The Daily Indian

One can’t really start with day one of any trip to Las Vegas. After awhile, it just kinda all blends together. Its amazing how a huge desert can provide such beautiful tropical getaways.

Seeing volcanos exploding, pirate ships sinking and rollercoasters zooming it was truly a great trip. One would have to spend a good 10 days to really see all Sin City has to offer.You’d also have to spend at least 24 hours in one hotel just to see everything in it! But if you’re only going to spend 2 or 3 days, try and see the most popular attractions.
I also recommend arriving at night. There’s truly something cool about a black sea below you and then boom! Vegas lights!

No matter how many times I see the Fountains at Bellagio, I am still completely captured by how relaxing and comforting it is. The Bellagio itself has so many things to see and do such as the gardens, the Chihully works throughout, and of course, for you fellow shopaholics, the shops. I’ve never seen so many top designers all on one floor.The Fine Art museum, which displays several different artists throughout the year, is fantastic.

Las Vegas is truly a mirage because not only do you completely forget your troubles but you also create your own.

The Paris hotel was really nice. All the employees spoke french! Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris is by far the best way to see the Vegas strip. The first 2 days we visited it was too windy so they shut it down, but once we were able to, it was a spectacular view.

Although the Venetian is the most beautiful, the Luxor has to be hands down the coolest. Once indoors, you’re surrounded by pharroahs and water falls and its rather peaceful. I highly recommend checking out the King Tut museum. The rooms are actually in the pyramid! You can even see the slant! Although we couldn’t see one of the rooms, going to the top floor was great!

The excalibur is really cool. Although I do believe its more designed with kids in mind. We were hoping the armored ‘men’ would actually joust or step off the horses for some pictures, but unfortunately, our dreams didn’t come true. There’s a great game room in the ‘dungeon’ too. For the adult women, “Thunder Down Under” is a marvelous show. Men stay away or you just might get jousted.

Ceasers Palace is just simply superb. No matter if it is one of the oldest casinos still left on the strip, it just gets better with age.The Forum shops aren’t only fun because of the stores, but because of the ‘living statues’ that scare ya half to death if you come close the them. Also even if there are several around the country, for some reason this one just happens to be the best Cheesecake Factory ever! Maybe its all that oxygen they pump into the casino! We also had an opportunity to see several of Ceasers guardsmen keeping watch of everything and everyone.No need to really pay the big bucks to see nice fit bodies, just hang out at Ceasers and you’ll see a great show. Rumors has it Ceaser and Cleopatra make frequent visits but we never did get to see them. Pure is a great club. We’d gotten free passes from a timeshare saleman and he wasn’t joking when he said it was one of the best clubs vegas has to offer. We danced off our little booties all night long.

The Venetian was our next stop. Oh how romantic parts of Sin City can actually be.The gondolas are just that. We didn’t ride them, but just listening to the serenades brought a light to our step and a smile to our hearts. If this is truly what Venice looks like, then pack my bags baby, I’m on my way. With the street painters, sidewalk vendors and outdoor cafes, I was totally hooked and ready to travel to Italy to see the real thing. And the ceiling changes from morning, to mid day to dusk etc, etc. Like most of the hotels, theres also several shops to drag the non-shopaholics through too. And remember to always always look up as soon as you step inside. Or do like some of us art buffs, just lay back on the floor and stare. You’ll be amazed at what you see.

Mandalay Bay is very nice. They have a great buffett. There’s also several tropical birds on display inside the lobby. Don’t worry, though, you’ll find them just as soon as your ears hit the inside. Heck, you may even hear them in the next hotel. I also recommend checking out the Shark reef. You’ll be astonished. We also hit the Rumjungle later that night and believe me when I say, you really can have whatever kind of rum you want because there are hundreds to choose from! And for you men out there, several times at night women on trapeez and in cages with hardly any clothes on will shake their booties for ya. The dance floor is huge and theres a different DJ every weekend. Tip: because it is a restraunt, if you go in before 10pm, you will not have to pay a cover. It pays to know locals!

New York New York was a fantastic place to just hang out. I do think this was meant for the late 20’s and mid 30’s kinda crowd. ImageI recommend the irish pub and the italian cafe inside the casino. But most of all, I recommend the rollercoaster. Though not as thrilling as us fellow Cedar Point fanatics are used to, it is fun. And it gives you a different view of Vegas. Even if you are speeding by like a bat out of hell.

