tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82314630114401750942024-03-13T17:39:23.831+05:30Destinations of IndiaFor People who Travel!Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-48611358542013465122016-03-06T18:49:00.002+05:302016-03-06T18:56:21.183+05:30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">March 2016 - New Delhi</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">"<span style="background-color: purple;">Life is like a cup of tea, It's All in how you Make It</span></span>". The recent post on SAN-CHA facebook reads thus. To this I would add " The Taste of Tea that one drinks, depends on how one buy It". We buy tea (leaves that I am referring here) in various ways ! pick the packed variety from the local store or sometimes through online shopping. Every one has his / her favorite packed tea which has been consumed in our homes for years and mostly we tend to stick to a particular brand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you fall in this category (which I assume most of us are), then you only need to change this habit and make tea buying an enjoyable activity in itself. I bet you would never regret having made this decision. But, to indulge in this 'tea' activity you need to visit SAN-CHA, the tea boutique in Delhi, DLF Gurgaon or Mumbai. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">San-cha retails the most amazing array of tea from its outlets at Shantushti on Race Course Road or from their main outlet at Daryaganj - both in Delhi, DLF Gurgaon and now lately from their store at Kala Ghoda in Mumbai.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The main outlet at Daryaganj is my go to place when I need to pick my stock of tea and how I look forward to the trip to the bustling Daryaganj at the periphery of the chaotic Delhi 6. Stepping into this boutique through its glass door immediately transfers one to a peaceful and orderly abode while outside chaos prevails with buses, cars, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and a sea of heads jostling for the limited road space. The cacophony gives way to serenity. My eyes smile at the sight of colorful embroidered tea pouches and containers holding the precious goodies neatly displayed on the racks. Two cane sofas with adequate tables arranged by one of the walls have old posters, photographs on tea, its origin and a large India Tea Board poster mapping out the tea producing regions in the country and the characteristics of the tea plucked in each region. The colonial furniture and colors provides just the right ambiance to embark on a tea journey and sense the aroma of tea grown in the lofty Himalayan Darjeeling or Kangra to the more inland Niligiris and Munnar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unlike a store or a mall you do not call out the brand name here. The ever smiling and courteous young hostesses Dibuan would enquire your tea preference and how you like to have it. She picks up some of the best tea basis your preference and gets it instantly brewed (there is a tea brewing counter by the entrance manned by the brewer) and then presents the tea and the pouch or the container of the same tea for you to first feel the tea, smell the aroma and then savor the freshly brewed cuppa before you decide on your purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am always spoiled for choice here! The tea comes in exotic and unheard of flavors, textures and aroma. The range is vast and one may be tempted to take all . Be it Black or orthodox, Green or White Tea, Oolong or Masala Chai or the the SAN-CHA specials. You can also choose your pick in the regular loose or in tea Bags. Flavors runs through Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Assam Single Malt, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine, Lemon Grass, Lemon, Cinnamon, Ginger, Vanilla and Cardamom. All delicately blended by the Mater Tea Blender Sanjeev Kapoor from the finest teas grown in India and abroad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">SAN CHA outlet at Daryaganj is famously known as 'Aap Ki Pasand', started its journey in 1981 and Mr Kapoor spreads a tea platter that can be to the liking of any discerning tea aficionado. Having worked in tea industry for more than four decades, he certainly knows his tea! You do not often come across such exotic tea each distinct for its notes - grassy or woody, flowery or muscatel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">SAN-CHA's 28 Carat tea , a blend of Assam leaves makes a good daily tea cuppa. They also sell finely crafted tea infusers, metal container that can functions as tea bag, strainers and cups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><b><i>Coordinates</i></b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Delhi</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aap Ki Pasand </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">15 Netaji Subhas Marg, Opp- Golcha Cinema, Daryaganj, New Delhi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Open from 10 am to 7 pm except Sundays</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">011-23260373</span></div>
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Store No 20, Santushti Shopping Comple</div>
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Opp - 7 Race Course Road, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi</div>
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Open 10 am to 6:30 pm except Sundays</div>
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011-64590373</div>
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<b><u>Mumbai</u></b></div>
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Store No 2A, 11A Machinery House, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai</div>
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Opp - Trishna Restaurant</div>
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Open 12 pm to 10 pm except Mondays</div>
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022-40020852</div>
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<b><u>Gurgaon</u></b></div>
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209A DLF Cross Point Market</div>
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DLF City Phase 4, Gurgaon</div>
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Open 11 am to 8 pm except Tuesdays</div>
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0124-4255511</div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-88795213267624563612015-08-01T23:25:00.000+05:302015-08-11T22:23:39.980+05:30Kaza ~ The High Altitude Town by the River<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My quest for the exotic India took my family to the high altitude town of Kaza in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh. Part of the tribal circuit of the Himachal tourism, Kaza lies in the cold desert region at an altitude of 11,980 ft above the mean sea level. The remoteness of the destination, the unknown and the thrill of driving on some of the most dangerous high altitude roads of the world compensated for the sheer joy of living for few days in part of the country that is not visited by many, which is pristine in its natural beauty, where the simple chores of daily life has not been overshadowed by the glitz of city life, where air is so fresh that one needs to be careful about not exerting too much else one could be down with altitude sickness (a life threatening medical condition). The place where Buddhism flourish and where buddhist stupas and monasteries are precariously perched on mountain tops and visiting those shrines is a journey in itself. That made me wonder at the amazing building skills of the people centuries ago.</div>
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Here are some glimpses of our experience. Hope you enjoy this and hopefully egg you to take a similar trip. Go see some part of India, off the beaten track. I bet you will yearn to go back there.</div>
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Kaza can be approached from Shimla or Manali by road. Take a taxi or the public bus, however, I preferred taxi for the ease of travel without being constrained by the strict timelines of public transport. We preferred to take the Shimla route through the Kinnaur valley onto the Spiti Valley in between we touched the mountain town of Sarahan, Sangla, Nako, Tabo and onward to Kaza. The approx 400 kms journey should be best covered over 2-3 days. We stopped by at Sarahan, stayed overnight and moved to Sangla another beautiful valley village and thereafter a night at Tabo village before our vehicle rolled into the Valley town of Kaza.</div>
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The road from Shimla to Kaza is smooth in parts but rugged, narrow, precariously holding up at the edge of deep valley gorges and most of the time impossible to drive. This journey is not for the faint heart!</div>
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The single road connecting Shimla to Kaza beyond the Kinnaur valley is mostly narrow single lane<br />
and hanging by the edge of the deep gorge. Driving here is a nerve wrecking experience. Coupled<br />
with high altitude, this is one of the most dangerous roads in the world.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_xrRsAced8/Vbx10UZTKVI/AAAAAAAAB1I/z1x4VT9yHQk/s1600/kinnaur%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_xrRsAced8/Vbx10UZTKVI/AAAAAAAAB1I/z1x4VT9yHQk/s640/kinnaur%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mountain sides have been blasted to make way for the road, passing through this tiny tunnel with hair pin bends all along and furiously flowing nullahs demands extreme concentration on driving. Alas while driving you do not have the luxury to enjoy the beauty that lay one either side of the road.</div>
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And when you finally reach there, the view is so spectacular, so serene.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNQktnRJX-o/VbxmzJI0hRI/AAAAAAAABp4/gMEL-lLIlMs/s1600/IMG_8162%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNQktnRJX-o/VbxmzJI0hRI/AAAAAAAABp4/gMEL-lLIlMs/s640/IMG_8162%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Kibber Village at 14000 feet above the mean sea level is a beautiful village some 15 kms uphill<br />
from Kaza. Isolated and perched on top of the valley surrounded by deep valley gorges, habitat to<br />
some 500 people who grow the tastiest peas and potato in their farms during the summer months.<br />
The place remain cut off from the world for 5 to 6 months.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL6jiSQ4Bi4/VbyCjmmomMI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/xcoedf-def8/s1600/IMG_8448%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL6jiSQ4Bi4/VbyCjmmomMI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/xcoedf-def8/s640/IMG_8448%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a> Kaza town sits by the Spiti river in a bowl shaped river valley separated from the snow covered <br />
mountain by the wide river bed, where peas is grown in painstakingly prepared farms..<br />
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Another view of Kaza Town </div>
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We stayed at Sakya Abode, the best place to stay here. Made some friends from the fellow<br />
travelers. Seen here with some of them discussing matters of the day while we were stuck in Kaza<br />
for 4 days due to landslide and avalanche.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYwYewW_UEg/VbxumTmFD2I/AAAAAAAABuo/5cotrCEy0_I/s1600/IMG_8652%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYwYewW_UEg/VbxumTmFD2I/AAAAAAAABuo/5cotrCEy0_I/s640/IMG_8652%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Kaza town view<br />
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Kaza is home to the world's highest Maruti Service station.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bC-nT16Aqd8/VbyBfk6vcJI/AAAAAAAAB7A/HYACdb6BC5E/s1600/IMG_8430%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bC-nT16Aqd8/VbyBfk6vcJI/AAAAAAAAB7A/HYACdb6BC5E/s640/IMG_8430%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Short walks around the town brings you to picture perfect locations ~ face to face with milky white<br />
snow covered mountains, sky in hue of blue that one would have never sighted before and the<br />
freshness that rejuvenates the soul and soothes the city sore eyes.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INISrYfUEGU/VbyDGm7G4II/AAAAAAAAB9Q/i5UP4fDpug0/s1600/IMG_8460%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INISrYfUEGU/VbyDGm7G4II/AAAAAAAAB9Q/i5UP4fDpug0/s640/IMG_8460%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
The view from the hotel Sakya Abode - stay there if you are in town. This is one of the friendliest<br />
places that I have stayed ever. When stuck beyond our planned stay due to avlanche, they<br />
generously fed us and made us felt welcomed. When we had nothing to do we assembled in the<br />
large dining hall and bonded with fellow travellers.<br />
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German Bakery in the town served the yummiest bakery products and coffee. This was also one of<br />
our hang out place here. Waiting for the croissants to be served.<br />
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Happy she is, with such goodies in sight.<br />
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AT Sakya Abode, at one of the many bonding sessions.<br />
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And when the time came to say good bye, we were given the ceremonial buddhist scarf wishing us<br />
safe journey back home. <br />
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The journey from Kaza to Manali was another 400 odd kms back breaking journey through some of<br />
the most undrivable non existent roads (or should say traces of roads that had been). But the<br />
landscape was just the best that one can get ~ riverine valley flanked by lofty snow peaked<br />
mountain ranges, Crossed one of the highest mountain passes in India, the Kunzum La. Losar,<br />
Baltal, Chatru, Kunzum La were covered before approaching Rohtang Pass and further down to<br />
the Manali valley.<br />
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Our return journey towards Manali offered this Maggi & Tea halt in the middle of nowhere run by the Chacha and Chachi and goes by the name Chandra Dhaba. Their hot maggie and tea provides<br />
immediate respite to the weary soul after driving on the unmotorable road.<br />
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Interiors of Chandra Dhaba. Bowl of hot maggie and tea is served<br />
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We went hiking to the Key monastery about 15 kms from Kaza and was served one of the best tea by this monk who runs a free canteen serving butter herb tea. This must be one of the most<br />
refreshing tea that I have been served ever.<br />
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Kunzum La, a mountain pass at 15000 ft enrout Manali from Kaza.<br />
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Heading towards Kunzum Pass<br />
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The Key Monastery at 13668 feet above is approx 7 kms from Kaza, built over a 1000 years ago, it<br />
is a major Buddhism teaching centre where young lamas are initiated into Buddhist teachings<br />
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While we were stuck at Kaza, the chopper came to airlift us. But could not take us all back.<br />
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We were hopeful to get evacuated, which was not to be.<br />
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So, we enjoyed the valley and nature in its pristine form till the pass was motorable.<br />
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This mountain peak will mesmerize you with its lofty heights, and play of clouds and lights and<br />
shadows<br />
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Kaza town street after a round of heavy snowfall. <br />
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And the valley covered in snow, had never seen one before.<br />
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Snow covered Kaza Town.<br />
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The Post box at 14000 feet above<br />
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The Cafeteria interiors<br />
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Spiti river, the Spiti valley and the meandering road to Key and Kibber village. Notice the patch of<br />
green, these are potato and peas fields.<br />
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View from the Key Monastery<br />
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I sometimes wonder why did the monks build such majestic monasteries over the lofty mountain<br />
peaks<br />
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Happy to be Here!<br />
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<b>Coordinates</b>:<br />
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<b>Stay</b> @ Sakya Abode, above the town. They offer comfortable rooms and ample dining area. You can relax and sun bathe in the lawn below or on the terrace and soak in the fantastic view of the town and valley around you. They have two more properties nearby ~ Snow Lion and Kunphen Sakya. http://www.sakyaabode.com/ (94182 08987)<br />
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<b>Eat</b>: We preferred to eat at Sakya Abode. However, there are several restaurants serving North Indian, Chinese and continental dishes which are sumptuous. German Bakery in the bazar is great for bakery products and coffee. There is a tiny restaurant near the bazar where one gets yummy Rajma ~Chawal filling.<br />
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To Do: The destination itself is the main attraction. The town is simple surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, fertile valley. Hike around, visit the nearby Key and Dhankar monstery, hike upto Key, Kibber and Langza villages to see way of life. You can take assistance of Ecosphere, a sustainable tourism outfit based in Kaza. Wander around, come face to face with wild Yaks or go fossil hunting. On the go fill your car tank at the highest petrol pump in the world. <br />
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<b>Weather</b>: Kaza is among the coldest places in India with temperature dipping to - 37 degrees in winter and a pleasant 13 degrees in summer months. Best months to visit is from June to Sep. Carry heavy woolens, head coverings and hand gloves, warm socks would help you withstand the biting cold at night. Summer says could be warm, yet weather change is unpredictable. The road to Kaza from Shimla or Manali opens only in late May / early June depending on the clearance of the Kunzum Pass.<br />
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<b>Travel</b>: Travel preferably by car (self driven / take car on rent from Shimla). We availed the services of Bandbox Travels (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">0177 - 2803268) </span>from Shimla and they were good. This being high altitude area, chance of being unsettled by altitude sickness needing immediate medical facility is critical. The Town hospital is well equipped to handle any such eventuality, however one needs to take few precautions. Cover distance from Shimla to Kaza in at least 2 days, halting either at Sarahan or Sangla. These are great destinations by their own merit. Drink Disprin water frequently during the journey. Do not rush to the destination. Slow progression to high altitude will make your journey smooth. Thumb rule is to ascend not more than 2000 feet in a single day while travelling in high altitude zone. Good driver with 4 wheel drive who knows the roads will come handy.<br />
If you are starting journey from Manali, you can avail day taxis as well. Road and transport connectivity is better from Manali. The journey from Manali to Kaza would take about 12 hours.<br />
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<b>Buy</b>: Kaza is not a shopping destination. The local bazar has few handicraft shops and you could pickup tribal crafts of Himachal including Thangkas at good price. However, I was lured to take a look at the ancient fossils that are being collected from the area around the Langza village and sold in some of the shops here. These are the real ones and being sold for few hundred rupees, The dilemma is should one buy these rare fossils or not.<br />
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-85505301923475772622014-09-05T23:53:00.002+05:302014-09-05T23:53:38.649+05:30Afsanah @ Auroville: A Zen Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;">Long walks at sunrise on sandy beaches, fishermen returning from the sea with their boat loads of fresh catch, sun languidly breaking out from the depth of the sea, family bonding, catching sea fish, collecting sea shells, catching sun rays with both hands, making sand castles and in the evenings and late nights sit by the sea and listen to the music created by the splashing sea waves trying to ca</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 20px;">tch up with the shore yet failing to hold on to it every time. Like lovers, it does not want to let her go. Living in a Zen cottage, hiring scooter for the day to pick up wood fired fresh pizza from the Italian pizzeria, living in an utopian town, breakfast by the promenade, staying in a large French mansion, home cooked delicacies served by the ladies for breakfast, tasting creole cuisine, walk on the cobbled stone tree lined streets, buying bag loads of french perfumes and oils from Laboratoires Senteurs, Life of Pi moment, getting blessed by the elephant. Well, my family and I had one such holiday this summer in Pondicherry and Auroville.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Auroville</b>, the utopian city created by Sri Aurobindo and his band of followers on the small stretch of barren land on the east coast of Tamil Nadu has certainly attained a certain fame for its green environment, simple yet elegant dwellings, maximum use of local and natural materials in construction of these houses. The creative pursuits of its global inhabitants lends extra sheen to its fame. This abode of serenity where ''time takes a break'' and the adjoining French town of Pondicherry are too enticing to be given a miss. This summer we <b>gave time a break</b>, will you.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Afsanah Guest House</i>, one of the finest housing enclave in Auroville has been conceptualized by Afsanah Bader, a graceful Iranian lady and created by the German architect Poppo Pingel. This was my oasis at Auroville during our sojourn this summer. The guest house complex spread over few acres is covered with tall old trees, manicured green lawns, concrete pathways meet water bodies at every nook, plants and shrubs of diverse variety creates a zen atmosphere. The cottages built in the Japanese architectural idiom with shoji screens, low bed and foldable room partitions are functional and yet comfortable. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The Guest House plaque at the enclave entrance and the driveway sets the tone of experience that a resident is going to live during the stay at this tranquil abode. cottages are well spread to provide privacy and own space to anybody who cares to take refuge here. Soul and body feels like a free bird, free to swing, flow with the cascading waterways chirp around or just lie still and do nothing like the baby tortoise. Simply hibernate! There are plenty of nooks in the enclave to do what one wish to: sit under the tall tree by the rugged Ganesha idol and read your favorite book or else walk to the zen rock enclosure and meditate and be with the Nature. And when the hunger pangs came calling, head to the nearby restaurants which has global food to offer. You may want to walk out or else call for a scooty which is available from the Auroville taxi service. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Auroville is functional and grounded. This signboard of <b>Naturellement, </b>garden cafe is known for its fruit preserves and small bites. Martina Ljunqquist, a Swedish founder started this as a social enterprise in 1991 and today it has created a niche market for its fruit preserves. Open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday through Saturday, the cafe can be reached on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #46462b; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.6800003051758px; text-align: justify;">(0413) 262 2034 / 262 3267. </span><br />
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Another path leading through the green lawns to the cottage.</div>
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Large stones and boulders of all shapes abound here, so do flowers of different hues.</div>
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Footloose at Afsanah.</div>
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The place dons magical cloak when the night descends here. At night it is the crickets, birds and insects that rule over. Humans take shelter in the confines of cozy cottages vacating the vast land for the nightly creatures to lord over the place. The guest house advisory requests the residents to keep cottage doors close at all times and not to venture out at night without torch or lamp. Scary !<br />
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<b>The garden leading to the Naturellement Garden Cafe</b></div>
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<b>View from the cottage verandah. These ladies keep the place well manicured at all times</b></div>
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Japanese Cottage interior. The free flowing layout, shoji screen creates partition between the sleep area and the common area. The four walls are also made of shoji screen. High ceiling, functional and low furniture and tasteful lighting provides functional comfort. Luxurious - no. </div>
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Cozy cottage sit and the day bed laid out here is just perfect for those moments stolen from time.<br />
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The dining hall is simple and clean and ideal for starting the day with a hearty breakfast prepared<br />
from organic products.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> The place blends beautifully the elements of nature - earth, water, air, fire and sky. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Coordinates</b>: Afsanah Guest House, Kottakarai area of auroville. Located at approx 1.5 kms from the Matrimandir. Cottages and rooms with air condition and ensuite bathroom. Baskar, the genial caretaker is your go to man here. He will keep appearing from nowhere like a genie when you need him. Contact Baskar or Afsaneh at afsaneh_gh@auroville.org.in or call them on </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186px; line-height: 15px;">0413-2622048 / 2622108 / 9345400700 / 9943644435.</span></div>
Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-65395866016508876442013-07-14T00:30:00.000+05:302013-09-01T12:40:16.644+05:30Sangla Valley - Rush of River Baspa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The very idea of spending couple of carefree days by the river in a deep green valley brought us to Sangla Valley in Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh this summer. Sangla valley is part of Kinnaur region. Located on the right bank of river Baspa which flows through the valley. The river valley with its flat and rocky bed, green fields, apple orchards and small villages with traditional houses provide ample opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation to the weary city soul. The gurgling river Baspa creates quite a ruckus here which echoes from the surrounding snow clad mountains.</div>
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Our quest took us to Rakcham village about 10 kms up the Baspa stream. The river flows barely 200 mtrs from the model village which makes the scene picture perfect! However, the journey to <b>Rakcham</b> is one of the scariest one that I have undertaken. The narrow road past Karcham is prone to landslides and frequent blockages. The road winds up the mountain and at places it seems to balance itself just barely. One wrong step and you are bound to plunge down deep in the river. At places the portion of mountain hangs over the road. Scary indeed!</div>
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We decided to stay at Hotel Rupin River View for its location. A small hotel with 12 rooms across three floors. The rooms are simple and in need of sprucing up, but the view from hotel and its location is what makes the place special. Located right on the road to Chitkul at the entrance of the village overlooking the deep gorge on one side and the gushing Baspa river and mountains on the other. One could spend hours watching the river rush from the balcony. </div>
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This place brings you closer to nature and makes you commune with it. Walk down to the river bed by crossing the steel bridge, feel the rush of gushing water, pick pebbles, fold your trousers and put your feet in the cold river water and let the cold wind brush your cheek and experience the nature in the purest form.</div>
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And when the evening descends, army of white clouds descend in the valley and fill every nook of it, the tall trees and the village across the river seem to float in the clouds and feels like a dream. </div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-27905725188132027912013-07-13T20:33:00.002+05:302013-08-11T21:10:05.190+05:30Sarahan - The Gateway to Kinnaur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Sarahan</b>, the hilly village in the district of Shimla is more famous for its old Bhimakali temple and usually the travellers stop over for a night and after paying a visit to the temple leave for the next destination. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIulIse6qtQ/UeFbovAiUvI/AAAAAAAABE8/hepu3egFfmo/s1600/20130613_060905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIulIse6qtQ/UeFbovAiUvI/AAAAAAAABE8/hepu3egFfmo/s640/20130613_060905.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b> The sun plays Hide & Seek here</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, what Sarahan offers in terms of natural sight is not to be easily forgotten. The view from hotel balcony overlooking the deep green valley filled with apple orchards and the Shrikhand Mahadev Mountain range standing tall in not too far a distance.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLoUBP9ysic/UeFYXm4cxjI/AAAAAAAABDs/koHXlyPyG7E/s1600/IMG_7568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLoUBP9ysic/UeFYXm4cxjI/AAAAAAAABDs/koHXlyPyG7E/s640/IMG_7568.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="text-align: center;">The summer palace is a fine example of Kinnauri architecture</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwIknlg8vIg/UeFYk1zoncI/AAAAAAAABEs/jqxFwLXwwQI/s1600/IMG_7575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwIknlg8vIg/UeFYk1zoncI/AAAAAAAABEs/jqxFwLXwwQI/s640/IMG_7575.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a> <b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Another view of Sarahan village</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx7L2CUgi0E/UeFYI9p3O6I/AAAAAAAABC0/JHMd6uKm-xg/s1600/IMG_7560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx7L2CUgi0E/UeFYI9p3O6I/AAAAAAAABC0/JHMd6uKm-xg/s640/IMG_7560.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"> The view of Sarahan village with Bhimakali temple in the front</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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The sunset, sunrise, play fullness of clouds, the sun playing hide and seek. It is there a moment and not there the next. The play of light and shade on the green hills with traditional wooden and stone houses glistening in sun is some sight that one could savour for hours without even remotely getting bored.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ks6vUei_xDU/UeFgGpk1gOI/AAAAAAAABFM/9SqZzaqoQ1Q/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ks6vUei_xDU/UeFgGpk1gOI/AAAAAAAABFM/9SqZzaqoQ1Q/s640/IMG_7532.JPG" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">The town is known as the gateway of Kinnaur</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.315972328186035px;">. The mighty river Sutlej flows merely 7 kms below Sarahan and one could see the river valley from the top. The village gets mention as Sonitpur in the Puranas</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfRNZjA3tQ/UeFgbMPBkJI/AAAAAAAABFU/X_Wy98eKFtA/s1600/IMG_7537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfRNZjA3tQ/UeFgbMPBkJI/AAAAAAAABFU/X_Wy98eKFtA/s640/IMG_7537.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Sarahan is at an </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">elevation of 2,313 metres (7,589 feet) and about 180 kms from Shimla. The road to Sarahan from Shimla is smooth as the surrounding hills are covered with verdant greenery and numerous apple and cherry orchards. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oeUjTmri34/UeFhxGhX2zI/AAAAAAAABGg/v4tEqgv3Y2A/s1600/IMG_7513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oeUjTmri34/UeFhxGhX2zI/AAAAAAAABGg/v4tEqgv3Y2A/s640/IMG_7513.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">The crisp and fresh air of the hills, bright sunshine and song in the heart and your near and dear ones is what you require to enjoy the trip to this land of natural beauty, languid hours spent in doing nothing. The fun is, one never realises how and when several hours have gone by.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LdRqjEye_A/UeFhgC6McpI/AAAAAAAABGI/JSj8e-9uCRI/s1600/IMG_7644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LdRqjEye_A/UeFhgC6McpI/AAAAAAAABGI/JSj8e-9uCRI/s640/IMG_7644.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">The crimson hue that the setting sun paints on the blue firmament with snow clad white mountain below and white cotton-fluffy clouds caressing its peaks is sight that one would want to preserve in the mind forever. The sight leaps out of the paintings of the Russian painter Nichols Roerich.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">The blue morning before the sun could rise from slumber and spread sunshine in the verdant valley and the mountains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><b>Patterns created by the clouds on the blue firmament.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Sarahan is packed with natural beauty. One can go for nature walks, climb up the easy hills and visit villages, see the simple village folks with bright smiles go through their daily chores. Lie down under the shade of apple tree and hear the song of Blue magpie. Or walk to the nearby old palace building and curl up with one's favorite book on the large wooden bench at the sunny palace of the Raja. With the green mountains in the distant and green valley and bhimakali temple in the foreground one may just spend reading a book at one of the most amazing place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">While here one can also visit <b>Shantikunj</b>, the beautiful palace of the Raja of Bushahar. The current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, is the descendant of the erstwhile king of Bushahar and popularly known as 'Rajasaheb' here. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--vRHw8PZUPg/UeFhaNUt1SI/AAAAAAAABGA/hoajxlHwLe8/s1600/IMG_7616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--vRHw8PZUPg/UeFhaNUt1SI/AAAAAAAABGA/hoajxlHwLe8/s640/IMG_7616.JPG" height="350" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">The palace is a fine example of Kinnauri architecture where wood and stones have been extensively used. One can stroll through the inner courtyard of the palace and can not resist to admire the intricate pattern created with woodwork here. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfx7SJ-tzF8/UeFhJXOpYFI/AAAAAAAABFw/iK9VxZlx6NY/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfx7SJ-tzF8/UeFhJXOpYFI/AAAAAAAABFw/iK9VxZlx6NY/s640/IMG_7604.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">The palace remains vacant most of the time since Rajasaheb's visit are far and few as active politic keeps him away busy somewhere else. Shanti Kunj and the other palace certainly needs more attention and possible use of the property would be to convert these into a Heritage Hotel and spa. Both properties are located in one large palace complex surrounded by gardens. This would certainly make a fine summer retreat.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDMFqK0WuJ8/UeFg8TbpRyI/AAAAAAAABFg/jdHrXZ3CTaU/s1600/IMG_7583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDMFqK0WuJ8/UeFg8TbpRyI/AAAAAAAABFg/jdHrXZ3CTaU/s640/IMG_7583.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Doorway to Shanti Kunj Palace, Sarahan</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">Sarahan currently lacks in quality hotel and restaurants. The HPTDC run </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">Shrikhand Hotel</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;"> is the bets bet here. Built in traditional architectural medium of the region, it seems and extension of the famous temple. Rooms and food are good, so is the view from rooms. The other option is </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">Green Valley Resort </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">run by enterprising Naresh Jishtu. Do not get carried away by the name, this is actually a newly built hotel in a simple building structure offering clean rooms, hot and cold water, good food and fantastic view of the surroundings. It is in walking distance of the temple (300 mtrs) and accessed through a small lane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Eating out options include small eateries near the temple complex where one could get basic Rice, lintels and vegetables. Some shops also serve Momo and Thukpas. My suggestion would be to restrict to your hotels for food.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.18402862548828px;"><u>Stay Options:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.18402862548828px;"><b>Shrikhand (HPTDC)</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">01782 274 234, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">E-mail: rampur@hptdc.in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Tariff Regular Room -Rs.1600 to Suits - Rs 2800</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Green Valley Resort</b> -Village - Sarahan, Near - State Bank of India.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mobile - 098161-85518 / 098166-86789 - email - jishtu71@gmail.com, greenvalleyresort@gmail.com</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Tariff Rs.1200 to Rs.1600</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">However, if you are willing to drive few kms further up a fine homestay <b>Anushuman Resorts</b> and the gracious hosts Dr K Raj Thakur awaits you. Traditional Himachali home surrounded by apple and peach orchards is truly a peaceful abode. email - anshumanresorts@live.com, Mobile - 94180</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24.28819465637207px;">34833, Phone - 01782274297.</span></span></span></div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-82154224105489615682013-05-05T00:31:00.001+05:302013-05-05T00:31:08.450+05:30Weekend in Pondicherry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pondicherry, the slice of french riviera on the Bay of Bengal seaside is not a usual tourist destination. This is one place where you do not want to zip through the 'to see places' but soak in the tranquil and laid back atmosphere, the french and Tamil architecture, marvel at the restored old mansions and houses and conjure up a wish of living the rest of your life in one such mansion practically doing nothing. Life is unhurried here in the French quarter or the White Town, which the french built so lovingly, creating the typical french ambiance, look an feel and the cuisine.<br />
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A weekend in Pondicherry though too short a time to enjoy the town which practically does not boast of any landmark tourist site, yet for me one has to live here for weeks to really savor the town called Puducherry.<br />
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One may ask, what is there to see in a town which runs barely a couple of kilometers on the sea front. Where the seashore does not transform into a sandy beach. What is there to see and do here? To such touristy folks, I have to say thus. Puducherry is not a beach town but a seaside town. There is simplicity and refinement in its heritage hotels, cuisine, crafts and even the street signs, which you never get to see anywhere else in India. No place in India can boast of its street names and signage written in French and the local language - that too neatly marked at every street corner. Not in English.<br />
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The day begins with being one with nature meditating on the seashore's boulevard dotted with numerous black boulders to keep the mighty waves away. Some moments spent in yoga, pranayam, or simply watching the wobbling fishing boats tossed up by the gigantic waves and the crimson sun waking from the night's slumber are bliss moments. The early morning breeze, the sea waves and the tranquil only broken by splashing waves and cries of crows, chirping of birds can soothe the minds of any ravaged city soul in search of the "own moment".</div>
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Walk the french town early morning or late evening. Every lane and bye lane offers sights which softens the weary soul. Mustard painted mansions laden with bougainvilleas look extra ordinary.<br />
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The glitzy city buildings pale in comparison to these old beauties which have withstood the ravages of time and look strong enough to last few more centuries.<br />
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Neat straight streets with its both sides flanked with rows of mansions and houses, some converted into boutique hotels, some into quaint restaurants and art shops. Many of these under the Aurobindo Society serving as residences for their inmates who come in large numbers from across the world in search of human equality and peace.<br />
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<b>Street signage in Tamil and French</b></div>
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Best way to savor Pondicherry is by foot or hire a bicycle or for that matter scooter which are available aplenty from hire shops or you can ask your hotel they would arrange one. White town is best explored on bicycle if you do not wish to strain your legs. Obviously, this also happens to be the preferred mode of conveyance for the White Town folks including the Ashram inmates and visitors. One could see men and womenfolks of all age commuting on this humble mode of transport - healthy way of living, inexpensive and eco-friendly.<br />
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The stay options in the French quarter ranges from the modern The Promenade right on the boulevard near the Light House to Hotel De L'Orient - a heritage hotel from the Neemrana house.<br />
But for me, the place that certainly provides the solitude, serenity, bliss and my own space has to be the <b>Gratitude</b> on the leafy Rue Romain Rolland. # 52 it is. The ochre colored two story old mansion which has seen some 150 odd years since it came up has been recently converted lovingly into a home for people who do not hanker for the modern luxury of a star hotel. Kakoli and her team deservedly proud of their property, which they call their home.<br />
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Few days spent here in this informal home either lazing on the antique bed, curling up on the comfy sofa with that book that you always wanted to read but never got the time, penning your thoughts sipping tea by the courtyard under the tall mango tree, looking at the sky swinging on the swing by the courtyard or getting treated with traditional massage are some of the things that you could do here.<br />
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<b>Ochre color casts a sense of warmth and being at Home at Gratitude</b></div>
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Tea and coffee is available round the clock. Choose your tea and the famed Auroville Pottery cup from the assortment.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NusziisWcos/UYUz8aTvLMI/AAAAAAAAA-A/-bsc1Dcsz8w/s1600/IMG_6613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NusziisWcos/UYUz8aTvLMI/AAAAAAAAA-A/-bsc1Dcsz8w/s1600/IMG_6613.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a>The gong which is rung to announce breakfast time. Breakfast at Gratitude is communal time, where all residents gather and partake the home-made food served from the kitchen and lovingly prepared by the house staff. Choose from the delicious Dosas, omelets, multi grain breads, fresh fruits, organic preserves, muesli and flakes and of course tea or coffee.This is one time when all residents meet and discuss their plans for the day and also share details of who they are and what brings them here. This trait of Gratitude reminds me of the vanishing tradition of our homes when at the break fast or dinner table all family members must be present. Leave your shoes at the shoe rack near the entrance. This is another trait which reminds us of our home. </div>
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<b>Warm glow of the bedside lamp reflects soothingly on the fine bed furnishing</b></div>
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<b>The tall mango tree above and birds frolicking on fruit laden branches provides enough inspiration for the creative mind.</b></div>
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<b>The colonnade and the courtyard. All rooms open to the central rectangular courtyard</b></div>
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Curl up with the book that you always wanted to read.The long corridor on first floor provides that ambiance which stimulates creativity. Every nook and corner here displays tasteful craft and art handpicked by the owners. The cushioned chair here, down the veranda another chair to laze around. Old portrait on the wall, wrought iron chairs in the courtyard, the bull statue in the ground floor veranda, the flower mural in the boutique, the ceramic red rooster on the dining table, small nick knacks here and there. The refreshing soap from Auroshikha in the en suite bathroom, the jasmine flowers in urli and the inviting flower vase at the doorway all placed to enhance the charm of this place. Gratitude is certainly a Home away from Home and the one which will always beckon me to this french Riviera. </div>
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<b>Pondicherry</b> is not only about the white town. The Black Town or the native town is equally beautiful and full of sights and sounds which are in complete contrast to the french town. The charming Tamil mansions of Vysial street, the old Goubert Bazar and its all women fish market and the characteristic manners of these feisty women are some of the sights and sounds that one should not miss.</div>
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<b>The charming lady fishmonger at the all women fish market at Goubert Market</b></div>
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Old Tamil mansion on Vysial Street with its trademark Thenni, the shadowy corridor which served as place for resting and gossip for the house owners, neighbors and passer-byes</div>
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Walk down to the Ashram Paper Factory on S V Patel Road for handmade paper and paper products made at this factory run by the Aurobindo Society. One always comes out of this premises with loads of paper products. </div>
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<b>Muslim Mansion on Rue Cazy</b></div>
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The Muslim Quarters of Rue Cazy, Rue Chanda Sahib and Rue Mulla presents charming example of French-Tamil architecture. The old mansions here have the ground floor built in the traditional Tamil architectural vernacular while the upper storey is built in French architectural style. </div>
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<b>Rooftop cafe at Kaasha ki Aasha</b></div>
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<b>Kaasha ki Aasha</b> on <b>Rue Surcouf</b> not only is a fine craft boutique housed in an old Tamil mansion but also runs a fairly good rooftop cafe. Full of easy bamboo loungers, deep cushions and green plants. Ideal for curling up with the favorite book over a quick bite or tea. The kitchen and store is run by women here.</div>
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For an authentic Creole meal in a fine ambiance one has to be at <b>Carte Blanche</b> at <b>Hotel De L'Orient</b> on Rue Romain Rolland, few blocks away from the Gratitude. The food here is top of the rank and the ambiance just perfect for an evening meal. Colonnaded breezy courtyard, greenery all around, flowering plants and the authentic creole cuisine is signature of this place owned by the Neemrana group. </div>
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<b>Carte Blanche at Hotel De L'Orient</b></div>
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For the authentic Pondicherry and wholesome meal my favourite would be Madam Shante again on Rue Romain Rolland. </div>
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While in Pondicherry one certainly gets impressed with the nattily attired policemen with their trademark red cap <b>Kepi</b>. They are certainly a proud lot. Coodinates: Gratitude on 52 Rue Romain Rolland. <a href="http://www.gratitudeheritage.in/">http://www.gratitudeheritage.in</a>. <b>Nearest Airport</b> - Pondicherry, but only limited flights land here. Chennai is the nearest airport with easy connectivity. Chennai to Pondicherry can be covered by road in approx 2.5 hours. Taxi fare from Chennai - About Rs.3,000/- for air conditioned car. Book with Gratitude, will cost less. <b>Banks and ATM</b> - Citbank branch on Rue Bussy. Other Bank ATMs nearby. <b>Fast food Restaurants</b> - Pizza Hut on Bussy Street, KFC on M G Road. <b>244 Hour Cafe</b> - Le Cafe on Beach Road <b>Crafts & Shopping</b> - Boutique de Auroville, Kalki, Hidesign, Casablanca - all on and around J L Nehru Road. Auroshikha at Rue de LaMarine for soaps and agarbattis, Kaasha ki Aasha on Rue Surcouf for crafts, Arumai on M G Road for pottery, <b>Linen World</b> on Mission Street for men's and women wear in linen fabrics </div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-75221676297779381322013-04-13T22:00:00.000+05:302013-04-13T22:00:14.411+05:30Bharat Bhavan Bhopal - Multi Cultural Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If there is one cultural complex in India that stands out both as a piece of great architecture, treasure trove of Indian art and a vibrant platform for display of drama, music, art, dance and other forms of art then Bharat Bhavan of Bhopal stands out. </span></div>
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<b>Panoramic view of the Bhopal lake and old city from the terrace of Bharat Bhavan</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b> Blue tiled domes on the terrace of Bharat Bhavan</b></span></div>
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<b>Enchanting inner courtyard- space for creative adda</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This multi-art center was established and funded by the government of Madhya Pradesh and the master architect Charles Correa was entrusted to design and build the center on the Shamla Hill by the lake at Bhopal. The location certainly inspired and provided the architect with a classic space where he could play around with the natural elements and create a free flowing, terraced space that exudes openness. Bright and sunny spaces, terraced gardens which cascades down to the edge of the lake, open courtyards, amphi-theatre, galleries with high ceiling, smooth flow of air and sunlight lit enclosures adds to the charm of this cultural arena.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The centre was inaugurated in 1982 by the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, since then Bharat Bhavan has seen some glorious days and not so good ones too. The centre was once run by the great masters of Indian art, literature and culture. </span></div>
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<b>Gond Painting - Earthy, simple yet elegant</b><br />
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Gond Painting</div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Masters like J Swaminathan, Habib Tanveer, Kumar Gandharva, Sonal Mansingh, B V Karanth, Ajneya, Syed Hyder Raza, Manit Bawa and Ashok Vajpeyi have been actively associated with running of the centre in the past. Their honest interest in developing an alternate to Delhi as cultural hub of India has been success to a certain extent and could have been more only if there would have been less of political interventions in managing of the centre.</span></div>
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Painting by J Swaminathan<br />
