The Louvre saw a five percent increase in visitors in 2011, after three years in a row in which about 8.5 million people had visited the museum, it said in a statement.

The museum said it enjoyed “a strong return of American visits and a more and more marked presence of visitors from emerging countries.”

Visitors from abroad accounted for 66 percent of the museum’s attendees, led by tourists from the United States, followed by Brazil, Italy, Australia and China.

The number of visitors to French museums is expected to have grown overall by more than five percent last year to about 27 million, French heritage officials said last week.

According to a survey by London-based The Art Newspaper, the second most-visited museum in 2010 was the British Museum, with 5.8 million visitors, followed by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art with 5.2 million.

Source: HT Media

Among those who have already signed up for the trip, that would come at around USD 61,000, are a London banker and a doctor from Missouri in the US.

Deep Ocean Expeditions is planning to take 80 people to the ship, two and a half miles under the Atlantic Ocean, on the centenary of its sinking next year, the Telegraph reported.

Just two visitors can go down at a time and it takes two hours to descend to the Titanic, which was discovered only in 1985.

But the trips costing around USD 61,000 are likely to cause controversy as the spot is also the resting place for 1,517 people who died on April 14 1912.

Experts also claim that previous expeditions have left holes in the sunken liner.

Rob McCallum, the expedition leader of Deep Ocean Expeditions, said it would be the only time the firm took tourists to the spot.

“We never set out to be a retail travel company,” he said. “Next year will be a poignant year to make the trip. It’s a good time for us to sign off.”

Speaking of his previous visit to the ship in 2005, he said, “I knew the ship was 882ft long, that it broke in two, that it was standing upright on the sea bed. But when I actually looked up out of the porthole at it I thought, ‘Holy moly’.”

Between the two parts of the broken ship, the ocean floor is strewn with bottles, cups, knives and leather suitcases.

Source: HT Media

W London
February

W Hotels’ new flagship was one of the most talked-about debuts of the year, in the heart of London amid the cinemas of Leicester Square. The achingly cool 192-room property set a new standard for London’s design hotels, and came complete with a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong 
March

The world’s tallest hotel, Ritz-Carlton proved earlier this year that despite the rise of Shanghai, Hong Kong hasn’t given up the ghost yet. This stunning property towers over the city, with an infinity pool overlooking the harbor and spa treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Missoni Kuwait 
May

With 169 rooms described as “unmistakably Missoni,” this hotel was a reminder that we can’t get enough of fashion hotels. Impressively, every room in the property offers views across the Gulf, as does the 18th floor Luna restaurant.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris 
June

Paris’s luxury hotels have always been desirable, and new entrants Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La upped the competition a notch, arriving within half a year of each other. The 138-room Mandarin Oriental boasts one of the French capital’s most prestigious addresses, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, as well as a Thierry Marx restaurant.

Trump Ocean Club, Panama 
July

With trademark ebullience, the Donald sailed into South America in July with its tallest building, the 284-meter Trump Ocean Club. It’s home to 47 suites, 37 elevators, a spa, marina, casino and an island with a private beach.

The New Hotel, Athens, Greece 
July

Brazilian design duo Humberto and Fernando Campana turned to Greek themes for this stylish art hotel, some light relief in what was otherwise a difficult year for Greece. Fairytale characters adorn the walls and furniture has been supplied by the brothers themselves.

Public Chicago 
September

Legendary hotelier Ian Schrager turned his hand to a different style of property earlier this year, opening a budget hotel in the Windy City. Public combined sharp design with low cost and featured a Jean-Georges Vongerichten food concept.

Disney Aulani, Hawaii 
September

Disney’s first non-themepark hotel could mark the start of a wider expansion into the hospitality industry for the entertainment giant. Designed as an ‘alternative family vacation experience’, Aulani retains some of the family friendliness but also focuses on more adult features, such as a spa and decor which draws inspiration from its Hawaiian surroundings.

Andaz Shanghai, China 
October

The entry of Andaz into Asia marked a milestone for the brand, which has already won over travelers with its contemporary luxury style in Europe and Asia. The 307 high-tech Andaz Shanghai towers 28 stories over the city, a modern landmark in the traditional Xintiandi neighborhood.