The Mirage and TI were nice. the dolphin exhibit is pure entertainment. I suggest you check it out. What was funny the first day we stopped by was a momma duck and her chicks swimming across the pond. Even with Sin City and all its bright lights and glamour, visitors were more interested in how cute the chicks were crossing from one side to the next. There were so many cameras going off you would’ve thought the papparazzi were there! I don’t recommend the new pirate show to any children. But as stated by several people, Vegas wasn’t meant for kids. The outdoor club Tangerine is great and make some fantastic mixed drinks.

Though we stayed on the ‘new strip’ we did catch a cab to Freemont Street tImageo ‘vintage vegas’ and I have to say, it was surprising. More young people were enjoying the outdoor music, the incredible light show and just generally, each other. We’d decided then and there we were staying on the ‘old strip’ next visit to vegas. I’d read somewhere that the Golden Gate hotel was one of the very first hotels/casinos there and has no plans of ever leaving. Apparently, like most of us, experiancing Vegas the way it used to be is kinda cool. We were waiting for Dean or Frank to stop by.

Either way you look at it, Vegas is just plain funtastic. But please, adults only.

India is attracting a growing number of mountaineers from across the globe with as many as 52 foreign expeditions to Indian peaks last year

According to an analysis by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), a national level body regulating mountaineering and adventure sports activities in the Indian mountains, of the 52 foreign expeditions Stok Kangri in Ladakh was the most popular peak.

“Stok Kangri, located at a height of 6,153 metres in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, is a favourite among mountaineers. Of the 52 expeditions, 26 have been to this peak,” Col. H.S. Chauhan, secretary of IMF, said.

“Not just foreigners, Stok Kangri is popular among Indian mountaineers with four expeditions being carried out last year. In addition to that, 95 individuals took permission to scale the peak,” he added. One of the main peaks of the Zansker range, Stok Kangri has always captured the imagination of travellers since it first opened to visitors in 1974. Although straightforward, the route is challenging and interesting, providing stunning views of the Karakoram range.

Other favourite peaks include Kun East at a height of 7,077 metres in Jammu and Kashmir and Kedardome peak in Garhwal at a height of 6,830 metres. The IMF study says mountaineers from Europe, especially Germany, Britain, France and Spain, like climbing Indian peaks. While Germans had undertaken 12 expeditions in 2006-07, British and French mountaineers undertook eight expeditions each. The Japanese and the Koreans undertook four and three expeditions respectively last year. “The number of Indian expeditions have also been increasing steadily with as many as 60 each year over the last five years. Trekking is also becoming very popular. The IMF has granted permission to 600 trekking groups in the last five years,” Chauhan added.

Sex is not always on the mind when one’s travelling, unless the destination happens to be Thailand or Amsterdam – the sex capitals of the world. And it definitely is not on your mind when work is the agenda! But that cold winter morning gave way to a boyish excitement in me… What the heck, I thought! Khajuraho is where I’m headed… So there I was, my mind pregnant with thought of the place that provided the settings for Mira Nair’s Kama Sutra – A Tale of Love, ready to hop onto the early morning Shatabdi to Jhansi – there isn’t a direct train to Khajuraho – for my date with the world famous temples of Khajuraho, the erotic art capital of the world.

Getting down at Jhansi, we met our man Friday for all things Khajuraho, who also happened to be a taxi driver! And then on started the fun(ny) bit! What do you do when you have a taxi driver who resembles Paresh Rawal equipped with a near perfect comic timing but ordinary skills behind the wheel, add to that very BAAD roads? Nervous bouts of laughter, giggling one moment and shaken the other! Shaken alright but not stirred, we made it to Khajuraho and without waiting to check into a hotel found ourselves at the gates of the western group of temples.

When dining in Khajuraho, restrict yourself to the three Five star hotels because eating anywhere else can make you feel that the hotels are conniving to ensure that no visitor ever returns to Khajuraho. At least that’s the impression one gets when something as elementary as fried Dal tastes nothing like one, enough to turn even the not-so-fussy-about-food kinds like myself into serious food critics. Ironically, one will come across restaurants (almost every second one) that claim to be specialists in Chinese, Continental, Italian, Japanese, Korean Israeli et al. It’s almost as though in trying to perfect their skills in all these cuisines, they’ve forgotten to prepare Indian food. Maybe I should’ve tried Israeli food instead!