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Another painting of J Swaminathan</div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The activities of the centre are organized through various wings. Roopankar is the Museum of Fine arts, Rangmandal - a Repertory, Vagarth - a centre for Indian Poetry, Anhad - for classical and Folk music and Chhavi for Classical Cinema.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The collection of contemporary art at Bharat Bhavan is no mean in number or standard. works of J Swaminathan, S H Raza, M F Hussain, F N Souza, Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh, Manjit Bawa, Tyeb Mehta, Jehangir Sabavala, Ramkumar, Akbar Padamse, Vivan sundaram, Bikash Bhattacharya, Jogen choudhary, Prabhakar Kolte, V S Gaitonde, Satish Gujral, K K Hebbar, N S Bendre, Krishan Khanna, Bal Chavda, Ambadas, Vishwanathan, Amitava Das, Madhavi parekh, Akhilesh and many others are on permanent display here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><img src="http://bharatbhawan.org/images/trible_folk/tribal_art_026.jpg" height="426" style="text-align: left;" width="640" />The galleries are open on all days from 10 am to 6 pm. One can watch plays, musical soires, mushaira and other cultural programmes which is organized on regular basis. The annual Drama Festival is a marquee event here.<br />
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-84645794268504828652013-04-13T21:58:00.001+05:302013-04-13T21:58:26.365+05:30Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 - Literary Stars descend on Pink City<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 has mastered the art of raising controversies of one kind or another. Last year it was Rushdie who attracted undue attention and this year when it looked things would sail through smoothly came the remark by social commentator Ashish Nandy. Notwithstanding the controversy this edition of <b>J-LitFest </b>would be recalled for several highs that it achieved over the 5 days of literary extravaganza.</div>
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Michael Sandel, the rockstar professor from Harvard enthralled the packed audience in the two sessions that he participated in - 'What Money Can't Buy' and 'If Rape is the Most heinous crime'. The mixed audience of academics, literature buffs, writers, housewives and children enthusiastically participated in both the sessions. He truly democratized the sessions. My guess is he acted as an anchor rather than a monologue professor and carried the audience with him to the logical conclusion of the issues that he discussed. Assertion of a lady participant from Mumbai - "I do not need virginity but my limbs to live a dignified life" during his debate on "If Rape is the most heinous crime" told a million tales about what Indian women want today.</div>
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The arguments that flew thick and fast between the speakers and poet, lyricist Javed Akhtar during the session on Caste and Religion and the audience engaging in the discussion goes long way to prove that freedom of expression has certainly come of age in India and JLF is one such forum which provides ample opportunity for thinkers to express their view freely and for the common audience to counter and question the argument put forth by the authors.</div>
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Prasoon Joshi and Shabana Azmi engaged in what sounded like monologue to me deriding the vulgar portrayal of women in Hindi cinema and the rising trend of raunchy 'item numbers' and 'item songs' being added in the hindi movies to make the film sell-able. I would have appreciated, if they could expand their view point beyond the Hindi cinema with which most of the audience are largely acquainted with. Blaming the audience for the growth of vulgarity can not be put squarely on the audience. The film makers are also largely to be blamed. The thinkers should have known that till sixties and early seventies love and romance had a different meaning and imagery in Hindi Cinema and things changed from 70's not because the audience wanted it but because the film makers started serving trashy remakes of south Indian films. The film makers lost their way in early eighties certainly.</div>
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Shabana Azmi and Prasoon Joshi in conversation with Sanjoy Roy, the organizer of JLF</div>
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Shabana Azmi putting across her views about portrayal of women in Hindi Cinema and the vulgarization of songs and dance.</div>
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Baithak, the grand Hall of the palace is a good venue for Baithak but bad for acoustics. Authors had difficulty in connecting with the audience with faulty lighting and sound system. Here the Sri Lankan author reading from his book Serependity.</div>
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Author William Darlymple, the brain behind JLF in conversation with a journalist. This photograph aptly portrays the informal air of JLF. Here no one is a VIP and no one gets a seating preference, however powerful you may be, if you're not the author participating in the session, you find a place for yourself in the area for audience and make yourself comfortable. Such contrast with the "You don't know me" refrain of Delhi.</div>
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Festive look of the Festival venue</div>
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Sharmila Tagore, Malashree Lal, Nasreen Munni Kabir listening to Jeet Thayil during the DSC South Asian Literature Award ceremony conducted by actor Kabir Bedi</div>
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Glamour quotient was not missing from JLF. <b>Sunanda Pushkar</b> seen here talking to <b>Sharmila Tagore</b></div>
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<b> Sharmila Tagore</b> in conversation with the renowned film writer <b>Nasreen Munni Kabir,</b> talking about her journey into the world of cinema through films of Satyajit Ray. </div>
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The attendance at JLF 2013 surpassed its previous best with about 3 lakh people attending it over the 5 days. The festival venue wore a festival look where acclaimed authors and thinkers mingled freely with the common people.</div>
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<b>Jeet Thayil</b> won the DSC South Asian Literature Award for his Mumbai centric novel Nacropolis. The award comes along with a prize money of 50,000 us dollars. 'Nacropolis edged past Jamil Ahmed's '<b>The Wandering Falcon</b>', Tahmima Anam's <b>The Good Muslim</b>, Amitava Ghosh's <b>River of Smoke</b>, Mohammed Hanif's <b>Our Lady of Alice Bhatti </b>and<b> The Walls of Delhi</b> by Uday Prakash. All fine wordsmiths! Jeet after receiving his award from film actress Sharmila Tagore and Bhanwri Devi, the lady who fought for justice after subjected to rape in a Rajasthan village. Her fight against cruelty against women led to the now famous Bhanwri Devi judgement by the Supreme Court of India which is a landmark judgement for dealing with cruelty against women. Her presence at JLF was symbolic of the mood that prevails in India today.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Notice </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> the Monroe print dress of Oscar Award winner Pakistani film maker articulating if Pakistan qualifies to be branded as a 'Failed state'. Moderated by Barkha Dutt, the leading TV journalist of NDTV Group had a tough time making the panelist agree even to the definition of a 'failed state'. The panelist with as broader representation as Pakistan, Lebanon, Palestine and Iran, however were of the view that the Americanized definition of a failed state is not the only definition. Somalia may be a filed state, but Pakistan or for that matter India is certainly not a failed state and there is hope for the world despite the sense of despair.</span></div>
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To catch the next round of JILF in Jan 2104, plan in advance. Accommodations become scarce in Jaipur during this 5 day festival. My recommendation is Hotel Arya Niwas off MI Road on Sansar Chand Road built in a renovated haveli, it offers all modern amenities while retaining the old age charm, greenery and feeling of space. Passionately run by the owner family, Arya Niwas aims to provide comfortable stay in elegant surroundings at reasonable prices. Write / call them for booking in advance since they are favourites of Literature buffs. <a class="email" href="mailto:info@aryaniwas.com">info@aryaniwas.com</a> +91 141 407 3450, +91 98290-40549.</div>
Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-59374164720834805952012-12-22T19:40:00.000+05:302013-01-09T23:29:33.157+05:30Rashtrapati Bhawan - Change of Guards Ceremony<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Many in Delhi and India do not know about the weekly ceremonial Change of Guard that takes place at the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. The Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan is an old tradition which was first opened to the public in 2007. Earlier the ceremony would take place on the road flanked by the North and South Block on the Raisina Hill leading to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. However, the current President of India deemed it fit to revamp the ceremony by not only adding an equestrian display but also relocated the ceremony to the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan where 200 common public is allowed access to the ceremony.</div>
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The Military Band of the Army Air Defence Centre getting ready for the ceremony<br />
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The melodious tune of the national song '' Sare Jahan se achha Hindustan hamara..'' fills the air on dot at </div>
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10 am and the horse riders of President's Body Guards emerge from the tall Jaipur Column </div>
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The horse riders - contingent of President's Body Guards troop in astride their majestic horses</div>
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The old contingent of Madras Regiment marches in for the Change of Guard ceremony</div>
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The two contingents of Madras Regiment getting ready to Change Guard </div>
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Public viewing the ceremonial Change of Guard at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan </div>
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Smartly attired and decorate jawans of the Madras Regiment</div>
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The President's Body Guards astride their smart horses add pomp and color to the ceremony</div>
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Equestrian Display by the horsemen of President's Body Guards</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The President's </span>Body Guards retreat after the equestrian display</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">The equestrian display presents the horse and man in ceremonial regalia in harmony with the music of a </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> military b</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">rass band. The 30 minute ceremony commences with the President's Body Guard troops, astride </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> their caparisoned, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">sleekly </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">muscled, powerful and well groomed steeds advancing from behind the Jaipur </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> column to the tune of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">'Maa Tujhe S</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">alaam' played by the Military Band of Army Air Defence Centre. The</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> Army Guard </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">contingent then marches in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">and the new guard replaces the old guard. Equestrian display </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> follows the change of guard. Soon after the horsemen r</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">ide away towards the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Playing</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> of the National </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Anthem ends the ceremony.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> President's Body Guard is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army, raised in 1773. It is based in the </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> President's Estate. It is a Regiment with horses carrying out ceremonial duties for the President. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The physical </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> standards for recruitment into this elite Regiment are very exacting, six feet being the minimum height for </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> enrolment. The horses also have to be more than 15.2 hands. The men carry both, a lance with a red and </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> white cavalry pennant and a Cavalry sabre. The horses are adorned with shabracks, throat ornaments and </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> white brow bands. The motto of the PBG is "Bharat Mata ki Jai".</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">The current </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">army guard battallion is the Madras Regiment which was raised on 1758 and it was the most decorated </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Regiment of the Indian Army in pre-independence period. With a total on 45 honours and 9 Theatre honours, it has the most number of battle honours among all regiments of the Indian Army. The Regimental war cry is "Veer Madarassi Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu (meaning Brave Madrasi, Hit and Kill, Hit and Kill, Hit and Kill).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Where: Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Days: Saturdays </span><b style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="head" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">(except on Gazetted Holidays which fall on Saturdays) </span></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"> 15 Mar to 14 Aug - </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">08.00 AM to 08.40 AM<br /> 15 Aug to 14 Nov - 09.00 AM to 09.40 AM </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"> 15 Nov to 14 Mar -10.00 AM to 10.40 AM </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Entry : Free from Gate no 2 (near South Block). Entry only against Photo Identity Card</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Important : Only 200 common public is allowed entry. Cameras (still and video) and Mobile allowed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> Mobile to be kept on </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">silent mode </span></div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-5386529059083890962012-12-19T23:29:00.002+05:302012-12-19T23:29:31.589+05:30Delhi Potter''s Bazaar 2012<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Delhi Blue Pottery Trust organized second edition of its Annual Potter's Bazaar on the lawns of charming Sanskriti Kendra at Anandgram, Delhi in the first week of December. Like the first edition, this year too the haat provided a platform to 40 odd studio potters to showcase their artistic creations to a large number of visitors. The event not only provided a wide spectrum of studio pottery on display and sale but also opportunity for the visitors to learn Raku firing technique. The occasion also marked formal inauguration of the second pottery center of Delhi Blue Trust in Delhi at Sanskriti Kendra. Their home base still runs from Delhi Blue near Safdarjung flyover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of the finest practitioners of studio pottery had assembled here. Racha Prasher, Ranjana Subberwal, Rekha Bajpe Aggarwal, Reyaz Badruddin, Jugal Kishore Sankhyan from Andretta Pottery, Leena Batra, Mona Vohra, Indu Rao, Sonia Dhingra, Shehla Grewal and Rajendra Dangle among others participated in the Bazaar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The venue itself is worth more than one visit to enjoy its charming and rich presentation of traditional pottery craft from India, gallery of daily household objects and fabrics. Here are some visuals from the Haat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Bazaar banner under the giant banyan tree at Sanskriti Kenda welcoming visitors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Exquisite range of Lal Mitti series pottery by Reyaz Badruddin, the young master studio </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> potter who is an established name in studio pottery in India. His range of wood fired and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> anagama pottery is pride of any collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Wide range of functional as well as decorative pottery items in amazing glazes and slips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Pottery in all shapes, sizes, glaze and slips on display</span></div>
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Rekha Bajpe Aghgarwal's collection of Raku pottery<br />
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Young potters like Tamanna Singh also caught attention<br />
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Spoilt for choice! It was difficult to choose from the vast range of pottery available and none were priced<br />
above Rs.4,000- It was intended to make studio pottery attractive and affordable.<br />
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Funky range of functional Tea Pots created by Sadan Kumar Thakur<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Time for some serious shopping. This one looks right for me</span></div>
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Display of Reyaz Badruddin's counter</div>
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Way to the Museum of Terracotta<br />
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Another counter with some fine glazed functional potteryware<br />
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Reyaz, the master potter enjoying the admiration of his creations<br />
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Pottery ware displayed at Rachna Parasher's counter <br />
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And the master potter herself looking after her counter display - Rachna Parasher<br />
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Bagfull of studio pottery for my home!</div>
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Newly inaugurated Delhi Blue Ceramic Centre<br />
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View of the Sanskriti Kendra<br />
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Fine Raku potteryware by Rekha Bajpe Aggarwal<br />
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Display area<br />
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Another view of Display area<br />
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Terracotta man with camera and birds - Open air display at Sanskriti Kendra<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Another view of Sanskriti Kendra</span></div>
Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-51513829373177291202012-12-04T00:03:00.003+05:302012-12-04T00:04:57.972+05:30Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti - Apni Basti Mela <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The annual community Mela (fair) organized at </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Hazrat Nizamuddin</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> basti in New Delhi is a great initiative undertaken by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><b>Aga Khan Trust for Culture</b> as part of their urban renewal project.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"> The second edition of the mela truly represents and displays the rich cultural, architectural, culinary, musical, literary and craft heritage of the basti which goes back some 700 years in the past.</span><br />
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The poster of Apni Basti Mela 2012</div>
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Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is thronged by visitors from across the country in large numbers. The<br />
mausoleum complex also is the last resting place of Hazrat Nizamuddin's disciple and renowned sufi poet<br />
Amir Khusro.<br />
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Exquisite art of Arabic Calligraphy on display at the Mela<br />
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Local children participating in Educational games<br />
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Mazaar of sufi poet Amir Khusru<br />
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One of the famous poems of Mirza Ghalib inscribed on a plaque near his grave. It reads thus:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"When nothing was, then God was there</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Had nothing been, God would have been;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> My being has defeated me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Had I not been, what would have been"</span></i></div>
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The master Kebab shop - Ghalib Kebab Corner, winner of kebab festival organised by Hotel Maurya<br />
Sheraton, serves mouth watering and succulent buff kebab served with mint chatni and shallots.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xxnZUKxlJU/ULzfjVJY_vI/AAAAAAAAArM/W3ZYPGi3BiQ/s1600/IMG_9343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xxnZUKxlJU/ULzfjVJY_vI/AAAAAAAAArM/W3ZYPGi3BiQ/s1600/IMG_9343.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
Kebab's skewered on barbecue.<br />
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Succulent Kebab's - mouth watering<br />
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Last resting place of the greatest Urdu poet - Mirza Ghalib is located in the basti<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QE3F0-ZPkxQ/ULzgiBHYLjI/AAAAAAAAArs/mKuP8BDAuJM/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QE3F0-ZPkxQ/ULzgiBHYLjI/AAAAAAAAArs/mKuP8BDAuJM/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" height="449" width="640" /></a><br />
Stalls of Rose sellers are lined on both side of the alley leading to the Dargah entrance<br />
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The Dargah courtyard.<br />
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Humayun Tomb, the mausoleum of Mughal emperor Humayun is located in Nizamuddin. It is a UNESCO<br />
World Heritage site and has been painstakingly restored through generous efforts of the Agha Khan<br />
Trust for Cultural<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; line-height: 19px;">The Mela thoughtfully conceptualized by a team of enterprising folks under the able stewardship of Ratish Nanda of Agha Khan Trust with generous collaboration of the Archaeological Department, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India and the residents of the basti very emphatically tells us that even a local community initiative in a mega city can be a destination for discerning traveler.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; line-height: 19px;"> </span> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> The Mela ground wore a festive look</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 3 day mela this year aimed to encourage outsiders to participate and integrate with the basti residents in order to understand and respect the 700 year old living cultural heritage of the basti Nizamuddin. Heritage walks curated and led by the group of talented local youths, craft demonstrations - calligraphy, Sanjhi - the paper craft, embroidery and crochet work, wood crafts, perfumes, theatre, Qawwali and Dastangoi performance, cuisine and cooking classes by the local chefs were part of the fair. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lqt_SbGdic/ULzbfCW0wUI/AAAAAAAAApA/wGZfnTJkcUA/s1600/IMG_9150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lqt_SbGdic/ULzbfCW0wUI/AAAAAAAAApA/wGZfnTJkcUA/s1600/IMG_9150.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sanjhi - the paper cutting craft developed and practiced by the basti dwellers has generously borrowed </div>
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the motifs from the nearby Humayun's Tomb which now adorns note books, planners, greeting cards and </div>
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even lamps. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Niazi brothers performed during the concert of sufiana kalaam in the forecourt of the gem of a mausoleum - Chausath Khamba. On the last day the famed duo of Mahmood Farooqui and Danish Husain enthralled an eclectic audience with dastan-e-Chaubuli, a Rajasthani folk tale narrated in their classic style in the chaste Urdu. The audience could not have asked for a better finale for the Apni Basti Mela. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CODgCHCzEVE/ULzqmQq8XoI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/zFRfKO_idzI/s1600/IMG_9393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CODgCHCzEVE/ULzqmQq8XoI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/zFRfKO_idzI/s1600/IMG_9393.JPG" height="284" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The magnificent backdrop of Chausath Khamba was the ideal stage for a performance of</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Dastangoi</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xa5_ZyrcM4/ULzrO005CDI/AAAAAAAAAtY/aK4eGRsY6Vs/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xa5_ZyrcM4/ULzrO005CDI/AAAAAAAAAtY/aK4eGRsY6Vs/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Mahmood Farooqui (right) and Danish Husain (left) performing <i><b>Dastangoi </b></i></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyErnr3Mau69eZeTSk9PBRlJ2k8wDcNxiXjLWesYSCtwFFSG7v5-Bqs6UmtFHgAWmqKF0KWHNsMBGXa8i-q9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Hazrat Nizamuddin basti can rightfully claim to be the cultural hub of New Delhi. It boosts of being the abode of Humayun Tomb, a UNESCO world Heritage site, mausoleum of the great sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin, the sufi poet Amir Khusru and the greatest Urdu poet of all times - Miraz Ghalib. The basti does not only dwell in the past but also has a beautifully laid out Sundar Nursery which is undergoing transformation under the Agha Khan Trust for Culture, once ready this would be the place for evening soirees and fine dining. </div>
