you are hiring a private vehicle for your trip. 1st day: Night journey from Bangalore 2nd day: Reach Rameswaram early in the morning. Leave from Rameswaram after lunch and reach Kanyakumari at night. 3rd day: See the sunrise at Kanyakumari and start towards Sabarimala. You will reach tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1148 2010-10-29T05:51:45Z 2010-10-29T05:57:49Z

The group found thekkiing down much easier.By the time they came down their legs were paining.

Payal Khanna I enjoy travelling and with friends it becomes an out of the world experience. I didn't have any idea that a plan chalked out during a night with friends would turn out to be the most memorable trip of my life. Although I had the notion that spiritual tours are tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1147 2010-10-27T06:39:09Z 2010-10-28T05:34:34Z

Rwanda gives you the rare opportunity of meeting mountain gorillas

Geetika Jain View image Rwanda, known as The Land of a Thousand Hills, is a tiny country lodged in the navel of Africa. People immediately associate it with two things -- the terrible genocide of 1994 and the charismatic mountain gorillas made famous by the American primatologist, Dian Fossey. Rwanda has come a long tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1146 2010-10-25T04:30:26Z 2010-10-29T03:47:26Z

Here's a list of some of India's most beautiful and expensive getways that money can buy

Sneha Mahale View image Le Bougainvillea, Salvador do Mundo, Goa Asking Price Rs 4.75 crores This impressive colonial renaissance bungalow, located in the village of Salvador do Mundo, was originally a handsomely appointed Portuguese club named Le Bougainvillea. Meticulously rebuilt from the ruins of the club, this elegant Portuguese-style bungalow with high ceilings, courtyards, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1145 2010-10-22T09:27:19Z 2010-10-22T09:39:35Z

The Maldives is much more than luxury resorts. Male, its candy-coloured capital, springs pleasant surprises.

View image The Maldives is much more than luxury resorts. Male, its candy-coloured capital, springs pleasant surprises. Much of the Maldives, as experienced by Maldivians, lies undiscovered by travellers. But the country has so much more to offer than luxury resorts: the world's best beaches, spectacular reefs, ancient ruins and the candy-coloured tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1144 2010-10-18T06:44:29Z 2010-10-18T06:57:30Z

The natural beauty of Nagothane is difficult to put in words.The hills are not too high and on the top lay few small villages.

Aditya Nand Since my childhood,my parents told me that I was born in Nagothane and this year during my summer break I got the opportunity to visit it.Nagothane, regarded as one of the jewels of Raigad district,is a small valley which lies in the district of Raigad (Maharashtra). It is known for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1143 2010-10-18T05:26:35Z 2010-10-18T05:37:02Z

We enjoyed a lot everywhere because we had good hotel accommodations.

Tania Roy Chowdhury My heart was full of joy when my husband Tanmoy told me that our package tour had been finalised. We were 40 members and our vacation was planned from May 10 to 24. During the pre-trip preparation, for passport verification etc the authority had taken fingerprints of my three-yearold daughter tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1142 2010-10-16T06:58:51Z 2010-10-16T07:09:00Z

Mauritius is becoming the island of choice for fashionable Indians looking to celebrate in style

Sonia Nazareth View image Indians once arrived in Mauritius in large numbers to work in the sugar plantations. Now they flock here with more upscale agendas. At first glance, this tropical island with its adventure sport, delectable seafood, and rare plant and animal life, seems nothing short of a pleasure dome to holiday in. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1139 2010-10-15T05:17:41Z 2010-10-15T05:41:02Z

Paonta Sahib is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, about 50kms away from Dehradun.

Parimita Barooah Bora View image Out of the various sweet experiences that I have lived already, the visit to Paonta Sahib has deeply impacted me. Paonta Sahib is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, about 50kms away from Dehradun. The journey to this beautiful town nestled in a foothill on the banks of the river tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1138 2010-10-14T04:42:27Z 2010-10-14T05:09:55Z

State is voted favourite holiday destination in Asia in an online travel poll; Rajasthan is eighth on the list

Vidya Balachander View image India is coming of age as a tourist and business destination, and Indian hotels and airlines can contend with the best in the world. These are the findings that a poll conducted by Smart Travel Asia, an online travel magazine based in Hong Kong, has thrown up. Approximately 5,000 voters tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1137 2010-10-14T04:23:52Z 2010-10-14T04:37:46Z

Jammu is a great place for a holiday. It is known as the city of temples.

Shalley Mahajan Recently I visited Jammu with my family. It was like homecoming for us as my husband belongs to this city. Thus, this summer vacation came with a lot of excitement. Jammu is a great place for a holiday. It is known as the city of temples. When we reached there tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1136 2010-10-13T05:19:47Z 2010-10-13T05:20:54Z

From Bangalore to Bisle Ghat, the distance is around 280 km. You have to travel via Magadi, Kunugal, Bellur Cross, Channarayapatna and the Hassan route to reach Sakleshpur. From Sakleshpur, it is about 5 km to Munjerabad Fort on NH-48,...

From Bangalore to Bisle Ghat, the distance is around 280 km. You have to travel via Magadi, Kunugal, Bellur Cross, Channarayapatna and the Hassan route to reach Sakleshpur. From Sakleshpur, it is about 5 km to Munjerabad Fort on NH-48, near Donigal. From Munjerabad Fort, take a left to get tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1135 2010-10-13T05:16:31Z 2010-10-13T05:22:51Z

Hi Sreeranga. I would recommend the following: If money is not a problem, then book now for cheap flight tickets to Kolkata and then to Bagdogra. It takes a minimum of two hours by flight to Kolkata. From there, it...

Hi Sreeranga. I would recommend the following: If money is not a problem, then book now for cheap flight tickets to Kolkata and then to Bagdogra. It takes a minimum of two hours by flight to Kolkata. From there, it is an hour-long flight to Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, take a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1134 2010-10-13T04:38:22Z 2010-10-13T04:57:38Z

Beautiful bridges, heady rivers and unmatched architecture

Geetika Jain View image Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has many things to excite a traveller. Its sweeping vistas, architectural delights and dynamic culture make a heady cocktail. Budapest is on a rather large scale. Life beyond the charming old town, cobbled streets and bijoux boutique hotels, pulsates with its own rhythms. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1133 2010-10-11T05:17:43Z 2010-10-11T05:25:48Z

The Bahamas are islands surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their exotic sandy beaches, water sports and colourful dances.

Ruchika Mendiratta Holidays are a welcome departure from the routine mundane life. We were planning a holiday and were contemplating where to go. My husband put a stop to our efforts and sprang a surprise one day. He had been selected by his company for an award and we had to join tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1132 2010-10-11T03:52:00Z 2010-10-11T04:18:17Z

Sailing is a way of life in this beautiful little Italian island. And it's true: there's something about being out on the ocean that awakens the adventurer in all of us

Vir Sanghvi View image Sardinia is one of those places that you think you know something about. But when you stop and think about it, you realise that you don't know very much at all. Isn't it the little island just south of Italy? No, it isn't. It is far up to the West. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1131 2010-10-09T07:48:05Z 2010-10-11T04:59:34Z

Verona in Italy is best known for being the site of the famous love story of Romeo and Juliet

Swapnil Gunjal View image Verona is not as famous as other Italian towns like Rome, Florence or Venice. But this town is the site of the most famous love story of all time. William Shakespeare immortalised the town in his famous novel, Romeo Montecchi e Giulietta Capuleti, better known as Romeo and Juliet. While tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1130 2010-10-09T03:55:00Z 2010-10-09T04:50:58Z

Get a taste of German camaraderie at the 18-day party called Oktoberfest

Rochelle Pinto View image You haven't partied until you've attended Oktoberfest. The 18-day-long German celebration of debauchery has happy drunks from every nation descending upon the Bavarian province of Munich. From the airport to the bus stations, you'll spot almost all the locals decked out in traditional Oktoberfest costumes women in cleavage- exposing 'dirndls' tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1129 2010-10-08T07:46:02Z 2010-10-08T08:44:52Z

Rome today is a contemporary metropolis that reflects the many periods of its long history - Ancient times, Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Modern Era.

Dr.Ajjanta Chakravarty View image I reach Rome on a Sunday with visions of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck whizzing about Rome on a scooter. My hotel receptionist throws up his hands in surprise. Scooter, whatever for? Walk lady, he advises, there is no better way to drink in Rome. I follow his advice and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1128 2010-10-08T04:49:48Z 2010-10-08T05:05:04Z

Rishikesh is located at the Himalyan foothills, it provides a cool escape during the hotter months.

Aditya Jha I was planning to take a break from my hectic work and go to a religious place for a long time. I got a chance to go to Hardwar and Rishikesh in August, when a friend came to Delhi from Mumbai. While having dinner, he announced that he is going tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1125 2010-10-04T04:56:14Z 2010-10-04T05:08:18Z

A day long guided tour to the english countryside was fun for Major Ashok Punjabi and his wife.

Shobha & Major Ashok Punjabi We have been to many places in the country during our postings but our best holiday was in London. We could sense the discipline of Britain right from the day we visited the visa office. We reached Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest and most sophisticated airports in the world, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1124 2010-10-02T10:32:06Z 2010-10-04T05:14:28Z

Elephants at Dubare camp seem tame and docile, but you can see that they long to be set free

Denise D’Silva View image About 75 km from Mysore is yet another world. The Dubare Elephant camp. A short boat ride across the river Cauvery and you're standing in front of one of nature's biggest, most beautiful animals. Seeing an elephant in the flesh really puts your existence in perspective. And ironically makes you tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1117 2010-09-29T05:21:19Z 2010-09-29T05:28:29Z

Copenhagen is about waterside setting, evocative history and cutting-edge design dens

Geetika Jain View image The statue of The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen's harbour was tiny, but it evoked a rush of memories of growing up in India, reading fairytales from an illustrated Hans Christian Andersen book. The Little Mermaid's tale, along with Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea, The snow Queen and a host tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1116 2010-09-27T06:25:42Z 2010-09-27T06:38:24Z

Survey reveals that most Indians prefer to vacation in the land of the Merlion

Vidya Balachander View image It's considered a cliché in the travel trade that Indians on their first trip abroad like to visit "safe" destinations like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, where the experience is not too different from what they'd have back home. But in the last few years, more and more Indians have been tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1115 2010-09-27T05:59:04Z 2010-09-27T06:24:13Z

The wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Masai Mara is an awe-inspiring affair

Sneha Mahale View image Every year, a phenomenon takes place in Africa that attracts TV crews, professional photographers, documentary filmmakers and millions of tourists. Armed with cameras, they wait, hoping to witness one of nature's greatest shows the Great Migration. This annual journey sees around 1.5 million wildebeest and 3,00,000 zebra travel from Serengeti tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1111 2010-09-24T04:08:37Z 2010-09-24T05:04:06Z

Shanghai has topped a list of the "sexiest" cities in China, with respondents saying that it was more than twice as sexy as its nearest competitor, Hong Kong.

AFP View image Shanghai has topped a list of the "sexiest" cities in China, with respondents saying that it was more than twice as sexy as its nearest competitor, Hong Kong. In a survey featured on Ifeng.com, the website of Hong Kong-based Phoenix television, 17.3 per cent of respondents from 30 Chinese cities tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1110 2010-09-23T09:47:12Z 2010-09-24T06:52:25Z

Pisa is located on soft soil. It stands in a laguna area between the river Arno and the Serchia river as they empty into the Liguarian sea.

Dr.Ajjanta Chakravarty View image Why does the tower lean? In school I was told that its foundations were not correctly built. Pisa is located on soft soil. It stands in a laguna area between the river Arno and the Serchia river as they empty into the Liguarian sea. When the tower was built, the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1109 2010-09-23T04:51:55Z 2010-09-23T05:42:38Z

Manchester is hip, lively and a lot different and cheaper than London.

Rupali Dean View image Manchester is hip, lively and a lot different and cheaper than London. An ideal destination for the business traveller, the city is also family-friendly, and houses a host of museums and galleries, as well as the famous Manchester Wheel! Footballer's paradise Football in an integral part of Manchester. On the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1108 2010-09-19T19:09:05Z 2010-09-19T19:27:07Z

Puducherry is one of the a lot of accepted day-tripper destinations in South India.

Chaitali Patel View image There's something about sleepy Puducherry or Pondicherry that draws me to it over and over again! For most people one visit is enough to look around and soak in the atmosphere of this laidback former French colony. For me, every visit only makes my heart grow fonder. Culture mix The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1107 2010-09-19T18:47:31Z 2010-09-19T19:34:17Z

A road trip to Leh leads you down numerous valleys and up snow-capped peaks

Sharin Bhatti View image For lack of a travel partner, I decided to brave the journey from Chandigarh to Leh by road, last August. The 36-hour journey started at night. The Volvo rode from Chandigarh towards Manali, and reached at sunrise. My next mission was to find a mini bus that would take me tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1104 2010-09-16T09:52:24Z 2010-09-16T10:09:04Z

Want a holiday with a punch? Head to the Oktoberfest in Munich, and do as we say!

View image Every autumn, millions head to Munich to celebrate that hoppy concoction that we all know as beer. Oktoberfest, the grand German fete for the beverage made from fermented barley and yeast, starts September 18. If you, too, are planning to get high the German way, here's a list of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1101 2010-09-14T08:04:28Z 2010-09-14T08:15:56Z

I really didn't want to come back to india. Though i love India but living is better in London.The weather is beautiful

Pranav Arora My journey from Rana Pratap Bagh to London was like the title of the movie, Amritsar to LA. London is the place I am sure most of us want to visit. It reminds me of tall ancient buildings, Shahrukh Khan running on the London Bridge, its rich heritage and also tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1100 2010-09-13T05:21:38Z 2010-09-13T05:22:41Z

Between August to November, the climate changes suddenly from rainy to dry in Gangtok. It is very cold, and at this height, oxygen is low. Your child may find it difficult to cope in Nathula Pass. Visit Gangtok in June...

Between August to November, the climate changes suddenly from rainy to dry in Gangtok. It is very cold, and at this height, oxygen is low. Your child may find it difficult to cope in Nathula Pass. Visit Gangtok in June / July. Nearby hill stations such as Darjeeling and Siliguri tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1099 2010-09-13T04:27:19Z 2010-09-13T04:45:50Z

Legends and history come together at these bastions on the Konkan coast

Gangadharan Menon View image Sea forts have always fascinated me. On a journey down the Konkan coast, I discovered three of them. As a reward for my toil, I also stumbled upon a coral reef. The first of these was the fort of Janjira. On a stormy night in the 17th Century a ship tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1098 2010-09-09T04:50:21Z 2010-09-09T05:01:53Z

Lucerne is a beautiful city in Central Switzerland with much to see and do.

Krishan Rajesh View image Blame it on Bollywood or our inherent love for nature but Switzerland has always been a leading destinations for us Indians. My much awaited chance finally came this August. My dad and me headed to Lucerne, a hill station famous for Mount Pilatus. Our time bound tour meant we didn't tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1095 2010-09-08T06:19:32Z 2010-09-08T06:40:51Z

Expect the unexpected at the Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania

Geetika Jain View image The Grumeti Reserve lies North West of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Six years ago, it was a hunting concession, an unprotected area where wildlife often wandered into the gun sights and traps of poachers. The legendary hedge-fund manager Paul Tudor Jones leased this important wildebeest migratory route and turned it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1084 2010-09-06T05:58:28Z 2010-09-06T09:19:36Z

Turkey might be the world's most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires.

Ranjana Narayan View image Underground cities, labyrinthine rooms deep under the earth's surface, secret palaces carved high into mountain sides...You read about them in fantasy tales, but these mystery places did exist hundreds of years ago and still stand in central Turkey's Cappadocia city. The underground cities are believed to have sprung up around tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1081 2010-09-04T06:44:21Z 2010-09-04T06:45:32Z

If you want to witness snowfall, then visit between end-December and end-January. But if you wish to go when it is not snowing, but the place is covered with snow, visit in the first week of February. Chail is a...

If you want to witness snowfall, then visit between end-December and end-January. But if you wish to go when it is not snowing, but the place is covered with snow, visit in the first week of February. Chail is a better option, since it is more scenic. If you are tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1078 2010-09-04T04:37:23Z 2010-09-04T04:43:38Z

Safdarjung Enclave's resident Shiksha Khemani shares why the view of the Himalayas is surreal...

Nanital, a scenic hill station nestled in the Kumaon hills is an ideal weekend spot for everyone who wants to escape the scorching city heat and humidity. Last summer, I chose to take a bus to Nanital, which is 7 hours from Delhi. As soon as I entered the beautiful tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1077 2010-09-03T06:39:11Z 2010-09-03T06:49:23Z

Blessed with immense natural beauty, and a rich and diverse culture, Wayanad is a hidden gem for those prepared to seek it out.

View image Wayanad is a relatively unknown region of lush riverside rice-paddy, semi-tropical savannah grasslands, wildlife sanctuaries and caves. Home to nearly half of Kerala's tribal population, it is undoubtedly among the more scenic but also less-explored regions of Kerala. The first sign of welcome as we drive in is a large tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1071 2010-08-29T04:54:06Z 2010-08-29T04:59:57Z

On the way to Ranikhet you will have a reliving Ruskin Bond kind of a feeling.The peace in this little cantonment town will really strike you.

Harmanjeet Singh View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1070 2010-08-26T04:48:36Z 2010-08-26T05:39:52Z

On the day of his retirement, Partha Bhattacharya reflected upon his journey of life with family and friends.

Partha Bhattacharya Nothing is more usual than the sight of old people who yearn for retirement and nothing is so rare than those who have retired and do not regret it. July 31 comes to me as a day to look back a journey called life and I decided to spend it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1069 2010-08-26T04:31:23Z 2010-08-26T04:45:31Z

We enjoyed visiting the Eiffel Tower and went for a cruise on the Seine, and also saw the beautiful monuments around the river.

Ramesh Vasisth View image We flew from India to London last month and after a sumptuous lunch checked straight into a hotel. Next day we proceeded to the London Eye. It is the sixth tallest structure in London from where one gets to see a panoramic view of the city with stunning buildings such tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1068 2010-08-21T07:11:44Z 2010-08-21T07:30:52Z

Tanejas travelled to four cities in 10 days. They travelled by train and by air and even sailed.

Vijay Krishna View image The Tanejas travelled to four cities in 10 days. They travelled by train and by air and even sailed. They visited temples and indulged in snorkeling. By all means it was a hectic holiday. But in the company of friends and because of the sites they visited, it became a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1065 2010-08-21T05:14:39Z 2010-08-21T05:23:38Z

Despite its British colonial past,Hong Kong has always stuck to its roots.The culture beneath the glitz is Chinese

Veer Singh Going to China, the third largest country in the world with a population more than that of India, one would not expect much to enjoy in Shanghai but to my surprise the city has a lot to offer. Right from Yu Garden to Jade Buddha Monastery, the city gave us tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1064 2010-08-16T06:49:47Z 2010-08-16T06:54:58Z

My journey from the Sirsi forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka to Mumbai was full of surprises. It was also heart wrenching.

Mike Pandey View image The monsoon is nature's most precious gift to Earth. Within 24 hours of a downpour, life erupts. From tiny mosses to mighty trees, there are signs of regeneration everywhere. Barren fields become a hive of activity as farmers prepare to sow paddy. It's not for nothing that the monsoon gets tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1062 2010-08-16T06:37:01Z 2010-08-16T06:47:20Z

This is the final part of our series, in which we look at the last three components of fitness strength, speed and power.

Heath Matthews This is the final part of our series, in which we look at the last three components of fitness strength, speed and power. Strength refers to the ability your muscle has to create a force large enough to perform a task. Speed refers to how quickly this task can be tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1060 2010-08-16T04:12:33Z 2010-08-16T04:38:40Z

It was the path less travelled.And it led to adventure-and peace

Ashutosh Sapru View image It felt like a dream. I had journeyed half way across the Valley and I was finally in Amarnath, standing inside the main cave. Between awe at the sight of the ice Shiv lingam, and trying to recall school texts for a scientific explanation for what I saw, and lending tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1058 2010-08-15T06:14:31Z 2010-08-15T07:12:33Z

Adventure sports aren't always about seeking adrenaline. For many, it's a way of breaking free from the shackles that bind and limit us

Dhamini Ratnam View image Rayna Aranha, 34, can easily qualify as the poster girl for adrenaline junkies. Unlike colleagues with home loans and sizeable savings, this Bangalore-based IT professional admits to not having the 'right' bank balance for her age, but that's only to be expected. Aranha has bigger things to tackle, like life's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1055 2010-08-13T04:30:33Z 2010-08-13T05:40:03Z

Tirupati, situated in the Tirumala hills. It has seven hills representing the seven hoods of the serpent, called Seshnag, on which the Lord takes rest.

N. Rajamani My granddaughter's first birthday was reason enough to visit the Tirupati temple. It is a family custom. We went to the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam office in Andhra Bhavan, Delhi, and booked the Darshan ticket for the entire family. On the appointed day, we left for Chennai and took a taxi tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1054 2010-08-12T06:53:49Z 2010-08-12T07:26:29Z

My recent trip to Sikkim, related to a special defence project, was mesmerising.

Colonel Anil Shorey My recent trip to Sikkim, related to a special defence project, was mesmerising. As one meandered one's way northwards from Bagdogra airport, along the Teesta River, the road passed through lovely valleys and colourful villages. Kalingpong is a pretty hill station, just off the main highway, which is worth visiting, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1052 2010-08-09T04:07:00Z 2010-08-09T04:38:47Z

Robert Swan found courage in tales of explorers past as he walked on melting icecaps, under a hole in the ozone layer

Snehal Rebello View image He has walked under a hole in the ozone layer at the South Pole and almost drowned due to unseasonable melting of Arctic ice at the North Pole. Robert Swan was a student when he saw a film on Antarctica that changed his life. Watching the great explorers in blackand- tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1051 2010-08-07T07:01:40Z 2010-08-07T07:03:27Z

The writer's cramp you're experiencing is probably the result of a prolonged period of sustained writing. Holding a pencil or pen demands a lot of very fine control of the muscles in your hands. These muscles have to work very...