If research suggests that the three letter word is on a man’s mind every seven seconds, in Khajuraho there are reasons enough in stone that never let you get your mind of it… And, women too join in the part! Actually, the thoughts are not as much about sex but the feeling of awe! To think that our society in the 10th century looked at sex in a way alien even to the sexually uninhibited westerners was making me proud; at the same time wonder what had we lost all that to… But, for the German couple we met at the breakfast table in one of the restaurants that served decent breakfast, Khajuraho comes second in their list of things they love about India “Nothing beats Rajasthan! It’s where Arabia meets India.” is what they had to say. Though all the temples within this most prominent group of temples depict nudity and sex, it’s the Lakshmana Temple where little is left to the imagination. Sculpted in stone are fine figures of nymphs in provocative postures with their smouldering looks gesturing almost for real, depicting the act of making love, even orgies at times.

Packing my bags the next morning while driving past the temples I had one last look at the beauty of the temples of Khajuraho. The morning sun kissing them, almost as if blessing them… And to think that this remnant of the Chandelas would have but remained lost somewhere in the sands of time thanks to the exploits of invasions that India had seen I sighed in relief and thanked God and T S Burt, the British officer who chanced upon them while halting here in 1838 and was instrumental in their preservance. Long live Khajuraho!

Seated in the Northern Island of New Zealand, Taupo, a small urban area and the legendary Lake Taupo lie in the Waikato region capturing the imagination since time immemorial. Lake Taupo came into being not before 186 AD with a volcanic eruption that left a 660 sqm of hole in the earth! Legend has it that the stream of lava and ash that this hole spit into the skies was so high that even the Roman and the Chinese history have a mention of it! And there dawned a civilization, the genesis of which can largely be attributed to the Tuwharetoa Maoris (the descendents of Arawa, the canoes from the great migration) who arrived here in the 13th century. And later towards the 19th century, with the arrival of the Europeans, and Christianity, settlers, traders and geologists subsequently the dust swept land transformed into a flourishing and expanding business town and eventually with better infrastructure and sprawling natural splendour into a tourism hot spot!

Mildly put, this land is hot. Very hot! And before your imagination runs amok, we’re only referring to the geothermal activity that’s always at work! Of course, you don’t expect any better in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, do you? Once you witness the jets of steam whistling out of the ground at one place, or a hot water spring bubbling at another, all that has remained dormant, suddenly erupts – the goose bumps! Another one to give you that rush is the Tapo Bungy at the Hell’s Gate section of the Waikato River that must not go unexplored.

Apart from the spectacular views on a water ride, it opens up a world of hidden bays and the Maori rock carvings that can only be accessed by water. Thanks to it’s geographical wonders, the place is an adventure sportsperson’s Mecca. Right from the high peaks of adrenaline, to the low-lying lap of natural flamboyance… Taupo has on offer everything you can imagine… everything!
Huka Lodge in New Zealand

Listed number one by Travel + Leisure among 25 best hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region put together, the Huka Lodge is famed for it’s inimitability and distinctiveness of it’s environs and services as much as it’s illustrious list of guests.
The View: Encased in the lush natural environs of the serene Taupo lake, the hotel offers such a stunning view it’s difficult to get your eyes off it! Looking down the windows from inside the lodge one can find the most sought after Rainbow Trout in the crystal clear waters below-a divine spectacle!

Archi Type: Built simply yet classily, the hotel has an uncomplicated accommodation menu. Though it doesn’t boast of hundreds of rooms, the hotel has room s of all kinds – right from single rooms to private cottages! The décor too, is not too opulent but blends perfectly well with the purpose of stay – an escape from the all too material flamboyance!

Bon Appetit: Dining is all about lip-smacking delicacies, fine wine and easy conversation… A lavish dining room, outdoors besides the fire or a table under the stars for just the two of you – choice is entirely yours!

Around the Corner: Extensive options for activities here… just take a walk to the nearby Huka Falls whilst you also walk past the flower borders and gardens on your way. Go for some hot-pool soaking, fishing or water sports in the Taupo Lake and set your spirit free!
From Under the Carpet: Planning a getaway with a gargantuan gang? Trash your plans. All that it has are 20 lodges and some of very expensive suites and cottages!

In Essence: Be there if you want to be virtually hidden from the world…

Call it the effect of global warming, deforestation or rise in pollution, the Queen of Hills, as Shimla was fondly called by the British, is totally devoid of snow cover in this peak winter month of January.