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This basti certainly has a bright future and could well become a prototype for future development of similar culturally rich zones in the city and the country. </div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-54345716394669180442012-11-12T22:06:00.000+05:302012-11-12T22:06:00.106+05:30Calcutta Revisited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Calcutta</b> may have changed the way it is called today, but essentially Calcutta has not really managed to shrug off its time weathered facade, the dusty layer beneath which lies some of the finest manifestation of art, culture, literature and human values. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give me my vintage Calcutta any day over the shiny and pompous that is being displayed and glorified in name of Calcutta makeover! Here are some of the images from Calcutta that I clicked in 2011. Some of these would sound dated!. Nonetheless.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Sunil Gangopadhyay staring from the billboard exhorting Calcuttans to cook their food in Emami brand oil. The omnipresent Ambassador Taxis are literally coloring the town in Yellow. Didn't see any Black and Yellow Taxi though. </span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lt8LjPzVWIs/UKEZkCtQbAI/AAAAAAAAAjU/lFR5OoizO3w/s1600/DSCN5368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lt8LjPzVWIs/UKEZkCtQbAI/AAAAAAAAAjU/lFR5OoizO3w/s640/DSCN5368.JPG" width="470" /></a><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Shaheed Minar Lal Salam! Or is it going to be painted Blue now that there is change of guard at the Wrtiters. The governments may come and go but the Minar stands tall and mocks at the pettiness of the politicians</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Flury's. Aaah Tea at Flury's brought back the old college days. We would bunk morning class at Xaviers, knowing well that Father Joris will not be too far!</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7N0gn9Wx6qM/UKEZzn8eXGI/AAAAAAAAAj0/xJltob7Zhd8/s1600/DSCN5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7N0gn9Wx6qM/UKEZzn8eXGI/AAAAAAAAAj0/xJltob7Zhd8/s640/DSCN5403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>The majestic Metropolitan Building near Metro Cinema. For me this is the finest building in Calcutta.. am sure many eyebrows will be raised at my preference. This once housed the American Library which provided much needed respite from the scorching summer heat and dust of Calcutta, that too gratis. One could browse, watch Videos or simply laze around there. Anadi Cabin is just across the road for those freaky Moghlai Porota!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Dada may be out of the Indian and IPL team but Dada still rules Calcutta. He stares from numerous hoardings, his Sourav on MIddleton Row attracts his fans for gourmet food.</b></span></div>
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Tipu Sultan Mosque at Dharamtolla Street.<br />
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<b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Building with Thousand Windows near Raj Bhawan gate stands tall and still attracts</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> admirers. This is a quirky building worth a dekho.</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Bhaanr! Only the Calcuttans can understand the meaning of sipping hot milky tea from</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b> these lovely mud cups. These bhaanrs still command monopoly though the bio non-</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b> degradable plastic cups have started appearing in tea stalls.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Victoria Memorial. What can one say about the old lady. She has given shelter under its tress to so many budding love stories and breakups. She can actually write a tome on Love</span></div>
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<b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Old beauty hurtling down Dharamtollah street.</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b>The Great Eastern Hotel, at one time this was the best hotel in this part of the world. Now in shambles, but awaiting its turn to shine as gloriously as in the past. The hotel will soon be back with new management and complete renovation. But will those grand Durbar Halls survive renovation.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b>Dharamtolla Crossing. Many of us have non-erasable memories of waiting over for our beloved here before devouring Rosogollas, sandesh , mishti doi at K C Das or Chittoda's kobiraji and cutlet on Dacres Lane.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b>Howrah Bridge was always a lifeline for Calcutta more so in those days before the new and shiny Vidyasagar Setu came up on the Hooghly. But the romance of shiny Howrah bridge will remain forever. Those boat rides down the Hooghly in the summer afternoon and those stolen moments with the loved one behind the curtains on the nauko 'boat' will always remain special.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b>The Roadside Chaiwallah. Look out for the ketli and the Bhaanr. Tea drinking at such stalls will always remain an experience.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>The Calcutta Traffic Police constable. You can't miss him on the noisy Calcutta roads which tests their patience at all hours.</b></span></div>
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<b> Yello Taxis and the bare-chested cricketers peeking from the hoardings are a common sight today</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuzQclZPeuA/UKEaqa1j8ZI/AAAAAAAAAlA/NK0Ca1lPa5c/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuzQclZPeuA/UKEaqa1j8ZI/AAAAAAAAAlA/NK0Ca1lPa5c/s640/IMG_8132.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b>The Rickshawwallah. One of the several uniqueness of Calcutta.Many would say this is inhuman to ride a rickshaw pulled by a human, but i guess they have to feed themselves as well as their family somewhere in obscure village in Bihar. I quite liked my short ride down Mirza Ghalib Street on a March afternoon. The clink of bell was magic!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Fairlie Place Railway Building reminds me of those long hours standing in ques to book railway tickets or palming off the tout for a place in front of the long queue. Those days are gone for many of us. Now we book rail tickets at the click of the mouse. Hey wait.. Do we really travel by train any more?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b>Chowringhee Square - Aren't the signage of Chowringhee Hotel and East India Arms Co as dated as the building itself!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 17.981481552124023px;"><b>Anadi's Cabin. The place to go for Mughlai Parotha is still doing roaring business. I wish they could open on Sundays too!</b></span></div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-8320588504788006042012-11-12T20:59:00.001+05:302012-11-12T20:59:39.983+05:30Baba Khadak Singh Marg Flower Market - An obituary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is 4' O Clock in the morning. While the Delhiwallas are fast asleep , a certain set of people in Delhi are preparing to start their day well before the first sun rays hit the rooftops of Delhi buildings. These are no ordinary people. They are the Flower sellers of Delhi or should I say NCR! They are the phoolwallahs who deliver those lovely Lilies, carnations, roses, gladioli, the birds of heaven, narcisus , jasmine, mogra, lotus, orchids in several hues and many other flowers that a lay man like me is not knowledgeable enough to recognize. These flowers adorn our rooms, form bouquets for our loved ones, shape heavy garlands that is exchanged during 'varmala' in Indian weddings. The flowers for that vase in the hotel lobby or the one which is tucked in the hairdo of Indian woman, or the bouquet which a lovelorn sends to his muse. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The marigolds or 'genda phool, now made famous by the song in film 'Delhi 6' - this humble Indian flower is most commonly used during pooja (idol worship) by the Hindus. This market also delivers the white tube roses - Rajnigandhi which emanates heady fresh fragrance. But this is also the preferred flower which forms a wreath!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rows of stalls line up on the opposite road to Hanuman Mandir stretching from the Coffee House right upto Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts buildings. It is a riot of colors, smells which is extremely rejuvenating for the weary soul and senses of the city dwellers.</span></em><br />
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<em style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had to digress, because the flowers are such that it needs more attention than the sellers. All these men and some women from different parts of the city and suburbs head towards the grand old CP or Connaught Place to sell and buy fresh cut flowers. This is the market which provides flowers to the city of Delhi and NCR. This colorful and unique morning bazaar starts at the early hours say around 5 and wraps up by 9 am. In the semi darkness of the wee hours, the tempos, trucks and carts laden with fresh flowers from nearby areas as well as other cities assemble for the morning bazaar. Soon brisk transaction starts, deals are stuck after vociferous haggling and animated bargaining goes in right till the last bud has changed hands.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This market not only caters to the flowers shops but also individuals. I picked up few bunches of Lilies, orchids and birds of heaven for a steal - at half the price that one pays for the same flowers at Khan Market or Ferns & Petals. So if you are adventurous and can forgo few hours of extra sleep on a lazy Sunday morning, and only if you love flowers, then shrug off the early morning blues, drive down or rather cycle down to the old CP savor the early morning Flower Raga, pick up that lovely bunch of Lilies, carnations or rose and wake up your muse with the fresh bunch of flowers. That surely would be remembered as one of the most romantic mornings by your beau!. After all, in the age of 'Home Delivery' and 'online order' how many of us actually bring flowers for our loved ones!</span></em><br />
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alas! the municipal corporation of Delhi thought this market to be unauthorized and a nuisance, hence decided to shift this landmark to an obscure Ghazipur in the outskirts of East Delhi in 2011. </i><i style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Only a morbid Indian bureaucracy could think of this unthinkable!. The world governments encourage such markets to encourage tourism. But not in India! </i></div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-16016215699092649102012-07-18T22:47:00.000+05:302012-07-18T22:48:09.346+05:30Puducherry - The French Riviera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">P</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">uducherry</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, the colonial French town butting into Tamil Nadu on the coast of Bay of Bengal was once known as the French Riviera of the East. It has a rich past mostly dominated by the French influence as they lorded over this seaside town for several centuries before accession to the Indian republic in late 50's. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style';">Puducherry even today retains the ambiance of its French, Creole and Tamil past in its architecture, food & cultural heritage. It</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a town in a time wrap and demands unhurried walks to explore and experience it. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The old French quarter of the city offers glimpse into its romantic past and the French influence which is on ample display through </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the French mansions, its street names and the air of unhurried calm.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The town is divided into two distinct quarters - French (Ville Blanche) and Tamil (Ville Noir). The French quarter overlooking the sea has all the prominent French buildings, mansions and monuments with balustrades on the balcony, ornate grills and large bay windows and wooden doors rings in air of a time gone by, an atmospheric town dotted with boutique hotels, restaurants and boutiques. The sea breeze, colonial french mansions gaily painted in deep ochre, blues and white transport one to the settings in France. It is a slice of France in Tamil India.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Puducherry was designed based on the French grid pattern and features neat sectors and perpendicular streets. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Many streets still retain their French names, and French style villas are a common sight. In the French quarter, the buildings are typically colonial style </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">with long compounds and stately walls. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The old town is a replica of a tiny French town, with its colorful pastel-shaded houses and tree-lined streets.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is possibly the only place in India where old folks speak in French. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">The nearby </span><b style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Auroville</b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">, the Utopian city founded by Sri Aurobindo brought together people with multinational and multiracial backgrounds which led to creation of pursuits which is amalgam of the best of the east and the west. This synthesis spills over to the French Town too as it reflects in the arts and crafts, cuisine and fashion that is on display here.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Go to Puducherry for a rejuvenating escape in a laid back atmosphere, enjoy the hospitality of french mansions, gorge on fusion cuisine, indulge yourself in some of the best shopping experiences in India and live few days devoid of the temptations of a materialistic existence. Enjoy walks on the sandy and secluded beaches near Auroville, stay in the eco friendly home at Auroville or in one of the restored French mansions, join the global community to lend a helping hand to spread the greenery or eco farming. For more adventurous there is options of wind surfing, scuba diving and para gliding at the nearby beach facility. Walk or hire a bicycle and enjoy the atmosphere at leisurely pace.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">After a 5 hours long road journey of 150 kms from Chennai on East Coast Road traversing through the palm fringed expressway takes one to this seaside abode. I head straight to </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">The Gratitude</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">, an old colonial mansion very lovingly restored by INTACH Pondicherry and the owners. The Gratitude epitomises the fine living quarters of this French town, simple yet elegant with several hundred years of history and anecdotes hidden in its long corridors, rooms with lofty ceiling</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">g and the high pillared courtyard. It is a place of retreat for Kakoli, the proud owner who has so generously opened its doors for the 'like minded people' who appreciate the beauty and the quietness of French colonial heritage home.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">After a sumptuous meal and some rest on the antique four poster bed I find myself on the the Rue Romain Rolland with INTACH Pondicherry Walking Guide in hand to experience first hand the slice of France. My first pit stop is <strong>Town Hall</strong> on Goubert Avenue on the beach front. Formerly Hotel de Ville serving the French population now converted into office of the municipal corporation. Tall arches, pillared corridors and high ceilings, shuttered windows and white washed, the place gives a glimpse of the days when the fate of this territory was decided here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/6/4631140-Notre_Dame_des_Agnes_Pondicherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/6/4631140-Notre_Dame_des_Agnes_Pondicherry.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">From there I head to the Rue de La Caserne for a visit to the </span><strong style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Notre Dame de Anges Church</strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">The Church is built in the Greco-Roman style in 1855 A.D. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;">Known locally in Tamil as ''Kaps Kovil" or the church of the Capuchins. This church boasts a rare oil painting of Our Lady of the Assumption which was a gift from Napoleon III. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Its facade, flanked by two unadorned square towers faces east towards the ocean. The interior is roofed by a barrel vault, with a great dome rising over the crossing. The pastel peach and lime colors give it a very serene appearance. The church has old pews (seating) made of cane, Indian stained glass that filters sunlit patterns of color into the interior.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Next up on Rue Bussy is the </span><strong style="font-family: Georgia;">Ecole Francais de</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><strong style="font-family: Georgia;">Extreme Oriente</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Up next is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: small;"><strong>Cluny Embroidery Centre</strong> on Rue du Bazaar Saint Laurent. Once a majestic hotel named Hotel Lagrenee de Meziere this is now home to the sisters of Cluny Convent. Watch nimble fingered girls make embroidered master pieces in the latest European styles. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">This large house has different courtyards, a tropical garden, lots of warehouses and storerooms. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">One can notice beautiful stucco and iron works. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: small;">Further up and on the lane left Rue Lebourdonnais stands the </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Alliance Francais.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">The Alliance Française de Pondichéry was created in 1897 and is among the first Alliances in the world after the one in Paris. </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><strong style="background-color: white;">Maison Bellocq</strong><span style="background-color: white;"> houses the administrative and technical wings, multimedia library, auditorium and twelve classrooms. Open </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monday to Friday - 8.30 àm to 12.30 and 14.30 to 18.15 pm and Saturdays - 8.30 àm to 12.30 pm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Cross over the Rude De Cassim to the Tamil Quarters and head to the office of </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">Intach</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> on Rue Mahatma Gandhi. to understand the magnificent work that this organization has done </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">to document and conserve Pondicherry's built heritage. Housed in a old Tamil mansion , painstakingly restored it has massive wooden pillared inner courtyard with a thalavaram and thinnai in the traditional Tamil architectural form. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">INTACH Pondicherry</span></b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;"><b>inner courtyard veranda and the external facade </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Up next on Rue Victor Simonell is <strong>Lycee Francaise, </strong>where children of the few thousands of french people attended the classes. E</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stablished in 1826, this institute still imparts education to hundreds of Pondicherrians in French. Special permission is required to visit this colonial place, with its well preserved shady courtyard, columns and balconies. It also has an interesting collection of old photographs of colonial Puducherry and collection of very rare coins of the French East Indian Company.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Take a right turn on Rue de La Caserne and head to the </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">Art Gallery</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> housed in a charming mansion. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Our next stop is the </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">Chamber of Commerce</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> Building on Rue Mahe de Labourdonnais. A double storied building with tall columns, high ceiling corridors and arched gates. This place demands your attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: small;">The next door </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple;">UCO Bank</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: small;"> is a charming and magnificent French building. The place presents air of grandeur and expansive vista. The charming colonnaded corridors and arched windows enticed me to walk in and soak in the atmosphere. </span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This dates from 1916 when it was La Banque de l’ Indochin.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The green <strong>Bharti Park</strong> across the road is home to large number of evergreen tall trees and plants. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;">This is where the French financial and administrative buildings were concentrated. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">From Rue Victor simonel we take a right turn on MV Kovil street where the <b>Legislative Assembly </b>of Pondicherry government is housed in the old </span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">Tribunal building (from where the lower courts functioned). </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">The Assembly building has circular rooms as part of the front facade with an elevated portico. This is a typical French building with a grand flight of stairs flanked by traditional terracotta hand balusters. The staircase leads to the colonnaded portico with round masonry. It also had grand French windows with pillars in between. The sides of the building also had stairs since the building has </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; line-height: 15px;">a high plinth.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Across the road is <strong>Ashram Dining Hall</strong>, our next stop where one can enjoy simple, though bland and </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">nutritious meal. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="color: purple;">This massive kitchen-cum-dining-hall caters to over several thousand people every meal. If you stay in one of the Ashram guest houses, you could buy dining pass for about Rs.30. Breakfast is excellent with amazing spread of breads</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">On the adjoining Rue Saint Louis stands the <strong>Raj Niwas</strong>, the residence of the Governor. It </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;"> was earlier a hotel meant especially for the members of the French East India Company and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> the official residence </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">of the French Governor Dupleix. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">One of the main attractions here is the monolithic pillars, brought from Gingee Fort after its capture in 1751.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another attraction is the water monument placed in the middle of a well-maintained garden, which is the monument of the reminiscence of the introduction of good drinking water scheme for the population.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Raj Niwas - The Official Residence of Governor</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">The <b>Puducherry </b><strong>Museum</strong> is nearby on the adjoining St Louis Street. It is a colonial building built in garden villa architectural form, strewn with Pallava and Chola era sculptures, pottery excavated from the nearby ancient port town of Arikamedu, coins and bric-a-brac from the period gone by, a sedan chair and a pousse-pousse carriage. </span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Especially fascinating is the ancient printing press from 1820, old books and journals that were published here. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Museum is closed on Mondays and remains open between 9:40 am to 1 pm and 2:330 pm to 5 pm. Entry Fee - Adult Rs.2, Children - Rs. 1 </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">The 300 years old temple of </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;">Mannakula Vinyangar</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> stands on the MV Kovil Street south of the Aurobindo Ashram named after the deity. Dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant god. Worth watching is the decorated giant elephant outside the temple giving pat on head to the devotees who throng this temple in large numbers. The temple remains open from 6 in the morning till 12:30 and again in the afternoon from 4 to 9:30. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">At the intersection of MV Kovil Street and Rue Francais Martin is the iconic A<b>urobindo Ashram, s</b>et up by Sri Aurobindo and his companion 'the Mother' in 1926. Visitors throng the Ashram in large numbers every day to experience the calm near the samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and Maa. Since its establishment the Ashram has played a significant role in socio-spiritual-economic fabric of the town.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Further up towards the promenade stands the <strong>French Consulate</strong> housed in an old mansion on Rue Saint Giles, a charming building with large windows on the upper corridor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">At the junction of Rue De Pont and MV Kovil Street stands the</span><strong style="color: purple;"> Golconde.</strong><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The Maison Colombani on the rue Dumas presents itself as a cultural center that affirms this association by hosting a number of artistic as well as cultural events from time to time. This white-washed structure comprises an art gallery and a multi-media center that hosts a number of concerts, exhibitions and dance events throughout the year. It also serves as a main center for contemporary art exhibition for local talents. Besides, the </span><a href="http://puducherry.eventseekr.com/cafe-de-flore/restaurants/venue/729582" style="border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cafe de Flore</a><span style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> which spills out on its courtyard serves as a decent place for breakfast and lunch. This sea-front cultural center is bound to enthrall you with the plethora of events that takes place throughout the year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">With this I complete the walk of the French Quarters. Up next on day 2 is walk of the Tamil Quarters and visit to the famed restaurants / cafe and boutique of Puducherry.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nearest airport and rail head</b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - Chennai (140 kms), Taxis, buses available from Chennai. Journey from Chennai to Puducherry takes about 3 hours. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple;">The express buses takes 3 ½ hours to reach Puducherry. Preferably take the buses coming by the East Coast Road via Mahabalipuram, instead of the National Highway, as the ECR (East Coast Road) is far more scenic with shimmering sea to give you company most of the way</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Best time to visit</b> - December to March. April to Nov is hot and rain lashes the region. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: small;">Clouds are another delight in Puducherry. They pile over the sea in cumulus baroque billows and fronts with fine cirrus detailing. and often produce rem</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: small;">arkable sunsets at both the western and eastern horizons. T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">he Bay of Bengal is affected by the weather as well as by the moon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple;">Watching the sea separate from the sky at the horizon in the morning and reunite with it at night recalls the way traditional Muslims determine the daily beginning and end of the fasting time when black and white threads held together in the morning can be distinguished from each other and in the evening when they cannot.</span></span><br />