The writer's cramp you're experiencing is probably the result of a prolonged period of sustained writing. Holding a pencil or pen demands a lot of very fine control of the muscles in your hands. These muscles have to work very hard when you write. Just like you wouldn't go for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1050 2010-08-07T06:42:42Z 2010-08-07T07:00:54Z

T-shirts that are too short and trackpants without pockets fitness-conscious women rue the lack of functional sports apparel

Neha Dara View image Six months ago, Zenobia Madon, 27, decided to start running seriously. The first thing on the agenda was to get kitted up properly, but that was easier said than done. "I had a hard time finding the right apparel. I went to all the major stores and they had really tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1047 2010-08-06T07:44:20Z 2010-08-07T15:57:42Z

A lake and lofty peaks make Torres del Paine National Park picturesque

Geetika Jain View image AI wasn't quite prepared for the beauty of long-legged Chile. Standing atop a peak of the massif at Torres del Paine National Park, located deep-south around Chile's ankle, I could see an impossibly turquoise glacial lake dramatically contrasting with a royal-blue rainwater lake next to it. The sky was crammed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1040 2010-08-04T09:43:26Z 2010-08-09T12:03:36Z

A trip to the South American country of Guatemala is truly a visit to another world

Anirudh Bhattacharya View image At the centre of the lush Guatemalan rainforest in El Peten lies the complex considered the epicentre of Mayan culture Tikal. At its centre is the Gran Plaza, an acropolis flanked by two giant temples. One afternoon in July, a young Mayan shaman prepares the altar facing the acropolis to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1039 2010-08-03T07:55:38Z 2010-08-03T08:02:27Z

Wildlife family safaris have suddenly become popular. While it is encouraging to see the growing interest and concern, a week-long trip to Bandhavgarh National Park left me very disturbed.

Mike Pandey View image Wildlife family safaris have suddenly become popular. While it is encouraging to see the growing interest and concern, a week-long trip to Bandhavgarh National Park left me very disturbed. At 5:30 am, we were on the morning safari, heading to the grasslands where a tigress with three cubs had been tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1037 2010-08-03T04:16:19Z 2010-08-03T07:39:10Z

Driving in the arid vastness is an invigorating experience

Mini Pant Zachariah View image Almost the first thing Sarika Sehrawat tells you when you ask her about riding off the road in the desert is that it is risky. She is not trying to put you off but only warn you about the roller coaster ride a desert rally can culminate in her case tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1036 2010-07-30T15:48:29Z 2010-07-30T15:59:54Z

My trip to Shillong confirmed one thing, that it remains one of the most under-rated hill stations in India.

Ashima Tyagi View image My trip to Shillong confirmed one thing, that it remains one of the most under-rated hill stations in India. Situated at a height of approx. 4908 ft, it is the capital of Meghalaya and popularly known as Scotland of the East. Even Rabindranath Tagore was a regular visitor there. Garo tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1033 2010-07-29T05:14:20Z 2010-07-29T05:28:48Z

This year, I went to China with my parents during the summer vacation. We travelled by the China Eastern Airlines and were a part of a group of 23, who had come from different parts of India. On arrival in...

Swati Rikhy This year, I went to China with my parents during the summer vacation. We travelled by the China Eastern Airlines and were a part of a group of 23, who had come from different parts of India. On arrival in Beijing, we met our beautiful guide Candy (her Chinese name tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1032 2010-07-29T04:58:29Z 2010-07-29T05:32:29Z

Rajasthan offers cultural, rural, wildlife, adventure, sports and heritage, all in one package.

Anita Jaswal After a 10-day stay in Rajasthan, I realised why the state enjoys a prime position on the tourism map of the country. The state continues to be a favourite destination with foreign tourists too. Except snow-clad mountains and beaches, it has everything to offer to the tourists. With its rich tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1029 2010-07-25T05:25:10Z 2010-07-26T05:55:31Z

Fear is universal. It's just that those who push the envelope learn how to use it to their advantage

HT Correspondent View image If one man can do it, another should be just as able. That's the theory. The fact, however, is that those who push the limits, especially in extreme sports, seem to have an altogether different take on fear to the layman, they appear to be quite fearless given that they tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1028 2010-07-25T05:12:06Z 2010-07-25T05:23:01Z

A lot of hard training without allowing adequate recovery can decrease the muscle's capacity for endurance

Heath Matthews My son is 22 years old. He has been running regularly for the past nine months and also took part in the 50-km-long ultra-marathon at IIT Kanpur in February 2010. However, now his shins have started to hurt whenever he runs. He underwent a bone scan, but no problem was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1027 2010-07-25T04:59:58Z 2010-07-26T04:31:32Z

It's their commitment to training that sets Tour de France riders apart

Deepti Patwardhan View image A 100 years ago, the Tour de France was not deemed challenging enough. Henri Desgrange, the first organiser of the Tour, and his team decided to press the riders higher, taking them through some of the toughest peaks through the Pyrenees. Desgrange, analysing his decision, later said, "The Tour de tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1026 2010-07-24T06:19:03Z 2010-07-24T06:28:06Z

The road from Manali to Vashisht forms an esplanade overlooking the river Beas.

Aalap Deboor View image The road from Manali to Vashisht forms an esplanade overlooking the river Beas. Standing on it, you can see the river below ripping through acres of open land. The Beas is like a bustling town; noisy, turbulent and self-absorbed. It flows the entire breadth of the valley, then curves around tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1025 2010-07-24T05:18:23Z 2010-07-24T06:07:00Z

We headed towards Nainital- Bhimtal this summer as we are fascinated by the gorgeous greens and the majestic Himalayas.

Amarjeet Singh Grover View image We headed towards Nainital- Bhimtal this summer as we are fascinated by the gorgeous greens and the majestic Himalayas. Nainital is about 300 km from Delhi by road and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam. We left Delhi in a hired taxi at midnight and it took us around five tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1024 2010-07-23T04:12:03Z 2010-07-24T05:04:15Z

Normally, one would visit Shimla during summer, when the scorching heat in the metropolis compels one to run to cooler climes.

Aparna Jha Normally, one would visit Shimla during summer, when the scorching heat in the metropolis compels one to run to cooler climes. But we decided to visit the place in December as my husband loves the snow and we hoped to see some snow at that time of the year. We tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1023 2010-07-23T04:03:17Z 2010-07-24T05:02:17Z

When our lecturer told us about a trip to Shimla during my sixth semester in engineering, my excitement knew no bounds.

Ravi Verma When our lecturer told us about a trip to Shimla during my sixth semester in engineering, my excitement knew no bounds. It was my first trip with my friends. I was so excited. Although we didn't have much time to visit every place but we enjoyed each and every moment. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1022 2010-07-22T04:23:46Z 2010-07-22T04:32:02Z

Hua Hin is the seaside resort just two hours drive from Bangkok with a special old world charm.

Reeta Rathee A couple of hours flight and you reach Thailand, which offers bags full of shopping, exciting markets (and people), delicious food (a haven for seafood lovers) and nightlife. It has something for everyone and that makes it one great place to holiday. Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are the one-time popular tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1021 2010-07-19T07:47:03Z 2010-07-19T07:47:57Z

It's absolutely safe to go on a houseboat in the monsoon season. In fact, it's great if you're a nature lover, as you can enjoy the rainfall just by sitting in the open, cool verandah of your houseboat. For kids,...

It's absolutely safe to go on a houseboat in the monsoon season. In fact, it's great if you're a nature lover, as you can enjoy the rainfall just by sitting in the open, cool verandah of your houseboat. For kids, it may be not much fun as they will not tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1020 2010-07-19T07:25:35Z 2010-07-19T07:43:33Z

My husband Madhur, who is with an MNC, travels a lot. But family vacations and family time still takes a high priority in his life.

Neeta Aneja My husband Madhur, who is with an MNC, travels a lot. But family vacations and family time still takes a high priority in his life. Our yearly vacation is always planned with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal. We are quite discerning and passionate travellers. This time, our trip was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1019 2010-07-19T06:02:09Z 2010-07-19T06:09:45Z

Touring during the monsoon can be a pleasurable experience but it needs special care. The rains had already hit the mountains of Himachal by the time we reached Rohtang Pass.

Mike Pandey View image Touring during the monsoon can be a pleasurable experience but it needs special care. The rains had already hit the mountains of Himachal by the time we reached Rohtang Pass. It was fair weather when we started in the morning from Keylong, 30 km from the pass. The road had tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1018 2010-07-19T05:33:52Z 2010-07-19T05:42:08Z

Fitness can be broken down into six key areas:Endurance,Mobility,Agility,Balance, Strength and speed

Heath Matthews There are many people who are keenly interested in knowing just how fit they are and how that is affecting their performance. But there is very little genuine information about fitness testing available to the general population. To fill this gap, I'm going to write a three-part series on fitness tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1016 2010-07-19T04:30:29Z 2010-07-19T06:21:19Z

Slice through the water on a paddleboard, capturing the wind in your sail. Windsurfing is as much a battle against the elements as it is a lesson in controlling them

Aalap Deboor View image To a windsurfer, there's nothing more inviting than heavy swell moving in from a distance. It's the perfect challenge that the sea can throw up, and it's got two equally able and malevolent companions to throw you off balance -- the wind and tide. But if you're calm, you'll observe tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1015 2010-07-19T04:03:18Z 2010-07-19T04:29:33Z

Cardiovascular activities alone can't boost stamina levels. You need the right mix of strength training with cardio to improve your enduranc

Bhairavi Jhaveri View image Most people dread workouts because of the immense discomfort they feel while exercising. This is an indication that your body isn't ready to take the load you're putting on it, and you need to slow down until you can increase your stamina levels. Pushing yourself to the limit is not tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1014 2010-07-17T04:23:19Z 2010-07-17T04:35:37Z

More than 40 years after the Beatles came to India, we revisit the ashram where they sought musical salvation

Harmanpreet Kaur View image The pictures taken by photographer Paul Saltzman of The Beatles in Rishikesh, while they spent three months at the Maharishi Yogi Ashram in 1968, are some of my favourite photographs of the fab four. I've always found the easy languor and freedom of spirit portrayed in those pictures very attractive. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1013 2010-07-17T04:01:11Z 2010-07-17T04:17:58Z

In the early 19th Century, Udagamandalam, then known as Ootacamund, was a colonial hill station.

Sonia Nazareth View image In the early 19th Century, Udagamandalam, then known as Ootacamund, was a colonial hill station. But in the face of overcrowding and traffic jams, a lot has changed there. What it still retains is its scenic beauty; a ride on the century-old Nilgiri mountain railway throws up stunning scenery. You're tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1012 2010-07-16T05:43:06Z 2010-07-16T06:08:15Z

My nature of job involves travelling, particularly overseas. Last September, I had the pleasure of visiting Boston, USA, on a business trip.

Arun Pradhan My nature of job involves travelling, particularly overseas. Last September, I had the pleasure of visiting Boston, USA, on a business trip. However, it also gave me an opportunity to visit some important places there. So it was a business trip mixed with pleasure. I left Indira Gandhi International Airport tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1011 2010-07-16T05:12:06Z 2010-07-16T05:23:56Z

One day, my friends and family members rushed home and told me that we were going on a tour but the destination was not decided.

Madhu Sudan Sharma One day, my friends and family members rushed home and told me that we were going on a tour but the destination was not decided. After much discussion it was obvious that every member had his/her own choice, but we reached on a decision to visit Mumbai and Shirdi, because tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1010 2010-07-15T04:09:54Z 2010-07-15T04:18:21Z

Although only day time visit is allowed to ross island the Sharmas had permission to stay the night.

Hanish Sharma Staying at Ross Island was a very unique and memorable experience for our entire family. As there are no humans on the island (only daytime visits are allowed), there is an abundance of wildlife in the form of deer, peahens and peacocks. The animals and birds live in complete harmony. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1008 2010-07-12T05:53:43Z 2010-07-12T06:51:08Z

I have visited most of the hill stations in India but still recollect my holiday in Ranikhet as special.

Dr. Neena Soni I have visited most of the hill stations in India but still recollect my holiday in Ranikhet as special. The place is lodged in my memory even after 40 years, as one of the best hill stations. I fell in love with the place when I studied there in Class tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1006 2010-07-12T03:58:42Z 2010-07-12T05:28:13Z

Motorcycles allow you to chart a path of your own

Mini Pant Zachariah View image Travel writer Rishad Saam Mehta lives to travel and tell the tale. But one moonless night in Kargil in 2003, nothing, not even the fear of death, could keep him from riding out at 11.30 pm. He had to escape two Pashtun men who were determined to buy his 350 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1005 2010-07-11T11:09:57Z 2010-07-12T05:44:24Z

Plagued by aching feet? Pick a workout that restores your body balance, improving gait and foot health

Vidya Balachander View image It's easy to forget but impossible to overstate the importance of healthy feet. Whether we are walking, running or simply standing upright, the feet play a critical role in movement and gait. Consequently, they take quite a battering on an everyday basis. Even if you haven't recently run a marathon tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1004 2010-07-11T11:01:06Z 2010-07-12T05:47:11Z

It sounds like you have mechanical back pain. Normally, the pain is located more on one side of the back than the other.

Heath Matthews I have a severe pain in my backbone about three inches above the glutes. When I bend, my back hurts. I jog once a week. Please tell me what to do. Hiten P It sounds like you have mechanical back pain. Normally, the pain is located more on one side tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.997 2010-07-09T04:06:19Z 2010-07-09T04:12:47Z

A group of 74 from our office went on an official trip to Rishikesh recently. We reached in two luxury coaches.

A. K. Jain View image A group of 74 from our office went on an official trip to Rishikesh recently. We reached in two luxury coaches. We were supposed to stay in tents near the Neelkanth Temple, 24 km from Rishikesh. The next day, we went to Ramjhoola, did mountain climbing and went on a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.992 2010-07-05T05:26:04Z 2010-07-05T05:34:01Z

After visiting the often visited and exploited hill stations around the national capital region, we were looking for a quieter and out of the way hill station. Lansdowne offered everything that I wanted.

Himanshu Khashu View image After visiting the often visited and exploited hill stations around the national capital region, we were looking for a quieter and out of the way hill station. Lansdowne offered everything that I wanted. Nestled at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, it is a sevenhour drive from Faridabad. Except for tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.991 2010-07-05T04:04:25Z 2010-07-05T04:20:11Z

Sign up for a rafting trip as this season's torrential downpour turns thirsty streams into raging rivers

Sai Raje View image Rishikesh Rajan's arms ached as he paddled hard to help steer his raft through a particularly sharp bend along the river. Further downstream, he heard the faint, familiar rumble of a gushing rapid and spotted the milky white foam that frothed on the surface. The raft's guide hollered at them tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.990 2010-07-04T15:06:04Z 2010-07-05T07:07:37Z

Brazil is an eclectic mixture of colonial splendour, vibrant wildlife and charming people

Vidya Srinivas View image It was my husband Sri's 60th birthday, a time to renew wedding vows and pray for another 60 years of life. I wasn't sure I wanted to go through the rituals again, or watch him turn a crabby 120, so I suggested a holiday in Brazil. Brazil? Our daughter Krithika tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.988 2010-07-03T05:44:35Z 2010-07-03T06:15:55Z

Too busy to hit the gym?Do these exercises with the thera-band for a strong and fit body

Heath Matthews View image The thera-band is one of the best ways to continue your exercise regimen at home, in case you have to skip your gym session. As we mentioned last week, while they're not a substitute for a gym workout, thera-bands provide a full strength and resistance workout if you use them tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.987 2010-07-03T05:39:36Z 2010-07-03T05:40:14Z

You can take a tour. When we went, my son, too, was 1.5 years old. There will be 3 (normally) other persons in the houseboat to look after you and to sail the boat. So, you can just ask them...

You can take a tour. When we went, my son, too, was 1.5 years old. There will be 3 (normally) other persons in the houseboat to look after you and to sail the boat. So, you can just ask them to keep an eye on your son. There are lots tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.986 2010-07-03T05:36:43Z 2010-07-03T05:38:08Z

If you want to go when it is actually snowing, then the period from end- December to end-January is ideal. But if you want to visit when it isn't snowing, but snow is still visible, try the first week of...

If you want to go when it is actually snowing, then the period from end- December to end-January is ideal. But if you want to visit when it isn't snowing, but snow is still visible, try the first week of February. Chail is a better option since it is more tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.985 2010-07-03T04:50:58Z 2010-07-03T05:03:14Z

Until recently, Munsiyari, a sleepy little town tucked away in the snow-capped Kumaon Himalayas, was out of bounds for tourists.

Sabyasachi Bordoloi View image Until recently, Munsiyari, a sleepy little town tucked away in the snow-capped Kumaon Himalayas, was out of bounds for tourists. This is because it is strategically located near the borders of India, Nepal and China, at an altitude of 2,200 metres. Munsiyari was a pit stop in our 10-day sojourn tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.982 2010-07-02T04:13:03Z 2010-07-02T04:34:07Z

Every morning when the first rays of the Sun hit Varanasi, the city awakes its heritage, rituals, traditions and customs...just another day in the life of a 3,000-year-old city.

Mohini Mishra View image Every morning when the first rays of the Sun hit Varanasi, the city awakes its heritage, rituals, traditions and customs...just another day in the life of a 3,000-year-old city. Located along the left crescentshaped bank of River Ganga, this city has around 3,000 Hindu temples and shrines. The gentle Ganga, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.981 2010-07-01T05:43:44Z 2010-07-01T05:52:38Z

The blue whistling thrush was my favourite, its performance was awesome. If you are a bird lover, this is truly heaven on earth.

Odette Katrak My idea of a perfect holiday is combining the three things I am passionate about - my family, nature and photography. Kalmatia Sangam, a nature resort in the Kumaon Hills beyond Almora, provided the perfect venue. Our stay there was truly a peek into heaven! Getting away from Delhi's scorching tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.980 2010-06-30T11:02:49Z 2010-06-30T11:16:27Z

It would be a crime to come away from Bali without appreciating the ritual ceremonies of the Balinese and getting to know some of the age-old customs adhered to by this vibrant pinprick of humanity.

Geetika Jain View image It would be a crime to come away from Bali without appreciating the ritual ceremonies of the Balinese and getting to know some of the age-old customs adhered to by this vibrant pinprick of humanity. Landing at Denpasar airport, visitors head for the beach resorts of Legian, Seminyak and Jimbaran tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.979 2010-06-28T07:05:37Z 2010-06-28T07:14:50Z

I had heard a lot about Dev Bhumi, land of the Gods, Uttarakhand. So we decided to tour this part of the country.

Shashi Sharma I had heard a lot about Dev Bhumi, land of the Gods, Uttarakhand. So we decided to tour this part of the country. The idea was also to beat the oppressive heat in the lap of mountains. Our journey began from ISBT where we boarded a Volvo and subsequently an tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.978 2010-06-28T06:24:01Z 2010-06-28T06:31:19Z

At any time during a paintball game, there are at least five points of thrilling action," says paintballer Kiran Soans (33). He's vehemently trying to debunk the notion that the sport is only a teambuilding indulgence. "That's one of its...

Aalap Deboor View image At any time during a paintball game, there are at least five points of thrilling action," says paintballer Kiran Soans (33). He's vehemently trying to debunk the notion that the sport is only a teambuilding indulgence. "That's one of its advantages, but that doesn't mean it's all the sport has!" tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.977 2010-06-28T06:10:52Z 2010-06-28T06:12:32Z

You can visit Yercaud throughout the year, so end-September shouldn't be a problem. You might have to carry warm clothes as it will be slightly chilly during that period. You can choose from these budget hotels in Yercaud: Hotel Tamil...

You can visit Yercaud throughout the year, so end-September shouldn't be a problem. You might have to carry warm clothes as it will be slightly chilly during that period. You can choose from these budget hotels in Yercaud: Hotel Tamil Nadu which is run by TTDC, Shevaroys hotel, Star Holidays tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.976 2010-06-28T06:09:03Z 2010-06-28T06:10:12Z

Being a regular visitor, I would recommend these hotels: Annapoorna, Green, Norphyl, D'zong and Anola on MG Road. But you should also consider Sukhim Lodge at the end of MG Road. It costs just Rs 400 but provides good service....

Being a regular visitor, I would recommend these hotels: Annapoorna, Green, Norphyl, D'zong and Anola on MG Road. But you should also consider Sukhim Lodge at the end of MG Road. It costs just Rs 400 but provides good service. But do not compromise on food. Head to Rasoi on tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.972 2010-06-28T04:05:53Z 2010-07-01T06:06:21Z

Want to play polo but can't ride a horse? Grab the mallet and mount your cycle instead

Dhamini Ratnam View image You've heard of polo played on horses and in water. You've also probably seen pictures of people atop elephants bending low with polo mallets in their hands. Now, how about a game of polo on your bicycle? If this is the first time you've heard about this sport, you're not tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.971 2010-06-21T04:09:16Z 2010-06-21T04:29:30Z

Last summer we went on a holiday to Australia. It was one of the best holidays that we have taken as a family.

Shikha Suri Last summer we went on a holiday to Australia. It was one of the best holidays that we have taken as a family. Our holiday started with a stopover in Hong Kong, which was four days of fun-packed excitement. Hong Kong as a city has so much to offer by tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.970 2010-06-20T13:17:59Z 2010-06-20T13:53:17Z

The tigress was aware of my presence, she'd even known before the herdsmen appeared. So, what kept her from avoiding or even attacking me? I had no explanation.

Mike Pandey View image It was a June much like this one, the temperature touching 48°C, and I was following a tigress and her cubs. I'd been staking out a rapidlyshrinking waterhole for weeks; it was the only water source for miles and the tigress never moved too far away. At 3 am, I've tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.969 2010-06-20T13:03:58Z 2010-06-20T13:17:10Z

A wall of greenery, bloodthirsty leeches, and streams of fresh water: What's not to love?

Aalap Deboor View image It may seem that the adventure quotient of a hike is proportional to its altitude, but not everyone climbs just to get to the top. For tropical trekkers, there's more pleasure to be found in exploring jungles and observing nature. If you've walked through a wildlife reserve or even a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.968 2010-06-19T05:46:54Z 2010-06-19T05:57:15Z

This monsoon, ditch the beach and seek out the sanctuaries in Goa. You're sure to stumble upon some surprises.

C Gangadharan menon View image When you think of Goa, only beaches come to mind. But did you know that the tiny state has six sanctuaries spread out over 750 sq km of protected forests? Of all these, the Bondla Sanctuary is the friendliest. At 8 sq km, its size is not intimidating. Although it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.967 2010-06-19T05:39:25Z 2010-06-19T05:45:55Z

From Bagdogra airport, you can ask for a share taxi to Gangtok. It will take around 4-5 hours and cost approximately Rs 130 per head. The other option is take a share taxi to Darjeeling first and then to Gangtok....

From Bagdogra airport, you can ask for a share taxi to Gangtok. It will take around 4-5 hours and cost approximately Rs 130 per head. The other option is take a share taxi to Darjeeling first and then to Gangtok. You can also hire a whole taxi for your group tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.966 2010-06-19T05:31:31Z 2010-06-19T05:34:02Z

I visited Gangtok in December last year. It was bitterly cold then. But August and September are the summer months, when temperatures are likely to be pleasant. However, since Gangtok is close to the Bay of Bengal, it experiences rainfall...