For the second year in a row, the town, situated at an altitude of 2,130 metres, is bereft of its traditional white blanket.

“Like the previous year, this year Shimla recorded just one mild spell of snow this month (Jan 13) and that too melted within a few hours,” Manmohan Singh, director of the Shimla meteorological office, told.

“The prolonged dry spell is a matter of concern. The average temperature of the town is five to six degrees above average for this time of the year. The sudden rise in day and night temperatures reduces the chances of snowfall,” he said.

Shimla saw a low of 5.3 degrees Celsius Sunday. The maximum was 16.9 degrees.

“Almost during the entire month (January), the maximum temperature hovered between 14 degrees and 17 degrees Celsius. This used to be the temperature in the month of March,” Singh added.

According to records of the meteorological office, the town saw 50 to 60 cm of snow Jan 31, 2004, which was the heaviest snow on a single day in the past 14 years in the month of January.

Mount Jakhu, the highest peak of the town, had recorded 60 cm of snow. Moreover, the state capital received more than 100 cm of snow in the same year in January after a gap of 22 years. The town saw 137 cm of snow during this month in 1982.

This year Shimla has so far recorded just 8.2 cm of snow this month. In 2009, the town saw just one spell of snowfall in January and that too was a mild one. However, in 2006, there was snow in this month.

State Council for Science, Technology and Environment joint member secretary R.K. Sood recalled that once in the 1960s, the minimum temperature of the town had plunged to minus 13 degrees Celsius.

“The temperature remained below freezing point for days together from December to February. Interestingly, most of the north Indian towns located in plains are colder than Shimla these days,” he said.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said there has been a noticeable change in the snowfall pattern in Shimla in the past few years.

“The hills across the state are warming up faster mainly due to change in building architecture, deforestation and vehicular pollution,” said Dhumal, who also holds the environment portfolio.

“Now, the people have started using tin roofs in buildings in lieu of slate. The tin that absorbs greater heat is more responsible for heat accumulation in the atmosphere. Moreover, the people have started using modern gadgets to warm up their buildings; that is also one of the reasons for the rise in temperatures,” he added.

R.S. Chauhan, a retired octogenarian settled in the town since 1960, said: “Earlier, the residents of this hill town used to migrate to plains with the onset of winter. Now, more and more people are coming to the town to enjoy holidays. The influx of tourists is more responsible for the deteriorating environment.”

He said: “The government should monitor the arrival of the tourists, especially during weekends.”

According to representatives of the hospitality industry, around 50,000 tourists reach Shimla and its nearby areas on an average weekend.

Tucked between South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia lays Botswana, the haven of flora and fauna. With Sailing, surfing, dams and rivers being commonplace in all tourist destinations, Botswana also presents a different aura- vast spreads of wilderness which can be a treat for nature lovers. Blanketed by the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is a natural habitat for numerous species like lions, leopards, elephants, African wild dogs, zebras, crocodiles and many more. The two major attractions which lure tourists are Okawango Delta and Chobe National Park. Guided by Landover, walking and fly-in safari packages, the parks don’t fail to provide a glimpse of astounding profusion of mammals and birds coupled with unmatched scenic beauty. Infact, during the peak season, these places are so heavily swarmed by tourists that one might find the inhabitants almost welcoming their curious biped guests with unusual gimmicks!

An experience of a close encounter with nature makes Botswana one of the most visited tourist places for naturists. Apart from the safaris which leave a strong imprint, the Tsodilo hills indeed supplement in casting a spell on the excursionists. Rising out of the plains in north-west Botswana, adorned with hundreds of paintings, the beauty of sunset which this gamut offers makes it insufficient for the two eyes to behold. From the hill top, the view of the panoramic rugged beauty of Africa and the rich colours of the dusk popularly known as the ‘copper bracelet evening’ soothes the eyes and rejuvenates the mind.

Away from the mystique of the wild, The National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone (capital city of Botswana) recounts the diverse cultural heritage through traditional crafts and paintings which display the memoirs of Botswana’s rich past. The custodian of its rich cultural heritage, the museum hosts about 18 exhibitions aimed at bringing together and promoting experienced and professional artists. Standing proudly as one of southern Africa’s top three outstanding art galleries, this museum makes an interesting visit for the artistically inclined with the exhibitions adding to the flavour of the aesthetic recipe.