Source: HT Media

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 primitive. I had a stiff rubber hose to breathe from and my local Bengali guide warned me against going deeper than three-four feet. I could have sucked in a lot of sea water and may be even drowned in panic. But honeymoon adrenalin kept me going. It was an awesome world I saw there; as I floated around a coral reef.
Scuba diving is a safe adventure nowadays. You can actually dive down, even as a novice, to about 12 metres and stay underwater for a long time. I have done it a few times now and here are my tips on how to fully experience the magical moments:

Enjoy Tips

1. When you get into the water or rather jump in, let yourself go into a free fall. Let yourself submerge. Spread your arms like the wings of an eagle and soar to the prescribed depth. Use your flippers to turn sharply or even do an airplane double loop. The speed of water rushing past you will give you a huge high. And then, when you spot a school of fish or a quaint coral, hover over it like a guardian angel. It feels like God.
2. Take time out to view the aqua roof over you. There is a strange liquidy feel about the ‘sky’ over your head; and unlike the boring uni-dimensional sky we see every day, this one churns and changes with the batting of the eyelids. The sun sparkles in a diffused way and the air bubbles shine like diamonds. If the water is particularly clear like in the Lakshadweep, you can see birds flying upside down. Trust me it is as fascinating looking up as it is looking down.
3. A dive begins in chatter and suddenly there is silence. The world of cacophony is erased the moment you go below. There is silence. It soothes. You are alone with yourself. You can hear yourself think. The noise is silent. Your senses go into an overdrive. Indulge yourself.
4. See the corals. Play with the fish. Look around in wonder at the marine life. But do not forget to soak in the magic of the beams of light as they bounce off the sand or rest on sea shells. If you look, you will see psychedelic rainbows and uniquely crafted colours dance on tiny waves. Sheer aqua delight.
5. When you come to the surface, float a while on the gently lapping waves facing the sun. You will feel like a baby being rocked by Mother Nature. It is like being reborn.

Equipment: 

1. A boat to take you to the diving site.
2. Scuba diving apparatus, including oxygen tank, suit, flippers, face mask et al

Must remember:

1. Never dive alone, specially if you are you are a novice. Even experienced divers go down in pairs.
2. Get your equipment from a reputed dive shop. All equipment is on hire.
3. Listen to your instructor carefully when he briefs you on diving rules and safety tips.
4. Never feel so confident as to ignore your instructor’s brief. A single mistake can cause you acute distress under water.
5. If you are not physically fit, don’t dive. Asthma patients should be specially wary.
6. The recreational diving limit (for people like you and me is 40 metres). However, most diving outfits restrict dives by amateurs and tourists to 12 metres.
7. Children below 10 years of age should not be encouraged to dive.
8. You can dive even if you are 80

Source: HT Media

With that in mind, travel adviser have come up with 10 top holiday travel tips to help you navigate the festive season. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. For procrastinators: Book last-minute 
Typically we encourage travellers to book flights between 60 and 90 days before an anticipated date of departure. That ideal time-frame has now passed, leaving many fliers scrambling to find holiday fare deals. But all is not lost! Data shows that airlines this year were perhaps a bit too aggressive with pricing early on, leaving seats still to be filled. Lucky for procrastinators, flash sales are popping up left and right and – better yet – the best is possibly yet to come. Start scanning now, as early December bookers could save the most on holiday flights.

2. Travel alternatively 
As ongoing advocates of both alternative airports and alternative destinations, our stance holds true with the season of cheer upon us. For fliers with a set destination in mind, taking the time to compare nearby airports based on affordability could mean major savings. Boston residents, for instance, should consider TF Green International in Providence or Manchester-Boston Regional in New Hampshire if fares out of Logan are too steep. And the same is true for arrival cities. Folks eager to get away for a beach vacation should look for the deal rather than the destination. Instead of Miami this Christmas, how about a beach town on the Gulf like Fort Meyers or Sarasota? The bottom line: do your homework.

3. Fly on the holiday 
Flight searches by date often tell an interesting but consistent story: flying midweek, early in the day or late at night saves travellers cash. ‘Tis true on holidays, too. Many times the lowest fares go to travellers willing to fly on the holiday itself, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Plus, the cheer can be felt 35,000 feet in the air for flexible fliers, as some airlines are particularly festive. Lufthansa in Christmases past has cooked traditional German meals and decked cabins with wreaths and decorations so passengers – and flight crews – can share in the celebration.

4. For gift givers: Shop online 
In an era of ever-increasing baggage fees, it’s best to show up to the airport with as little to check in as possible. Lucky for those with long wish lists, nearly everything nowadays can be found – and shipped – thanks to the glorious Internet. Evidence? Our recent list of travel gift ideas, all of which are available courtesy of the web. Order a Big Wheel-luggage hybrid for the junior traveller in your life or an airline gift card for your favourite frequent flier. No matter the choice, it means less to get through security and less on your credit card.