I visited Gangtok in December last year. It was bitterly cold then. But August and September are the summer months, when temperatures are likely to be pleasant. However, since Gangtok is close to the Bay of Bengal, it experiences rainfall all year round. If it rains heavily, you may miss tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.965 2010-06-19T05:02:56Z 2010-06-19T05:21:10Z

This week's article is about a common injury footballers often face called plantar fasciitis.

Heath Matthews This week's article is about a common injury footballers often face called plantar fasciitis. "Plantar" refers to a piece of thick connective tissue on the underside of the foot and "fasciitis" refers to an acute inflammation of this connective tissue. Also known as flat feet The plantar fascia starts on tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.963 2010-06-19T03:48:10Z 2010-06-19T04:25:30Z

Indian diets make us prone to the unseemly bulge around the middle.Here's what you can do about it.

Vidya Balachander View image When you watch television ads for weight-loss programmes or slimming pills, do you involuntarily recoil when you see the visual of an obese person with a big paunch? Simply put, there's nothing quite as unseemly as a spare 'tyre' around your waist. Thanks to sedentary jobs and a diet rich tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.962 2010-06-18T04:06:44Z 2010-06-18T06:02:14Z

The Mehras found it to be a very entertaining city

K. K. Mehra I am an avid traveller and have been to the remotest part of the country as also to the USA and Canada. My wife and I went to meet our son in USA recently. We had the most memorable time of our life when we travelled to the west coast tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.960 2010-06-17T04:19:06Z 2010-06-17T04:25:13Z

Jaipur has always been my favourite holiday destination and this year when the family suggested we go there I could not refuse.

Ranjan Kamra Jaipur has always been my favourite holiday destination and this year when the family suggested we go there I could not refuse. I have travelled extensively in Rajasthan and one of the many things that fascinate me about this state is the vibrant colours and its rich heritage. Every time tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.959 2010-06-17T03:58:36Z 2010-06-17T04:05:59Z

Kumar along with a few artist friends visited Kashmir and was captivated by the beauty of the mighty Himalayas and the beautiful landscape.

Dhananjay Jha "Who does not love snowcapped mountains and a beautiful clear sky? They look beautiful in all seasons. In fact, they look more beautiful if we leave them naturally," states Arun Kumar, a well-known painter who resides in DLF-V. Kumar along with a few artist friends visited Kashmir and was captivated tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.958 2010-06-14T05:50:49Z 2010-06-14T10:38:18Z

Shoghi, a small town near Shimla, not only offers scenic views but delicious food and adventure, too.

Rupali Dean View image The magical Himachal city of Shoghi is nestled between a few mountain ranges, and is so beautiful that I thought we've strayed into a postcard. My daughter's summer holidays had started and I was looking out for a place where she could be occupied and I too could relax, did tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.957 2010-06-14T05:26:04Z 2010-06-14T10:39:39Z

There's something about waking up in a new city. Your eyes peel to the sunlight with a stream of thoughts flowing through your mind things to do, places to see, food to eat.

Joshua Crasto View image There's something about waking up in a new city. Your eyes peel to the sunlight with a stream of thoughts flowing through your mind things to do, places to see, food to eat. As we stepped out of our nights' hide-out, we were fully excited about taking a tour of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.956 2010-06-14T05:13:01Z 2010-06-14T10:41:37Z

Despite being struck by tragedies, Poland has always bounced back. The credit goes to the Polish temperament.

Amitava Sanyal View image Legend has it that there are 366 underground 'cellars' around the main town square of Kraków. "One for each day of the year and then one," explains our guide, Izabela Hryciow. The best time to test the theory is close to midnight when you see the young people of this tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.955 2010-06-14T04:41:48Z 2010-06-14T04:44:37Z

There is no way you can go to Jaipur from Saharanpur without passing through Delhi. So it is advisable to hire a taxi or bus to Delhi. From there, you can either take the morning Shatabdi to Jaipur or one...

There is no way you can go to Jaipur from Saharanpur without passing through Delhi. So it is advisable to hire a taxi or bus to Delhi. From there, you can either take the morning Shatabdi to Jaipur or one of the Volvo buses that ply between Delhi and Jaipur tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.954 2010-06-14T04:17:08Z 2010-06-14T04:25:38Z

What an inspiring place this must have been for an artist, someone remarked. The next time you're in Himachal Pradesh, do pay this charming town a visit.

Kavita Kanan Chandra View image For most people, a visit to Kullu-Manali means an adrenaline rush. Adventure seekers can go skiing on the Snow Point en route to the Rohtang Pass; river rafting in the Beas; paragliding, river crossing or trekking through the treacherous mountains. But I was craving for some solace and solitude in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.950 2010-06-12T10:21:55Z 2010-06-12T10:40:13Z

If you want to run regularly.You must pick your track with care

Vidya Balachander View image Is running your go-to guy when you need a workout? Do you strap on a pair of sneakers and hit the road simply for the love of it? Then perhaps it's time to mix things up a bit. Different kinds of running surfaces offer varying benefits, and present different kinds tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.944 2010-06-07T05:20:25Z 2010-06-07T06:01:05Z

Slovenia was the lush, hilly playground of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with grand, lakefront resorts.

Pampa Chakraborty View image Slovenia was the lush, hilly playground of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with grand, lakefront resorts. And Lake Bled, an Alpine spectacle situated 1,500 feet above sea level, and its surrounding mountainsides always topped the wish list of the high and mighty. So naturally, there was no better place to start our tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.943 2010-06-06T05:51:31Z 2010-06-06T06:14:01Z

For spearfishers, the thrill is in relying on their skill to nail the prey

Dhamini Ratnam View image They always come to you," says Tony Escartio (56), a resident of Dona Paula, near Panjim, Goa. Escartio has been a commercial diver and fisherman for 40 years. A native of Goa, he heads out with the other "local boys" every evening to catch fish. And he takes interested folk tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.942 2010-06-06T05:49:06Z 2010-06-06T05:50:33Z

Most tourists do not go through travel agents. This summer, the road had opened briefly but snowfall blocked it. It is expected to reopen by mid- June. Once it does, the taxi unions will fix rates. Taxis usually take the...

Most tourists do not go through travel agents. This summer, the road had opened briefly but snowfall blocked it. It is expected to reopen by mid- June. Once it does, the taxi unions will fix rates. Taxis usually take the Manali- Sarchu-Leh route. Since you have your own itinerary, you tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.941 2010-06-06T05:47:08Z 2010-06-06T05:48:25Z

I have not encountered any parkour enthusiasts in Lucknow. The closest place where you can find them is Delhi. Contact a group of Delhi students who are into parkour at info@parkourindia. com. Through them you will find more such people...

I have not encountered any parkour enthusiasts in Lucknow. The closest place where you can find them is Delhi. Contact a group of Delhi students who are into parkour at info@parkourindia. com. Through them you will find more such people in north India. You could be the first person to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.940 2010-06-06T05:43:51Z 2010-06-06T05:46:31Z

To fulfil your dream, you need three things determination, fitness and money. Age is on your side. Begin preparing now, and you will be ready to attempt Everest in four or five years. Hardcore mountaineers usually do their best climbs...

To fulfil your dream, you need three things determination, fitness and money. Age is on your side. Begin preparing now, and you will be ready to attempt Everest in four or five years. Hardcore mountaineers usually do their best climbs between their early thirties and early forties. First, get outdoors. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.939 2010-06-05T05:08:42Z 2010-06-05T05:25:10Z

Abdominal injuries are a little less common than most other injuries. The reason for this is that these muscles perform a stabilising function and help balance the upper body on top of the pelvis. They also assist in bending the...

Abdominal injuries are a little less common than most other injuries. The reason for this is that these muscles perform a stabilising function and help balance the upper body on top of the pelvis. They also assist in bending the trunk forward and rotating it to the sides and are tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.937 2010-06-05T03:37:23Z 2010-06-14T10:45:03Z

The right kind of nutrition before and after exercise can squeeze the maximum benefit out of your workout and help you recover before the next.

View image The fuel you put into your body right before, during and soon after exercise can make all the difference to how beneficial your workout really is. Fuel up smart and you will see how a good workout can become a great one. Before a workout If you're one of those tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.935 2010-06-03T06:51:47Z 2010-06-03T06:55:26Z

Chopta is a small town located at an altitude of 2900 Mtrs above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand.

Navneet Kaur Rekhi View image Chopta is a small town located at an altitude of 2900 Mtrs above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the many untouched pristine places which is any travellers peaceful dream , considered one of the most picturesque places in the Garhwal tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.934 2010-06-03T05:54:18Z 2010-06-03T06:32:11Z

Hong Kong is a great place for shopaholics but a little expensive. but it is still fun to bargain.

Seema Narang Our trip to Hong Kong and Macau about a fortnight back was funfilled and a learning experience. My husband Gulshan was sweet enough to get some time out of his busy schedule. As we were hard pressed for time, we decided to go out on a short trip of not tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.931 2010-05-30T17:40:35Z 2010-05-31T05:33:28Z

The King Cobra is the largest venomous land snake in the world and native to India.

Mike Pandey View image The King Cobra is the largest venomous land snake in the world and native to India. It can grow up to 18 feet in length and weigh 20 kg. Agile and powerful, it can move with great speed but avoids confrontation unless threatened. We were in the rainforests of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.930 2010-05-30T16:31:06Z 2010-05-31T09:34:14Z

Hang gliding is the closest you will come to feeling like a bird soaring freely in the sky

Aalap Deboor View image Imagine shooting off a ridge clinging to a pair of rudimentary wings. Scary, isn't it? You would be hoping your machine doesn't give way and praying that nature stays calm till you land. The sport is called hang gliding, and it's an embodiment of the human desire to soar like tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.1009 2010-05-30T10:52:43Z 2010-07-12T11:33:31Z

Send us your travel blog or notes and win exciting prizes!

BEST BLOG HUNTExclusively for our Facebook community and Twitter followers, here's a chance to test your blogging skills and blog popularity!Facebook Write a note and get your friends to judge it.Here's a chance to win a branded t-shirt, pair of branded cuff-links and a branded tie. The winner* note also tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.928 2010-05-29T13:21:54Z 2010-05-29T13:24:39Z

What happens when a trekker decides to take the wheel and head down the western coastline? Driving past pristine white sands, along the deep grey sea, a roadtrip, he discovers, has a romance of its own

Suhas Kale View image Seven days, 1500 km. The plan was to leave the mountains this summer and drive down the Konkan coastline instead, dotted with ancient temples and forts and lovely white beaches.We began our trip from Murud Janjira, 150 km from Mumbai. Murud has a beautiful beach and Janjira, 5 km ahead tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.920 2010-05-29T12:01:27Z 2010-05-29T12:40:40Z

Hindi-Koreans are bhai-bhai too, if legend is to be believed finds the author on a visit to Seoul

Rajiv Arora View image My co-passenger, a Korean university student returning to her homeland after over 200 days, could sense from 2,000 feet above the mainland that spring had done to Korea this year what the monsoons do to India each year. "Things have changed, it seems," she whispered. Talking about weather, as always, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.914 2010-05-29T09:52:52Z 2010-05-29T11:14:59Z

Every bend in the road throws up a fresh perspective on a bike trip through Kerala

Nitin Chaudhary View image At a random moment somewhere between Munnar and Thekkady, I took my helmet off and let the cool mountain wind run through my hair. The bike pulsated on the inviting road ahead. I responded to the invitation, giving the throttle a mild twist. Before we left on the trip, we tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.904 2010-05-29T06:15:59Z 2010-05-29T06:17:18Z

I would suggest you take the Delhi -- Ambala -- Ludhiana -- Phagwara route. Take a right from Phagwara, reach Hoshiarpur and then go to Kangra via Chintpurni and Jwalaji. Dharamshala is around 20 km from Kangra. If you start...

I would suggest you take the Delhi -- Ambala -- Ludhiana -- Phagwara route. Take a right from Phagwara, reach Hoshiarpur and then go to Kangra via Chintpurni and Jwalaji. Dharamshala is around 20 km from Kangra. If you start at about 5 or 6 am from Delhi, you can tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.903 2010-05-29T06:08:26Z 2010-05-29T06:15:24Z

Well, it all depends on whether you want to enjoy a jungle safari or you just want to relax in the wilderness. If you want to enjoy a safari, you should head to the state government-owned Jungle Lodge. The cost...

Well, it all depends on whether you want to enjoy a jungle safari or you just want to relax in the wilderness. If you want to enjoy a safari, you should head to the state government-owned Jungle Lodge. The cost includes stay, multiple safari rides and boarding too. You can tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.902 2010-05-29T06:00:49Z 2010-05-29T06:05:48Z

When it comes to performance, nutrition is arguably just as important as any other element of your training programme, though it is often the least managed component.

Heath Matthews When it comes to performance, nutrition is arguably just as important as any other element of your training programme, though it is often the least managed component. This is because people think that to lose weight you must eat less and that three meals a day is the right way. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.900 2010-05-29T03:40:28Z 2010-05-29T05:57:10Z

Turning a young child into an athlete and a sportsperson requires the right kind of fitness routine complemented with a regimen that can sharpen his or her game skills.

View image Boys (Cricket) Monday Strength and fitness in the gym 10 mins: Warm up with rowing Circuit consisting of: Jump squats: 12 x reps Push ups: 12-15 x reps Crunches: 25 x reps with feet on Swiss ball Pull ups: Normally between 5-10 Step-ups: Improve unilateral strength and stability of the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.899 2010-05-28T04:11:40Z 2010-05-28T04:26:30Z

Once at Auli, someone asked me how I feel when I go back to city life. I replied, "I don't belong to city life. I need to go back to the mountains to meet myself."

Rajesh Shaily Once at Auli, someone asked me how I feel when I go back to city life. I replied, "I don't belong to city life. I need to go back to the mountains to meet myself." So this March too, I set out to Nako, with a friend Abhishek. Starting in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.898 2010-05-24T04:11:54Z 2010-05-24T04:29:08Z

Give the terrestrial route a miss and take to the skies in a cable car when you're in Hong Kong next. The lofty path is sure to give you plenty of food for thought

Vidya Balachander View image When I first visited Hong Kong last year, I had the option of either chilling with members of the Disney clan or of spending the balmy afternoon in a cable car, taking in sweeping views of mountains and the sea. I chose the latter. I'd always been fascinated with the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.895 2010-05-23T17:57:10Z 2010-05-23T18:11:40Z

Commander Dilip Donde became the first Indian to sail around the world alone when he returned to Mumbai on Saturday after nine months at sea. Here are excerpts from an interaction.

Neha Dara View image Commander Dilip Donde became the first Indian to sail around the world alone when he returned to Mumbai on Saturday after nine months at sea. Here are excerpts from an interaction. How did it feel to be absolutely alone in the middle of the ocean? I think I went through tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.893 2010-05-22T15:15:43Z 2010-05-22T16:48:57Z

Want to turn your kid into an athlete? Know when, how and how much your child can train safely

Glyn Bradfield View image Children are not adults in miniature. They have a developing physiology and therefore, different capabilities for exercise. Can children train? Absolutely, but young athlete training programmes should not just be scaleddown versions of adult training. Rather, they should be highly individualised. The key is to know when, how and how tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.892 2010-05-21T07:20:09Z 2010-05-21T07:32:04Z

Till sometime back the north eastern part of India used to be something of a riddle for me.

Ramesh Negi Till sometime back the north eastern part of India used to be something of a riddle for me. But, a recent visit to Guwahati,Shillong and Cherrapunji has helped change this perception. We began our journey by offering prayers to Maa Kamakhya Devi, at the Neelachal Hills in Guwahati. The city tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.891 2010-05-17T07:36:32Z 2010-05-17T07:49:49Z

In this land, some seek god and others seek wine, but every soul finds salvation

Sonia Nazareth View image Once upon a time, Nashik thrived as an encyclopedia of the exotic and the religious. Travellers thronged this holy city, on the banks of the river Godavari, for a holy dip, and wherever you walked, you encountered either intricate temples or colourful bathing ghats. You bumped into white travellers who tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.890 2010-05-17T05:39:36Z 2010-05-17T05:55:15Z

The Guptas were told that the bear would get scared if a torch was pointed at their face.

S. V. Gupta We are frequent visitors to the United States of America and had got bored of big cities with their monotonous malls and highrise buildings. So this time we planned to visit Smoky Mountains, a national park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is called Smoky due to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.887 2010-05-16T17:28:09Z 2010-05-16T17:29:44Z

People do take cars like yours on the Manali-Leh route though there are patches where the road is nonexistent. Be careful about not running out of fuel. There is only one petrol pump -- at Tandi. The distance from Manali...

People do take cars like yours on the Manali-Leh route though there are patches where the road is nonexistent. Be careful about not running out of fuel. There is only one petrol pump -- at Tandi. The distance from Manali to Tandi is approximately 120 km while Tandi to Leh tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.886 2010-05-16T17:06:44Z 2010-05-16T17:19:52Z

More women are now opting for an adventure packed life

Vidya Balachander View image There was a time when adventure was considered a male bastion. Only a handful of women opted to brave the physical punishment and mental challenges implicit in adventure. But over the years, that wall has fallen too. More women are now keen to get a taste of adventure sports whether tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.884 2010-05-15T03:59:44Z 2010-05-15T05:48:14Z

Get functionally fit at home by building a workout regime around your daily activities

Aalap Deboor View image Pumping dumbbells at the local gym might be a breeze, but if you're breathless while running up the stairs or give up within two laps of swimming, your body is only being partially exercised. All that bicep bulk isn't helping you perform any better. Maybe rolling back to the basics tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.883 2010-05-13T04:26:41Z 2010-05-13T04:36:08Z

Shoja, a small but beautiful hilly area in Himachal.

Vivek Rana I have been to hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand and also in Jammu and Kashmir many times in the past 10 years. But I can never forget the latest one to Shoja, a small but beautiful hilly area in Himachal. We stayed there only for three days but enjoyed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.882 2010-05-10T05:43:11Z 2010-05-10T05:43:39Z

Dharmashala is located about 30 km from Palampur. Both private and state transport buses ply on this route at an interval of 20-25 minutes. If you want to save costs, you can take a state transport bus. If you choose...

Dharmashala is located about 30 km from Palampur. Both private and state transport buses ply on this route at an interval of 20-25 minutes. If you want to save costs, you can take a state transport bus. If you choose to hire a cab, you will have to spend at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.881 2010-05-10T05:39:46Z 2010-05-10T05:42:35Z

You can get bikes on rent at Manali in the market in Model Town area. All bikes are provided with customised fuel tanks and are lined up in front of the shops. Just remember that there is a petrol pump...

You can get bikes on rent at Manali in the market in Model Town area. All bikes are provided with customised fuel tanks and are lined up in front of the shops. Just remember that there is a petrol pump after Tandi, about 90 km from Manali. The next one tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.880 2010-05-10T05:28:34Z 2010-05-10T05:38:52Z

The Guptas enjoyed the beaches, churches and markets in Goa

Abhilasha Gupta I have been to lot of places of tourist interest in the past. But my trip to Goa is something I cherish the most. We started our journey from Faridabad to the Delhi airport by car. At the Goa airport, we were picked up by a hotel car and reached tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.879 2010-05-10T04:17:23Z 2010-05-10T04:37:22Z

Thers's no thrill quite like on the mighty mountains on the humble bicycle

Sai Raje View image Riding hard up a steep Himalayan road is sure to make your heart thump against your rib cage; make your legs feel like jelly and leave you panting and red-faced. But what makes it all worthwhile is being able to ride your bike at a relaxed pace once you get tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.878 2010-05-08T10:42:32Z 2010-05-10T05:05:20Z

A trail through a quaint town founded by a Mughal soldier ends at a spot with three mausoleums. No one knows which one is his.

Tanushree Podder View image I was at Bhopal reading The Begums of Bhopal, an interesting book by Shahryar Khan, when I read about Islam Nagar, a city founded by an Afghan soldier called Dost Mohammed. His story is one of unscrupulous opportunism. While he was employed as the Mughal army commander of Mangalgarh in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.869 2010-05-08T06:54:14Z 2010-05-08T07:42:32Z

It's ancient, it's basic and it still works. Take up Indian classical dance to gain fitness and strength that will last a lifetime

Neha Dara View image Admit it. All it takes is 10 long, boring minutes on the treadmill to make you swear off workouts forever. If the gym doesn't work for you, and you're not built for high-octane aerobic workouts, try your hand at classical dance. It may not sound like exercise, but it offers tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.868 2010-05-07T12:52:07Z 2010-05-07T14:25:44Z

On a weeklong Himalayan Odyssey I discovered

Sabyasachi Bordoloi View image The tiny hamlet of Chatru is tucked away in the vast expanses of the rugged Himalayas. It is an oasis in the cold, high-altitude desert landscape of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Chatru is nearly 83 km from Manali over the Rohtang Pass. My wife and I were on a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.865 2010-05-07T10:35:16Z 2010-05-10T06:16:26Z

The World War II may have ended 65 years ago to the day, but its memories live on fresh as ever

Rishad Saam Mehta View image I had just parked my car at the Albert Dock in Liverpool and was heading towards 'The Beatles Story', a tour that charts the life and music of the Beatles as much as it presents the times and culture of a country just emerged from war. Alongside walked an elderly tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.854 2010-05-07T04:01:09Z 2010-05-07T05:19:50Z

Lansdowne is well on its way to being the 'it' place for a holiday. Hitherto, owing to the strong presence of the Army here, Lansdowne has maintained a low profile on the tourism map, but that's changing

Syed Zafar Mehdi View image Meandering through the small hamlets and thickly forested countryside roads, you land up in an exotic place with breathtaking landscape, breezy air and a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks. The drive to Lansdowne is arguably one of the best. Ensconced amidst the lush oak and pine trees of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.853 2010-05-06T04:30:42Z 2010-05-06T04:47:05Z

The garden city of Mysore is a tourist paradise. It has a natural artistic backdrop in the form of Chamundi Hill on which resides the presiding deity of Mysore and its royal family, Goddess Chamundeshwari. This is the temple of...

Dr Shailey Sood View image The garden city of Mysore is a tourist paradise. It has a natural artistic backdrop in the form of Chamundi Hill on which resides the presiding deity of Mysore and its royal family, Goddess Chamundeshwari. This is the temple of Mahabaleshwar. The palace's main building is built around an open tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.851 2010-05-03T06:06:17Z 2010-05-03T06:19:36Z

A European vacation will fulfill your expectations beyond compare. It is a veritable traveller's paradise waiting to be discovered and explored.