A well knit culture always gives birth to music and this country is one such example. Having visited Botswana, one cannot pass without stepping into the other side of the threshold where tunes attract the ears. The National Music Eisteddfod is one such opportunity to hear traditional Botswanan music and see traditional dances including hunting dances, dances for weddings, births etc and also to explore the other shades of the Botswanan culture. Immersed in calmness, peace and serenity is the landscape this country paints. Therefore, to satisfy the urge of sprawling in the arms of nature and inhaling the pristine aroma…unwind in Botswana.

Right Bytes
The seasoned traveler goes now: April to November are the best months for an enlivening animal watch and January to March makes the place alive with the chirpings of numerous bird species.
Savor faire: Mutton, chicken and river fish are savored. Seswaa or Chotlho are among the most popular ‘meaty’ delicacies. Botswana also has a variety of bread and cereal recipes for the delight of the veggies.

Get to work: Hit the city nightclubs or loosen your pockets at the casinos. Shop till you drop in the malls with flourishing shops or hitch a ride for the Tsodilo hills and go hiking with hired guides.

Keepsake Courtesies: Local crafts such as African carvings, pottery and weaved goods are readily available in the shopping streets and make an exquisite pick.

What’s the word?: The official language is English and Tswana being the national language is spoken by the majority. Some Tswana phrases like ‘A o bua Seenglish’ (do you speak English) and ‘Tsela…e kae?’ (Which way is…) can be handy for a confused or lost visitor and smiles can surely be exchanged by using the universal courtesy parlance, ‘Kea itumela’ (thank you)

Apoorva Prasad tests the northern hemisphere’s highest gondola ride

Skiing in India sounds like an oxymoron. Travellers expect heat, dust and humidity. But occasionally it’s possible to throw some snow into the mix. Up north, there’s Kashmir, specifically the tiny hill resort of Gulmarg, about 40km from the state’s capital, Srinagar. Here, they have built the northern hemisphere’s highest gondola ski lift. Reaching more than 4000 lung-shrivelling metres (taller than most alpine peaks), it is lofty enough for your average, middle-of-the-rung snowboarder such as me.

Getting off the plane in Srinagar is interesting. Blast-protected hangars for fighters line the runway and soldiers watch our every move. Photography is prohibited at the airport. We might all be foreign agents. You never know. The port and starboard views from the plane are amazing. Just like the view from the top of the gondola station in Gulmarg. It is stupendous. Mind-boggling. Dizzying. I could throw a Roget’s Thesaurus of adjectives at you, but they’d still be inadequate. On the crystalline horizon are the Nanga Parbat and Nun Kun peaks and I even think I can spot the great K2 on the Pakistan-China border.

Gulmarg is full of local tourists in the summer: Kashmiris from the larger town of Tanmarg, just below the hill, and from Srinagar, often show up for weekends. Gulmarg is an all-weather resort with refreshing summer meadows and pastoral scenes to keep the camera busy (it was named by the Mughal emperor Jehangir, an avid horticulturist, and means meadow of flowers), but the main reason to come here is winter’s off-piste, deep powder, long-run skiing and snowboarding. This Himalayan resort is one of the newest and increasingly popular ski destinations.

Gulmarg is small, resembling a largish alpine village. It has aspirations to become a great ski resort in winter and a cool mountain getaway in summer.

After the gondola opened in May 2005, platoons of intrepid skiers and camera crews from around the world showed up. But, as with everything in India, a progressive spirit and zen-like attitude is required. There are rescue facilities and old-fashioned avalanche control (that is, “we told you not to go up today”). But there are no groomed slopes on the mountain, minimal hazard warnings and not much to do at night. And we see only men on the streets, dressed in loose, dark woollen phirans (gowns), and at night it is eerily empty.

But the town is surrounded by deep forests of birch, pine and deodar. In the evening light, the scenery is like a watercolour painting. And there are lots of animals in the reserve forest surrounding the town: foxes, wolves, bears and possibly a snow leopard or two. We see fat snow monkeys and ravens. This is Kashmir, and Kashmir is beautiful.
Hitting the slopes

At Kongdori, the gondola mid-station, there are crowds of middle-class Indian tourists, here for the mighty adventure of touching snow. For those born in the heat and dust of the plains (or the tropical humidity of the south), the sharp cold and white expanse of mountain are rare and wondrous. I watch the tourists get pushed along on wooden skis (vintage 1975), rented by cart-pushing ski-wallahs.