5. Ship gifts 
If you’ve found a gift at a great rate or a specialty item during your holiday shopping sprees, then of course seize the deal. But if it doesn’t fit in your carry-on, you may want to ship it via a courier company. Do the math a week before to see what will cost you less: a tracked package or an extra bag. If it’s the latter, remember to leave your gifts unwrapped so security can easily access the contents.

6. Pack an empty suitcase 
If the price is right, bringing an extra piece of luggage on your trip can be a frugal decision. Then, when it comes time to transport the gifts you’ve received home, you’ll have an empty suitcase to fill. Either pack a fold-up duffel in your luggage or bring a separate bag if it means you won’t get hit with high-priced baggage fees. First calculate what it will cost to ship your gifts home, then plan and pack accordingly.

7. Peruse duty-free 
International fliers over the holidays have the opportunity to savour their layovers a bit in the duty-free shops, where high-end products go for everyday prices in airports around the globe. Hubs like Hong Kong International Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schipol and London Heathrow Airport offer shoppers a bounty of stocking stuffers and goodies for under the tree. Shop on your way – or way home – tax-free. A friendly reminder: If you’re connecting Stateside from certain international locations, liquids purchased at duty-free have to be checked before the domestic leg of your flight.

8. For air mile collectors: Save the miles 
Miles get tricky around the holidays, especially since “low points” seats for the most popular travel dates sell out even before the Halloween candy has hit the shelves. There’s that, plus some airlines implement the never-popular blackout dates. Accumulated miles, whether through an airline or a credit card, are used most economically either when travel plans are booked early or a traveller has flexibility with their itinerary. Our advice: Save the points during the holidays unless you snag a great deal.

9. Health: Invest in hand sanitizer 
The most wonderful time of the year is also the most sniffly time of the year for many travellers. Keep that in mind before you head for the airport, and pack plenty of hand sanitizer to help fend off germs. There’s nothing worse than realizing during ascent that you’re stuck in a cabin full of recycled air with a sickly seatmate. Fill your prescriptions, drink lots of water, wash your hands often – whatever it takes to guarantee your holidays will be spent both joy- and health-filled.

10. Plan ahead and expect delays 
Flight delays are pretty much a guarantee this time of year, whether its crowded airports, bad weather or mechanical problems causing them. There’s a way to plan ahead so that getting stuck behind infrequent fliers and families of five at airport security doesn’t cause anxiety. First, avoid connections if you can when booking, even if it means paying a little more. If a connection is a must, then ensure there’s a long enough layover in case your first flight is late to land. On the day of travel, get to the airport earlier – way earlier – than you typically would. Worst-case scenario: You spend extra time with your Kindle at the departure gate or relaxing at the airport bar.

Source : HT Media

The world’s first Transformers The Ride will be unveiled at Universal Studios Singapore from December 3 and will feature “12 scenes, comprising sets blended seamlessly with hyper-realistic 3-D digital media and special effects to bring tactile realism to every moment,” according to the theme park’s management.

The Transformers movie series has so far picked up an estimated US$3 billion (2.1 billion euros) globally from three episodes and the ride will join the other major attractions at the theme park, including Battlestar Galactica dual roller coasters.

Universal Studios Singapore is part of the city’s Resorts World Sentosa complex, which has attracted more than 15 million visitors since opening in January 2010. The complex also features a casino, four hotels and an expansive retail area.

“I am very excited about the debut of this attraction at Universal Studios Singapore,” Transformers film director Michael Bay said in statement. “Finally, Transformers fans will not only have the chance to watch the Autobots battle the Deceptions on screen; they’ll actually be part of the action. ”

In the coming weeks, competitions and sneak previews will be posted on the attraction’s official blog — http://tftheride.rwsentosablog.com.

The development of Resorts World Sentosa has been one of Singapore’s great recent success stories as the city looks to establish itself as one of Asia’s top destinations.

The city is this year on target to break all tourism records thanks to the influx of people heading to both RWS and to the Marina Bay Sands resort, which also boasts a casino and extensive entertainment facilities.

International visitor arrivals into the city for the second quarter of 2011 were 3.2 million, according to the Singapore Tourism Board, which represents 14 percent year-on-year growth.