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</div>Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-32285882971497379482012-07-15T11:49:00.003+05:302012-07-15T11:52:57.033+05:30Munnar - The Misty Mountains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If your idea of a relaxing holiday includes walking through the misty undulating tea gardens, tea valley covered with green tea bushes, sloping hill</span><span style="background-color: white;"> tea gardens</span> make way for the meandering road which climbs and descends dramatically offering most enchanting vista of white fluffy clouds chasing the rain on the firmament of blue sky and down below women and men plucking tea leaves with their nimble fingers in the vast sloping gardens on the hills. Then you should head to the valley of Munnar. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The morning sun plays hide and seek with the dark rain laden clouds in the long months of monsoon and when it is time for the rain god to shower his blessings on the earth below it does so generously. Long hours of lashing rain followed by sunshine washes away any dust that may find its way on to the green trees and bushes. Tiny rain drops sparkle on the tea leaves and swaying trees. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The hills are not only abode to the several tea estates but also to numerous spice plantations producing the best of the Indian spices - cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One look at the lavish spread of nature here makes one to believe that this land has been generously blessed and truly it is Gods Own Country!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">What does one do in such a land, other than watch the nature in its glorious best? The monsoon rains, clouds, greenery, red earth accompanied with the call of birds unfold nature's opera. The </span><span style="background-color: white;">bulbuls, sunbirds, barbets, tree-pie, Malabar whistling thrush, babblers, drangos, the vernal hanging parrots create quite a ruckus. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The vista is the stage and the traveler, the audience in complete awe of the magical natural opera.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gentle walks through the landscape, visits to tea gardens to watch the tea plucking process first hand, eat freshest food and rejuvenate in the spas is all that one should do here. The television, internet and mobile should be rested for few days. This is where one really connects with nature. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>How to Reach</strong>: Approx 130 kms from Kochi, can be reached in about 3 hours. Drive down through NH85. Most of the resorts are away from the Munnar town. Hire car or taxi from Kochi. Drive from Kochi is itself a treat as one meanders through the countryside, villages, valleys with thick cover of evergreen forests and the rolling tea plantations. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's my pick of the top stay options in Munnar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u><a href="http://ambadyestate.com/"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Ambady</span> Estate</span></a></u></strong></span><br />
<a href="http://ambadyestate.com/">http://ambadyestate.com/</a><br />
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Ambady Estate is wrapped in the cool embrace of the Sahya rainforest, surrounded by awe-inspiring Parvathy Hills on one side and the marvelous view of the ‘Chokkan Mala’, Idukki Dam, and the tea plantations on the other sides. Spread across seventy acres, the plantation is home to diverse and indigenous flora and fauna. <span style="background-color: white;">Tastefully appointed large and spacious bedrooms with attached living area and private gardens in the colonial twin </span><span style="background-color: white;">bungalows provide an invigorating and rejuvenating experience.</span></div>
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<img alt="Ambady Estate :: Munnar" height="426" id="fancybox-img" src="http://ambadyestate.com/images/gallery/ambady-1.jpg" style="background-color: white;" width="640" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The estate offers various nature activity options - trek through the cardamom plantation under the shady canopy of old evergreen trees, participate in plantation activities like processing of cardamom and pepper. One can also go for jeep safari through the plantations, trek along the steep hills, or if you are lucky - you can also watch migration of Blue Tiger butterfly. </span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_brown">:<img alt="Ambady Estate" height="233" src="http://ambadyestate.com/images/banner-1.jpg" width="640" /></span><span class="text_sub_red"><br /></span><span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_brown" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Facilities</b>: Trekking, Nature walk, cooking classes, bird watching, Restaurant serves organic vegetables and herbs.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><strong><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tea Valley Resort</span></u></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red">Tea Valley resort is just a stone’s throw distance from Munnar town. The alluring bends and curves of Munnar roads will lead you to a wonderful luxury resort perched on natural greens. Stationed in the middle of a tea-estate, the name Tea-Valley literally gives you the feel of staying in the lap of mother nature. Every green sprout in this 6.5 acres of unexplored nature will surely enchant you. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;">Tea Valley resort in Munnar is unique in many ways. Pleasantly pitched in the middle of a tea-estate, it offers more of an escapade with nature in all splendour and color than a routine resort visit. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;"><img alt="Tea Valley Resort" height="400" src="http://images.hotel-rates.com/hotels/3000000/2940000/2936900/2936808/2936808_2_b.jpg" width="400" />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;">Tastefully furnished each room with private balcony faces the plantation and evergreen trees. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;">The resort offers 25 semi-detached cottages, each having a private deck overlooking the valley. The structure and the interiors provide a partially colonial and ethnic feel well-supported by the lush greenery surrounding the hill top resort. One can stroll in the nature-fresh garden to one's heart's content. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Multicuisine Restaurant, mountain biking, rock climbing, reiki and yoga. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges from Rs.5,000 to Rs.6,500 depending on the cottage type and season of visit</span></span></span></div>
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Tea Valley Resort</strong></span> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Puthamedu, Munnar. Phone: 486 5233213 / 5232448. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"> email: <a href="mailto:booking@teavalleyresort.com">booking@teavalleyresort.com</a></span><span class="text_sub_red"></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Bracknell Resort</u></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><a href="http://www.bracknellforestmunnar.com/">http://www.bracknellforestmunnar.com/</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">Free from the pollution, hustles and bustles of the Munnar town, the “Bracknell Forest” is in the center of a cardamom plantation about 10 kms from Munnar town. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">The cottages are built <span style="background-color: white;">in traditional Kerala Nalukettu architecture and fully loaded with the amenities the cottages offer </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">tremendous view of greenery from the balcony. The surroundings of “Bracknell Forest” is ideal for bird watching and the adventurous activities like rock climbing, trekking, etc.</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;">The resort accommodates only five families which ensures you get personalized hospitality and service.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span class="c-inmdletxt"><b>Bracknell Forest <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bison Valley Road, Ottamaram, Munnar. Phone: </span><span style="background-color: white;">4865 231555/ 266455. Mobile: 9947019099. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> email: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><a class="cmail_link" href="mailto:bracknellforest@yahoo.com" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">bracknellforest@yahoo.com</span></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Casa Del Fauno</u></strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><br /></span></span><span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;"><b>Casa Del Fauno</b> is a charming country home situated amidst a cardamom plantation spread across hundred of acres. The home is located on a clearing dating built by the pioneering planters. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">The home stay offers </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">three spacious bedrooms, all aesthetically furnished and equipped with all modern facilities for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Gourmet traditional Kerala cuisine cooked from the organically grown vegetable and grains from the nearby paddy fields. The fish comes from the nearby lake and the mutton from the local farmers. </span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;">Take a stroll down the estate road or drive and catch a glimpse of the sun, rising past the majestic mountains and peaks. <span style="background-color: white;">Unwind in the hut and enjoy and listen to the Malabar whistling Thrush wake you up from deep slumber. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges from Rs. <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">4250 to Rs. 6500</span></span></span></div>
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple;"><b>Casa Del Fauno Homestay</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Peak Gardens, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Chinnakanal, Muttukadu, Munnar. </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;">Phone: 484 3048769. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"> Mobile: 9895766444 / </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;">9447222020</span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Talayar Tea Bungalow</u></strong></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">1000 acres of rolling tea plantations with a 3 bedroom colonial bungalow could well be your abode in the clouds for few days if you care for solitude and being with nature. Talayar Tea Bungalow is set in the tea plantation, all rooms are furnished with period furnitures which offers comfortable stay option.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><img src="http://www.homestayskerala.com/uploadedfiles/photogallery/images/image_84.jpg" style="background-color: white;" /><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">The bungalow has a living room, a rack library, a tea room leading and a well maintained garden, a bonfire area and lawns gracing the frontage of the bungalow.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">Living there is quite like spending time at home with a difference that you have your own personal array of service staff. It is a perfect getaway for city bred souls in search of quality time to rejuvenate the body and mind and be in communion with nature. The tranquility that this place offers may some times unnerve a city bred person living life in the high street. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Let the Malabar Thistle wake you up, go for long walks, give that fresh dose of pure air to your weary lungs so used to pollution, spend time in the lounge reading the book that you always wanted to and engage in star gazing on a clear night. I bet you would not have seen such cluster of stars ever in your life (unless you are a village bred!). And when you need to get up close to the process of tea processing walk across to the tea factory and watch green leaves being tuned into provide the perfect cuppa!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Excellent home cooked food with cuisine ranging from soups to desserts with unlimited quantity like a home would keep you satiated.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Facilities:</strong>3 bedrooms with fireplace. Loving Room, Home cooked Meal</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Talayar Tea Bungalow</strong> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Talliar Tea Estate, Talliar, Munnar. Email: </span></span><a href="mailto:sureshbabu.g@teil.in"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">sureshbabu.g@teil.in</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="mailto:reservations@teil.in"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">reservations@teil.in</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Mobile: 9495447748 / 9486951198. Phone: 4865-257314</span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><strong><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Windermere Estate</span></u></strong></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #009933;">www.windermeremunnar</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #009933;">.com</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">Windermere Estate is a 60 acre Cardamom plantation where the manicured tea gardens merge with the lush green forests of western ghats. <span style="background-color: white;">The Planter's family next door provides homely atmosphere, ensures security and local advice.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;">The choice of accommodation includes </span><strong style="background-color: white;">The Garde Rooms - </strong><span style="background-color: white;">four rooms set in verdant gardens with a lavish veranda and typical plantation home interior with a view of the valley below; </span><strong style="background-color: white;">Cottages - </strong><span style="background-color: white;">Six exquisite rooms named after the plantation vegetation (cardamom, coffee, vanilla) each spread over 600 square feet. The huge window frames do justice to the picture perfect mountains beyond; </span><strong style="background-color: white;">The Planter's Villa Room s</strong><span style="background-color: white;">et amidst the oaks with a perfect vista of surrounding tea-clad hills, each being 1,100 sq ft of wood with a private balcony, sitting & dinning, and a bathroom which opens into a courtyard still leaves you with an enormity of space. Massive, rustic & cozy furniture adorn the villa rooms.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">For activity you may wish to embark on Cardamom walk through the estate which takes about 2 hr and covers 4 kms through the cardamom plantation and evergreen trees or go for long trek through the tea plantations and surrounding hills. You may also choose to Do Nothing!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><img src="http://www.lifeisoutside.com/windermere-estate-munnar/actual-images/rooms/Planter's%20Villa.jpg" />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">The dining cuisine options here spans the traditional Kerala cuisine, Indian, continental and oriental. And for the dining venue one can choose from </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple;">The Barn, </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; text-align: left;">an expansive dining area with an old fashioned fire place and wooden pillars or </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; text-align: left;">Boulder Garden </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; text-align: left;">tucked under a big boulder, ideal spot for barbeque and campfire. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; text-align: left;">The Hut </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; text-align: left;">serves snacks, sizzlers and fruits. </span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;">A library here is well stocked with books and large materials on plantation and nature.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: purple;">The Windermere Estate</span></b> <span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poathamedu, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Munnar. Phone: 484 2425237, 4865 230512. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"> Email: </span></span><a href="mailto:info@windermeremunnar.com" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">info@windermeremunnar.com</a></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Camp Noel</u></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><a href="http://campnoel.com/">http://campnoel.com/</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Camp Noel Nature Resort is a secluded wilderness resort that is inconveniently located high up in the clouds at an altitude of 6500 feet. Located near the village of Pazhathottam. It takes about 90 minutes to reach the resort from Munnar town. The first 30 kms is a very scenic drive on the Kodaikkanal highway via Mattuppetti and Kundale Dam. The last 6 kms to the resort is an off road adventure. Be prepared to ride out some rough terrain through a forest track, there are no roads to speak of!</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">The experience here is unlike the typical resort or hotel. Enjoy nature at it’s pristine best, enchanting nature walks, treks of varying duration, camp fires and the occasional wild life rendezvous would keep you occupied. The place is hard to get to, b<span style="background-color: white;">ut once you get here you will simply fall in love with the place pristinely preserved.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><img alt="Camp Noel, Munnar - Cottage" class="attachment-featured-slide wp-post-image" height="325" src="http://campnoel.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/img22.jpg" title="Camp Noel, Munnar - Cottage" width="640" /></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Spread <span style="background-color: white;">over 15 acres of grass lands in the village of Pazhathottam (meaning Fruit Garden), once a royal orchard, it is surrounded by villages.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="Camp Noel, Munnar - Inside Camp Noel" class="attachment-featured-slide wp-post-image" height="325" src="http://campnoel.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/291-958x487.jpg" title="Camp Noel, Munnar - Inside Camp Noel" width="640" /></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The beauty and design of accommodation here connects one with the surrounding environment, while ensuring comfort and convenience. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The charm of the cottages combined with the high standard of home comforts and modern facilities many miles from home, is instantly relieving, as you prepare to unwind and take everything at your own pace.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="Camp Noel, Munnar - Lobby" class="attachment-featured-slide wp-post-image" height="325" src="http://campnoel.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/img12.jpg" title="Camp Noel, Munnar - Lobby" width="640" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">The accommodation options include spacious and beautifully appointed </span><b style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Club House Rooms</b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"> with balcony overlooking the panoramic vista of mountains and valleys. Stay here entitles one to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">exclusive access to the club lounge. The rooms can accommodate 2 adults, with well appointed double bed rooms attached with luxurious bathrooms. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><b>The Cottages, </b>two bedroom facility with views of the majestic mountains<b> </b>is ideal w</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">hen traveling with family or friends. All cottages are over 1000 sq ft and feature separate living area with beautiful stone fire place, gourmet kitchen, dining area, 2 bath attached bed rooms and all other necessary amenities. Cottages can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Facilities</b>: Club House</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Tariff</b>: Rooms from Rs 5000 to Rs. 6000. Cottages from Rs 7500 to Rs 14500</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><b style="color: purple;">Camp Noel</b><span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Puzhathottam Village, Munnar. Phone: 0484 2304406. Mobile: 8590507050. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"> email: </span><a href="mailto:manager@campnoel.com" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">manager@campnoel.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Blackberry Hills</u></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><a href="http://www.blackberryresorts.com/">http://www.blackberryresorts.com</a></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nestled against the backdrop of hills are a set of delightful cottages with magnificent view of the mountain ranges. Time comes to a standstill at the Blackberry, where days are incredibly snail paced. And you definitely turn out to be the monarch of all your survey. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well furnished ethnic cottages will charm you. Open your bedroom window to get the view of the most spectacular sunrise, or sunset from your balcony. Feel the life flourishing in the far-flung plantation village of the valley below. You cannot get any closer to nature than this and whisper sweet nothings to the mist-drenched valley.This is a balcony from where you can watch Munnar in its entirety, its tea plantations, waterfalls, tropical forests.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Accommodation option ranges from 18 cottages each with individual pathways nestling against mountain range; 6 Garden Studio rooms; 6 Garden Suites and 6 Villa Suites. Garden Suites and Villa Suites have a living room with dining area in addition to bed room and balcony - all with splendid valley view. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red">Caution: Not recommended for person with acute cardiac and knee concerns </span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facilities:Dining, Sisal Spa</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tariff: Villa Suite from Rs 6800 to Rs 9600, Garden Suite - Rs 5900 to RS 8400, </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Garden Studio - Rs 4900 to Rs 7200</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blackberry Hills Mountain EcoLodge</span>s</b></span> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bison Valley Road, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Pothamedu View Point, Munnar</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Aranyaka Resort</u></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><a href="http://www.aranyakaresorts.com/" style="background-color: white;">http://www.aranyakaresorts.com/</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aranyaka is my kind of place - private, comfortable, luxurious, safe and tranquil. This is certainly a place for a <span style="background-color: white;">Traveler! The cottages are housed in Pallivasal Estate, the gateway of the Tata Tea's plantations in Munnar. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The four Cottage (named after the Indian rivers - Ganga, Yamuan, Godavari and Kaveri) accommodation that is well spread from each other provides absolute privacy. The aesthetically designed with eco-friendly materials, these cottages are e</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">quipped with the best-in-its-class creature comforts including wi-fi connectivity. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">The in-house restaurant caters exclusively to the guests offers a wide menu of continental, chinese and Indian dishes. The ingredients used are fresh from the gardens around the cottage and plantations. For that exclusive dining experience they even set up table near your cot</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">tage or outside to experience dining under the open sky.</span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Home Stay Option</b>: They also offer accommodation in cottages under Home stay option. Tariff for the home stay cottages ranges from Rs. 1750 to Rs. 5000</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Tariff</b>: Rs 3500 to Rs. 5000 depending on the cottage type and season visited</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Aranyaka Resorts</b></span> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Pullivasal Estate, Munnar. Phone: </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span class="skype_pnh_print_container_1341739713" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">4865 230533 / </span><span class="skype_pnh_print_container_1341739713" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">230023</span><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" tabindex="-1"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" tabindex="-1"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Mobile: Rajesh - 9443133722, Poornima Arun: 9744705709 / 8943234469</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" tabindex="-1"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Email: contact@aranyakaresorts.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><img class="landingLogoImg" height="1" src="http://www.aranyakaresorts.com/images/spacer.gif" style="background-color: white;" width="1" /></span></span><span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Olivebrook</u></strong></span></span></h3>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><a href="http://www.olivebrookmunnar.com/">http://www.olivebrookmunnar.com/</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nestled in the rustic Elettaria Cardamom Plantation Olive Brook is a fine purveyor of excellent food and highly personalized service. Spread over 8 acre lush cardamom plantation.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The luxurious cottages categorised as Adam and Eve provide accommodation with the warmth and coziness of a family ambience. The building invokes colonial charm are set amidst lush cardamom plantations and a beautiful garden full of exotic plants with brilliant vibrant blooms. </span><br />