Ruchika Mahajan A European vacation will fulfill your expectations beyond compare. It is a veritable traveller's paradise waiting to be discovered and explored. So we planned our holidays to Europe for 15 days and we took two destinations - Paris and Switzerland. Both the places are very beautiful and refreshing. Summer holidays tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.848 2010-05-02T15:17:39Z 2010-05-05T04:49:58Z

Stunt biking is all about creativity, say freestyle bikers

Dhamini Ratnam View image When the Takidars found out that their teenage son, Sahil, was doing stunts on his bike the sort that involve leaning over the seat and sticking both legs out of the moving bike they were mortified enough to ask him to stop immediately. No parent, they reasoned, would want their tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.847 2010-05-02T15:02:23Z 2010-05-03T06:41:21Z

Some time ago, I was in the heart of the Thar Desert, surrounded by miles of sand dunes. Blistering heat and temperatures of over 50°C often made the Thar an inhospitable place.

Mike Pandey View image Some time ago, I was in the heart of the Thar Desert, surrounded by miles of sand dunes. Blistering heat and temperatures of over 50°C often made the Thar an inhospitable place. A lonely, emaciated cactus tree surrounded by some leafless bramble bushes was the only sign of life in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.841 2010-05-01T12:17:33Z 2010-05-01T13:17:16Z

The Kumbh mela, which is the biggest religious festival on earth is a crush of crowds where hustlers make hay. Yet, it is a metaphor for life

Samrat View image Good Hindus believe a dip in the right river at the right place on the right day will immediately reset their sin counter to zero. The Kumbh Mela has grown over thousands of years around this belief. Kumbh bathers believe they emerge from the river with freshly washed souls and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.840 2010-05-01T04:44:33Z 2010-05-01T04:54:28Z

On a hot summer day, getting into the sauna may not sound like a great idea. Luckily for you, ice, too, is good at speeding recovery after a gruelling workout.

Heath Matthews On a hot summer day, getting into the sauna may not sound like a great idea. Luckily for you, ice, too, is good at speeding recovery after a gruelling workout. Cryotherapy and ice baths are widely used in sports to assist in recovery after training sessions or hard matches during tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.838 2010-05-01T03:41:20Z 2010-05-01T04:29:56Z

A medicine ball brings that much-needed surge of power and speed to your workouts and can be used with different kinds of exercises too

Sai Raje View image You can always trust a plain old ball to up the fun quotient of boredom-filled days. Whether it's a simple game of catch and throw or an explosive soccer game with your buddies, there's never a dull moment when you are playing ball. Even when you are stuck with a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.837 2010-04-30T04:43:07Z 2010-04-30T05:28:36Z

My mother woke me up one morning to announce that I should get ready as we were leaving for Amritsar in an hour.

Esha Arora My mother woke me up one morning to announce that I should get ready as we were leaving for Amritsar in an hour. This surprise trip got me so excited. After a back breaking road journey of almost 447 km, we finally reached Amritsar late in the evening. The entire tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.836 2010-04-30T04:31:42Z 2010-04-30T04:38:45Z

It was a college trip. Along with 70 other students, I was going to Jim Corbett Park. The idea of visiting the tiger's den was very exciting and thrilling.

Varun Saxena View image It was a college trip. Along with 70 other students, I was going to Jim Corbett Park. The idea of visiting the tiger's den was very exciting and thrilling. At 4.30 a.m. two deluxe buses arrived and I was sure that this would be an exciting trip for us. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.833 2010-04-28T06:52:56Z 2010-04-28T06:58:59Z

The Jim Corbett National Park doesn't have clearly marked boundaries, so animals often stray into human settlements.

Aalap Deboor View image On a turbulent May night some years back, camping with friends in the forests of North India, I, unfortunately, happened to partake in a conniving plan to kill a frog. With what transpired that night, it wouldn't seem ludicrous to assume that the amphibian that cold-blooded unrelenting vertebrate resurrected and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.832 2010-04-28T06:18:59Z 2010-04-28T11:59:43Z

At Agumbe, the very first study of the King Cobra in its natural habitat is underway. But the snake, of whom so much is still unknown, remains elusive

C.Gangadharan Menon View image It rained and it rained, for five days and five nights. Whenever there was a momentary respite, birds would sing from trees that had long back disappeared into the mist. It was the second coming of the monsoon. Just when everyone thought it was the end of the season, it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.826 2010-04-26T10:46:16Z 2010-04-26T10:47:07Z

There is very little snow there at this time of the year. Although, you may find a bit of old snow at Sela Pass and enroute to Sungestar or Madhuri Lake beyond Tawang. Usually it does not start raining in...

There is very little snow there at this time of the year. Although, you may find a bit of old snow at Sela Pass and enroute to Sungestar or Madhuri Lake beyond Tawang. Usually it does not start raining in May, but my experience was bad due to the Aila tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.825 2010-04-26T10:43:33Z 2010-04-26T10:44:39Z

Travelling at night from Dehradun to Mussourie is avoidable in case you have sufficient time with you. Your driver may be an expert but it is risky to drive in the ghats at night. If possible, check-in at Dehradun that...

Travelling at night from Dehradun to Mussourie is avoidable in case you have sufficient time with you. Your driver may be an expert but it is risky to drive in the ghats at night. If possible, check-in at Dehradun that night, visit local places such as Tarkeshwar Mandir the next tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.824 2010-04-26T07:24:31Z 2010-04-26T07:34:28Z

For the Solanki family, A holiday in the hills as a refreshing break from the oppressive heat of the plains.

Nirupama Singh Solanki March was hectic. My son was busy with his exams and my husband was churned because it was the end of the financial year. April arrived with a weekend bonus. Good Friday and Easter were a solace from the nerve raking chores I had gone through. At the stroke of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.820 2010-04-26T04:36:03Z 2010-04-26T05:47:56Z

The finest destinations to visit if you're seeking absolute thrills

View image Adventure can be found anywhere. But the real excitement lies in closing the deal at the spot where you know the rush won't elude you at any cost. Here's a list of those unmatched places that are the holy grail for true adrenaline junkies and known only to a dedicated tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.813 2010-04-24T14:09:59Z 2010-04-24T15:07:25Z

The ability to react swiftly is what sets apart a great athlete. It also makes for a more alert you

Neha Dara View image The instinct that makes you duck when you see a fist flying towards your face - that's reflex. For most of us, it's part of a self-preservation instinct, acting instantaneously without waiting for the brain to send an instruction. Touch cup; realise it's hot; pull hand away immediately before it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.814 2010-04-24T13:32:09Z 2010-04-24T14:38:33Z

A passenger stuck in Hamburg due to the flight delays caused by the volcanic ash crisis finds the best way to spend time in this German city

Stuart Forster View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.811 2010-04-24T12:47:57Z 2010-04-24T13:55:10Z

It's a sign of our times that an erupting volcano in Iceland could ground flights continents away. Here is a first-person account of the ensuing chaos

Stuart Forster View image An estimated seven million airline passengers across the world have faced disruptions to their travel plans due to the cloud of volcanic ash which spewed out of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano on Iceland and drifted over Europe. Some journeys did not even begin and many more passengers are stranded abroad with tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.810 2010-04-22T05:47:15Z 2010-04-22T10:53:11Z

My husband, Umang Batra, and I planned a trip to Singapore and Malaysia in December last year to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

Amita Batra My husband, Umang Batra, and I planned a trip to Singapore and Malaysia in December last year to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We boarded a flight to Singapore on the night of December 3 and in the morning we opened our eyes in the majestic city of Singapore. From tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.808 2010-04-22T04:20:55Z 2010-04-22T10:59:17Z

I go for a vacation at least once in a year. This year, my wife and I, with our two children, went for a seven-day trip to Agra.

S. N. Yadav I go for a vacation at least once in a year. This year, my wife and I, with our two children, went for a seven-day trip to Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Gwalior. We started from Gurgaon in our own car and reached Taj Mahal at noon. We saw the Taj tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.799 2010-04-21T07:47:21Z 2010-04-22T11:05:28Z

It was after a scenic one hour train journey that I disembarked at the York train station.

Rupali Dean View image It was after a scenic one hour train journey that I disembarked at the York train station. After checking in at The Park Inn Hotel and a quick shower later, I walked to Loch Fyne for an amazing sea-food lunch. The fresh scallops served in their shells with a yummy tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.795 2010-04-19T05:36:19Z 2010-04-19T05:38:14Z

tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.794 2010-04-19T04:48:18Z 2010-04-19T04:50:19Z

Winter trekking began as an adventure activity in India about 15 years ago. But one of the first people to try such a trek is the current Union Sports Minister, MS Gill. He crossed Rohtang Pass in mid-winter in 1962....

Winter trekking began as an adventure activity in India about 15 years ago. But one of the first people to try such a trek is the current Union Sports Minister, MS Gill. He crossed Rohtang Pass in mid-winter in 1962. He described the journey in his book, Himalayan Wonderland. The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.792 2010-04-19T04:04:52Z 2010-04-22T11:07:47Z

You don't have to take unnecessary risks to chase the buzz. Follow all the safety rules even as you push your limits

Yana Bey View image You can never be too careful with adventure sports, as last week's parasailing accident in Goa proved. Just as tales of stupendous achievement and heroism become part of folklore and legend in adventure circles, so do narratives of crucial errors and lapses of judgment that resulted in horrifying consequences. Over tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.780 2010-04-17T05:55:40Z 2010-04-17T05:57:27Z

Hi Santosh, I'm glad to hear that you enjoy reading our articles. Here's what I'd suggest about your routine: Think about what exercise you like doing. You are far more likely to follow an exercise programme that you enjoy doing...

Hi Santosh, I'm glad to hear that you enjoy reading our articles. Here's what I'd suggest about your routine: Think about what exercise you like doing. You are far more likely to follow an exercise programme that you enjoy doing than one I recommend to you. If you enjoy the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.778 2010-04-17T03:37:55Z 2010-04-22T11:13:29Z

There's a reason why superheroes wear those silly tights. They really do make you stronger. We demystify the science behind it

Aalap Deboor View image Often in matches, you spot cricketers wearing thin fullbody tight stockings underneath their clothes even in blistering heat. You'd think they help Brett Lee or S Sreesanth swing the ball better or aid Rahul Dravid in scoring the odd sixer. But they don't. These 'stockings' are actually compression wear and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.777 2010-04-16T12:28:40Z 2010-04-19T06:32:29Z

In the cradle of temple architecture, they created a legacy we can be proud of

Kalpana Sunder View image Imagine a laboratory where experiments on architectural styles were conducted by anonymous architects, sculptors, masons and artists -- different influences were absorbed and creative structures emerged. This is exactly what happened in Aihole and Pattadakal in northern Karnataka, both UNESCO World Heritage sites now. The canvas for these experiments was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.776 2010-04-16T11:38:39Z 2010-04-17T12:37:34Z

Volunteering for a restoration project of an ancient stupa is as far as you can get from a typical sightseeing holiday in Kathmandu. But the experience still offers a satisfying glimpse into the heart of the city

Madhu Reddy View image I landed in Kathmandu with a heavy heart and non-refundable tickets, with no desire to do the required sight seeing or take in the much-advertised treks and hikes in Nepal. I just wanted to be, take in the days as they came, stroll the streets of Kathmandu and do something tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.775 2010-04-16T04:15:03Z 2010-04-22T11:43:50Z

In February we headed south to God's Own Country. Kumarakom is two hours via road from Cochin airport. We got into a taxi for Kumarakom.

Dr Sapna Rakesh In February we headed south to God's Own Country. Kumarakom is two hours via road from Cochin airport. We got into a taxi for Kumarakom. After about 90 minutes when the urban feel of Cochin and Delhi had disappeared I realised that it rains in the month of February also. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.774 2010-04-14T05:51:23Z 2010-04-14T05:59:48Z

The Atacama Desert in Chile has gone from being an unknown backwater to a travellers' paradise

Geetika Jain When I first traced the Atacama Desert on the map with my finger, sprawling over bits of Chile and Peru, it did not seem very inviting. It was a very long way to go to experience intense heat in a treeless landscape. On a recent visit to Chile however, I tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.773 2010-04-12T09:10:03Z 2010-04-12T09:34:23Z

Sridhar Iyer View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.761 2010-04-12T07:09:17Z 2010-04-12T07:10:16Z

The temples are open from 7 am to 1 pm and then from 4 pm to 8 pm. But the timing varies according to the season. The timings of the Suchindram Temple are almost the same. It will not take...

The temples are open from 7 am to 1 pm and then from 4 pm to 8 pm. But the timing varies according to the season. The timings of the Suchindram Temple are almost the same. It will not take more than one or two hours to complete darshan at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.760 2010-04-12T07:07:17Z 2010-04-12T07:08:14Z

You have many options to stay at Korzok. There are lots of homestays in addition to the old luxury tent complex on the bank of the narrow stream. When I visited in September '09, there were a lot more houses...

You have many options to stay at Korzok. There are lots of homestays in addition to the old luxury tent complex on the bank of the narrow stream. When I visited in September '09, there were a lot more houses than in '05. Earlier, Korzok was a silent village devoid tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.759 2010-04-12T06:55:35Z 2010-04-12T09:18:49Z

Troia is a beach town where Lisbon residents have holiday homes. Believe us when we say that public transport is hard to come by.

Vidya Balachander View image On a balmy day in Lisbon, we decided to stray off the tourist map and head where rich Lisbon residents go to unwind. Troia is a town of imposing white bungalows that serve as holiday homes, an equally white sandy beach and empty streets. When we visited in August, Troia tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.758 2010-04-12T06:21:13Z 2010-04-12T09:30:01Z

Dark battles are always raging between the elements on Rajasthan's sands. The only key to survival then in a place as hostile as this is to bow down in reverence to the mighty desert

Nitin Chaudhary View image From where I stood on the parabolic sand dune, I could see a long stretch of sand spread ahead till the horizon, lightly sprinkled with cactus and pale bushes. The Thar started, or ended, here depending on how one wished to see it. Archaeologists propose that almost 5,000 years ago, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.753 2010-04-11T14:09:59Z 2010-04-11T14:28:31Z

Two teenagers have set out on an attempt to become the youngest Indians to climb Mount Everest

Aalap Deboor View image Mountaineering may not be her main passion but Bhagyashree Sawant a national-level athlete, cyclist and rugby player, and an international-level karate player has set herself a tall target. And she's determined to climb up to it. The 18-year-old student of computer science at MD College, Mumbai, is vying to become tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.752 2010-04-10T04:09:01Z 2010-04-10T06:17:59Z

A desk job comes with its own hazards. Don't put your neck on the line

Vidya Balachander View image Poor posture is the scourge of our times. We spend more hours slouched in front of a computer screen than any previous generation. Not surprisingly, neck and shoulder problems have become increasingly common. A study conducted among 101 employees of a multinational company by the Industrial Design Centre at the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.746 2010-04-09T12:27:15Z 2010-04-09T14:25:23Z

A city that faces sub-zero temperatures for half the year has found a good way to put all that ice to good use -- an annual festival that attracts thousands of visitors and ice sculptors each year. View images

Urmi Popat View image This one promises to be the best holiday I've ever been on. Sure, there are no sunny skies, no grassy knolls or even gambolling lambs. But who cares for those when everywhere you look is a blanket of white, when the land beneath your feet is soft as snow. Nicknamed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.734 2010-04-05T06:49:06Z 2010-04-05T07:05:25Z

Dalhousie is a place to soothe frayed nerves, say the Bakhshis

A. K. Bakhshi & Kamna Bakhshi The call of the mountains is too irresistible for people of the plains and we being no exceptions, found ourselves nestled coolly in the heavenly abode of Dalhousie between spectacular snow covered Dhauladhar range above and the Ravi river below. After an arduous drive of almost 600 km from Faridabad tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.733 2010-04-05T06:17:03Z 2010-04-05T06:25:40Z

The night camping in the Sam desert awes you completely. Traditional music, camel ride and the lonely gaze in the sky as you lie on the sand, are fascinating.

Anubhav View image What does a traveller expects from a destination that is almost celebrated? As I embarked upon a journey to Jaisalmer, at the western limits of India, I couldn't resist carrying a baggage of huge expectations. But by the time one unloads himself on the desert terrain and the fresh sand tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.732 2010-04-05T05:44:19Z 2010-04-07T05:26:58Z

We were in the middle of the Thar Desert filming reptiles when the sandstorm hit us. It hit late in the afternoon as we were heading back to base camp.

Mike pandey We were in the middle of the Thar Desert filming reptiles when the sandstorm hit us. It hit late in the afternoon as we were heading back to base camp. Suddenly, we could no longer tell the road from the sea of sand. The jeep provided shelter but it was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.730 2010-04-05T04:25:36Z 2010-04-09T05:39:26Z

The sweat and toil of a trek leads to meadows full of flowers

Aalap Deboor & Sai Raje View image The snow on the Himalayas is melting fast, seeping into the ground to nudge awake hidden life. Before you know it, snow-draped hills will transform into lush green meadows, covered with flowers in all the colours of the palette. This makes it the best time for a high-altitude trek across tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.727 2010-04-03T11:49:12Z 2010-04-07T07:41:02Z

You may never actually spot a tiger as you drive deep into big cat territory in Uttarakhand. But sights of the beautiful Kumaon alone will make your day

Tanushree Podder View image Three days ago, my kitchen garden was graced by the visit of a tiger. May be it is a vegetarian, joked the hubby while studying the big cat's pug marks. The very same evening we heard that the tiger had been sighted at the golf course and had even killed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.726 2010-04-03T11:26:37Z 2010-04-06T08:06:48Z

Unlike the fancy, upper-class horse races we're familiar with, the traditional buffalo races in Karnataka have a raw, earthy and exciting flavour

Madhu Reddy View image As we made our way from Mangalore into the interiors, to a village called 'Idhu', there was a slight doubt in our minds, whether we would find the Kambla event. All attempts to reach the phone number given were futile, the village was nowhere to be found on the map, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.725 2010-04-03T07:21:00Z 2010-04-03T07:22:05Z

The easiest way to reach Corbett is to take an evening flight from Mumbai to Delhi and then take the Ranikhet Express from from Delhi to Kathgodam. The train leaves Delhi at 10.40 pm and reaches Kathgodam at 5.20 am....

The easiest way to reach Corbett is to take an evening flight from Mumbai to Delhi and then take the Ranikhet Express from from Delhi to Kathgodam. The train leaves Delhi at 10.40 pm and reaches Kathgodam at 5.20 am. From Kathgodam, you can take a cab to Corbett. Make tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.724 2010-04-03T07:17:55Z 2010-04-03T07:18:36Z

Lavasa will be rather hot during the day in May/June, though the evenings may be pleasant due to the proximity of the Dasve Lake. There is little to do in Lavasa, except walking by the water front or trying out...

Lavasa will be rather hot during the day in May/June, though the evenings may be pleasant due to the proximity of the Dasve Lake. There is little to do in Lavasa, except walking by the water front or trying out some water sports. It may be boring to spend more tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.723 2010-04-03T05:44:06Z 2010-04-03T05:55:04Z

This week, I'd like to talk to you about sauna and steam, which are commonly used by many athletes and amateur fitness enthusiasts as forms of recovery.

Heath matthews This week, I'd like to talk to you about sauna and steam, which are commonly used by many athletes and amateur fitness enthusiasts as forms of recovery. I'll outline the benefits of the two and give you a comparison on which is a better form of recovery from your training. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.721 2010-04-03T03:49:36Z 2010-04-07T11:56:24Z

The secret to a limber body is a little-known but very effective aspect of your cooling down session -- the self-release myofascial technique

Dhamini Ratnam View image The term may seem a mouthful to some, and a bit naughty to others. But if the aches and pains that hit on the morning after are all-too familiar, then you're missing out on a little-known but expedient post-workout recovery process. Self-release myofascial (SMR) technique works on the fascia the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.720 2010-03-28T02:57:14Z 2010-03-28T03:33:21Z

Get an adrenaline surge gliding to the shore on a wave's crest with salt spray in your face

Dhamini Ratnam View image The first time Tushar Pathiyan (21) rode the swell of a wave lying on his surfboard, he had an epiphany. Nothing, he realised, would ever top what he felt just then. "You always remember your first wave," says the third-year architecture student of Manipal University, Karnataka. "At that time, nothing tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.711 2010-03-27T12:37:02Z 2010-03-27T13:32:14Z

London streets to host 250 model elephants to raise money for conservation of the endangered Asian elephant

Richard Vines View image The jumbos are coming -- more than 250 of them. Designers and artists aiming to protect the endangered Asian elephant have decorated fibreglass pachyderms that will pop up at locations across London on the night of May 2.From the fashion world, the Elephant Parade has drawn the support of Lulu tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.693 2010-03-27T11:26:33Z 2010-03-29T10:34:16Z

A search for the real tombs of Laila and Majnu uncovers deeper memories of tales of love

Meher Ali View image I had not planned on going. On Sunday morning, I got a call from my friend. "I have to go to their engagement. There is no way I can't," he said. After a pause, he said, "You know Rahul was telling me that there is some mazaar there, of Laila tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.687 2010-03-27T02:24:09Z 2010-03-27T02:37:00Z

Power through a water polo session for a refreshing all-body workout

Aalap Deboor View image Summers in our lives are rarely golden. As the midyear heat prepares to hit you hard, all you're thinking about is simmering down in the pool. This year, instead of doing frantic laps or splashing aimlessly in the water, try out water polo. It's a fun sport that only requires tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.686 2010-03-23T13:28:31Z 2010-03-24T06:01:25Z

After you are done exploring Kasauli on foot, perfect the art of doing nothing

Sonia Nazareth View image Kasauli is a walker's paradise. As an army cantonment town, restrictions imposed by authorities have prevented the town from being taken over by modern concrete structures. At 6,400 feet in the Shivalik Hills, away from family, television, Internet and every other life diversion, the potency of the trip dawned upon tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.681 2010-03-23T13:02:25Z 2010-03-24T06:24:00Z

Our concrete ambitions are destroying what was once a wetland bird haven

C Gangadharan Menon View image Until the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust was established here to decongest the Mumbai Port, Uran was a quaint little fishing village, known to the avid birdwatchers of Mumbai as a birding hotspot. And to those interested in history, it was known as the naval base of that fisherman-turned-master naval strategist tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.669 2010-03-23T11:22:44Z 2010-03-23T12:57:59Z

Let your tastebuds run riot at the Shilin night market. With some tasty treats and a few questionable eats to choose from, they're sure not to have a single dull moment

Rishad Saam Mehta View image There was buzz about me -- I was experiencing a heady cocktail of anticipation and trepidation. I felt like a culinary Captain Cook about to go forth and discover the huge kitchen that is the Shilin Night Market.Shilin was the last of a series of gourmet discoveries I made in tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.666 2010-03-21T07:04:26Z 2010-03-21T07:08:23Z

I admire your spirit in trying out something for the first time at your age and also your wish to fulfil your long-held dream. I see no problem in your going for short, low-altitude treks. However, one should always be...