The STB last week announced that tourists spent an estimated S$5 billion (2.9 billion euros) in the city in the second quarter of 2011, a rise of 18 percent, year on year. Leading the way were Indonesians (S$677 million or 382 million euros), followed by Chinese (S$447 million or 256 million euros) and Indians (S$305 million or 174 million euros).

Last year Singapore played host to a record 11.6 million visitors, as it tries to pose a challenge to the likes of the Chinese cities of Hong Kong (36 million) and Macau (25 million).

source: HT Media

Gambling is the main stay of the locals at Vegas. Special chartered flights bring groups of people from countries like Taiwan, China, Japan and even England with many being frequent visitors. And if there has to be the one single most defining symbol that is representative of the city, it will have to be the slot machine, for these you can see as soon as you deplane and enter the airport lounge and ofcourse in every hotel, and there are as many as 3,000 dotting a city that is spread over 131.3 square miles on what is typical desert mass.

Las Vegas was built on a desert and has the heritage of the old west of USA. Local people wear cowboy hats as a norm. Known for wild stallions which can be found in abundance in the desert, horse breeding continues to thrive, being one of the oldest family-run businesses. While there are a dozen odd State and National Parks in Nevada alone, along with hundreds of fun, educational, entertaining and fascinating side trips for the family, most of the action can be seen on the Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2 mi (6.8 km) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard known quite simply as “The Strip”. During the day, the place looks calm and placid but the moment the sun goes down, it comes alive, with an energy and spontaneity that can make the most sedate of us, break into a little heady jig in the middle of the road.

The Strip draws even the most conservative of us like a magnet 
The Strip houses all the hotels, gaming parlours, entertainment shows, shopping and food extravaganzas and ongoing street events. Given its tolerance for all forms of adult entertainment, as early as the year 1910, when other cities in America were still a bit prudish, earned Vegas the title of “Sin City”. Today, with Vegas having a lot more to offer and also other cities having their own liberal share of adult fun, the sleazy connotation which Vegas had, has slowly diminished. Local Americans look at it more as a family place now or even as a business convention destination.

America’s king size image comes into full play here with hotels that are gigantic, with rooms that run into thousands and with décor and facades that range from the exotic to the bizarre. The Venetian is Venice reincarnated, replete with gondola rides and 15th century European architecture. Little wonder then that you have water-filled canals inside the hotel and a sky light that changes periodically when shows are presented. Actors are dressed in costumes reminiscent of that period. And you can almost visualise Ceaser and Brutus having an exchange outside the tombed structures of their ancient city. Discovery Channel recently devoted an entire episode to the making of The Venetian. Then there is Ballagio with its music coordinated fiercely magnificent fountains outside and a world flower garden with exquisite flowers in coloured glass, in the lobby.

It can’t get grander than this 
Infact, the hotel lobbies, if you can call them that, are crammed with all kinds of gaming tables and paraphernalia. While some hotels have pretty cleavage-showing girls managing the tables don’t for a moment be misled into believing that they do not mean business. For here, in this city, at the gaming counters, the focus is on getting people to play for as long as is possible. Bursts of oxygen are released into the casinos post midnight, to keep people happy and awake. Drinks are on the house, not just for the person putting the money on the table but also for the companions. Interestingly, the Chinese are the leaders of the gambling pack, followed by Indians who can be found dominating the poker tables.

The Treasure Island hotel has ships outside the hotel which are right out of RL Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Not only are they perfect reproductions but after 8 pm they get “active” with music, attacking each other and doing their piece before again getting silenced at midnight. Wynn, another pricey property has a golf course as its backyard and that too an 18 hole one. The Luxor hotel is based on an Egyptian pyramid with the theme replicated in every corner of the hotel. The Mirage has a white tiger zoo and a volcanic water fall. You can join the crowds to see the artificially created volcanic eruption on the water fall. The New York New York hotel is built complete with the statue of liberty and its tall towering buildings and small stone streets within. Italian pizza mom and pop stores give it the real NY feel with Irish pubs.

Achieving the impossible: From all things forbidden to a safe family destination 
That Vegas can be a family vacation, something it could not boast of 8-10 years ago, is evidenced by the sheer presence of entertainment options that the city offers – the shows outside the hotels which are free, are spectacular. A lot of restaurants within the hotels have their own side shows, with music, dance, water and other special light effects. All you have to do is buy a drink to gain entrance. The mother of all shows is O, a mind blowing extravaganza that is currently in its 10th year of running. Every day at $135 it has run to packed audiences. A must see and then there are other long running shows as also those which do the typical few week round before moving to another city. The one on Elvis Presley and the Beatles had been there for a couple of months and were still drawing in the crowds.