But it’s the upper gondola (phase two) to Mt Apherwat that’s the prime attraction for skiers, hikers and those wanting to view the wondrous Himalayan horizon. The cable car ascends vertically 1330m to more than 4000m. The first gondola phase, from Gulmarg to the Kongdori mid-station, 300m above, costs Rs100 (about $3) each way, or Rs500 for the day. Phase two, to the ridgeline of Mt Apherwat, costs Rs250 each way. A day pass is Rs1000.

The air is thin up high. If you’re skiing or boarding, take it easy for the first few days. Ride straight down, in the easier, quality-controlled bowls. It’s possible to hike 30 minutes further up to the very top of Mt Apherwat, or go left or right along the ridge to choose any of the “corridors” to drop into. At first you’ll be left gasping for breath, due to a minor lack of oxygen but also because of the stupendous views.

Tucked between South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia lays Botswana, the haven of flora and fauna. With Sailing, surfing, dams and rivers being commonplace in all tourist destinations, Botswana also presents a different aura- vast spreads of wilderness which can be a treat for nature lovers. Blanketed by the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is a natural habitat for numerous species like lions, leopards, elephants, African wild dogs, zebras, crocodiles and many more. The two major attractions which lure tourists are Okawango Delta and Chobe National Park. Guided by Landover, walking and fly-in safari packages, the parks don’t fail to provide a glimpse of astounding profusion of mammals and birds coupled with unmatched scenic beauty. Infact, during the peak season, these places are so heavily swarmed by tourists that one might find the inhabitants almost welcoming their curious biped guests with unusual gimmicks!

An experience of a close encounter with nature makes Botswana one of the most visited tourist places for naturists. Apart from the safaris which leave a strong imprint, the Tsodilo hills indeed supplement in casting a spell on the excursionists. Rising out of the plains in north-west Botswana, adorned with hundreds of paintings, the beauty of sunset which this gamut offers makes it insufficient for the two eyes to behold. From the hill top, the view of the panoramic rugged beauty of Africa and the rich colours of the dusk popularly known as the ‘copper bracelet evening’ soothes the eyes and rejuvenates the mind.

Away from the mystique of the wild, The National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone (capital city of Botswana) recounts the diverse cultural heritage through traditional crafts and paintings which display the memoirs of Botswana’s rich past. The custodian of its rich cultural heritage, the museum hosts about 18 exhibitions aimed at bringing together and promoting experienced and professional artists. Standing proudly as one of southern Africa’s top three outstanding art galleries, this museum makes an interesting visit for the artistically inclined with the exhibitions adding to the flavour of the aesthetic recipe.

A well knit culture always gives birth to music and this country is one such example. Having visited Botswana, one cannot pass without stepping into the other side of the threshold where tunes attract the ears. The National Music Eisteddfod is one such opportunity to hear traditional Botswanan music and see traditional dances including hunting dances, dances for weddings, births etc and also to explore the other shades of the Botswanan culture. Immersed in calmness, peace and serenity is the landscape this country paints. Therefore, to satisfy the urge of sprawling in the arms of nature and inhaling the pristine aroma…unwind in Botswana.

Right Bytes
The seasoned traveler goes now: April to November are the best months for an enlivening animal watch and January to March makes the place alive with the chirpings of numerous bird species.

Savor faire: Mutton, chicken and river fish are savored. Seswaa or Chotlho are among the most popular ‘meaty’ delicacies. Botswana also has a variety of bread and cereal recipes for the delight of the veggies.

Get to work: Hit the city nightclubs or loosen your pockets at the casinos. Shop till you drop in the malls with flourishing shops or hitch a ride for the Tsodilo hills and go hiking with hired guides.

Keepsake Courtesies: Local crafts such as African carvings, pottery and weaved goods are readily available in the shopping streets and make an exquisite pick.

What’s the word?: The official language is English and Tswana being the national language is spoken by the majority. Some Tswana phrases like ‘A o bua Seenglish’ (do you speak English) and ‘Tsela…e kae?’ (Which way is…) can be handy for a confused or lost visitor and smiles can surely be exchanged by using the universal courtesy parlance, ‘Kea itumela’ (thank you)

Sex is not always on the mind when one’s travelling, unless the destination happens to be Thailand or Amsterdam – the sex capitals of the world. And it definitely is not on your mind when work is the agenda! But that cold winter morning gave way to a boyish excitement in me… What the heck, I thought! Khajuraho is where I’m headed… So there I was, my mind pregnant with thought of the place that provided the settings for Mira Nair’s Kama Sutra – A Tale of Love, ready to hop onto the early morning Shatabdi to Jhansi – there isn’t a direct train to Khajuraho – for my date with the world famous temples of Khajuraho, the erotic art capital of the world.