Yana Bey I admire your spirit in trying out something for the first time at your age and also your wish to fulfil your long-held dream. I see no problem in your going for short, low-altitude treks. However, one should always be in touch with one's body and be aware of how tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.665 2010-03-21T06:59:26Z 2010-03-21T07:01:26Z

The Explorers and Adventurers meet every Wednesday (6.30-8 pm) at Milan Coffee House, Flora Fountain. I am suggesting one, which will be a stepping stone for you into the adventure circle in Mumbai. Once you know a few people who...

Yana Bey The Explorers and Adventurers meet every Wednesday (6.30-8 pm) at Milan Coffee House, Flora Fountain. I am suggesting one, which will be a stepping stone for you into the adventure circle in Mumbai. Once you know a few people who do adventure activities, through them you will be able to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.663 2010-03-21T06:06:35Z 2010-03-21T07:21:50Z

Plagued by a lack of good trekking maps, Indian hikers make their own

Aalap Deboor View image For trekkers, nothing can parallel the thrill of hitting the trail, but that doesn't mean that they walk in unprepared. As any good trekker knows, his survival depends on his preparation and in ensuring that he has the right equipment, enough food and proper navigation tools. Unfortunately for Indian trekkers, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.659 2010-03-20T01:58:45Z 2010-03-20T06:35:34Z

Let your tastebuds run riot at the Shilin night market. With some tasty treats and a few questionable eats to choose from, they're sure not to have a single dull moment

Rishad Saam Mehta View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.657 2010-03-20T01:45:55Z 2010-03-20T07:12:47Z

Sandy GYM Don't worry about missing your workout when you head to the seaside this summer. You can make up for it with these fun beach sports

Dhamini Ratnam View image Besides the sun, surf and sand, the beach offers one of the best places to continue your fitness regime when you're on a vacation. Don't break into a sweat about packing in the pounds, as you can continue losing those calories and keep up with your strengthtraining and cardio-vascular workouts tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.655 2010-03-19T05:18:11Z 2010-03-19T05:27:52Z

Hong Kong is more than shopping and vertical structures. In between the buildings are pockets of greenery and one such landscaped delight is the Nan Lian Garden.

Indra Chopra View image Hong Kong is more than shopping and vertical structures. In between the buildings are pockets of greenery and one such landscaped delight is the Nan Lian Garden, modeled on Jiangshouju, the only Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 907 AD) landscape garden traceable today. The skillful use of water, rocks, plants, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.654 2010-03-19T04:40:51Z 2010-03-19T04:59:45Z

At Naldehra, the main attraction was riding through the dense forest and enjoying the spectacular view of Sutlej river.

Moushumi Bhattacharya I never fancied the crowded hills rather preferred areas away from crowds. So that is how we landed at Mashobra, 14 km away from Shimla. This quaint little village supposedly was the first choice of British officials too and their families who wanted some privacy in proximity to Shimla. On tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.653 2010-03-19T04:15:02Z 2010-03-19T10:51:29Z

The drive from Jawahar Tunnel to Srinagar is very scenic and the Tejwani family enjoyed it very much.

Vinod Tejwani During my winter break, I decided to take my family to Kashmir, considered a paradise on earth. We started our journey by train from Muradnagar to Jammu and from there hired a taxi to go to Patnitop. The surroundings looked pristine with pine trees and dense forests. There were beautiful tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.648 2010-03-16T11:51:46Z 2010-03-16T12:04:57Z

A filmmaker went trotting along India on a journey to debunk clichéd depictions of its interiors. He drove along borders and wound up uncovering mythic landscapes

Dev Benegal View image My travel across Rajasthan and Kutch had me skirting the border on roads built by the Border Road Organisation. They've single-handedly constructed some of the most amazing routes in places one would never imagine existed. All along them, which cut across uncharted areas of India, you come across funny, somewhat tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.629 2010-03-15T10:47:34Z 2010-03-23T11:08:03Z

Known more for its hedonistic nightlife and package deals for tourists, there's a whole different side to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, that reveals itself only to the discerning traveller

Stuart Forster View image Reputations are easy to gain but often difficult to shake, as the Spanish island of Tenerife has found in recent years. Though it has much to offer travellers, many are put off by its association with mass package tourism and a hedonistic nightlife. Yet, as I found on a recent tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.628 2010-03-14T11:00:55Z 2010-03-19T10:37:37Z

I visited Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand in September 2009. At Bangkok airport we were welcomed by Thai girls in their traditional nationalistic style and left for Pattaya.

Alisha Gupta View image I visited Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand in September 2009. At Bangkok airport we were welcomed by Thai girls in their traditional nationalistic style and left for Pattaya. The first sights of Pattaya were very beautiful. The clean beaches with blue waters, white sands, sunny beaches, crowded markets, colourful vehicles, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.623 2010-03-13T05:35:44Z 2010-03-16T11:23:24Z

A shutterbug on the prowl for memorable pictures finds that Japan is an ideal hunting ground

Kaushik Chakravorty View image As a photographer, there could be few better rewards than the opportunity to shoot Japan in the height of fall. I had just won the Canon Photomarathon 2009, a national photography contest, and was en route to the island country to join winners from 14 other countries for a weeklong tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.620 2010-03-13T03:20:03Z 2010-03-21T07:27:15Z

Strength is not just 'a man thing'. Women can wrestle and do weights without worrying about adding bulk

Dhamini Ratnam View image Are women the weaker sex? Ask Jagdish Kaliraman this question at your own risk. Kaliraman, an international wrestling champion, who has ed the country 16 times and represented the country 16 times and is a four time gold medallist, trains women to be wrestlers from the age of 10 at tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.619 2010-03-11T05:24:34Z 2010-03-19T10:55:08Z

AS Puducherry was a french colony earlier, some parts of the city still retain ITS old world charm.

Dhananjai Pandya We spent a long weekend in Puducherry (earlier, Pondicherry) recently. The drive from Chennai to Puducherry was very pleasant as we watched the azure sea. We stopped for lunch at Mamalapuram (Mahabalipuram) to see the seashore temple and caves, a World Heritage site. The stone temple, though eroded over the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.618 2010-03-10T07:27:44Z 2010-03-10T07:28:28Z

The Andaman Island is a splendid and peaceful location. The beaches are clear and clean, with no crowd.The weather is good between November and January and warm from February to May. The monsoon begins in June and lasts until September....

The Andaman Island is a splendid and peaceful location. The beaches are clear and clean, with no crowd.The weather is good between November and January and warm from February to May. The monsoon begins in June and lasts until September. But June is not the right time to go there tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.617 2010-03-10T04:02:18Z 2010-03-10T11:30:00Z

It is hard not to fall in love with Chile, an unsung paradise boasting beautiful landscapes

Geetika Jain View image According to a charming Chile an legend, when God was finished with making the earth, he had some leftovers forests, glaciers, fjords, volcanoes, lakes and deserts which he put in his pocket. As he was walking across heaven, they all fell in a straight line from a hole in his tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.615 2010-03-07T07:10:03Z 2010-03-07T07:28:11Z

Deserts are amongst the most demanding ecosystems on the planet, which provide sustenance to thousands of life forms that have adapted to their arid environs.

Mike Pandey View image Deserts are amongst the most demanding ecosystems on the planet, which provide sustenance to thousands of life forms that have adapted to their arid environs. The Thar Desert in Rajasthan that houses the 3,000-sq km large Desert National Park is one such zone. It covers almost 2,00,000 sq km of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.614 2010-03-07T06:01:14Z 2010-03-08T07:03:19Z

Poles apart Last year, one intrepid Indian woman made history by skiing across the Antarctic to the South Pole against all odds. This is her story

View image Apart from 38 year old Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu, the few Indian women scientists and one sky diver who have travelled to the South Pole, have done so by air or have skied the short distance from 89 degree latitude to the 90 degree latitude in Antarctica to reach the South tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.600 2010-03-06T09:16:28Z 2010-03-06T11:15:28Z

Soaring above Alaska in an airplane can reveal hidden gems in the terrain you'd never spot otherwise

Sarah Maslin Jr View image It was a windy, snow-whipped morning in early winter, and as I stood on a spit of land jutting into Kachemak Bay in the Alaskan town of Homer, I was surrounded by natural wonders. Or so I was told.The Harding Icefield, rugged mountaintops ensconced in interconnected glaciers, was just off tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.599 2010-03-06T07:51:51Z 2010-03-10T06:10:47Z

The capital city of South Korea offers an intense experience with people, food, the wartorn past and a hopeful future

Chaitali Patel View image I have had the opportunity to visit some magnificent cities over the ast few years, but nothing has surprised me as much as Seoul, the capital of South Korea.Considered to be one of the largest cities in the world, an astoundingly large percentage of South Korea's population lives in the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.598 2010-03-06T06:50:05Z 2010-03-06T06:53:10Z

I visited Pelling in mid-December last year. I did not book my tour in advance as that was the off-peak season, but it is normally advisable to book in advance. Try to get a hotel in Upper Pelling as the...

I visited Pelling in mid-December last year. I did not book my tour in advance as that was the off-peak season, but it is normally advisable to book in advance. Try to get a hotel in Upper Pelling as the view is great. I stayed at Hotel Phamrong. It is tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.597 2010-03-06T06:42:52Z 2010-03-06T06:48:51Z

The Andaman Island is a splendid location and very peaceful. The beaches are breezy, have clear water, and aren't too crowded. The weather is good between November and January and warm from February to May. The monsoon begins in June...

The Andaman Island is a splendid location and very peaceful. The beaches are breezy, have clear water, and aren't too crowded. The weather is good between November and January and warm from February to May. The monsoon begins in June and lasts until September. But June is not the right tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.592 2010-03-06T04:24:27Z 2010-03-10T06:21:26Z

Cocoa will always be on your mind in Bruges the chocolate capital of Europe that could well be Willy Wonka's favourite town

Tanushree Podder View image Ever since I had seen Willy Wonka making magic with cacao beans in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the secret desire to visit a candy factory lay dormant in my heart. The taste of this anticipated tour lingered long in my imagination and for many years I really thought that tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.591 2010-03-06T03:45:18Z 2010-03-06T06:36:54Z

In combat Martial art forms do more than teach you how to defend yourself. They work out your core and improve overall fitness levels too

Vidya Balachander View image Let's face it it is easy to tire of workouts. Running on the treadmill every day or following the same weight-training routine for a few months can become boring. It also ceases being challenging when your body gets used to it. To mix things up a bit, take up a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.590 2010-03-06T01:23:37Z 2010-03-06T01:26:37Z

Today I'd like to highlight the importance of a good cool down. I hope this article will encourage you to do more cooling down exercises after your training.

Heath Matthews Earlier I had written about how to plan your training programme to reach your fitness goals. I spoke about setting short, mid and long term goals and making sure you had a good balance of strength, cardio and flexibility in your programme. I also wrote about why a good warm tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.589 2010-03-05T04:08:05Z 2010-03-19T10:58:25Z

Some trips remain a cherished memory forever and my visit to Mount Abu was one such journey.

Prashant Kumar Some trips remain a cherished memory forever and my visit to Mount Abu was one such journey. I am very fond of travelling and have been across the country. But Mount Abu has its own distinct beauty and aura, which attract tourists from both India and abroad.Mount Abu is famous tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.588 2010-03-04T04:07:42Z 2010-03-05T11:16:36Z

Bhawani Shanker Tripathy Sitting on the cool golden sand and watching the sunrise can be one of the most thrilling experiences and we were lucky to experience that during a holiday in Puri.

Bhawani Shanker Tripathy Sitting on the cool golden sand and watching the sunrise can be one of the most thrilling experiences and we were lucky to experience that during a holiday in Puri.Watching the dawn was beautiful. The birds chirped gaily.As the white light starts to wipe away the darkness, a large red tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.587 2010-03-02T04:09:57Z 2010-03-05T11:19:28Z

The lofty western Himalayan ranges and ridges make for spectacular view in. Nainital, which Gupta family enjoyed a lot.

Abhinav Gupta Though I have visited many parts of the country, it was my trip to Nainital along with my family recently that was the most memorable. Nainital is also known as the `Lake District of Uttarakhand'. As it is situated just a little over 300 km from Delhi and Faridabad, we tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.586 2010-02-28T17:25:52Z 2010-03-05T10:48:03Z

As far as I know, there are no trekking trails very close to Jammu. Doda and Patnitop are the closest trekking destinations. I am told that Poonch and Kishtwar also have trekking trails. I have never had an opportunity to...

As far as I know, there are no trekking trails very close to Jammu. Doda and Patnitop are the closest trekking destinations. I am told that Poonch and Kishtwar also have trekking trails. I have never had an opportunity to trek in the Jammu region because there is an impression tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.584 2010-02-28T16:01:45Z 2010-02-28T16:52:00Z

Sticky Situation Donning the explorer's boots you've strayed too far from the group? Happens to every trekker. Here's how you can find your way back

Aalap Deboor View image Frequently on treks, you find yourself so enamoured by the beauty of the climb that you leave your group behind and take your own course up to the fort. Result? Your trek leader freaks out, a rescue team is sent out, you are found and chastised, and your enthusiasm not tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.583 2010-02-28T15:18:43Z 2010-03-05T10:33:45Z

Any form of intense activity calls for a diet that provides proteins for strengthening and maintaining muscles as well as a sustained supply of energy for fuelling rigorous training sessions.

View image Any form of intense activity calls for a diet that provides proteins for strengthening and maintaining muscles as well as a sustained supply of energy for fuelling rigorous training sessions. So, unlike the popularly held belief, you don't just need to up the proteins, but you also need a fair tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.582 2010-02-28T14:18:24Z 2010-02-28T15:00:04Z

As the city's 'cycling only' sightseeing tour takes place this Sunday, here's an extensive look at the different unique travel packages that are on offer

Sneha Mahale View image In the last few years, the tourism industry has witnessed a considerable boost in India, rising by almost 25 per cent. Taking advantage of the situation, Mumbai's travel operators too have begun offering clients what they call 'experiential holidays' apart from the usual attractions. These packages offer visitors and locals tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.581 2010-02-28T14:14:47Z 2010-02-28T14:17:24Z

April is summer in all parts of the country and Jodhpur and Udaipur will be pretty hot too. The nights will be comparatively cooler.Although the hotels are tourist-friendly, it is always better to be self-reliant when it comes to your...

April is summer in all parts of the country and Jodhpur and Udaipur will be pretty hot too. The nights will be comparatively cooler.Although the hotels are tourist-friendly, it is always better to be self-reliant when it comes to your baby's needs. Most of the hotels will have a tea/coffee tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.580 2010-02-28T13:53:59Z 2010-02-28T14:08:03Z

If someone's dropped off a postcard for you at Floreana Island, a tourist heading close to your home will come by to deliver it

Andrea Sachs View image Floreana Island's postal service hasn't evolved from its origins hundreds of years ago. But unlike Darwin's finches, it doesn't need to adapt to survive.Instead of stamps and postmen, the Galapagos isle relies on a barrel and the kindness of travellers to move its mail. Twice a day including Sunday, boatloads tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.579 2010-02-28T13:28:40Z 2010-03-19T11:01:42Z

The fortress atop Sigiriya Rock still bears testimony to the exploits of the man who built it Sri Lanka's King Kashyapa

Kalpana Sunder View image It's visible in the distance from my hotel room in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, set in the middle of a forest. The Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises 660 feet out of the surrounding countryside. of fields and groves.history has fascinated me for years.It used to be a refuge tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.577 2010-02-27T05:44:22Z 2010-02-28T13:11:11Z

Navigating Bhutan's mountain roads requires a certain amount of bravery. Careening along them becomes an ego trip

Omair Ahmed View image Bumthang is a valley of valleys. Located in the north and centre of Bhutan, Bumthang gathers together the four valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Here you can have football fields a rarity in a country that is made up of mountains, and only mountains and it is little tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.576 2010-02-27T04:12:05Z 2010-03-05T11:07:38Z

Nothing fancy about it a healthy diet doesn't have to pinch the pocket and include expensiveingredients and supplements. Familiar, everyday foods can help you lead the lifestyle you want

Sai Raje View image When it comes to weight loss or fitness goals, food is almost always tricky territory. There are so many questions that are unanswered. Can I still eat my breakfast staple a dosa if am trying to lose weight? How much can I eat? Do I have to avoid rice completely? tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.575 2010-02-25T04:55:25Z 2010-02-25T04:57:16Z

Paris has more to it then just the Eiffel Tower. Lovers can explore the beautiful riverside such as River Seine or hit the roadside book store to give diferent dimension to their love for each other and Paris...

View image Paris has more to it then just the Eiffel Tower. Lovers can explore the beautiful riverside such as River Seine or hit the roadside book store to give diferent dimension to their love for each other and Paris tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.574 2010-02-24T05:11:43Z 2010-02-24T05:13:47Z

Jangpura Extn, Delhi I have been to every single place I've written about. There is a difference between a visceral connection to a place and gathering of information. My pieces tend to have anecdotes, comparisons to other places and quirky...

Jangpura Extn, Delhi I have been to every single place I've written about. There is a difference between a visceral connection to a place and gathering of information. My pieces tend to have anecdotes, comparisons to other places and quirky observations that are deeply personal. Not all trips were taken tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.573 2010-02-24T05:11:20Z 2010-02-24T05:12:53Z

Ferozeshah Road, Delhi Having a great, lit-up, local guide is the key to unlocking the living culture of a place and getting to uncover many aspects of it in a short while. For a curious traveller, it is also the...

Ferozeshah Road, Delhi Having a great, lit-up, local guide is the key to unlocking the living culture of a place and getting to uncover many aspects of it in a short while. For a curious traveller, it is also the most enjoyable way to get under the skin of a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.572 2010-02-24T05:09:38Z 2010-02-24T05:10:57Z

Most people like to start international travels with places they've heard about most often. But having seen one or two of them, it's quite good to try places that have captured your imagination through books or movies. Taking the train...

Most people like to start international travels with places they've heard about most often. But having seen one or two of them, it's quite good to try places that have captured your imagination through books or movies. Taking the train from Beijing to Lhasa, learning survival skills in the Australian tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.571 2010-02-23T11:14:17Z 2010-03-05T11:28:32Z

Last summer I along with my family - mother, wife Lata and daughters Srishti and Harshita went to Darjeeling and Gangtok and had a rejuvenating break in the lap of nature.

Vijay Gupta Last summer I along with my family mother, wife Lata and daughters Srishti and Harshita went to Darjeeling and Gangtok and had a rejuvenating break in the lap of nature. We reached Bagdogra, the nearest airport (about 90 km away from Darjeeling) and from there took a taxi for this tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.570 2010-02-22T10:08:53Z 2010-02-22T10:10:10Z

A panoramic view of the city

View image A panoramic view of the city tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.569 2010-02-22T09:47:58Z 2010-02-22T10:06:27Z

Historical sites are scattered in the state of Madhya Pradesh. From forts to ancient centres of learning to monuments, these places are intrically related to the history of the state.

View image Historical sites are scattered in the state of Madhya Pradesh. From forts to ancient centres of learning to monuments, these places are intrically related to the history of the state. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.562 2010-02-22T04:44:59Z 2010-02-22T04:57:31Z

For Sharmas,a visit to the dargah at Ajmer and the holy town of Pushkar was like answering the divine call.

Arun Sharma Coming from a secular Hindu family, I have great regard for other religions and their saints as well. And I have been to various parts of the country to pay my obeisance at many such places of worship. My pleasure trip mixed with pilgrimage to Ajmer in Rajasthan last year tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.561 2010-02-21T14:50:20Z 2010-02-21T15:01:15Z

One of Europe's most violence-ridden cities is going through a true Renaissance

View image Belfast is both grim and heartening. This enterprising city with its shipbuilding, linen, rope-making and tobacco industries was the only one in Ireland to experience the full force of the Industrial Revolution. It grew wealthy as a result. Evidence of this prosperity is everywhere, in the form of churches, banks tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.559 2010-02-21T13:24:57Z 2010-03-18T07:32:59Z

The popular belief may be that extreme adventure is for men, but if the enduro is anything to go by, women aren't far behind

View image You were wrong if you thought that an adventure and endurance race that brought the toughest of men down on their knees would be out of bounds for the female population: The Enduro3 had many women participants as well.While some were state and national level athletes who were already used tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.558 2010-02-21T09:55:13Z 2010-02-21T13:56:43Z

Endurance Test Here's an adventure race that has participants struggling to push the limits as they cycle, paddle, trek, and rappel across 200 km of hilly terrain.

Sai Raje View image Sanjay Jagtap looked like the odd man out among all the competitors of the Enduro3 adventure race. While the rest were slugging it out on their fancy, knobby-tyred mountain bikes and guzzling Gatorade and protein shakes, Jagtap was riding up a steep, ghat road near Sinhagad fort on his trusty, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.557 2010-02-21T09:40:07Z 2010-02-21T15:43:02Z

The dormant Ngorongoro volcano and the wilderness that surrounds it are full of surprises. This is where I had one of my most dangerous encounters.

Mike Pandey View image The dormant Ngorongoro volcano and the wilderness that surrounds it are full of surprises. This is where I had one of my most dangerous encounters.The Ngorongoro crater is home to the world's most ferocious lions.These magnificent, black-maned lions are powerfully built, and look more formidable than their cousins on the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.556 2010-02-20T07:43:06Z 2010-02-20T07:44:32Z

Stay close to Madikeri; do not choose accommodation too far.You must visit Talacavery the birthplace of river Cavery. This is around 40 km from Madikeri and up the hill, so it takes time start early in the morning.Come back to...

Stay close to Madikeri; do not choose accommodation too far.You must visit Talacavery the birthplace of river Cavery. This is around 40 km from Madikeri and up the hill, so it takes time start early in the morning.Come back to Madikeri and then visit the Abbey falls. Return to Madikeri tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.555 2010-02-20T07:41:15Z 2010-02-20T07:42:32Z

The Nathula Pass is closed to tourists on Wednesdays and Saturdays. However, it is better to check with your tour operator or residents in Gangtok, as the authorities sometimes change the days depending upon various factors.Remember to take your passport...