The Disneyland and amusement parks within Vegas area one of the best in the US and quite a hit with children and adults alike. This is not to say that Vegas does not have activities for those wanting their carnal pleasures satiated. The pole dancing, topless bars, male striptease shows and the rest are there aplenty but none of this is in your face and it is not the only thing that is keeping their tourist industry flourishing. Prostitution is still illegal here and it is, as most of us would expect it to be – a thriving industry.

View of a local resident 
Bisham Kriplani, who has lived in Vegas for over a decade with his wife and two children, dabbling in cars and real estate unabashedly says, “Vegas undoubtedly is the most electrifying city in the world crowded with tourists all year round. It boasts of flamboyancy and extravagance with a wide array of art, plays, concerts, nightclubs and casinos. Night clubs are in abundance and open all night. The XS is the one I would not miss. The foundation room is built with an Indian heritage. All statues of Indian gods are embedded in the walls and a part of Rajasthan mirror garments hang all over the 15000 sq ft club which is located on the 51st floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel which overlook the complete strip.

His practical advice: the cheapest season is May-August. You can get a room at the NY hotel for $69 only and cheaper if you are in a four-star than a five star Belagio, Venientian or The Wynn which are the most expensive ranging anywhere between $139 to $229 off season and during season it depends on availability The largest conventions and conferences in the world are held here in Vegas as it is only here that you can accommodate 5000 plus people in one hotel. Now, Macau is trying to replicate the Vegas look but nothing can substitute the real original thing. Convention locations stretch into hundreds of acres housing 500,000 people. World famous Auto shows and Electronic Sema shows are annual features. Nevada is a tax free state so a lot of multinationals have sattelite offices here enabling them not to pay state tax. This is also the location they choose for company conferences as rooms are cheap when booked in bulk plus casinos get traffic The Casinos are the only enterprise that pays tax in Nevada state

According to Bisham, recession has hit the local economy as did the real estate market which seemed poised to soar in 2003-04. But Vegas geared up quickly to make up for the dip in real gamblers who betted millions of dollars in the course of one night on baccarat, black jack, roulette and poker by targeting corporates for their conferences and seminars and to tour companies who could aggressively pitch Vegas as a family vacation. End result is teeming crowds through the year. The summer months with the welcome sun in the desert is a huge draw with people from colder Scandinivian countries and from the US itself embarking on short duration vacations.

Grand Canyon, one of the seven wonders of the world 
Treks and short trips to nearby locations can be thrown in during the day to balance the activity of the night. And you certainly cannot return from Vegas without visiting one of the seven Wonders of the World – the Grand Canyon. Depending on how much time you have and where your interest is, you can do this by bus, train or chopper. You can do it in a day or choose to stay there for a few days and throw in a couple of treks and hikes too. Either way, you will get a different view. We took the chopper route and were a tad disappointed. Since time for us was a premium, spending an entire day seemed a bit much.

The Grand Canyon is a three hour drive to the west rim or an hour’s trip on a helicopter. The Colorado River flows between the canyons and is a must see. Hoover Dam is the only source of water to Vegas and it’s a marvel with a skywalk that allows you to see the dam from an artistic walkway high up in the mountains. This also provides electricity to the whole desert.

Oxygen shots or not, Vegas – the Entertainment Capital of the World, lives up to its title and proves it by turning into a city where sleep eludes you and happily so.

Quick Facts 

• Minimum duration of trip should be two nights, three days
• Carry small change, for you would be expected to tip, even for getting yourself photographed with street performers
• For every booking you make for a sight seeing tour cross check with at least another tour company for competitive rates
• Carry your water bottle and some munchies
• Do some homework on which hotel you want to stay in. Hotels are not too expensive since the revenue model is based not on room tariffs and food but on gambling and deals can be bargained
• Being a desert, Vegas experiences extreme heat in summers at 110 degrees and cold in winders
• Most attractions within Vegas are walking distance of the Strip and Downtown areas, it’s a good idea to go for conducted tours that include day/overnight trips to almost 50 destinations, including Southern Utah (Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park), Arizona (Lake Havasu and Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam) and Southern California (Death Valley, Universal Studios and Disneyland)
• Hikes galore are on offer and a good internet search will help you establish contact with companies and individuals. Alternately you could get your hotel to help you zero in one of your choice. From wilderness areas, to walks around the Canyon, hiking to Lake Mead or the Mt Charleston area can be tried
• The city has an average 980 flights a day and has tourists round the year