<img height="480" src="http://www.indiamike.com/india/attachments/11190d1251418311-trip-to-munnar-in-september-2009-kerala-2-075.jpg" width="640" />
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The structure is designed with indigenous materials in an eco-friendly manner to blend perfectly with the surrounding lush landscape. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Carefully designed rooms offer jaw-dropping views of the lush surrounding greenery and the garden.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Activity option includes - trekking, rock climbing, explore local countryside.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Tariff:</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Oliver Brook</b> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Pothamedu, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Munnar. Phone: </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">4865 230588 / 231079. Mobile: </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">94470 71076</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_sub_red"><span class="text_sub_red"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> email: </span><a class="small_text_link" href="mailto:mail@olivebrookmunnar.com?subject=Mail%20from%20Our%20Site" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">mail@olivebrookmunnar.com</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> / </span><a class="small_text_link" href="mailto:olivebrook@sancharnet.in?subject=Mail%20from%20Our%20Site" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">olivebrook@sancharnet.in</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><u>Nature Zone</u></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.naturezoneresort.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.naturezoneresort.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nature Zone is all about experiences. Sleeping in a tree house, in the middle of wood, listening to the rhythmic chants of the beetles, waking up to the morning alarm set by the Malabar Laughing Thrush, sun rays peeping through the leaves. </span></div>
<img height="426" src="http://www.naturezoneresort.com/images/tree15_big.jpg" width="640" />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is the ideal spot to get acquainted with nature in its serene beauty and place where you can observe multitude of fauna from close quarters. </span><br />
<img height="426" src="http://www.keralatreehouse.com/photos/p06.jpg" width="640" />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Accommodation option includes </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">12 African Safari Luxury Tents totally merged with the nature's landscape and 5 bamboo houses mounted on the tree tops. </span><br />
<img height="384" src="http://www.brammahotels.com/flash_images/9.jpg" width="640" />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Luxuriously furnished these tents and tree houses have made good use of eco friendly materials. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each cottage has well-appointed rooms and large verandas surrounded by aromatic plants.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></strong><strong style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facilities:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Tariff: Tent </b>- Rs.6000. Tree House - Rs.7700. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">N</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: purple;">ature Zone Resort </strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Pulippara, Pallivasal, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Munnar. Contact - </span><span style="background-color: white;">Jerin - 9946639985</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Phone: </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"> 484 6493301. </span><span class="contact_padding" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Mobile</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">: 9645450703</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><u>Tall Tree Resort</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ttr.in/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.ttr.in/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ttr.in/downloads/html/big_images/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Please click right mouse button and select Set as Wallpaper" border="0" height="491" src="http://www.ttr.in/downloads/html/big_images/06.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Tall Trees Resorts has magnificently preserved the diverse eco system on its sprawling 66 acres of evergreen forest and plantations and provides all the modern creature comforts in its cottages which are tastefully nestling among the greenery. There are 600 trees overshadowing the resort landscape covered with stretches of preserved wilderness, carefully nurtured cardamom plantations, gurgling streams, rocky formations and numerous orchids and wild plants. The endemic birds, butterflies and wild animals cohabit and make this place truly a nature's own play field!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each cottage is an independent unit and built on stilts under the lofty trees. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The interiors and furnishing have local Kerala traditional and rustic flavours combined with the modern ideas of comfortable living. The balconies allow the residents to observe the nature in all its verdant bounty all around.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Luxury Cottage has two well-furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms, one spacious living room, one dining room and two balconies from where you can be one with nature. Deluxe Cottage has one well-furnished bedroom with bathroom, a living room, a dining room and two balconies. Standard Cottage has a large bedroom with attached bath and a spacious balcony.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Activities</b>: Walks and treks through the forest land and plantations. Campfire, barbeque's and adventure activities. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Dining:</b> The multi cuisine<b> </b>restaurant offers Continental, Indian and Kerala delicacies in glass roofed restaurant The open air theater and campfire areas enhance the unity with the earth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The birds sing in unison with nature.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Facilities</b>:</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Tariff</b>: Standard Cottage - Rs.6400 to 8800, Deluxe Cottage - Rs. 10400 to Rs.12800</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Luxury Cottage - Rs 16800 to Rs. 21600</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /><b>The Tall Trees</b> </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Munnar. Phone: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">4865-230641 / 230593 / 232716. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;">Email : </span><a href="mailto:info@ttr.in" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">info@ttr.in</a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Mountain Trail</u></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.mountaintrailresort.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">www.mountaintrailresort.com</a>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mountain Trail Resorts has </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">20 elegantly furnished suite rooms set in landscaped garden, each suite has a well-appointed living room and a spacious bedroom with balcony which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The m</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ulti-cuisine restaurant offers dishes spanning across Kerala, South Indian, North Indian, Mughlai and Continental cuisine </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="color: purple;">MountainTrail </b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Venadu, Chinnakanal, Munnar. Phone: 4868 202600, 202601</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"> Email : <a href="mailto:mail@mountaintrailresort.com">mail@mountaintrailresort.com</a></span></span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kalarickal Heritage</span></strong></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.mahindrahomestays.com/homestays/thekkady/kalarickal-heritage-bungalow" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.mahindrahomestays.com/homestays/thekkady/kalarickal-heritage-bungalow</span></a>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span id="ctl00_hsMiddleHolder_lblHomestayDescription" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The almost a century old heritage Kalarickal bungalow offers a perfect home stay in the plantation land. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bungalow often doubled up as the village office for the planters who came to seek advice from him. The traditional essence of the bungalow has been retained ensuring that the original granite and clay combination blends perfectly with the new teak roof additions, mandatory for the upkeep of the house. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">An old curing shed for cardamom still stands at the entrance, with many new additions to the machinery to simplify the process. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With an avid interest in flowers, the greenhouse takes care of some magnificent anthuriums, in memory of his mother, from as far as Hawaii. Bee keeping is one of the other interests which keep the hosts busy. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pepper and cardamom grow on its plains, coffee can be found on uphill in the plantation. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facilities:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tariff: Rs. 3250 to Rs. 4000</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Club Mahindra Lake View</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Club Mahindra Lake View is an excellent property nestled inside a rolling tea plantation. Sitting in your cottage or apartment balcony you could see the vast expanse of the rolling tea plantations, hills and the lake in the far distance. Tea shrubs are all around, you step out of your cottage and you have the rolling tea plantations.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"> Club Mahindra Lake View as seen from a distance across the valley</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">View from the Room </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">The clouds play hide and seek and when it pours it shows on the land below and the swaying trees</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">The birds rush to their nests and create quite a ruckus.</span>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The evening from the balcony brings enchanting play of fading daylight, clouds descending in the valley and even caressing your face. The car lights leave a bright streak on the road below.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The cottages and apartments are shrouded by thick foliage cover. The resort has been planted with large varieties of evergreen trees and plants. Designed purposely to provide a salubrious environment to the jaded city bred travelers.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Spacious studio apartments and cottages are tastefully furnished and provide comfortable stay. All apartments and cottages have kitchen with microwave oven, crockery and cutlery.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Club, Multi cuisine Restaurant, Barbeque's, Children's Corner, Store, Gift shop,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> local excursions</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Club Mahindra Lake View</strong> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Chinnakanal, Munnar</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>KTDC Tea County</u></strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.teacountymunnar.com/">http://www.teacountymunnar.com/</a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cosily nestled right in the middle of two hills is Tea County. Enjoy the
mist rolling down in the warmth of luxuriously furnished rooms. For activities one can bicycle
down mountain trails, para glide over the valleys, go trekking, climb rocks, try
to catch a rainbow trout or spend a day in a tea plantation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">67 rooms and suites, all tastefully furnished to provide comfort and great view is hallmark of this resort. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Ayurveda therapy, health club, restaurant, paragliding</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Rs.5000 to Rs.12000 depending on the room type and season of visit</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times;"><strong>Tea County - KTDC</strong> <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">KTDC Hill Resort, Munnar. Phone: 4865-230460 / 230969. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"> e</span></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">mail: </span><a href="mailto:teacountymunnar@ktdc.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">teacountymunnar@ktdc.com</span></a></span></div>
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</div>Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-32394034053136869722012-07-08T11:51:00.000+05:302012-07-08T15:17:19.449+05:30Fort Kochi Homestays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Staying options in Fort Kochi is varied and from rock bottom basics to the top end luxurious. One is spoilt for choise of stay options - from colonial centuries old mansions, traditional old Kerala houses, newly constructed bungalows and houses view for your attention. Your selection ultimately depends on your affordability and the atmosphere that you want while you are traveling. I have dealt with the Colonial boutqiue mansion hotels in my earlier post. This one would talk about Homestay options that figure on top of my list and would love to patronize them when I am looking for pocket freindly, homely and atmospheric options in the colonial Kochi. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong><u>Walton's Homestay</u></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/39, Walton Hall, Princess Street. Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">The finest Home stay for me at colonial Cochin would be Walton's, the house by the side of the Road is located on the charming Princess Street in close vicinty of the Chinese Fish nets. A family run establishment it is a </span><span style="color: purple;">refreshing oasis of peace and tranquility with a garden full of birds. This relaxing and serene home stay is run by philosopher and local historian Christopher Edward Walton, a Catholic family in a centuries old Dutch building. Their friendly and cheerful service is legendary. Their Garden Cottage would be my choice of room any day! </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">The rooms are simple (non AC) yet relaxing with period furniture and en-suite bathroom. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Yoga classes, Reading Room with extensive collection of newspaper cuttings on the history and culture of Cochin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong>Tariff:</strong> Ranges from Rs.500 to Rs.1200 depending on the room type and season visited</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.waltonshomestay.com/">Walton's Homestay</a> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">1/39, Walton Hall, Princess Street, Fort Kochi . Phone: 0484 2215309, Mobile: 9249721935</span></span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: purple;">Raintree Lodge</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/618, Peter Celli Street, Fort Kochi</span><br />
<img alt="Raintree Lodge" height="236" src="http://www.cochinhotel.in/raintree_lodge/hotel.jpg" style="float: right;" width="315" /><br />
Tucked away at the far end of quaint Peter Celli Street overlooking the nearby Santa Cruz Basillica is a cosy homestay. The canopy of a large raintree covers the road around the house. The house is a two storied 18th century Dutch mansion converted into a homestay option by the Edgars who also run the Old Harbour Hotel. Some of the rooms have attached balcony, great place to sit and enjoy fresh air overlooking the vast patch of greenery all around. <br />
The rooms are furnished with traditional tile flooring, two poster beds, ensuite bathrooms and private balconies. Other facilities include a lounge room and an open terrace garden overlooking the ancient sites of the town. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cochinhotel.in/raintree_lodge/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="236" src="http://www.cochinhotel.in/raintree_lodge/bedroom.jpg" width="315" /></a>They do not serve any food or drinks here which is a dampner for me. However, the famous Cafe Teapot and meal house Shala are just few meters away</div>
<br /><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges from Rs 1500 to Rs.2000 depending on the room type and season visited.<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Phone: +91 (484) 3951489. Mobile:+91 98470 29000</span><br /><br /><br />
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<strong><u>Fort House Hotel</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">2/61, Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The family run old mansion hotel is located on the waterfront near the Vypen Jetty. Simple yet elegantly furnished airy and air conditioner rooms built around a lush tropical garden each having their own verandah offers view of the garden as well as the waterfront of Cochin harbour. For me the rooms in the old block is a clincher!</span></div>
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Tropical Garden and large trees provide green cover<br />
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The rooms open in the central courtyard with long verandah<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They run a fairly decent Arca Nova Restaurant by the water front and serve freshest sea foods including Kerala Latin Christian cuisnes in a serene atmosphere.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Multicuisine Restaurant and spa.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges from Rs. 1500 to 3500 depending on the room type and season of visit</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.hotelforthouse.co.in/">Hotel Fort House</a> </span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fort Heritage</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/283, Napier Street, Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A 17th century Dutch mansion converted into a heritage homestay is run by the local syrian Christian family. The mansion has been restored to cater to the comforts of traveler yet retained the basic features of the heritage mansion that it is. A two storied building with rooms opening in the inner courtyard with large varandah on both the floors are airy and simply spacious.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk/hotelimages/1209392039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" id="il_fi" sb_id="ms__id8080" src="http://www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk/hotelimages/1209392039.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rooms are airconditioned and furnished with period furnitures and its walls adorn period paintings. Their inhouse restaurant The Heritage Zone serves the local Syrian Christian, Continental, Chinese and Indian barbeque food. The Silent Night Lawn is great place for breakfast and dinner. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fortheritage.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fort Heritage</span></strong></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/283, Napier Street, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2215333 / 221 5455. Mobile: Email: <span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Email: <span class="footer"><a class="smallhead" href="mailto:sfortheritage@sify.com"></a><a class="smallhead" href="mailto:fortheritage@sify.com">fortheritage@sify.com </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Leelu Homes</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Quiros Street, Behind Head Post Office. Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mrs Leelu Roy runs a fairly decent, simple, pocket freindly and cheerfully decorated homestay from her family home located behind St Francis Church and GPO. A former colonial hosue has been tastefully furnished and altered to cater to the needs of a traveler. They offer 7 rooms with en suite bathroom. Breakfast is served.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Cookery Classes</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges from Rs.600 to Rs.2200 depending on the room type and season visited.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.leeluhomestay.com/">Leelu Homes</a></span></strong> <span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Phone: 0484 2215377. Mobile: 9846055377. Email: </span><a href="mailto:simonroy@hotmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">simonroy@hotmail.com</span></a></div>
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<tr><td height="15"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Chiramel Residency</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/296, Lilly Street. Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICwSZujh1q0/T_lBRfNOowI/AAAAAAAAAP0/NVFP8YsgI_g/s1600/0013thum%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICwSZujh1q0/T_lBRfNOowI/AAAAAAAAAP0/NVFP8YsgI_g/s320/0013thum%5B1%5D.jpg" width="247" /></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The rambling teakwood mansion was built by the Dutch in the 17th century. The mansion offers chinese porcelian mosaic floor at the entrance. A backyard garden, a roof top garden. Spacious and airy rooms with teakwood floor, high and lofty ceilings with en suite bathroom and private sit out is what a traveler needs for a relaxing homestay.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The 5 rooms are carefully restored and provide a/c as well as non a/c accomodation. Rooms are tastefully furnished in large teakwood beds.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.chiramelhomestay.com/">Chiramel Homestay</a> <span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Phone: 0484 2217310 / 2217311. Mobile: 9447818930. Email: </span><a href="mailto:chiramelhomestay@yahoo.co.in">c<span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">hiramelhomestay@yahoo.co.in</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.mahindrahomestays.com/homestays/cochin/orion">Orion Hometsay</a></u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">K L Master Road, Near Santa Cruz Basilica. Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Orion is an enchanting homestay located in the heart of Fort Cochin. The home's peaceful character is accentuated by its zen-inspired garden and pristine white exteriors. It is run by the young couple Mr. and Mrs. Verghese.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The newly constructed homestay has traditional Keralite architecture with little dashes of modern interiors. The three-year old homestay has four, impeccably maintained bedrooms, all with private balconies overseeing the city. It also has a lush, green lawn and three other communal areas for the guests to enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Verghese also has an efficient staff of three, which helps look after the needs of the guests. And the couple places a lot of importance on feedback, constantly improving their services based on their guests’ experience. Meals cna be arranged - Lunch: Veg - INR 250; Non Veg- INR 300 Dinner: Veg - INR 250; Non Veg- INR 300</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Rs.2000</span></div>
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</span> Orion Residency and its green lawns<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Spencer Home</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/298 Parade Road. Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Portuguese colonial house sits in the quieter part of Fort Kochi on Parade Ground Road. It offers 11 simple yet comfortable rooms which opens onto the garden in the inner courtyard. Some rooms alos have view of the Parade Ground. The Verandah garden provides a cosy sitting space for the guests to relax.</span><br />