The Nathula Pass is closed to tourists on Wednesdays and Saturdays. However, it is better to check with your tour operator or residents in Gangtok, as the authorities sometimes change the days depending upon various factors.Remember to take your passport photos along with you, as you would need it to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.554 2010-02-20T07:05:56Z 2010-02-20T07:15:58Z

In Bihar, beauty truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. If you look around, you will see that life thrives even in a region ravaged by floods. Photo by Neeraj Mishra

Neeraj Mishra View image When I was travelling in the Koshi region of Bihar that was once the centre of the Kaushik kingdom, I met an 85-year-old man called Sarangdhar Mishra, who asked me a serious question. Apart from the Koshi river, what else can you find in this region? When I was stumped tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.552 2010-02-20T06:37:20Z 2010-02-20T06:56:36Z

With its pruned flora, assorted fauna and vibrant cultural display, this tropical grassland just outside Pattaya presents you an accurate summary of Thailand.

Aruna Rathod View image Idecided to include Nong Nooch Gardens in my trip to Thailand after hearing good things about it from plant lovers. An 18 km drive from Pattaya, and there I was, right outside its stately entrance.Drive straight in, on a road dotted with innumerable palm trees, to arrive at the main tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.550 2010-02-20T05:44:05Z 2010-02-20T06:25:28Z

A night walk changes common perceptions of Ahmedabad, from that of yet another homogenised city to one that still reflects its rich and eventful past. Photo by Sonia Nazareth

Sonia Nazareth View image On the face of it, the modern city of Ahmedabad may be brash and upwardly mobile, a bushel of fineeducational institutions and high- powered youngsters. But that's just a surface observation. An explo- ration of the historic old city pres- ents an entirely different side of the story, dismissing with tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.549 2010-02-20T05:24:12Z 2010-02-20T05:30:20Z

Earlier, we discussed the need to plan your workout. This week, I will explain the importance and benefits of a warm-up prior to exercise.

Heath Matthews View image Earlier, we discussed the need to plan your workout. This week, I will explain the importance and benefits of a warm-up prior to exercise.Most of us don't prepare the body sufficiently before our workouts. We all know that it helps prevent injury but don't realise the other benefits of warming tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.548 2010-02-20T05:03:05Z 2010-02-20T06:20:04Z

Dive right in With summer round the corner, you can explore another element and add swimming to your fitness regimen

Neha Dara View image Jumping into a pool of water at the end of a long, hot day is extremely enticing. No wonder few of us consider swimming serious exercise. But it is, in fact, one of the best ways to get a complete cardiovascular workout. In addition, it is a full body exercise tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.547 2010-02-19T03:42:42Z 2010-02-20T05:24:13Z

When I decided to visit the North East in April last year, I was apprehensive since media reports about this part of the country were not very positive.

V. Ramasamy View image When I decided to visit the North East in April last year, I was apprehensive since media reports about this part of the country were not very positive.However, it did not dim our enthusiasm and we boarded an Air India flight as per our sched- ule. The aerial view of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.538 2010-02-17T06:10:53Z 2010-02-17T09:59:59Z

A 15th-century Bundela king founded his capital in the middle of a river and named it Orchha, or 'hidden place'. It still remains hidden

Rishad Saam Mehta View image Towards the end of the 15th century, the Bundelas, a hardy Rajput clan with a fair share of power in the Delhi Sultanate, were ousted by Sikandar Lodhi. Displaced, the clan migrated southwards in search of a new capital. Under their king Rudra Pratap, the Bundelas stumbled upon a little tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.537 2010-02-17T05:57:41Z 2010-02-17T05:58:33Z

The best thing to do in McLeodgunj is walk. The place itself is small, and you'll need two days to explore the bylanes. Also devote half a day to the museum at the Dalai Lama's Palace. There are two towns...

The best thing to do in McLeodgunj is walk. The place itself is small, and you'll need two days to explore the bylanes. Also devote half a day to the museum at the Dalai Lama's Palace. There are two towns above Mcleodgunj and one below, all of which are within tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.532 2010-02-17T04:12:50Z 2010-02-17T10:02:24Z

Europe's diamond capital boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture. photo by Rupali Dean

Rupali Dean View image Chocolate, beer and waffles will do me no harm'. With this thought in mind, I planned a trip to Antwerp, Belgium. The first impression on arrival at the grand Central Station in Antwerp was that the place is majestic. This impressive building has an old-Europe feel that is balanced by tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.519 2010-02-15T06:20:57Z 2010-02-18T15:37:16Z

India has a long coastline. And just beneath the surface of the water is a completely different world with hundreds and thousands of fascinating new species.

Neha Dara View image India has a long coastline. And just beneath the surface of the water is a completely different world with hundreds and thousands of fascinating new species.But let's face it; most of us can't swim, or can barely stay afloat. Does that mean that there's no hope for us to ever tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.518 2010-02-15T06:12:22Z 2010-02-15T06:18:00Z

At this time, Himachal Pradesh will not provide the kind of trek you are looking for. The region is snow-covered at this time of the year. There are nice treks you can do in Uttarakhand.However, you have to be willing...

Yana Bey At this time, Himachal Pradesh will not provide the kind of trek you are looking for. The region is snow-covered at this time of the year. There are nice treks you can do in Uttarakhand.However, you have to be willing to drive at least 14 hours. The building of a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.517 2010-02-15T05:37:38Z 2010-02-15T05:46:55Z

Trekkers may be well equipped to deal with the elements,but gadgets aren't. Here's how you can keep electronic gear safe

Aalap Deboor View image After hours of strenuous climbing, you've made it to the peak. You're ecstatic and you want to live this moment forever. You also want to record it on film. You dig out your camera, take a couple of shots, and just when the mood sets in, the ominous red light tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.515 2010-02-15T04:44:55Z 2010-02-16T06:21:21Z

Luge? You may never have heard of it but one Indian has been representing the nation in the sport, hurtling down ice tracks at lightning speeds

HT Correspondent View image Hurtling down hard, packed ice at speeds over 150 km per hour, Shiva Keshavan needs his mind and limbs to be in perfect sync to negotiate the one track that looms between him and Olympic glory.With a vertical drop of 152 m, the Whistler Sliding Center in Vancouver offers the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.512 2010-02-08T05:15:24Z 2010-02-08T05:17:24Z

Revellers traditionally go around the Carnival dressed in colourful costumes

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.511 2010-02-08T04:13:34Z 2010-02-08T04:39:27Z

The Ngorongoro crater, now a dormant volcano, was a tall mountain before it exploded and collapsed two million years ago.

Mike Pandey View image The Ngorongoro crater, now a dormant volcano, was a tall mountain before it exploded and collapsed two million years ago. The crater has a perfect caldera nearly 20 km across, which you can drive straight down into. It is home to nearly 30,000 animals and birds. Though situated on the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.510 2010-02-08T03:56:04Z 2010-02-18T07:48:36Z

Have you wondered what being at 8,850 m feels like? 20-year-old Krushnaa Patil tells us about braving avalanches, eating apple pie at base camp and feeling drunk from altitude sickness

Vidya Balachander View image In the Himalayan landscape dominated by snow, you can never be too sure of your next step. One moment you could be treading a familiar route and the next you could have lost your bearings. In this terrain, several thousand feet above sea level, imagine making your way from one tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.509 2010-02-06T06:43:11Z 2010-02-06T06:50:20Z

Cycling is a great form of exercise. However if you're getting into it in a big way, and especially if you're a man, there are some health concerns that need to be kept in mind.

Heath Matthews View image Cycling is a great form of exercise. However if you're getting into it in a big way, and especially if you're a man, there are some health concerns that need to be kept in mind. Cycling demands long hours of sitting on a hard narrow seat and a bicycle seat tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.508 2010-02-06T06:16:19Z 2010-02-18T15:25:49Z

Ravi Ranjan (32) is, by his own admission, " a regular guy", who took to running six years ago when he found himself doubling over with a stitch in his side after a brisk walk. Photo by AFP

View image Ravi Ranjan (32) is, by his own admission, " a regular guy", who took to running six years ago when he found himself doubling over with a stitch in his side after a brisk walk. A year and an Ultra Marathon later, the Bangalore-resident bought himself a bicycle to add tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.506 2010-02-06T04:44:55Z 2010-02-08T09:40:48Z

A Triathlon is the final test of endurance. If you finish it,you will emerge stronger and fitter

Sai Raje View image When he finished his 1.5 km swim and got 1.5 km swim and got on to the bicycle, Matt Barrett thought his legs had turned into jelly. It took a long while for the usually speedy cyclist to get steady and increase his pace again."After a long swim, my legs tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.500 2010-02-05T14:24:41Z 2010-06-12T19:38:20Z

Think Thailand and it's shopping in Bangkok or night life in Pattaya that comes to mind.

View image Think Thailand and it's shopping in Bangkok or night life in Pattaya that comes to mind. Not keen on either, I decided to zero in on an unusual destination and chanced upon the beach city of Hua Hin. I was pleasantly surprised.Hua Hin is a quaint place situated about 180 tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.495 2010-02-05T13:23:44Z 2010-02-23T11:55:43Z

February is a great time to go to Goa - it's cheaper, it's less crowded and with the New Year revellers back home, you're sure to find a place to stay. But remember to skip your favourite shack and sunbed for the crazy fun of the Goa Carnival

Chryselle D’silva Dias View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.492 2010-02-04T07:06:58Z 2010-02-04T07:20:57Z

A devotee gazes at the older temple of Jejuri atop a hill. Every surface in Jejuri during Dussera is coated in bhandara or turmeric

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.490 2010-02-04T06:39:13Z 2010-02-04T07:18:38Z

In breathtaking Arunachal Pradesh, the Sino-Indian war is living history. Memorials dot the winding, mountainous route from Tezpur in Assam to the monastery town of Tawang.

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.489 2010-02-04T06:24:03Z 2010-02-24T05:44:27Z

Silver, bronze, and brown ferns offset the many shades of green of Mannavanur's quiet valley, made of magical nooks and hidden streams

View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.481 2010-02-03T06:17:49Z 2010-02-03T06:29:17Z

Havelock is a great choice of location for your honeymoon holiday. It's a lovely island and the Radhanagar beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While you could spend days on end in a place like...

Havelock is a great choice of location for your honeymoon holiday. It's a lovely island and the Radhanagar beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While you could spend days on end in a place like this, Havelock can be explored in two days -- if tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.480 2010-02-03T05:49:13Z 2010-02-17T10:04:41Z

A visit to Lahore in Pakistan is much like taking a stroll in the nook and corners of Delhi

Geetika Jain View image Khushwant Singh paid a just tribute to the people of Lahore, calling them "recklessly generous". Some time ago, when my friend Madhur and I visited the cultural and intellectual epicentre of Pakistan and set out to find our parents' ancestral homes, we experienced some of that hospitality first-hand. Friends of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.473 2010-02-01T15:15:37Z 2010-02-24T07:05:29Z

Silver, bronze, and brown ferns offset the many shades of green of Mannavanur's quiet valley, made of magical nooks and hidden streams

Hari Adivarekar View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.472 2010-02-01T06:09:40Z 2010-02-01T06:11:52Z

Be prepared for cuts, sprains, fractures, bruises, fever and stomach problems. Since t is a major issue on treks, here weight is a major issue on treks, here is a minimal list of first aid equipment: gauze pads, gauze bandages,...

Be prepared for cuts, sprains, fractures, bruises, fever and stomach problems. Since t is a major issue on treks, here weight is a major issue on treks, here is a minimal list of first aid equipment: gauze pads, gauze bandages, crepe bandages in two sizes, cotton wool, triangular bandage, Combiflam, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.471 2010-02-01T05:23:24Z 2010-02-01T05:30:53Z

The temperature fell below zero degree celsius.A couple of the boys collapsed and had to be moved to improvised bivouacs and arctic tents.

Brigadier DS Jaggi View image Death isn't the only extreme condition a soldier faces. Another equally grave situation is when he is confronted with the possibility of either losing his battalion or his "izzat", which lies in upholding his superior's command. I faced something similar back in 1972.At the height of the war against Pakistan, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.470 2010-02-01T05:05:46Z 2010-02-01T05:16:46Z

Seeking Adventure? go find it in the sub-zero temperatures and snowy terrains of the Himalays.The mountains aren't competely off-limits in the winter

Yana Bey View image Striding along in the second hour of the morning's trek, your muscles have loosened up, the speedier circulation up, the speedier circulation is carrying more oxygen to your brain and, as you inhale the crisp mountain air, your head and body feel wonderfully clear and full of energy.The brown earth tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.469 2010-02-01T04:42:42Z 2010-02-01T04:44:38Z

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in both men and women, though men produce higher quantities of it. The only way to artificially increase your testosterone level is by taking supplements such as steroids and the Human Growth Hormone (HGH),...

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in both men and women, though men produce higher quantities of it. The only way to artificially increase your testosterone level is by taking supplements such as steroids and the Human Growth Hormone (HGH), or through testosterone patches. But not only are these illegal tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.468 2010-02-01T04:22:47Z 2010-02-05T04:40:09Z

To start with, in my defence, let me say it straight: this running 21-km thing it really is no great mental challenge for someone who was once being trained to be a tennis player.Photo by AFP

Sukhwant Basra View image This old coach used to tell us when Wimbledon was all we could dream of: Paseena aur tapasya hamesha parde mein, zamane se door (Training and devotion to God are best kept private). So the moment I was roped into writing about my attempt to run the half marathon, the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.466 2010-01-30T02:37:29Z 2010-02-05T04:30:26Z

Right until the night before the half marathon, I was getting calls dissuading me from running the entire distance. `Walk more', I was told. Photo by AFP

Dhamini Ratnam View image Right until the night before the half marathon, I was getting calls dissuading me from running the entire distance. `Walk more', I was told. `Don't over do it' they repeated. `What were you thinking -- signing up for something like this and then not practising enough for it', I was tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.464 2010-01-30T01:19:16Z 2010-02-05T04:31:44Z

Answer me this How do you run 10 km and keep eating the food you love? A former "fatty" reveals his secrets. Photo by AFP

Samar Halarnkar View image Let's get this straight: I love food. When I was a teenager, my normal lunch included eight hapatis, and more than half a kg of meat at lunch. Dinner? . Repeat. Vegetables and fruit formed no part of my diet, except the spinach my mother forced on me till age tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.442 2010-01-25T04:56:59Z 2010-01-25T05:16:55Z

Himalayas lie the largest wetlands in North India, which have been declared a Ramsar heritage site -the Pong Dam Bird Sanctuary.Photo by AFP

Mike Pandey View image Himalayas lie the largest wetlands in North India, which have been declared a Ramsar heritage site -the Pong Dam Bird Sanctuary.The Pong Dam Sanctuary is definitely the most spectacular and diverse wetland ecosystem I have seen anywhere in India. However, the Pong dam was built only in the 1970s, after tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.440 2010-01-25T04:04:38Z 2010-02-16T06:24:55Z

Why walk,when you can skate? It's adventurous and it's a great way to hang out with friends and explore parts of the city you never knew about

Aalap Deboor View image Video games are usually blamed for keeping youngsters inside the house. But a bunch of youngsters in Mumbai have taken a fancy to skateboarding, after playing the Pro Skater Tony Hawk video game. Undeterred by the fact that there's no place in the city to learn the sport, they look tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.434 2010-01-22T14:49:18Z 2010-01-23T11:55:14Z

The Mysore of yore was about political power and religion in equal measure -- a trait the city still bears, with gods and palaces jostling for space around every corner says Denise D'silva

Denise D’silva View image Just when you think you're entering yet another crammed city centre, Mysore's crowds part enough to give you a glimpse of the beautiful Maharaja's Palace. Once home to Mysore's Wodeyar kings, the palace is a living symbol of the opulence of India's royal past. But it was nearing tummy-rumbling lunch tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.428 2010-01-22T14:06:11Z 2010-01-23T11:53:33Z

Plug into Havelock's easy pace to recharge your batteries. The most important decision to make here is identifying the perfect spot of shade to snooze after a swim says Neha Dara

Neha Dara View image Getting to Havelock Island is hard work. But perhaps there is something to say for the length of the journey. With every stage of the travel, you move a step away from the rapidity of life in Mumbai, and a step closer to the mildness of life in the islands. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.425 2010-01-22T12:54:15Z 2010-01-22T13:15:20Z

Ladakh is all about narrow roads, mountain passes, shimmering lakes and magical landscapes, says reader Rupali Chiplonkar

Rupali Chiplonkar View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.424 2010-01-22T12:36:10Z 2010-01-22T13:15:26Z

The Sahara may be in Morocco's backyard but the country bursts with life. From stunning mosques to bustling souks that sell the best cumin, saffron, mint and other herbs and spices, you'll find it all here, says reader Chaitali Patel

Chaitali Patel View image Morocco, located on the north-western tip of the African continent feels like Europe and the Middle East rolled into one. When you're there, it's hard to tell that you are in Africa. Morocco is often described as one of the greatest shows on Earth. During our trip, the country fitted tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.423 2010-01-22T12:35:53Z 2010-01-22T13:25:23Z

Idar in Gujarat is a gallery of extraordinary sculptures, crafted by the forces of nature, which is why, mythical importance aside, it has captured the imagination of popular filmmakers too, says Gangadharan Menon

Gangadharan Menon View image About 15 years ago, I scripted a television commercial that was directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. A part of this commercial was to be shot in a place called Idar, nearAhmedabad in Gujarat. Knowing my passion for photography, Rakesh insisted that I come for the shoot. He promised me the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.422 2010-01-22T12:03:26Z 2010-01-22T13:26:45Z

Reaching the remote Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh is an adventure by itself. But the real fun starts when you start exploring the villages on foot, says reader Meera Joshi

Meera Joshi View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.421 2010-01-21T14:45:12Z 2010-02-17T10:15:41Z

The gambling haven of the East is attempting to reinvent itself as the new family destination. But can it steer clear of its casinos?Photo by AFP

Ritu Pandey View image Cigarette smoke fills the air as chain-smoking gamblers throw out wads of notes and break into peels of laughter every now and then. On the podium in front, a group of girls swirl around a pole in two-piece bikinis to what sounds like the Cantonese version of Man ka Radio. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.420 2010-01-21T14:19:08Z 2010-02-17T10:19:46Z

Amsterdam is fashionable to the point that even the most reluctant shoppers feel compelled to shell out a few hundred Euros for a wardrobe makeover, after seeing how regular people on the streets are adequately dressed to walk the ramp.Photo by AFP

Rahul Sabharwal View image owever, is not one of those cities. And the word I choose to describe it is 'fashionable'. Yes, fashionable. Of course, it has a lot to offer -- from the Van Gogh Museum to the world's most popular red light district. But those aren't the first things you'll notice about tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.415 2010-01-21T07:11:55Z 2010-01-21T15:10:12Z

It was summer, and the bizarre thing about Athens was that there were hardly any Greeks around. photo by AFP

Geetika Jain View image It was summer, and the bizarre thing about Athens was that there were hardly any Greeks around. Anyone who could afford it was off to their favourite island retreat. Working students, drivers, sailors, hotel and restaurant hands too were there, making an extra buck. The rest had long migrated to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.408 2010-01-18T06:32:41Z 2010-02-24T06:33:29Z

To fly a kite you first have to unlearn all you know about control and power, and then learn to go against your instinct.

Dhamini Ratnam View image The promised gift at the end of the tunnel was in the shape of a surfboard, and beyond it, lay the vast blue sea. Surfers skimmed by while I longingly looked on. I was dozing in Frankie's shack under the noon sun of another hot day in Goa, when I tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.402 2010-01-17T14:27:35Z 2010-03-05T10:50:25Z

You won't need ice axes. If you want, you could use trekking poles. You will not need to buy tents either because you will do these treks either with an agency or as teahouse treks. So you will walk with...