Now, whether you love it or hate it, Haridwar with its unending flow of tourists who transit the town as they move up to Rishikesh, Dehradun and beyond or the spiritual seekers who come and stay in one of the affordable ashrams that dot the city for weeks and months at end, learning yoga and meditation, is finding a lot of takers who want to just visit Haridwar and stay there for 3-4 days. They can be seen sipping a cuppa by the Ganges, not paying heed to their laptops and mobile phones and just allowing their spirits to soar as they try seeking answers to existential questions and dilemmas. For me, a resident of Haridwar for over three decades, I still retain a childlike sense of awe when I see the magic and power of prayers, community gatherings and stories of miracles that make me aware of a new and emerging side to a city that never sleeps.

Holiest of the holy
Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. The river Ganges after covering over 250 kms from Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas reaches the plains at Hardwar. Etymologically speaking, ‘Hari’ means Lord Vishnu, and ‘Dwar’ means the Gateway. Hence to reach ‘Badrinath’ the temple of Lord Vishnu, pilgrims begin their spiritual ascent from Haridwar .On the other hand, Haridwar is also called ‘ Hardwar’ where ‘ Har’ means ‘Lord Shiva’ and Kedarnath, the holy shrine of Shiva ,the journey to which too commences from Hardwar and hence the names.

Stories abound in this holy city and if you are lucky you can end up spending time with some of the most interesting story tellers you are ever likely to encounter. The advent of Ganga has an interesting myth backing it. The legendary king, Bhagirath is said to have brought Ganga from the heavens through years of penance for the salvation of his ancestors. A tradition, which is adopted by all devout Hindus, who bring the ashes of their departed relatives to the banks of the Ganges.

The ‘pandas’ of Haridwar keep genealogical records called ‘Vahi’ of all Hindu descendents as per their ancestral lineage. They serve as keepers of a repository that houses vast family trees which go as far back as seven previous generations. Mythology has it that Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad were places where the holy elixir of immortality accidentally spilled from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird ‘garuda’ after the ‘sagar manthan’. This occasion is also celebrated as the Kumbh mela every three years in each of these cities and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Kumbh mela is also the largest congregation of people, where a crowd several thousand strong take a dip at the Brahm kund. Pilgrims throng Haridwar to visit the hilltop temples of Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, Daksh Prajapati and Shantikunj to seek redemption and be expiated of their past karma.

Haridwar itself has ‘panch tirth’ within its periphery. The Har-ki-pauri, Kushawart ghat at Kankhal, Mansa Devi temple, Chandi Devi temple and the Neel Dhara. The evening aarti at the Har- ki- Pauri is an ethereal experience for any pilgrim visiting Hardwar. The aarti amidst the chanting of mantras and floral lamps floating in the river is an enchanting view. As the pristine waters flow quietly, the raging fire from hundreds of wick brass holders set afloat by pilgrims and visitors, against a scarlet sky conjure a sight that makes the human spirit seek oneness with god in what is a moment of great energy and peace.

Abundance of art and culture
Haridwar, is hardly your quaint sleepy and unassuming town in Uttarakhand. It finds a laudable mention in history as an annexe of Mauryan and Kushan empire in the 3rd century. The archaeological findings from the terracotta culture also give us good reason to believe that there was plenty of art that existed in this region. Little wonder then that there are some prominent references that hark back to Haridwar, in the famed travel accounts of Chinese traveller Huan Tsang. The Mughal emperor Akbar religiously drank water from the Ganges. His attendants ensured that he received its waters – dispatched in sealed silverware to wherever he was stationed. His minister, Raja Man Singh of Amber laid the foundation of the present city of Haridwar and constructed the ghats at Har- ki- pauri.

The Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Amardass frequently visited Haridwar to meditate and preach. In fact the holy ‘Tap stal of guru Amar Dass, Dera Baba Dargah Singh, in Kankhal, is a revered destination for the Sikhs. Today, it is managed by a young mahant, Ranjai Singh who has studied at the prestigious Doon school and is currently studying at Delhi university. Its cultural lineage is evident when you see the exquisite murals and intricate stone carvings in the old havelis in Kankhal.