Getting down at Jhansi, we met our man Friday for all things Khajuraho, who also happened to be a taxi driver! And then on started the fun(ny) bit! What do you do when you have a taxi driver who resembles Paresh Rawal equipped with a near perfect comic timing but ordinary skills behind the wheel, add to that very BAAD roads? Nervous bouts of laughter, giggling one moment and shaken the other! Shaken alright but not stirred, we made it to Khajuraho and without waiting to check into a hotel found ourselves at the gates of the western group of temples.

When dining in Khajuraho, restrict yourself to the three Five star hotels because eating anywhere else can make you feel that the hotels are conniving to ensure that no visitor ever returns to Khajuraho. At least that’s the impression one gets when something as elementary as fried Dal tastes nothing like one, enough to turn even the not-so-fussy-about-food kinds like myself into serious food critics. Ironically, one will come across restaurants (almost every second one) that claim to be specialists in Chinese, Continental, Italian, Japanese, Korean Israeli et al. It’s almost as though in trying to perfect their skills in all these cuisines, they’ve forgotten to prepare Indian food. Maybe I should’ve tried Israeli food instead!

If research suggests that the three letter word is on a man’s mind every seven seconds, in Khajuraho there are reasons enough in stone that never let you get your mind of it… And, women too join in the part! Actually, the thoughts are not as much about sex but the feeling of awe! To think that our society in the 10th century looked at sex in a way alien even to the sexually uninhibited westerners was making me proud; at the same time wonder what had we lost all that to… But, for the German couple we met at the breakfast table in one of the restaurants that served decent breakfast, Khajuraho comes second in their list of things they love about India “Nothing beats Rajasthan! It’s where Arabia meets India.” is what they had to say. Though all the temples within this most prominent group of temples depict nudity and sex, it’s the Lakshmana Temple where little is left to the imagination. Sculpted in stone are fine figures of nymphs in provocative postures with their smouldering looks gesturing almost for real, depicting the act of making love, even orgies at times.

Packing my bags the next morning while driving past the temples I had one last look at the beauty of the temples of Khajuraho. The morning sun kissing them, almost as if blessing them… And to think that this remnant of the Chandelas would have but remained lost somewhere in the sands of time thanks to the exploits of invasions that India had seen I sighed in relief and thanked God and T S Burt, the British officer who chanced upon them while halting here in 1838 and was instrumental in their preservance. Long live Khajuraho!

The full day excursion at deep sea off Kochi Coast introduced by the newly launched international cruise liner ‘Louise Cruise’ is attracting Indian tourists and first timer cruisers.

Filled with fun and frolic, added with rocks on board in the middle of the sea, the package is tailor made for budget tourists.

The ship MV Aquamarine owned by Louis Cruise registered in Greece has recently made its debut in the Indian shores by its first sail off to Maldives and Colombo from Kochi Port.

“Apart from three day package to Maldives and Colombo, the liner company has introduced a full day or one night cruise to the deep off Kochi Coast with an idea to make people aware and give the exact experience on a cruise ship to a larger audience and also to promote the liners business among first time cruisers, said Oneil Khosa, MD and CEO of Louis Cruises India.

“The cruise tourism industry is a new market in India and they as an international cruise liner company with a seventy five year familiarity of holiday making business are committed to redefine tourism in India in the cruising sector,” he added

To cater to any Indian clientele, a number of steps have been taken. The onboard discos and musical program all include an Indian touch with a little of foreign taste in it.

The food served onboard truly international standards including Indian especially Jain buffet purely for vegetarian customers.

The full day excursion targets tourists of all ages and even for budget tourists, families, corporate employees and IT buffs.

“Budget tourists mainly Indians going on just a one night trip are overwhelmed with the rates and the quality of service with no match on enjoyments of a life time experience to have fun at deep sea, said Rama Krishna a first time cruiser on board.

There is also a spa, three restaurants, a swimming pool, duty-free shops and a lounge where films and dance party including Bollywood are screened every day.

These cruises are priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 17,500 per night with all meals and applicable taxes.