Yana Bey You won't need ice axes. If you want, you could use trekking poles. You will not need to buy tents either because you will do these treks either with an agency or as teahouse treks. So you will walk with daypacks and the agency will ferry your personal gear, tents, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.399 2010-01-17T13:26:02Z 2010-01-22T06:31:27Z

We're Indian, we usually love company. But more of us are beginning to travel solo. Why? Photo by AFP

Supriya Thanawala View image If dreaming, gazing aimlessly, and self-introspection is what sets your adrenaline flowing, you're not the only one. Today, many of us are looking at travelling as a way of spending some time alone - away from the bustle, or to get some serious exploration done. Taking off to tour the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.398 2010-01-16T04:31:55Z 2010-01-23T12:23:33Z

It might seem plain jane after glitzy Amsterdam, but Breda remains charmingly Dutch with its bike riders, weekend revellers, terrace cafes and rich royal history.Photo by Stuart Forster

Stuart Forster View image There's something beautiful about sitting in a European terrace café on a chilled but sunny winter's day. Perhaps the cold air accentuates the warm aroma of the espresso, or is it the way the soft seasonal light plays on the faces of passing pedestrians? I'm enjoying this moment of people tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.392 2010-01-15T05:54:08Z 2010-02-25T04:38:41Z

Paris has more to it then just the Eiffel Tower. Lovers can explore the beautiful riverside such as River Seine or hit the roadside book store to give diferent dimension to their love for each other and Paris

Photos by Rashmi Chugh tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.391 2010-01-15T04:34:30Z 2010-01-15T04:41:01Z

Here's an exercise form that works you out from the inside. And besides making you fitter, gives you better posture, improved focus, and makes you less injury prone. What's not to like? Photo by AFP

Vidya Balachander View image Way back in 1995, when Vesna Jacob was a 19-year-old national level athlete in her native country Bosnia, she sustained a knee injury that threatened to not just destroy her career but also affect day-to-day activities like walking. "After a couple of surgeries, I was told that I would always tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.390 2010-01-15T04:16:38Z 2010-02-05T04:45:15Z

If you thought fitness freaks spend their time holed up in a gym, think again. These marathon chasers live it up running around the world, says Aalap Deboor.Photo by AFP

Aalap Deboor View image If you've been bitten by the fitness bug, you must have already resolved to run the first marathon that comes your way this year. But if halfway through the training, you find yourself dreaming about slacking off, you've as good as quit.Because for avid marathoners, slacking off for too long tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.383 2010-01-13T04:25:04Z 2010-01-16T08:10:21Z

Lake Geneva and stories of the past add to the Swiss glory.Photo by AFP

Rupali Dean View image I started my Swiss adventure from Lavaux, which is perched above the sparkling blue Lake Geneva. Here I rode the Lavaux Express, a ride that offered the luxury of the scenic beauty of yachts reflected on the mirrored lake. Lavaux was placed on the UNESCO heritage site two years ago, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.380 2010-01-11T06:13:49Z 2010-01-17T12:39:58Z

Last night, a bear came down the hills into the District Magistrate's office", said PD Pradhan, our guide in Gangtok, looking and sounding exactly as he did when we met him in the lobby of the Norbhughang Hotel two years ago -- a toothy, cherubic, middle-aged man with a fondness for bomber jackets and, with the right audience, a treasury of made-up local lore, writes Paramita Ghosh. Photo by AFP

Paramita Ghosh View image Last night, a bear came down the hills into the District Magistrate's office", said PD Pradhan, our guide in Gangtok, looking and sounding exactly as he did when we met him in the lobby of the Norbhughang Hotel two years ago -- a toothy, cherubic, middle-aged man with a fondness tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.379 2010-01-11T05:34:52Z 2010-01-17T12:42:26Z

If you want to watch football or cricket, go for a safari and eat great food, head to South Africa.Just like India, South Africa too has something for everyone. Rich history, beautiful wildlife and more. Photo by AFP

Parul Khanna View image I am indifferent to cricket. There, I finally said it. Now, you can lynch me or burn my effigy. Imagine then, my dilemma, when I was offered a trip to South Africa for the ICC Champions Trophy 2009. But even the prospect of watching endless cricket couldn't dampen my enthusiasm tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.374 2010-01-10T07:35:45Z 2010-01-10T08:00:00Z

The Great Rift Valley is a huge geological fault in East Africa, which runs through Kenya into Tanzania.Photo by AFP

Mike Pandey View image The Great Rift Valley is a huge geological fault in East Africa, which runs through Kenya into Tanzania. The valley floor of the rift, which is deepest north of Nairobi, has lakes, mountains and even dormant volcanoes. Mountaineering was popular at school in Nairobi, where I grew up, but it tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.372 2010-01-10T06:13:31Z 2010-02-05T04:59:04Z

All wheels on the ground is for regular people.For BMX freestyle bikers, the rules of gravity are meant to be defied.Photo by AFP

Dhamini Ratnam View image In 2004,Dipak Panchal,then 17, went with his older brother to watch the Moto X race at the National Sports Club of India grounds in Worli. A shy child, Panchal had grown up emulating his elder brother. At 13, after seeing him do a mean wheelie on their old bicycle, Panchal tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.371 2010-01-10T05:00:37Z 2010-01-21T12:38:35Z

You wouldn't fly to Dubai if you were craving old-world charm.But if you look beyound all its bling, you can still catch a glimpse of a past culture.Photo: Agencies

Carmen Roberts View image As the air conditioned SUV sped down the urban highways from the airport into ways from the airport into the city, heat shimmered up from the desert between towering, mirrored skyscrapers that whizzed past outside, like one long, glittering mirage. I couldn't help but think -- Dubai is a cross tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.370 2010-01-08T05:25:59Z 2010-01-08T05:57:45Z

If you want to make a spiritual sojourn, make sure you visit Kyoto and Nara.The temples in these ancient cities are bound to provide food for thought

Kalpana Sunder View image I am on Teapot Lane, a quaint, winding lane that derives its name from the ceramics sold on it. I look greedily at the sake cups, chawans (bowls to prepare and drink green tea), fans and norens (typically Japanese door curtains). To a self-professed junk collector like me, Teapot Lane tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.361 2010-01-07T07:52:42Z 2010-01-07T07:56:59Z

There are two ways to keep things inside your backpack dry. One way is to line the empty backpack with a sheet of plastic or a giant plastic bag before putting in your gear.Photo by AFP

Yana Bey View image Can you give me tips on how to protect my trekking gear in the rain? Please answer in detail as I want to know how to keep my clothes, camera, backpack and other expensive equipment safe.Gitanjali PawarThere are two ways to keep things inside your backpack dry. One way is tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.360 2010-01-07T06:03:54Z 2010-01-07T06:08:10Z

Kayak surfing is yet to come to India. However, you may not have to wait for long. When I got my first taste of sea kayaking in 2005, it was in Langkawi, Malaysia as the activity wasn't available in India....

Kayak surfing is yet to come to India. However, you may not have to wait for long. When I got my first taste of sea kayaking in 2005, it was in Langkawi, Malaysia as the activity wasn't available in India. However, kayaking came to Goa soon after and is now tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.359 2010-01-07T05:18:47Z 2010-01-07T05:52:20Z

An illuminating experience at the favelas (shanty town) of various cities.Photo by AFP

View image An illuminating experience at the favelas (shanty town) of various cities.Vila Canoas, RioHoping to get an inner perspective of Rio de Janeiro, and to see the real lives of ordinary people, I asked my guide Flavio if we could visit a favela (shanty town). After all, a third of Rio's tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.357 2010-01-06T17:54:10Z 2010-01-07T06:49:20Z

When you are a BASE climber, you not only ascend a steep mountain but also hurl yourself off it. After all, what goes up must come down -- it's how you do it that counts. Photo by AFP

Dhamini Ratnam View image What would possess someone to climb up a mountain and fling herself off it? That's a question every single BASE climber has probably been asked by disbelieving spectators. BASE climbing is an offshoot of BASE jumping, a sport in which a person jumps from buildings, antennae, spans and earth (hence tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.352 2010-01-05T06:35:56Z 2010-01-05T06:57:27Z

Various international surveys list Udaipur as the top destination in India. But it's a city most Indians haven't been to. Isn't it time we discovered the great destinations that our own country has to offer?

Vir Sanghvi View image Various international surveys list Udaipur as the top destination in India. But it's a city most Indians haven't been to. Isn't it time we discovered the great hotels and destinations that our own country has to offer?What would you regard as India's greatest destination? Ladakh for its lonely beauty? The tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.350 2010-01-04T19:23:17Z 2010-01-08T04:30:51Z

A priceless picture is often the best way to tell a travel story.Photo by Megha Shankar

Chris Garcia View image When I travel abroad, once or twice a year, I keep my digital point-and-shoot camera always at the ready, grab-able, right there for the right shot.I'm something of a shutterbug, a total amateur driven by the blameless enthusiasm of a self-taught neophyte, toting a picture-taking toy. But I learn fast, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.349 2010-01-04T18:55:35Z 2010-01-17T12:46:26Z

As I sipped my masala chai by the early light of a Canadian morning, my eyes caught the twinkling mirror work of the wall hanging and the mind wandered back to my visit to Delhi with my little boy Noah last year.Photo by AFP

Madelyn Mulvaney View image As I sipped my masala chai by the early light of a Canadian morning, my eyes caught the twinkling mirror work of the wall hanging and the mind wandered back to my visit to Delhi with my little boy Noah last year.Delhi enchanted me with its breathtaking scenery. I gasped tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2010://1.348 2010-01-04T11:22:17Z 2010-01-17T12:47:34Z

After completing his stint as Jamia Millia Islamia varsity VC, historian Mushirul Hasan looks back & ahead.Photo by AFP

Mayank Austen Soofi View image Four months after finishing his term as the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University, Professor Mushirul Hasan, 60, is scheming for the afternoon. Sitting in his wife's study, surrounded by books that he wrote, India's leading historian is talking to a friend on phone. HT City overhears him saying, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.347 2009-12-31T04:16:45Z 2011-11-10T11:12:47Z

Yes to an extent it will affect the tourism in India. However, keeping in mind the security risk that India has it is important for us to make policies stricter. Once the policies will become stricit, tourist will get used...

Yes to an extent it will affect the tourism in India. However, keeping in mind the security risk that India has it is important for us to make policies stricter. Once the policies will become stricit, tourist will get used to it and after sometime everything will be back to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.346 2009-12-30T06:05:35Z 2010-01-17T12:56:59Z

Kharapathar-Thanedar circuit in Uttarakhand is an unexplored paradise. Photo by AFP

Rishad Sam Mehta View image Kharapathar-Thanedar circuit in Uttarakhand is an unexplored paradise. I discovered the charms of Kharapathar-Tani Jubbar Lake and Thanedar quite by accident last year. But it has been my favourite place in India. Fed up with the Mumbai's hot winter, a friend and I had driven from Mumbai to the Himalayas tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.345 2009-12-30T05:56:12Z 2009-12-30T06:01:27Z

New Year is special time to be in Thailand, but five years after the Tsunami it's a bit scary too. Photo by AFP

Rupali Dean View image New Year is special time to be in Thailand, but five years after the Tsunami it's a bit scary too. But blame it on my love for Thai hospitality that this year I'm again here with my daughter Akanksha to mark the New Year. Phuket is one of the most tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.343 2009-12-30T05:13:40Z 2009-12-30T06:03:52Z

For a scrumptious breakfast of snowflakes and a steaming cup of cold, head northward to these magical destinations. Photo by AFP

View image Himalayan circuitsLuck has been quite the lady with me as far as finding winter is concerned. Often, over the last few years, I've had the pleasure of throwing open the curtains of a cozy inn to find a land whitewashed by overnight snowfall.The thrill of feeling a chill in the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.342 2009-12-30T05:05:06Z 2009-12-30T05:11:46Z

At first glance, Gangolihaat may seem like any nondescript town tucked away in the mountains. But stay a night and you'll come away with several surprises. Photo by AFP

Tanushree Podder View image The looped road got more convoluted as we drove through tall pine forests, navigating hairpin bends. A few bends away, we could spot the snow- tipped peaks of the Himalayan ranges. I was in Devbhoomi -- the abode of Gods -- in Uttarakhand and headed to a place called Chaukori. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.306 2009-12-23T05:21:57Z 2010-01-05T10:49:47Z

Perfect a mean punch, stay safe on the streets, and get fighting fit in the bargain. Sign up for kickboxing. Photo by AFP

Aalap Deboor View image On her first day at the Zaf Health Club in Four Bungalows, Mumbai, Pooja Punjabi, 29, was instructed to kick and punch the air with brute force and precision. The freelance director and producer had enrolled for kickboxing classes seeking to build stamina and improve her body's flexibility.Going was tough tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.298 2009-12-23T04:23:35Z 2010-01-17T13:06:49Z

Find out how Father Christmas is greeted in Australia, Thailand, Finland, Holland, Malaysia and Singapore. Photo by AFP

Rupali Dean View image Christmas has become a multi-cultural phenomenon around the world, celebrated by many, excluding few. Here is how a few places to celebrate this festival. Warm greetings Down Under In Australia, Christmas happens in the middle of summer. It is amusing to see that people put up decorations depicting snowy Christmas tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.270 2009-12-09T04:32:11Z 2010-02-04T11:57:03Z

Medical tests are not a necessity before you start an exercise regime. Rather, they are required only when something is wrong. Having said that, one test worth doing before you begin is an exercise stress test to see what shape...

Heath Matthews Medical tests are not a necessity before you start an exercise regime. Rather, they are required only when something is wrong. Having said that, one test worth doing before you begin is an exercise stress test to see what shape your heart is in. Often, I suggest to my clients tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.249 2009-12-07T11:48:21Z 2010-02-05T05:07:46Z

Getting smart about your exercise routine often involves thinking out of the box, like going from behind the wheel to pedalling on a pair of them. Dhamini Ratnam tells us more.

Dhamini Ratnam For the past seven years, even as Anil Uchil, 39, changed jobs, shuttled between two cities and stayed in Bangalore for a year and a half, his knees were getting steadily worse. Uchil has osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition. Now in Mumbai, he has begun to undergo treatment for his tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.247 2009-12-07T11:43:16Z 2010-01-01T13:39:21Z

The best fitness regimes aren't always about cutting edge training techniques. The trick is to stick to a simple plan with dedication and consistency. Photo by AFP

Dhiman Sarkar View image Pele, his Cosmos teammate and Peruvian midfielder Ramon Mifflin once said, had his eyes shut from Brussels to Tokyo and the 26 hours of flying time it took those days. Bhaichung Bhutia doesn't remember when but said he once did half that time and he wasn't travelling. And when football tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.246 2009-12-07T11:38:55Z 2009-12-28T05:16:03Z

Swimming need not just be a cardiovascular workout. Mixing up your routine with these aqua aerobic exercises is a great idea. Read on to know more. Photo by AFP

View image Swimming need not just be a cardiovascular workout. Mixing up your routine with these aqua aerobic exercises is a great way to strength train as the resistance added by the water loads up the muscles without having to resort to a gym or strength training equipment. Arm dips (for chest, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.244 2009-12-07T11:34:53Z 2009-12-07T11:38:20Z

Plunging face down in the snow, only to get up and fall yet again, is worthwhile for the rush of zipping along a snowy slope.

Yana Bey Powdery snow with pinpricks of glitter. A light breeze in your face cooling the occasional film of perspiration. The sun warming your back and reddening your nose when the sun screen wears out. Despite the strong sun, the air is so cold and crisp that it slices at the exposed tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.242 2009-12-07T11:22:06Z 2010-02-24T06:58:19Z

The colour of Hampi is sepia. Not the soft sepia of fading and happy memories, but a sharp brown that seeps into all your senses and dulls them after a while, says Charukesi Ramadurai

Charukesi Ramadurai View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.234 2009-12-07T11:03:16Z 2009-12-07T11:08:38Z

This weekend destination of the rich and famous is a perfect spot to get a taste of real luxury, says Kalpana Sunder

Kalpana Sunder View image tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.231 2009-12-07T10:42:08Z 2009-12-07T10:49:13Z

As a kayak glides through the water and your worries dissipate in its wake, you become one with the ocean, writes Neha Dara.

Neha Dara The mangroves are thick and strong; the channel between them so narrow that the oar has become redundant. With no place to dip it in the water, I use it as a prop to push against the sturdy mangrove roots and propel the kayak forward. Between that and using my tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.230 2009-12-07T10:38:07Z 2009-12-07T10:41:46Z

Sailing on the sea past sundown sounds exactly like the kind of activity that sheepish romantics would line up. But would they pledge their fan-dom if they knew that the waves had decided to have their share of fun the same evening?

Sailing on the sea past sundown sounds exactly like the kind of activity that sheepish romantics would line up and pay for. But would they still pledge their fan-dom to the activity if they knew that the waves had tacitly decided to have their share of fun the same evening? tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.228 2009-12-07T10:26:24Z 2009-12-07T10:32:50Z

Tame the surf and part the seas on a personal watercraft for a taste of real adventure, writes Aalap Deboor.

Aalap Deboor, It's 2 pm on a day when the mercury is shy to rise. The Arabian sea is a bed of glistening sequins constantly torn down by waves. About five watercraft skiers, all participants of the F1 Jet Ski race, none of who can speak fluent English, shoot out from the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.176 2009-12-07T10:20:06Z 2009-12-07T08:48:07Z

Did you know that our sense of balance starts degrading right from the 20s, getting progressively worse as we grow older, and increasing the likelihood of falls and injuries?

Did you know that our sense of balance starts degrading right from the 20s, getting progressively worse as we grow older, and increasing the likelihood of falls and injuries? Yet hardly anyone talks about exercising for balance, amongst all the cardio and strength training. Change that. Do these simple exercises tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.227 2009-12-07T10:18:58Z 2009-12-07T10:25:50Z

Have you hit a plateau? Are you getting beat by the same people, finishing in the same place, no matter how hard you work out? Maybe the solution lies in the way you think, writes Deepti Patwardhan.

Deepti Patwardhan At the age of 27, Andre Agassi was a lost talent, and a lost soul. The snazzy American had gone from a teenage prodigy to rebel without a cause, from world number 1 to 141. The confusion of his personal and professional life was gnawing away at the champion material. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.175 2009-12-07T10:10:59Z 2009-12-07T08:49:34Z

You'll start with a sinking feeling in your belly. But halfway down, the scenery will distract you, giving your stomach time to catch up. Aalap Deboor tells us more.

Aalap Deboor Rappelling embroils you in a love-hate relationship with two things -- the anchor (who's holding the other end of the rope) and your harness. Trust them and you're safe. Falter, even for a bit, and you sway, bump into rocks and bruise. On the edge of the earth The grief tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.174 2009-12-07T10:06:23Z 2009-12-07T08:48:52Z

Rope jumping is a superb calorie-burning whole-body exercise, takes inexpensive equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Here are tips to getting started.

Get basics right Crosstrainers or aerobic shoes in good condition are basic gear. Do try to skip on a level natural surface instead of concrete as, no matter how good the cushioning in your shoe, the jar of a hard surface will impact your knees. At right length The rule tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.173 2009-12-07T09:57:12Z 2009-12-07T08:44:44Z

Bing a lone ranger may have its charm, but running in a group holds out more benefits for the serious runner, writes Dhamini Ratnam.

Dhamini Ratnam Dear Partha and Coach, I would like to send this note as a special thank you message for pulling me into the runners' club. Last year, I had undergone a lipid profile test and found that my triglycerides were much above the danger mark at 279 mg/dl (they're supposed to tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.172 2009-12-07T09:46:35Z 2009-12-07T08:43:41Z

A stroll on a hill is one thing. A long trek in the mountains is another matter all together. Prep yourself for it with a sampler, says Aalap Deboor.

Aalap Deboor It is well known that the ability to withstand a protracted spell of ascents and descents over Herculean mountains commands veneration. After all, acclimatisation to the elements, especially at night, is not an easy thing. To get an inkling of what a Himalayan trek is like, we decided to go tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.171 2009-12-07T09:37:32Z 2009-12-07T08:42:13Z

Six weeks into our half-marathon training programme, with the Mumbai and Delhi marathons coming up soon, the news of the death of three runners during the Detroit Half Marathon made us stop and take notice.

Six weeks into our half-marathon training programme, with the Mumbai and Delhi marathons coming up soon, the news of the death of three runners during the Detroit Half Marathon made us stop and take notice. Two of them were only 26 and 36 years old. Is there cause to panic? tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.226 2009-12-07T07:28:59Z 2009-12-07T08:34:52Z

These old-fashioned stretching exercises have been used by generations of athletes - and for all those generations they have been a bad idea. If your trainer inflicts these on you, it may just be from lack of awareness.

These old-fashioned stretching exercises have been used by generations of athletes - and for all those generations they have been a bad idea. If your trainer inflicts these on you, it may just be from lack of awareness.Neck circlesGoal is to stretch your neck; actual effect is to put harmful tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.225 2009-12-07T07:26:34Z 2009-12-07T08:33:22Z

Limbering up is one thing; knowing just how to do it is another. Here's a look at the dynamic stretches and jogging drills that will help you prep up for your workout.

Heath Matthews Warm up before you exercise! Heard the words often enough? We're sure you have, but unless you've played a sport or been to a gym with qualified instructors, you probably still don't know exactly which exercises you should be doing to warm up your body and get it going.Well, worry tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.224 2009-12-07T07:25:04Z 2009-12-07T08:32:44Z

There's nothing quite like the rush of a trek in the jungle at night. So, don't let that old fear of the dark keep you from venturing on a night hike, write Aalap Deboor and Deepti Patwardhan.

Aalap Deboor and Deepti Patwardhan The hills and trees are bathed in moonlight, but the path ahead is cloaked in darkness. Every bush seems to harbour a set of gleaming, threatening eyes and even rocks seem to move stealthily.What it is about night treks that prickles the senses so much? Is it the way the tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.223 2009-12-07T07:22:34Z 2009-12-07T08:31:58Z

There is more to a trek than meets the eye. Like a drop of several hundred feet that you need to cross or a waterfall you need to go down. Dhamini Ratnam tells more.

Dhamini Ratnam Nothing offers a break from daily routine quite like a trek does -- green mountain trails, a nip in the air and the promise of sun-soaked landscapes. But even veterans of the hiking trail need to add some spice to their familiar adventure trip. For some, hitting a deep ravine tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.222 2009-12-07T07:10:27Z 2009-12-07T08:30:46Z

Before the emergence of Saina Nehwal, women's badminton in the country was more about building a point through long rallies revolving around drop shots and placements rather than smashes and an aggressive game plan.

Abhijeet S kulkarni Before the emergence of Saina Nehwal, women's badminton in the country was more about building a point through long rallies revolving around drop shots and placements rather than smashes and an aggressive game plan.But the first Indian woman to win a Super Series title always knew that she was no tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.221 2009-12-07T07:08:22Z 2009-12-07T08:29:29Z

Let the wind sweep you off your feet. Find out what it is really like to soar like a bird in the skies, writes Neha Dara.

Neha Dara Flight has been man's oldest dream. Ever since thought found place in the human mind, the desire to fly took place of merit. Today we have airplanes that span the breadth of the globe in a matter of hours, moving at several times the speed of sound. But for those tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.220 2009-12-07T07:05:35Z 2009-12-07T08:28:45Z

Ever been struck by a bout of nausea on a trek in the mountains? Learn about high altitude sickness and how to cope with it.

Ever been struck by a bout of nausea on a trek in the mountains? Learn about high altitude sickness and how to cope with it.What is high altitude?High altitude in mountaineering refers to heights over 5,000 m (16,000 ft). At 5,000 m, the quantity of oxygen in the air is tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.219 2009-12-07T07:03:48Z 2009-12-07T08:27:58Z

We can help you run longer but we can't do much about making you a sprinter. If you're not born with speed, stick to long-distance running, writes Deepti Patwardhan.

Deepti Patwardhan There is no white man amongst the top-25 times in the 100m. There is only one in the top-25 timings for the 200m.Experts believe that the statistic is not because white men won't, but that they just can't. The genes are just not in their favour. You can work on tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.218 2009-12-07T07:01:14Z 2009-12-07T08:24:40Z

Two HT writers -- one a novice, the other a hedonist -- are preparing for the half-marathon. Tally notes and find out how they're faring.

Sukhwant Basra tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.217 2009-12-07T06:59:29Z 2009-12-07T08:23:35Z

Himalayan peaks are unforgiving taskmasters; even a momentary lapse in concentration in thin air can be an invitation to trouble, writes Yana Bey.

Yana Bey Suddenly, my stomach tautened with fear. I had been placing one foot in front of the other, leaning into the slope to balance, and was now frozen in that stance -- one knee bent and the rucksack seeming heavier than it had all morning. An hour into the three-hour walk tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.216 2009-12-07T06:57:39Z 2009-12-07T08:22:45Z

I have stopped counting the number of times I have crashed but the scariest of them all is still vivid in my memory, writes Gaurav Gill.

Gaurav Gill For us speed merchants, a crash is always, literally, a second away. One wrong turn, one flat tyre and we find ourselves on a collision course with a lottery. I say lottery for one never knows, despite having all the safety equipment in place, just what a crash can yield. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.215 2009-12-07T06:54:25Z 2009-12-07T08:22:05Z

The man who powers our Davis Cup dreams on his piston-like legs believes that fitness does not need fancy equipment. A peek into the training methods of India's leading sportspersons.

Sukhwant Basra, The man's cheeks are sunken pits; his legs bulge against the restraining trouser seam. There is a feral quality to his gait, like a cat on the prowl. Somdev Devvarman has been busy over the last six months since your correspondent last met him. His exploits on the court have tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.214 2009-12-07T06:52:20Z 2009-12-07T08:21:21Z

To stay fit, you need to not only train hard, but also train smart. Follow these steps after a workout for a proper recovery.