Going beyond religion
Piran Kaliyar, the dargah of one of the most revered Muslim saints Alaudin Sabir Kaliyari, is situated at about half an hour’s drive from Hardwar. It was built by Ibrahim Lodhi in the 13th century.

The Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar and the Rajaji National Park are popular with nature lovers and trekkers. Neel Dhara also bears the remains of an ancient port while Rajaji Park is accessible through various gates, namely the Ramgarh gate and the Mohund gate, Motichur, Chilla and Ranipur gate. Known for the reserves of many extinct as well as migratory birds, tigers, antelopes and elephants; the jungle safari is a must- do for the adventure thirsty.

River rafting from the month of October to February is a thrilling experience for water lovers. It is monitored by expert divers and intrepid brave hearts who can also enjoy cliff jumping into the deep waters while enjoying sighting waterfowl. The Devsanskriti Vishwavidyala is known for diploma and certificate courses in theology, yogic sciences , alternative therapies and spiritual counselling. The Sanskrit university here, is the only university in the world dedicated to studies of ancient Hindu scriptures. The building is an eclectic mix of various Indian architectural styles. The Gurukal Kangri University is one of the oldest Indian university and a must see for those who want to be taken back in time to the guru-shishya parampara.

The ones who have known Haridwar only as a humble transit destination, would be surprised to note that there is a strong industrial side to the town too. The Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited, a Navratna public sector undertaking has over its 15 kilometres campus a mini township with schools, recreational clubs, squash and tennis courts, swimming pool and hospitals. Then there is the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand, a public sector township again with over 5000 plants and an integrated industrial estate with business houses like Hindustan Lever, Hero Honda, Havell’s, Dabur, Mahindra & Mahindra and ITC. Most of them allow visitors a day tour.

Gastronomic delights by old timers
The almost 100 years of service in terms of finger licking food is provided by the well known Mathurawale and Mohan puriwale. Still warped in a time and age of its own, they serve simmering gravies and puris that have no equal and mithai that makes it impossible to quell the impulse to indulge.

The main shopping area is the ‘Moti bazaar’ which connects the town to the har- ki- pauri. This is a narrow alleyway that resonates often with deafening music blaring from bhajan CDs, trying to reinforce the sanctity of the town. The shops sell knick- knacks from Chinese footwear, cheap synthetic fakes of Versace and D&G t- shirts to mounds of vermillion and rice puffs. Every other shop sells rudraksh and semi precious gem stones to those seeking to resolve their problems through divine intervention.

The ochre cloud over the city has finally been shrugged off to reveal a more urbanised lifestyle, with an inverse mix of pandas and entrepreneurs from the industrial sector bearing eloquent testimony to changing times. It is not unusual to see sadhus on swanky bikes, flaunting Gucci sunglasses and mobile phones. And whether you are travelling by train or road, you will find as you move out of the city, that the river is still with you, keeping pace, flowing calmly alongside, leaving you with its eternal message for life, “journey on….”.

Fact File 

• Fly in to Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun which is a 45 minutes drive from Hardwar city
• The nearest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi. The National highway 58, with a proposed six lane highway connects Delhi to Haridwar
• The railway network from Haridwar is connects you to major cities and metros with numerous Shatabdi trains
• Day trips can be planned to Ananda resort, The Glass House by Neemrana and Haveli Hari i Ganga
• Stiff gourmet dining can be sampled at the Sarovar Portico, Godwin Hotel and Radisson at a price ofcourse
• If looking for affordable places to stay, opt for any of the dharamshalas lining the banks of the Ganga. There is the Gujranwala Bhavan, Mohyal Bhavan and Shri Harmilapi Dharamshala where rooms can be had for a meagre Rs200 upwards While religious/ceremonial compulsions drive people to come through the year, tourists and “peace seekers” are advised to visit during September-December
• Best to carry cotton garments with a shawl or light sweater for breezy evenings

Europe has a lot to put on the platter for an international business traveller today – from large cosmopolitan cities to small towns that are almost always a pleasant experience. And I for one, do like to explore cities and towns that are not necessarily on the popular, must-do tourist circuit, having done that years ago.

The town of Riva Del Garda at the southern edge of the Italian Alps suits my sensibilities perfectly. In close proximity to Milan in Italy, the town is unique in itself and is known just as simply as Riva. The place with its unparalleled scenic beauty is probably Italy’s best kept secret. The biggest tourist attractions here are The Museo Civico, the medieval fortress placed on the lake, Varone falls, Tenno Lake, Lago di Ledro (with its pale ethnographic museum) but it is the international shoe fair that is hosted by the city twice every year, that sees maximum attendance.