To stay fit, you need to not only train hard, but also train smart. Recovery is an athlete's secret weapon, increasing the ability to tolerate more work and the capacity to work more efficiently. Follow these steps after a workout for a proper recovery.RehydrateImmediately after your workout, drink one litre tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.213 2009-12-07T06:49:00Z 2009-12-07T08:20:20Z

A whole world of adrenaline-filled moments and encounters with the creatures of the sea awaits you. Put on a scuba suit and go diving. Neha Dara tells more.

Neha Dara There's seawater rushing up my nose, suddenly harsh and corrosive. My brain starts sending me danger alerts, reminding me that I have a nose, not gills, and I cannot breathe underwater. With the mask off, my eyes burn and I want to sputter and snort. Instead I pretend all is tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.212 2009-12-07T04:34:19Z 2009-12-07T08:19:18Z

Anybody can run. But if you want to run long and happy, it's important to have the right posture. Learn how. Heath Matthews tells more.

Heath Matthews Running mechanics are a much-debated topic. While some feel you should run in the way most comfortable for you, I think it's important to run as close to technically correct as you can to avoid injury and conserve energy. The style described here is that required for long distance running tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.211 2009-12-06T13:46:29Z 2009-12-07T08:18:38Z

Angling is a one-on-one encounter between fish that are really hard to pin down and humans who are loathe to give up. Aalap Deboor tells more about the sport.

Aalap Deboor When in the deep seas, Akshay Malavi, a professional angler, always aims to make the big catch. The sport offers people like him just the kick they crave -- in patiently drifting in deep rivers or cutting through freak sea waves until the game latches on to the hook and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.210 2009-12-06T13:34:56Z 2009-12-07T08:17:42Z

Every great journey starts with a single step. There could be no fitter description for marathon running. The sheer dedication required to even make it to the start line is formidable, reports Heath Matthews.

Heath Matthews Every great journey starts with a single step. There could be no fitter description for marathon running. The sheer dedication required to even make it to the start line is formidable. The race begins at the crack of dawn, with your heart pumping, your muscles tense, and the anticipation of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.209 2009-12-06T13:28:21Z 2009-12-07T08:17:03Z

Speed takes on a whole new meaning when you're pressing the accelerator on mud and slush instead of tame old tarmac, reports Indraneel Das.

Indraneel Das After four hours of pressing down on the throttle, my thumb is aching. The hands are numb from gripping the handlebar tightly, and the legs feel like jelly. But there's no reprieve, the finish is still 10 km away.My body sways one way, as my machine -- a Polaris Phoenix tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.208 2009-12-06T13:22:28Z 2009-12-07T08:16:26Z

When it comes to a sheer explosive workout, squash is right on top of the sports spectrum. It's intense, high-speed and demands oodles of strength and endurance, says Deepti Patwardhan.

Deepti Patwardhan When it comes to a sheer explosive workout, squash is right on top of the sports spectrum. It's intense, high-speed and demands oodles of strength and endurance. Pit yourself against a wall on a squash court and a pounding heart accompanied by legs aflame is sure to be your reward. tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.207 2009-12-06T13:17:00Z 2010-01-15T05:02:01Z

The Directorate of Air Force Adventure has stopped offering seats to civilians at the moment because of the slowdown. In any case, those of you who want to take up skydiving seriously would eventually have to go abroad. There are...

Yana Bey The Directorate of Air Force Adventure has stopped offering seats to civilians at the moment because of the slowdown. In any case, those of you who want to take up skydiving seriously would eventually have to go abroad. There are four licensing levels -- A, B, C and D. Once tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.206 2009-12-06T13:06:35Z 2009-12-07T08:15:35Z

Climbing works out various muscle groups in your arms and legs at the same time, building stamina, improving grip and coordination. Dhamini Ratnam tells more.

Dhamini Ratnam Climbing is definitely an adventure, but it's also a fun way to stay fit. Sonu Kumar Sherval, 24, an instructor at Gold's Gym, Mumbai, which offers climbing as a workout, elaborates: "Climbing helps you work out various muscle groups in your arms and legs simultaneously, building stamina, improving grip and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.205 2009-12-06T13:03:42Z 2009-12-07T08:14:18Z

When the lows are bumming you out, give the routine a miss and head to the nearest wall to get some perspective. Sahil Sharma tells more.

Sahil Sharma Many people have a fear of heights. Terry Prachett's prodigal wizard Rinceweed wisely feared the ground. After all, it's the falling and landing on hard ground that's the worrisome part.Not quite what you want to be thinking of as you eye the 45-foot-high Tata climbing wall at the Indian Mountaineering tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.204 2009-12-06T12:52:34Z 2009-12-07T08:12:49Z

On the day he gets his Khel Ratna, boxer Vijender Singh urges you to strike a balance between pumping iron and staying athletic. Indraneel Das tells more.

Indraneel Das There is fascination and then there is obsession. In Vijender Singh's case, he's fascinated with his obsession.The 24-year-old Olympic bronze medallist in boxing gets high on iron and, like nicotine, needs his daily fix. "I like to pump iron. I don't know why, but I love it," he says nonchalantly, tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.203 2009-12-06T12:49:48Z 2009-12-07T08:11:54Z

Travelling by sea is as challenging today as it's been since the dawn of time. Go test your mettle with the elements, suggests Neha Dara

Neha Dara On a small boat in the middle of the sea, tossing about on the waves, salt dries on lips and the sun chars skin. There are no comforts here, but there's a reverence for the wind that fills the sails and carries us homewards. Our little vessel is part of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.202 2009-12-06T12:46:42Z 2009-12-07T08:11:08Z

Is not, as Bollywood would have you believe, big and beefy. Aspire to be lean, fast and functionally fit. Vidya Balachander tells more.

Vidya Balachander If the body is your temple, should you be praying at the altar of the gym? If you ask Bollywood's bicep brigade, the answer is likely to be a resounding yes. But does being beefy equate to being fit? Now that's a trick question.Step outside the sometimes-intertwined worlds of Bollywood tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.201 2009-12-06T12:30:22Z 2009-12-07T08:09:18Z

Here's a whole new spin on flying a kite. Ever tried surfing with one? Read on for a taste of this radical high. Dhamini Ratnam tells more.

Dhamini Ratnam Adventure sport junkies swear by activities like parasailing and surfboarding. Now you can combine the two and throw away the tether into the wind. You've just landed in kite surfing zone. There are few ways as good as this to lord it over the elements and let both wave and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.200 2009-12-05T10:18:39Z 2009-12-07T08:04:02Z

Adventure sport junkies swear by activities like parasailing and surfboarding. Now you can combine the two and throw away the tether into the wind. You've just landed in kite surfing zone. There are few ways as good as this to lord it over the elements and let both wave and wind combine to take you on a wild ride, writes Dhamini Ratnam.

Dhamini Ratnam Adventure sport junkies swear by activities like parasailing and surfboarding. Now you can combine the two and throw away the tether into the wind. You've just landed in kite surfing zone. There are few ways as good as this to lord it over the elements and let both wave and tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.199 2009-12-05T09:50:29Z 2009-12-07T08:03:20Z

Paes has been greased lightning on the court for 18 years. His motto: fitness all the time, anywhere. You too needn't leave your regime behind when you travel. Sukhwant Basra tells more.

Sukhwant Basra The iron man of Indian tennis has a rubber foundation. You have seen Leander Paes dart about court, feet a blur. His secret? Rubber bands! Go on, admit it, that was an ace that left you baffled as it whizzed over your head. "In a sport that has me travelling tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.198 2009-12-05T09:44:34Z 2009-12-07T08:02:37Z

High altitude treks aren't just for those who run every morning, eat healthy, and never wake up with a hangover. In fact they are for those who can hold on to a dream, says Sukhwant Basra.

Sukhwant Basra "Wife's pregnant"; "Going abroad for family get together"; "Changed jobs this year" ... His initials are AK and he's turned 37 this year. The years have piled on and so have my friend's excuses. He's the corporate type with the cubicle life of a rat and an overflowing bank account tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.197 2009-12-05T08:06:36Z 2009-12-07T08:01:58Z

Indulge a childhood passion. Skating is fun, it's easy, it burns 600 calories in one hour, and the rush will keep you buzzing long afterwards, writes Aalap Deboor.

Aalap Deboor Don't scoff and think gliding around in tights and on wheels is just for kids; this is one activity that anyone, even you, can take up. "Skating is safer than running or aerobics as the movements are very fluid and the impact on joints is lesser," explains Dhiraj Utmani of tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.196 2009-12-05T07:57:39Z 2009-12-07T08:00:34Z

Rishikesh is passé. In a country riddled with rivers, there's no dearth of places where you can test your mettle tackling white water, suggests Dhamini Ratnam.

Dhamini Ratnam Aparna Khera, 26, went to Rishikesh a year ago for a white water rafting trip. All it took was three hours on a raft with seven strangers to get her addicted. "I was hooked to the rush. Although the rapids weren't that tough, the whole experience of paddling through a tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.195 2009-12-05T06:51:49Z 2009-12-07T07:59:19Z

Swish, Spar, strike. As you play at being a medieval knight, find yourself getting lighter and quicker on your feet, and a whole lot fitter. Vidya Balachander tells more.

Vidya Balachander On a regular cement floor, fencing feels deceptively slight. Swords in hand, the opponents pace back and forth in quicksilver steps. Their movements are measured -- this game may involve swordplay but there's very little aggression on display. Every once in a while, a player may take a big stride tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.194 2009-12-05T06:45:01Z 2009-12-07T07:58:32Z

Cycling on tarmac is for the tame. If you really want to push it, take that bike out for a duel with the dirt, says Aalap Deboor.

Aalap Deboor It's been six years since I last rode a bicycle. Six years is a long time. Long enough for rust to have reduced my bike to dust and to make me consider with trepidation an activity I could once do as easily as breathing. I try to forget my skepticism tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.193 2009-12-05T06:26:46Z 2009-12-07T07:55:10Z

It's not quite walking or running either. With arms stuck out at odd angles, it even looks funny. But speed walking is a great exercise that's easy on your knees, suggests Sai Raje.

Sai Raje At first glance, it seems like a bizarre cross between a duck's waddle and the graceful gait of a fisherwoman in fast-forward. Don't know what we are talking about? Think Billy Crystal wearing spandex and walking through Central Park with his best pal in that scene from When Harry Met tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.192 2009-12-05T06:12:31Z 2009-12-07T07:50:09Z

It addition to a whole lot of nerve and a fair dose of foolhardiness, it takes a certain masochistic bent to participate in the Raid. Yet this biking event is booked months in advance every year. Ever wonder why? Sukhwant Basra tells you.

Sukhwant Basra The wind hurts like the slash of a painful memory -- it sears through chinks before the mind battens down on the offending breach in clothing. It is double digits below the wrong side of the Celsius zero. At four am, it's still a good three hours before the sun tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.191 2009-12-05T05:49:18Z 2009-12-07T07:49:13Z

Remember the frisbee, the brightly coloured disc you tossed around as a kid? Now play its action-packed avatar to get fit while having fun, reports Tasneem Nashrulla.

Tasneem Nashrulla Fourteen people. Two teams. Two scoring zones. One flying disc. No referee. Plenty of fun. That's Ultimate Frisbee -- the new sport that's got adrenaline junkies addicted. Ultimate Frisbee incorporates aspects of basketball, soccer and rugby to form a no-contact sport where seven players in two opposing teams score points tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.190 2009-12-05T05:39:07Z 2009-12-07T07:36:36Z

Want to be a better tennis player? Try yoga. A better squash player? Take up cycling. An exercise routine that involves at least two different sports is becoming increasingly popular. Here's a look at the benefits of cross training.

Deepti Patwardhan Want to be a better boxer? Try skipping. Need to prepare for a tennis match? Take up yoga. Mixing it up helps, as athletes around the world have discovered. Now, fitness instructors are also spreading the word: Cross train to add variety to monotonous workouts and get better results. For tag:travel.hindustantimes.com,2009://1.185 2009-12-04T11:53:20Z 2010-01-15T05:03:25Z

Overcoming a fear of water is something I have researched for years. There is only one solution: confront your fear. But how should you go about it? Read on to find out.

Yana Bey Overcoming a fear of water is something I have researched for years. There is only one solution: confront your fear. But how should you go about it? First things first, learn swimming. This achieves two objectives -- it makes you face the water and lessens your fear by making you tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.52 2009-10-05T11:29:28Z 2009-12-24T07:23:28Z

I wanted to go to Tibet on the Roof of the World -- a train that takes 50 hours from Beijing to Lhasa. But my journalist friends did not get a Tibet travel permit; so Tibet got canned and I I landed in the extremely pretty Xinjiang province in the northwest corner of China, thanks to my friends who had a backup plan.

Shrenik Avlani View image In 1989, when I was in Class 4, I mugged up two paragraphs on the Silk Route from the history textbook for a class test. Later, I repeated the exercise for the mid-term and final examinations. It wasn't fascinating, but I have remembered the description ever since.In 1999, I read tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.51 2009-10-05T11:29:11Z 2009-12-24T07:28:01Z

Unlike other parts of the Western world, where the emphasis is on fast cars, bright lights and bulging stock portfolios, Venice throbs to a very different beat. For instance, no motor-vehicles are permitted on the roads, which encourages a discovery of the city at a more leisurely pace.

Sonia Nazareth View image tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.48 2009-10-02T14:09:58Z 2009-10-05T13:00:40Z

Gas town -- a vibrant, historic neighbourhood packed with studios, antique and jewellery shops selling exquisite jade jewellery and artifacts -- is a remnant of older times. The cobbled streets and gift shops make this a perfect tourists' haven with plenty of things to indulge in.

D K Bhaskar On my first trip to Vancouver, for a moment I wondered if I was in Manhattan, NY; perhaps a cleaner, prettier and less intimidating version of it. Downtown Vancouver is a concrete maze of high-rise buildings encompassing everything from shopping arcades to museums, offices, luxury hotels, restaurants, visitor's centres and tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.46 2009-10-02T13:53:31Z 2009-12-24T06:52:28Z

Istria is where the Italians retire to when the tourists flood Tuscany. Italian influences are visible everywhere -- from the singsong dialect of the Croatian spoken here to the many historical landmarks scattered across the peninsula.

Neha Puntambekar View image tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.45 2009-10-02T13:45:40Z 2009-11-26T14:47:06Z

There are stalls right behind the nets ready to cook the fish caught fresh: "you buy, we cook". A couple of fishermen notice me looking at the nets and offer a demo; they are taken aback when I bargain with them in Tamil and quickly bring down their price to "for you only madam, Two Hundred Rupees ".

Charukesi Ramadurai Walking out of St Francis church, I see a tour guide escort a group of British visitors into the building, leading them to a flight of steps to sit on and remove their shoes in comfort. "In India, it is customary to remove shoes before entering any temple," he informs tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.44 2009-10-02T13:38:19Z 2010-01-22T13:17:48Z

A visit to the British capital is a jolt to the senses -- in the best possible way. You'll be so busy taking in the sights, sounds, smells and incredible tastes that there'll be no time to miss home says Sai Raje

Sai Raje View image tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.43 2009-09-30T05:23:40Z 2009-09-30T05:23:40Z

A phantom hitch-hiker getting into cars, a slip road going back to the 1940s, and the ghost of a one-legged priest-these are all among the spookiest spots and incidents revealed in a survey of supernatural sightings.

ANI A phantom hitch-hiker getting into cars, a slip road going back to the 1940s, and the ghost of a one-legged priest-these are all among the spookiest spots and incidents revealed in a survey of supernatural sightings over the last 25 years. SpookyThe study by paranormal researcher Lionel Fanthorpe has revealed tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.42 2009-09-30T05:05:49Z 2009-09-30T05:05:49Z

Thailand wants to cash in on the coming wedding season in India and promote the country as a perfect wedding destination. A three-day 'Destination Thailand' festival is wooing Indian tourists with...

Indo-Asian News Service Thailand wants to cash in on the coming wedding season in India and promote the country as a perfect wedding destination. Thailand A three-day 'Destination Thailand' festival has begun in the capital at Select CityWalk in Saket, wooing Indian tourists with pristine beaches, wonderful hospitality, great shopping experiences, yummy food tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.41 2009-09-30T05:00:07Z 2009-09-30T05:00:07Z

What happens when you combine a holiday with a health treatment? You learn the real meaning of rest and relaxation. Kushalrani Gulab tells us more

Kushalrani Gulab Monday morning at the office recently was rather more peculiar than Monday mornings usually are. I had just returned from a three-day trip that had so effectively relaxed me that I felt as though I'd been away from work for three months. What was the cover story this week? I'd tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.40 2009-09-30T04:41:50Z 2009-09-30T04:41:50Z

Chandigarh is all set to celebrate World Tourism Day on Sunday with a musical extravaganza, food festival, shopping bonanza and more

Indo-Asian News Service Chandigarh is all set to celebrate World Tourism Day on Sunday with a musical extravaganza, food festival, shopping bonanza and an assortment of activities for both the city dwellers and for the tourists coming to this union territory. The festivities begin on Saturday with an evening of rock fusion music tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.39 2009-09-30T04:33:44Z 2009-09-30T04:33:44Z

If the weeklong festivity drains you out completely, it's time to head out for a mid-week rendezvous. And what better place than the Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur. Malvika Nanda explores.

Malvika Nanda If the weeklong festivity drains you out completely, it's time to head out for a mid-week rendezvous. And what better place than the Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur. Host to the five-day annual Rajasthan International Folk Festival, which begins on October 1 and is on till October 5, this fest boasts tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.38 2009-09-30T04:29:28Z 2009-09-30T04:29:28Z

The sweltering Rann throws up a melting pot of cultures, professions and wildlife. And, of course, acres and acres of salt.

Kongkona Sarma The sweltering Rann throws up a melting pot of cultures, professions and wildlife. And, of course, acres and acres of salt Legend has it that when Mughal emperor Babar was scouting for routes to India over the Hindu Kush mountains, a wise man suggested he follow the tracks of the tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.37 2009-09-24T10:48:53Z 2009-09-29T09:54:01Z

The emergence of a spa culture in India suggests that this is the way to go. We have shown that we can run spas that are even better than the Far East's, writes Vir Sanghvi.

Vir Sanghvi tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.36 2009-09-24T10:38:34Z 2009-09-24T10:38:34Z

The right equipment can make a big difference to your performance. Choose the equipment according to the nature of your workout. Heath Matthews tells us more...

Heath Matthews Here's what you need to know before you start a training programme. First, the basics The right equipment can make a big difference to your performance. Choose the equipment according to the nature of your workout. For example, the shoes you'll need if you're doing endurance running are different from tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.35 2009-09-24T10:31:07Z 2009-09-24T10:31:07Z

The 29-year-old Heath Matthews is a South African trainer and physiotherapist who has been pivotal in bringing world-class training and rehabilitation to a host of prominent Indian sportspersons. He provides you valuable tips.

Heath Matthews The 29-year-old Heath Matthews is a South African trainer and physiotherapist who has been pivotal in bringing world-class training and rehabilitation to a host of prominent Indian sportspersons. Mahesh Bhupathi gave him his Doha Asian Games doubles gold for helping him come through the event despite a debilitating back injury. tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.34 2009-09-24T10:24:55Z 2009-09-24T10:24:55Z

There's little of the 'real' Tibet in Lhasa today. Except during the Shoton Festival, writes Zara Murao

Zara Murao Lhasa is nothing like you'd imagine. No rickety wooden shops or quaint winding lines. Everywhere you look in the capital of Tibet are bright red stores, malls and shopping centres. The roads are ruler-straight and in mint condition, as if they mean business. Young Chinese men and women -- the tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.33 2009-09-24T10:04:29Z 2009-09-29T11:22:10Z

London is now a corner of England that is forever India, writes Seema Goswami

Seema Goswami A week ago, I landed at London's Heathrow Airport, bleary-eyed and beleaguered after a long, sleepless flight. As I wheeled my trolley out of baggage claim and walked into a sea of expectant faces looking out for their loved ones to emerge, I was struck by a thought. I could tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.32 2009-09-24T09:58:00Z 2009-09-24T09:58:00Z

Forbes tells u about the plenty of cheap shortcuts to a better travel experience.

Forbes.com Wearing an elegant outfit can open doors in business--and in business travel. Richard Rheindorf learned this firsthand, when he sported a well-tailored suit while waiting to board a flight from San Francisco to Vancouver. Even though the coach cabin wasn't oversold, the ticket agent bumped Rheindorf to first class. "You tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.31 2009-09-24T09:49:38Z 2009-09-24T09:49:38Z

Quaint SelÇuk may not be on every tourist's map, but its warmth and innate cosiness make it a must-visit, writes Rajni George.

Rajni George When travelling around Turkey today --increasingly popular with Indian tourists as a scenic, historic and affordable paradise --it's easy to hit up only the usual hotspots after going to Istanbul: the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the breathtaking travertines and healing waters of Pamukkale. Not everyone gets to spend time in tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.30 2009-09-24T09:42:17Z 2010-01-07T18:27:16Z

Sand dunes, magnificent forts, heritage resorts, wildlife, your motorcycle and you. Come October and 30 bikers from across the country will undertake a 12-day journey through the rough and the smooth of Rajasthan.

Shilpa Raina View image Sand dunes, magnificent forts, heritage resorts, small villages, wildlife, your motorcycle and you. Come October and 30 bikers from across the country will undertake a 12-day journey through the rough and the smooth of Rajasthan. "When people think of Rajasthan the first word that comes to their mind is deserts tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.29 2009-09-24T09:31:53Z 2009-09-24T09:34:32Z

Freak street in Kathmandu was the laid back, 'tuned-in' cousin of Wall Street. Today it's more like Souvenir Alley. Sudeep Chakravarti explores.

Sudeep Chakravarti It's so Thamel. "When I Miss Pattaya, you come running Rangeela." The comment appears to be about a transvestite beauty contest held annually at a fleshpot in Thailand. It is followed by a Kurosawa growl. I'm in Itta, a dimly lit, monsoon-musty, handkerchief-sized Japanese eatery. The transvestite, in soap-opera sari, tag:202.54.157.212,2009:/httravel/ht_travel//1.28 2009-09-24T09:23:15Z 2009-11-28T11:48:58Z

From feeding baby rhinos to chasing cheetahs on the kill, that's how close you can get to the wild at Lewa Downs, a conservation trust near Mt Kenya.

Geetika Jain Towers of dust devils chased each other and the tall grass was bleached to hay. The streams were drying and the zebra looked skyward, trudging towards a distant marsh. Elephants wallowed wantonly in the meagre channel under yellow-bark acacia trees, while a vulture eyed an unsteady lamb. This year, the