The city has a lot of cultural activity, especially during summer months when the afternoons are warm and windy and the nights witness thunderstorms. The International Shoe Fair usually takes me there for work. Italy is the Mecca of inventions and bold trends in the field of fashion–and this is not just limited to garments alone but also to footwear.

Often during the summer months, I extend my stay and dabble in some of the adventure sports that the place has on offer. While back home I play golf and tennis, when in Riva with time to spare, I end up going for conducted rock climbing expeditions. And more frequently, for sailing and windsurfing. Riva Del Garda has two well kept harbours and plenty of takers for the sport.

The city is also every food aficionado’s paradise and offers authentic Italian food. I love one particular restaurant, which is built on a cave and is cut out into a Mountain rock. It is one of the oldest restaurants there and serves raw meat specialities. All around the lake there are local markets where you can find authentic Italian memorabilia. There are a couple of restaurants around the lake which whip up some truly delicious and fresh sea food. Top it up with Italian wine and you can make it one of your most exquisite culinary experiences. While, Riva Del Garda is in itself a perfect place to just be with yourself or with business associates, family and guests, you can always hop across to Verona and Milan which are a few miles away and add them to your travel itinerary.

When it comes to travelling to Europe, Lufthansa is on the top of my list as it is convenient and well connected all through.

Source: HT Media

According to Community Marketing Inc. (CMI) a communications and marketing agency based in the US, over 80% of 3,865 LGBT Americans that were sampled said they would visit or have visited India and prefer it over other destinations in South Asia. “India ranks as no.2 desired cultural or adventure destination just behind Thailand, but ahead of China, South Africa and Japan,” says CMI founder and president Thomas Roth.

For travel operators catering to gay tourists, choosing hotels where the staff understands what being gay is about, or using drivers that don’t mind their customers – two men or women – holding hands in the back seat, are small instances that help them make a gay tourist comfortable. Indjapink, a tourism agency that conducts customised tours for gay men, gets around 2-3 tour bookings in a month that goes up to 10 bookings in peak season (October to March). “Apart from the US and UK, there is a big market from Greece, Australia, South Africa and Mexico,” says Abhinav Goel, founder of Out Journeys, which gets around 70-80 clients per month.

Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Kochi, Tamil Nadu and Goa are hot destinations for gay travellers. Pink Vibgyor, another agency, which has clients from Europe, US, Middle East, China and Thailand, gets a number of requests for “adventure or spiritual holidays” from gay travellers. “They want to do fun activities together over a week or a month. This can be a pan-India holiday starting from the hills in the north to the beaches down south. They love interacting with the local gay scene and we arrange gay parties for them,” says co-founder Rajat Singla.

While Nepal has been the popular gay tourism destination this side of the subcontinent, India’s rich culture gives it an edge over neighbouring countries. Sunil Babu Pant, a legislator and founder of Pink Mountain tours in Nepal, says gay visitors to India and Nepal are different from those who go to say Thailand and Bangkok. “This is a mature traveller, in his or her 30s who has had his/her share of fun, and now wants a meaningful holiday,” says Pant. These holidays are not sex tourism, insists Pant. “We do not provide escorts, there is no sleaze involved. It is a holiday like any other, only the staff is made aware of the needs of the clients and they are made to feel special,” says Indjapink founder Sanjay Malhotra.

Mock weddings are a fun feature added to the itinerary of many gay travellers. Both Indjapink and Pink Vibgyor say they can arrange a Hindu wedding ceremony, for the experience, “We do some mock weddings in heritage hotels in Rajasthan, it is a beautiful setting, and something new for them to take from their holiday,” says Singla.

While it does seem like a perfect holiday for gay couples, lesbians will have to wait for their share of this gay tourism, as most operators do not cater to women. “We do have some women clients but it hasn’t picked up as much,” says Singla.

If the power of the pink pound is rising in the UK and ‘gay buying power’ on the ascendant in the US, the case isn’t much different in India. At $500 for 3 days to $5,000 for a longer “across India” tour, LGBT travel packages do find many takers here.

Even standard travel operators are tapping into this very lucrative set of “double income and no kids” income couples from US and Europe. Vijay Thakur, President of Indian Association of Tour Operators says, “They understand they have to cater to this market to improve their business and though they may not publicise very openly, most operators go that extra length for these high-profile tourists.”

Source: HT Media