<img height="301" id="il_fi" sb_id="ms__id2264" src="http://www.holidayiq.com/images/property/resortimg/resorts_1304569597.606220110505095637.JPG" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.indiamike.com/india/attachments/3640d1134804597-booking-at-spencer-house-cochin-spencers.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tariff:</span><br />
<a href="http://spencerhome-fortkochi.blogspot.in/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spencer Home</span></strong></a> <span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Phone: 484 2215049. Email: </span><a href="mailto:spencerhomestyfc@rediffmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">spencerhomestyfc@rediffmail.com</span></a></td></tr>
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</div>Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-47047561424145540602012-07-07T22:17:00.000+05:302012-07-08T11:44:16.809+05:30Fort Kochi: Gourmet Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="blacknormal" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Colonial Kochi</strong> </span><span style="color: black;">- <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">that is Fort Kochi, Mattencherry and Kunnupuram is a gourmet's delight with boutique hotels and cafes serving a wide range of local cuisine along with the Mediterranean, Jewish, continental, North India and South Asian. Being a coastal area, a huge variety of seafood, fresh water fish find its way into the palette. The culinary journey comprises of shrimps, mussels, prawns, lobsters and squids cooked the way one wants to. The favourite way of cooking these sea foods is grilled or curried. The local Kerala cuisine also has a wide range of family secret recipes and Syrian christian cuisine. Kochi is also known for its fiery Karimeen fish curry which is best taken with the local heady brew toddy.</span></span></span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The culinary delights of Fort Kochi demands a well deserved walk through and here is one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><u><strong>Speciality Restaurants</strong></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>History Restaurant - Brunton Boatyard</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Vypen Jetty Beachfront - Fort Kochi</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Eating at Brunton Boatyard’s <strong>History Restaurant</strong> is literally a journey through history. It is a mecca of fusion dishes. Each dish reflects a different community. And 30 different communities living in Kochi all tell their own special story. Beef Cutlets speak of an Anglo Indian heritage. Fish lovers savoring the flavor of Samak Bil Harder Asful are transported to Arabia. There's Fish Moilee with its Syrian Christian roots. The Vindaloo transports you to the time of Vasco da Gama. Finish it with a Dutch Pudding with a lingering trace of cinnamon. Steak Fernandez, the pepper crusted succulent steak is a house speciality. At the History Restaurant, these cuisines have been given a new lease of life, recreated faithfully each evening by chefs who did their research in the best place possible - with the old families of Cochin. Chef Ajeeth Janardhan is fussy abut getting fresh ingredients. He says "if we can't get fresh ingredients, we won't serve that dish". The Brunton gets a daily delivery of fresh seafood, spices and condiments.</span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="color: blue;">History Restaurant - Brunton Boatyard</span></span><br />
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><u>Signature Dish - <em>First Class Railway Mutton Curry</em></u></strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the signature dishes, the First Class Railway Mutton Curry is made from a secret recipe. The mutton is cooked in a brass pot for six whole hours. This allows the spices to infuse and makes the mutton both mild and tender.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The story goes that an English army officer, while travelling in a train, found himself ravishingly hungry. He followed his nose to the pantry car where a spicy mutton curry was simmering. He was offered a taste, whence he burnt his tongue because of the spices. The helpful cook reduced the pungency with some coconut milk and served it up. From that day on this became a staple on all First Class Compartments of the train.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><strong><u>1788 - Old Harbour Hotel</u></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tower Road - Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">With a lovely alfresco poolside arrangement, the restaurant offers contemporary European and fusion Indo-French cuisine. For a fine-dining experience, little beats <strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1788</span>.</strong> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Food has always been an important criterion at 1788. The freshness of the ingredients and sea foods is a predominant feature. Home made breads and
plenty of freshly squeezed juices go very well with the food. They use organically grown
vegetables awhile the meats are of the highest quality available. Chef has painstakingly conjured up
an array of dishes to suit various taste palates.Crispy calamari with Parmesan cream, Pumpkin Olan, Crab Ularthiyathu and Chocolate pudding are testimony of the painstakingly crafted dish prepared by the Chefs</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Malabar Junction - Malabar House</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parade Ground - Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="bolda">Malabar junction</span>, the gourmet restaurant is the crossroads of tradition & innovation of South India & the west. Specialising in refined & market fresh food, this is reputed to be one of the finest seafood restaurants in the South. The food here is traditional fare with a contemporary Mediterranean twist. Kuttanad roast duck, or shredded duck bathed in gently spiced coconut cream with fennel and pineapple for an excellent contrast in flavour, accompanied by fragile, crispy appams is the sought after dish. The peppery Kerala-style lamb cooked with curry leaves, coconut and shallots, served with upma is another signature combination. </span><br />
Use of fresh ingredients, local spices and freshest fish, meat are hall mark of all standard restaurants in Fort Kochi and Malabar House is no exception.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Menorah - Koder House</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Tower Road, Fort Kochi</span><br />
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Menorah, the multi cuisine restaurant is glittering tribute to the hotel’s Jewish
heritage. It has the rare distinction of being the only restaurant in India to
serve Jewish food. </span></span></div>
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The carefully chosen menu however goes beyond Jewish
delicacies. It is in fact, a melting pot just like Fort Cochin, offering Kerala,
Jewish and Continental, Indian cuisine. Since the beach with its historic Chinese fishing nets is but a step
away, seafood, naturally, is the restaurant’s main draw. Their Kerala and
continental offerings both make generous use of the bounty of the sea. </div>
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Family recipes have been sourced from the length and breadth of the state to cook
up regional favourites like Malabar Fish Curry from the North, Meen Pollichathu
from the central areas and Alleppey Prawn curry from the heart of backwater
country. Menorah prepares these dishes to authentic recipes, using the fresh
catch of the day.<br />
In recognition of Fort Cochin’s international appeal and multicultural heritage,
the restaurant also serve some of the finest continental delicacies in the area. Pastas
with authentic ingredients and light sauces are quite popular. If you’d like to encapsulate the Koder House experience in one dish, then do order their signature offering - the Mix Grill Seafood Platter. Finish your meal with the Jewish pudding or the local favourite - Kerala payasam. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dal Roti</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Lilly Street - Parade Ground - Fort Kochi</span><br />
Dal Roti is a no frills restaurant on the quieter and quaint Lilly Street near Parade Ground. Operating out of a mansion with a front veranda shrouded behind the trees and plants. The inner hall is fairly big with high ceilings. The simple decor compliments the relaxed eating experience that this restaurant offers. <br />
What distinguishes Dal Roti is the kind of North India food that you get here, the service with smile of Ramesh - the owner, the kind of interest that he shows in what you order and above all the portion in each dish that you get. Kathi roll would be so heavy with chicken that you would be searching for onion and capsicum. The Biryani will be loaded with chicken chunks, more chicken than rice. It is open for lunch and dinner, closed on Tuesdays. Last dinner order is taken @ 10:15 pm. The cost is also reasonable, a meal for 2 with 2 non veg dishes including roti / naan, biryani / rice will not even cross Rs.300/- (approx 7 dollars). <br />
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The food is a combination of signature dishes from North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. The menu includes thalis as well as a la carte dishes. The Lachidhar parathas eaten with chicken or any other curry is an amazing combination. <br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Mango Tree Restaurant - Old Courtyard Hotel</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Princess Street - Fort Kochi</span><br />
Mango Tree is a multi cuisine restaurant with an excellent roof top locality. A 65 years old mango tree spreads over the roof top. They serve tasty Tibetan momos, Italian pizzas, continental, Thai, Chinese and Indian tandoori dishes. Their signature dish Fish in banana leaf is a real treat. The dinner time is marked by local musicians playing some fine music, goes down well with the ambiance. <strong>Signature <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dish: G</span></strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">rilled pom fret wrapped in banana leaves with kerala appam.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Arca Nova Restaurant - The Fort House Hotel</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Beachfront - Fort Kochi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Arca Nova Restaurant at the The Fort House hotel on the waterfront is a cool place to enjoy traditional as well as European dishes in a waterfront ambiance with cool sea breeze on your face. The finely crafted menu offers the traditional Kochi recipes along with the European favourites. Seafood cooked in the Kerala Syrian Christian style is their speciality. Their recipes are sourced from the local families and tweaked to provide a wholesome treat to any foodie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Their banana leaf seer fish eaten with soft appam is a treat in itself. You could also try their Mozambique prawns with kerala rice and vegetable thoran (curry). </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Oceanos Seafood - Elphinstone Residency</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Parade Ground - Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Head to Oceanos for lip-smacking Mediterranean cuisine. The multi-cuisine seafood restaurant at Elphinstone Residency, a leafy hotel in the quieter part of Fort Kochi behind the Bishop's House serves freshest sea food cooked to perfection the way you wish it to be in a languid pace that allows you to savour the exotic taste of the seafood and the various spices that blends with the food so easily yet retains its identity and tickles every taste buds.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kayikka's Biryani - Rahmatullah Hotel</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Aanavaadal - Mattencherry</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rahmatullah Hotel started in 1948 by the Kayikka, a famous Biryani cook serves lip smacking Biryani from the humble restaurant located in the muslim quarters of Mattencherry. Their mutton biryani - long rice cooked in ghee and masalas with succulent mutton pieces is a wholesome meal in itself. Rice, spices and mutton pieces are placed in layers in large cooking vessel covered and sealed with dough, let to cook on wood fire for several hours. The steam mingles with the rice and mutton and spreads the aroma which is retained due to sealed container. Burning charcoal is placed on the sealed cover to lend smoky aroma to the dish. People line up to partake this legendary food here from all parts of Kochi.</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shala</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Peter Celli Street - Fort </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A small eatery standing next door to Cafe Teapot on Peter Celli Street serves local cuisine cooked by the local housewives. The food obviously is home cooked, no frills and authentic Kerala cuisine. Go for lunch and dinner for a fill of local dishes and very light on pocket. Yummy! </span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Upstairs</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="color: purple;">K B Jacob Road. Santa Cruz Basilica - Fort Kochi</span><br />
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For true blue Italian cuisine one has to head to <strong>Upstairs</strong> run by Italian couple Fabio and Ayesha. Operating out of the first floor of an old mansion atop the floor with line of shops. The wooden stairs leads to tastefully designed dining area with 40 covers. You may choose to sit in the dining hall or the veranda seating which overlooks the Santa Cruz Basilica. <br />
A variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian trattoria style Italian dishes - lasagna, pasta, pizza, crepes, sea foods, salads are the usual fare here. The charming owners are always around to help you with your food selection. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and operates from 8:30 in the morning and last order is taken around 10 in the night. They are closed on Tuesdays. We quite enjoyed the crepes and pastas. And yes their blackboard menu with day's specials written in colourful chalks was quite an appetizer!<br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Cafes</span></u></strong><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cafe Teapot</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Peter Celli Street - Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue;"> Cafe Teapot - The Tea Room</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While in Fort Kochi, if you are looking for a perfect cuppa of the rich brew (tea) head to the mustered colour painted twin level tea house on Peter Celli Street. This is 'the' place at Fort Kochi for excellent teas in about 50 odd varieties. <br /><br />We visited this place in June 11 and we fell in love so much that over a period of 3 days we experienced the great hospitality of Tea Pot on 6 occasions. Experience of every visit was better than the previous one. <br /><br />As you enter the tea house, what amazes one is its laid back atmosphere, no waiter hanging behind your neck for the order. But the order arrives promptly. The polite waiters talk to you as if they are in whispers. They silently cater what you have ordered. The tea is served in different kind of tea pot every time, always perfectly brewed. The chocolate cake and sandwiches are perfect foil for the tea. You can choose from Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiris, exotic new flavours, hot or cold. They serve English breakfast, high tea, snacks and light meals.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQZHJYY0X5I/T_kRYqZ5pRI/AAAAAAAAAPI/lhf7ErAET1U/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zQZHJYY0X5I/T_kRYqZ5pRI/AAAAAAAAAPI/lhf7ErAET1U/s640/IMG_1232.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />They also serve several varieties of fish, chicken and vegetarian dishes which goes perfectly well with rice. I particularly liked their Mustard Fish and Fish Korma. Perfectly spiced fish with rich yellow and green curry are excellent.<br /><br />And you can experience all this surrounded by about 200 odd tea pots of various size, make,colour and design. They are on the racks, show cases, on the table and hung from the ceiling. These lovely tea pots are everywhere. You can spend few hours admiring these tea pots. Oh yes, they have a centre table, the base of which is an old tea plant and other table bases here are nothing but old tea chests. There are antiques and memorabilia related to tea all around you. The walls have simple pen and ink drawings of tea cups, there is an old Indian poster on tea which were in vogue when tea was first introduced in India as a daily brew in the 40's and 50's. </span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oy's Cafe</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Burgher Street - Fort Kochi</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oy's Cafe is part of the Oy's Homestay on the laid back and relaxed Burgher Street off the Tower Road in Fort Kochi. It is a cool and chilled out place with low seating with cushions thrown in. Ideal m a relaxed dining experience. Reasonable, rather cheaply priced food and drinks are served here by the friendly staff. For a refreshing drink opt for mint lime juice, ginger and lime juice or the cold coffee. They also serve well prepared golden fry prawns.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Cafe Crafters</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Jew Road - Above Crafters - Jew Town</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is a nice airy place to take a much needed break after a hectic walking and shopping spree in the antique hub Jew Town. The cafe is operated by the antique dealers Crafters and it is accessed through the stairs that leads up from one of their several outlets. Located on the first floor overlooks the rectangular tri-junction on Jew Street that leads to Pardesi synagogue. The place is nicely decorated with the antiques from the store below, one could even term it as an extension of the store. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food options are limited more of snacks rather than the whole meal, good for quick bites - sandwiches, burgers, salads and refreshing drink. Though they also serve the kerala fish curry meal, stew and appam. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The prices are on the higher side and portions small. The small balcony overlooking the street is great for watching the antiquated bazaar downstairs. Airy dining room decorated with carved wood screens is quite pleasing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>David Hall</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Parade Ground - Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">David Hall is an art gallery opposite the Parade Ground housed in a Dutch built 17th century mansion. The place is run by the CGH Earth, the legendary hotel chain of Kerala. The back veranda opening into the green lawns has been converted into a small cafe serving quick bites and Kerala stew with appam. Good for a quick bite in a relaxed and laid back atmosphere after a walk through Fort Kochi. Opens at 11 in the morning and shuts down early by 7 pm.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Kashi Art Cafe</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Located on the quite and quaint Burgher Street is Kashi Art Cafe, housed in an old Kerala mansion and part of the Kashi Art Gallery. It is place for meeting friends, sharing relaxed and joyous moments over a delicious spread of quick bites as well as meals and refreshing drinks.</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The airy open courtyard garden cafe is also a great place for meeting people from around the world.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Food is available from 8:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the night and one can have breakfast at any time of the day. Truly a freedom place!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Assorted sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, salads, soups and traditional Kerala cuisine is on offer along with refreshing coffee and juices. The ingredients used in food are fresh and organically grown. Try their home made chocolate cake.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kashi remains open round the week. However, they remain closed from 1st to 30 June every year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>You Buy , I Cook</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Tower Road - Opposite Delta Study - Fort Kochi</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fort Kochi’s ‘You buy, I cook’ beach side food stalls, not far from the Chinese fishing nets, offer good fresh seafood and beautiful views. These roadside food stalls lined opposite the Delta Study is the place if you are looking for freshly caught fish cooked to your taste and liking in a jiffy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We purchased freshest prawns and seer fish from one of the fish stalls near the Chinese Fishing nets and handed over the catch to Abdullah who grilled the seer fish and barbecued prawns as per our instructions. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">The stalls are open from lunch time to late in the night. The cooking charge would vary according to the amount of fish and the method of cooking. Ranges from Rs.50 onwards.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Toddy Shops</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Looking for fiery kerala fish curry served in not so fussy ambiance and eat the way locals do then head for one of the Toddy shops (country liquor shops) that dot the town. Sit on wooden bench and order for generous karimeen served with kerala rice or puttu which is teamed in bamboo containers. Down this with the local brew toddy (juice of date, palm tree extracted overnight and collected early in the morning. Quit a heady brew it is! </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Choose from prawns, pomfret or the cuttle fish if you fancy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A typical Toddy Shop and signage</span><br />
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</div>Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-77222696448846344002012-07-07T12:47:00.000+05:302013-07-14T09:41:41.213+05:30Aroma Trail in Downtown Srinagar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My search for the purest aromatic extract of the exotic flowers more so of the Roses that grow in abundance in Srinagar led me to the byleanes of the old downtown Srinagar. Meandering narrow streets that one passes as I enter the Bohrikadal, the aroma of fresh ginger, famed Kashmiri red chili, cockscomb flower, saunf (fennel) hits my blocked nostril. This announces that I am transversing through the Bohrikadal bazar overshadowed by three-four storied exposed old brick and wood houses. Their simple construction immediately attracts attention so does the numerous wooden balconies with fine wooden carvings and intricate woodwork designs in the traditional Khatambund style.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong> The bye lane of Fatehkadal</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The market place is abuzz with the chaos of any typical Indian market, people, rickshaws, bikes and cars jostle for space, shops selling spices, grocery, utensils, fabrics and dresses spilling over onto the limited road space. Chaotic yet colourful. Time seem to have stood still for the mansions and to some extent the local inhabitants too! Though the signage, mobile phones do tell us that the Srinagar residents have adopted modern inventions with fury, yet I somehow got a feeling that this place lives in time-wrap. The laid back banters of shopkeepers, elders enjoying a round of hookah by the roadside surrounded by chaos and continuing and flourishing traditions of embroidery, copper ware, bakery and rose water distillation reminds me that the place is still moored to its past.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue;"> Aziz Kozgar's Workshop at Fatehkadal</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Distillation of flower for extracting essence and rose water is an age old occupation that thrived in the ancient Kashmir. There is mention of this in ancient Kashmiri texts. Though Lavender, Rose, Clary sage, Peppermint are some of the aromatic plants that grow in abundance in Kashmir. It is Rose water that has place of pride not only in Kashmir but also in India. There is also an evidence from historical texts that in Kashmir rose extract was produced through the process of twice distilled rose water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: purple;">My quest leads me through the main Fathekadal bazaar and I cross the magnificent Shah Hamadan mausoleum - Khanqah-e-Maula and stand in front of a large old four storied mansion which appears to have seen a very glorious past. The ground floor is occupied by the Kozgar family and their shop-cum-workshop that has been in the trade of distilling rose water for more than four centuries. The large wooden window is lined with large antique coloured bottles that were used to store flower extracts for years. The signage in Urdu announces in bold letters "Rose Water" though the other signage also announces availability of extracts of musk, sandalwood, kewra, cinnamon, and other extract compounds touted as cure for several common ailments.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Abdul Aziz Kozgar: surrounded by hundreds of antique glass containers</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Abdul Aziz Kozgar, the current family head double hats and is trying real hard to keep the traditional family occupation going till he lives. All of 48 years, salt-pepper bearded with infectious smile, he runs this family occupation passionately after returning from his livelihood earning government job. Though running the traditional distillery for him is not much of help as fare as the family financials are concerned, yet his passion for preserving the dying trade and the large collection of glass containers and bottles is extraordinary. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He inherited this age old craft of distilling rosewater manually from his father. His</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> forefathers originally from Turkey came to Kashmir some 400 years ago with the son of Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, the great Muslim saint who is credited with bringing Islam to India. They made the bustling Fatehkadal bazaar as their abode and workplace. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Though rosewater is used extensively in Indian cuisine and also as important component in the cosmetics industry. Mechanical and mass production method has almost wiped out the manual distilling process and people prefer to buy the mass-produced branded rosewater rather than walking up to Aziz's shop for a bottle of manually distilled aromatic rosewater. Yet there are loyal patrons of his famous 'rose water' and 'Mixture for four extracts for stomach'. While I was with Aziz, came calling the mother and daughter duo for their requirement of rose water and the syrup for stomach. The young lady spoke highly of the the syrup which she said was very good for stomach and kidney and works as coolant. I could not resist the temptation and asked for fill of a large bottle. Aziz today makes only few syrups - Arq-e-Nilofar, Arq-e-Chandan and Arq-e-Kaah Zabaan and some more on demand apart from rose water. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Aziz though fiercely promoting the tradition knows fully well that the trade would die after he is gone and a sense of defeat rings in his words when he talks passionately about manual distilling. He reminisces the days when his father Habibullah Kozgar and the entire family would be involved in making a wider variety of flower extracts and syrups. His rose water is only available at his shop and sold in plastic bottles. It is not pre-packed, branded or labelled. He has also kept the prices very low. A bottle of 200 ml of rose water cost me only 20 rupees, while the same would cost no less than 100 rupees for a branded rose water. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Aziz's shop is filled with antique jars of all sizes, most of which he inherited from his father and forefathers. In his childhood his family would make around 50 types of syrups besides rose water. These containers came in extensive use then. Now empty and unused, these containers have certainly had their fill of exotic syrups. One container which really stood out is a twin glass container with two separate glass goblets. The upper goblet, smaller than the base goblet is fitted with a small metal hand pump and an outlet. The goblets are held together with wire mesh. There are a couple of these containers in the shop and now disused. I could imagine exotic syrup being served from these containers to the discerning customers in the past. Now these could enrich collection of any antique collector! </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">The high ceiling, dark shop, filled with glass bottles, jars and containers in ceiling high wooden shelves have seen a better past when commercialization had not invaded all spheres of our daily life, when the hakims and kozgars would extract syrups from plants and herbs through manual process. Among the containers are displayed faded old photographs of sufi saints and a couplet in Persian which reads " Yaani Aan Baani Musalmani, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani" which in translation reads- "though, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani is the founder of Islam here". This couplet best describes affinity of the kozgar family with the revered Muslim saint who is credited with introducing Islam in India and whose mausoleum is located across the road in the Khanqah-e-Maula shrine. The family also provides supply of rose and kewra water to the shrine and its devotees during the annual urs. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Another faded handwritten paper pasted on the shelf displays the list of syrups and flower extracts that was once available from the kozgars. The rate list also has a hand drawing portraying the manual process of distillation. It is a simple method - washed and fresh flower petals are placed in large container filled with water and heated from below. The flower aroma mixes with the water and evaporates and passes through a funnel into another container filled with cold water. The warm vapour turns into water droplets and fills the cold container. This is a slow and time consuming process and takes hours to fill a large container of about 40 litres. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aziz is keen that someone should come forward to learn and continue the craft after him, but he is not sure if his young son would take this up or just let it die a natural death. His desperate bid to preserve the family and traditional legacy may not survive in this mechanized world. </span></div>
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-38629039015825053702012-07-01T14:52:00.002+05:302012-07-08T10:16:18.245+05:30Colonial Mansion Hotels of Fort Kochi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">Fort Kochi has many Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial mansions that </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">have </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">been converted into boutique hotels and home-stay facilities. The vintage </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">of these </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">mansions range from 500 odd years to about 100 years. Once used as </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">residences, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">clubs and offices by the colonial masters these are now welcoming </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">discerning </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">travelers for once in a lifetime stay options. Enterprising Malyalis </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">spotted the </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">opportunity of commercially exploiting the rich architectural legacy </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">that </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">they either inherited or acquired transformed these mansions into finest </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">living </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">houses. Francis Wazciarg and Aman Nath, the enterprising Indian and </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">French </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">duo of Neemrana label have done fantastic work here by offering two of </span><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">the oldest </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">mansions (Le Colonial and Pierce Leslie Bungalow). I can not think of any other place </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple;">in the world where one gets to stay in colonial mansions of such vintage. </span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most of these mansions are built around a courtyard, have thick walls, tall columns </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and arches, lofty ceilings and polished wooden floors. The inner courtyard is usually </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">covered by wide canopy of tall trees, with thick green patch all around and water-bodies </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">with water-plants. These mansions offer accommodation options which are </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">personalized, are leisurely placed,set in tranquil surroundings with no rush of </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">continuous frenzy of arriving and departing tourists that one gets to bear in a modern </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">hotel. The staff are ever-present yet not breathing down your neck. They leave you </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>to be yourself</u> and <u>be with yourself.</u></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The rooms are large, tastefully fitted with colonial furniture and complimenting </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">modern facilities. Its walls adorned with antique art objects, paintings, prints and maps. </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The public area alcoves and windows have more extensive display of the colonial art </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and crafts sourced from the local Jew Town antique shops. The rooms are named after</span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the past colonial occupants or renowned characters from the Portuguese, Dutch or </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">even British history in India. </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are Heritage Hotels and Homestay options at Fort Kochi on top of my list. Enjoy </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the leisurely break!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Le Colonial</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The <b>Le Colonial</b>, was home to the Portuguese Governor for almost 150 years and then was lorded over by the Dutch for another 140 years. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">St Francis Xavier is also said to have lived in the house which has also called the "St Francis Bungalow”. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Sold to the British in 1795, it was acquired by J Thomas, the legendary tea traders. The mansion has combined colonial history of 500 years, now converted into a boutique hotel under the Neemrana fold, the mansion has not only retained its architectural heritage but also added modern amenities for its discerning guests. The hotel is adorned with many art objects, prints, paintings of Raj and the days before relieving its colonial past. It has 7 tastefully decorated rooms named after Jan Van Spall, Vasco da Gama, Major Petrie and Tipu Sultan among others. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bungalow has seven bedrooms and suites all individually decorated own secluded terrace, recreating the genuine colonial feel whilst retaining comfort and elegance. Selected among the Worlds Top 130 New Hotels by CondeNaste Traveler. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The chefs lovingly create Indian, continental dishes with fresh ingrediants which one can enjoy either in the elegant dining room, the garden or in the intimacy of room or terrace.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The occupants get to enjoy its large collection of art objects, paintaings, prints, old maps which adorn the walls, shelves, and every open space. Entire collection of art here is in harmony with the leisurely and rich heritage of the mansion and truly provides a romantic escapade amidst the settings that goes back to several centuries.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="field-content"><img alt="Le Colonial" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/lecolonial/1_0.jpg" title="Le Colonial" width="654" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Le Colonial Bungalow - Tiled roof, loft ceilings, archways, courtyard, pillars and plenty </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">of greenery all around</span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="field-content"><img alt="Le Colonial" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/lecolonial/2.jpg" title="Le Colonial" width="654" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dining Hall - polished wooden floor, arches, high ceiling, colonial furnitures and gourmet food</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<img alt="Le Colonial" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/lecolonial/_MG_4095_0.JPG" title="Le Colonial" width="654" /><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lobby - Rich and varied collection of paintings connecting with mansions colonial past and their history</span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="field-content"><img alt="Le Colonial" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/lecolonial/FORT%20COCHIN_601_0.jpg" title="Le Colonial" width="654" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Passage to the colonial past - Walls adorned with prints and paintings</span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="field-content"><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-activities_slideshow imagecache-default imagecache-activities_slideshow_default" height="400" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/activities_slideshow/rooms/lecolonial/FORT%20COCHIN_583.jpg" title="" width="600" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Jan Van Spall</strong> suite named after the last Dutch Governor who lived in the house. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Room </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">with a private verandah and two king size beds under a raftered roof.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="blacknormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><img alt="Viceroy" class="imagecache imagecache-activities_slideshow imagecache-default imagecache-activities_slideshow_default" height="400" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/activities_slideshow/rooms/lecolonial/FORT%20COCHIN_608.jpg" title="Viceroy" width="600" /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Viceroy Suite</strong>, t</span><span style="color: purple;">he largest and the noblest room at Le Colonial, with a long verandah attached. </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Art deco furniture in teak and satin wood gives the room a feel of classic charm</span></div>
<span class="blacknormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-activities_slideshow imagecache-default imagecache-activities_slideshow_default" height="400" src="http://le-colonial.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/activities_slideshow/rooms/lecolonial/FORT%20COCHIN_593.jpg" title="" width="600" /></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Major Petrie Room</strong>, a</span><span style="color: purple;"> high, four-poster bed with teak steps to mount, a striped </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">white rafter </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">roof and windows pierced in thick walls. A gallery of etchings and gravures </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">on the walls </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and the ambience of art – as in an elegant home.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Facilities: </span><span style="color: purple;">Formal dining in arcaded Dining Hall, rejuvenating intimate massage facility, swimming pool. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Tariff: Ranges from Rs 7,000 to Rs. 24,000 depending on the room chosen and season of visit</span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.lecolonial.in/" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px;">Le Colonial</a><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><b></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 1-315, Church Road, Vasco de Gama Square, Fort Kochi. Phone: 484-2217181/2217182. Mobile:<span style="color: blue;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">8086677472</span></span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>The Tower House</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tower House, a Neemrana property has an enviable colonial past. It is a 17th century twin house with scallop wall and looks like a ship. <span style="background-color: white;">The sheer joy of stay at Tower House Bungalow (Formerly Peirce Leslie Bungalow) at stone throw distance from the famed chinese fishing nests is a journey into the history of spice trade of this port city and an introduction to the good life lived by the foreign traders in the last 4 centuries. The generous arched doors welcomes one to step in to the another world where time stretches, pauses to watch the sun set and move over so lightly towards dawn.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The welcome area displays multi-religious art and antiques in honor of its Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Christian ancestry. The thick wall, teak stairs leading to the first polished floor covered entirely in fine teak that have with-stood the vagaries of nature and the general wear and tear looks steady enough to last few more centuries. The large salon on the first floor with high vaulted ceiling is designed to provide generous circulation of air which helps in keeping the place cool even in summer months. Long verandah opens in the inner courtyard and overlooks the green lawn and an inviting cozy swimming pool is ideal for enjoying a favourite book over a cup of tea. The rooms are in various sizes and named after its colonial masters - Noronha, Wayermah, Mateu, Souza, Mascarenhas , Mossel, Pacheco, Cunes and Menezes. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">Most of the rooms have large four poster beds, and windows that have views of the trees or the sea depending on where they are located.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The furniture here is an eclectic mix - rosewood, teak and ebony period furniture blends with cane and rattan pieces and informal sofas and settee. Light pours in through the windows, skylights and the vastness of the indoor spaces makes for an unforgettable experience. Tower House takes you back in time, moods and memories woven together create a fabric that is strong but sits ever so lightly.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="field-content"><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/thetowerhouse/1.jpg" title="" width="654" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">The Tower House, view of inner courtyard and the swimming pool</span></div>
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<span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/thetowerhouse/4.jpg" title="" width="654" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">The Dinning Hall</span></div>
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<span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-homeslidshow imagecache-default imagecache-homeslidshow_default" height="317" src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/thetowerhouse/3.jpg" title="" width="654" /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">The Hall on first floor</span></div>
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<span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><span class="field-content"><img alt="" height="267" src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/a_4.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">View of The Tower House from piazza</span></div>
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<span class="field-content"><img alt="The Mateu Suite " class="imagecache imagecache-activities_slideshow imagecache-default imagecache-activities_slideshow_default" height="425" src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/activities_slideshow/rooms/thetowerhouse/c.jpg" title="The Mateu Suite " width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong>The Mateu Suite</strong>: the grandest suite with a separate dressing room, a locker and a minibar</span></div>
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</span><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Noronha</strong> is a grand suite with two queen size beds, a separate dressing room, a locker and a large bathroom.</span><span class="field-content">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Facilities: </span><span style="color: purple;">Formal dining in arcaded Dining Hall, Library, Swimming pool, Craft Shop, </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Tariff: Ranges from Rs 2,500 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the room chosen and season of visit</span> </div>
</span><a href="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tower House</span></strong></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: xx-small;"> 1/320, Tower Road, Fort Kochi Phone: 0484-2216960-62, Mobile: 9895693716</span></span><br />
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<u><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brunton Boatyard</span></strong></u><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the website of the hotel states it is an attempt bring colonial Cochin alive for the contemporary traveler. A welcoming vaulted and airy lobby framed by arches and overhung punkhas promises of a mansionful of colonial history. Waves from the Cochin harbour crashes on the walls of property built in 1895, once a boartyard owned by Geo, Brunton & Sons, the mansion has been painstakingly restructured it for use as a boutique hotel. In recreating the space for modern use the mansion has seen extensive use of terracotta, lime, wood and tiles - all local produce, yet retaining the Dutch influences - lofty ceilings, hanging fans, and studded with artefacts and curios associated with marine navigation. An inviting swimming pool by the edge of the harbour completes the vista. Hotel's private jetty is round the pool, from wher one can take off on cruise either dwn the harbour onto Vypen Island or towards the Kumbalanghi back waters.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: purple;"> Brunton Boatyard - View from the sea</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><img height="330" id="il_fi" sb_id="ms__id1277" src="http://www.hoosta.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/hotel-brunton-boatyard-inde-kerala-chambre-hoosta.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="590" /> </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Room with a View</strong> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All rooms and suites here offer generous sea view, so does the ensuite bathrooms.How about enjoying cool drink lying in bath tub and watch the seagulls flutter about or the container ship cruisng through the harbour! Brunton Boatyard deservingly boast to be the most beautifully located heritage hotel in Fort Kochi.</span> <span lang="en-us"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img align="right" border="0" height="236" src="http://www.cochinhotel.in/brunton_boatyard/lobby5.jpg" width="355" /></span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This property not only offers luxurious stay at a greta location but is also marked for the gourmet local cuisine it serves from <strong>'The History Restaurant'</strong> and <strong>'The Terrace Grill'</strong>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The History Restaurant</strong> offers unique gastronomic fare in form of Kerala, Arab, Jewish and</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Syrian Christian cuisine which were deeply infuenced by the Portuguese and Dutch and which generously make use of the abundantly locally produced exotic spices. The food on offer is truly a melting pot of different cultures that influnced the way of life in its colonial past. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Closely guarded secret recepies were sourced from the old families of Cochin and recreated lovingly by the chefs. Generous use of fresh cinnamon, pepper, red chilli, coriander, vanilla</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, ginger and excellent blend of spices is hall mark of the food served here. One must not leave without savouring Mulligatawny soup, Pork vindaloo, Awal arubyan bil Kabaneh (Arab pulao), malabar dessert - Pazham Nirachatu (stuffed steamed banana) and star anise chocolate truffle. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="sub_h1"><strong>The Terrace Grill</strong> on the other hand open for Dinner only and offers Seafood dining experience. You can have freshly caught fish and crustucans grilled or cooked the way you fancy and savor it while you watch the town life unfold down nera the jetty</span>.</span></span> <span lang="en-us"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://www.cochinhotel.in/brunton_boatyard/lobby.jpg" style="text-align: right;" width="355" /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: </span><span style="color: purple;">Formal dining in The History Restaurant and The Terrace Grill, The Armoury Bar, swimming pool, Spa </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs. 12,000 depending on the season of visit</span></span> </div>
<a href="http://www.cghearth.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Brunton Boatyard</strong></span></a><span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: xx-small;">Calvetty Road, Fort Kochi Phone: 0484 2215461/ 2215465</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Koder House</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Koder House is a three-storeyed heritage boutique hotel opposite the beach at Fort Kochi facing the thick canopied piazza and very close to the Chinese fishing nets. The heritage boutique hotel was once residence of the Jewish Koder family. The three storied hotel was actually built by the Koders to accommodate families of their three sons. It is believed to have been structured and gabled in Europe and shipped to Cochin. Its windows are said to be made of imported Belgium glass. The <span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">red brick facade with wooden arch on the top looks inviting. As stated in its publicity, Koder House encapsulates the concept of a heritage boutique hotel combining originality and style with personal service. Polished teak floors, lofty ceilings and stairways and spacious suites and rooms reflect the tradition of Dutch architecture. </span></span></span><br />
<img alt="Koder house, Cochin, India" id="5923100_img" src="http://media.expedia.com/hotels/5000000/4690000/4683900/4683830/4683830_14_b.jpg" /><img alt="Koder house, Cochin, India" class="lazy-loaded-image" id="5923099_img" media="http://media.expedia.com/hotels/5000000/4690000/4683900/4683830/4683830_13_b.jpg" src="http://media.expedia.com/hotels/5000000/4690000/4683900/4683830/4683830_13_b.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">Tastefully designed rooms and suites blend the traditional with the modern to provide comfort and luxury to the traveler. Each suite has its own distinctive style and decor and comprises a bedroom, desk, television, large dressing/lounging area and luxurious bathroom with a spa bath and separate shower cubicle. Four of the six suites also have </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">a balcony overlooking the Chinese fishing nets.<img alt="Koder house, Cochin, India" class="lazy-loaded-image" id="5777817_img" media="http://media.expedia.com/hotels/5000000/4690000/4683900/4683830/4683830_5_b.jpg" src="http://media.expedia.com/hotels/5000000/4690000/4683900/4683830/4683830_5_b.jpg" /></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Koder House not only offers luxurious stay options but also serves excellent cuisine from teh restaurant Menorah, which continues to offer authentic Jewish cuisine. Traditional Kerala, Indian and continental cuisine is also served here with some traditional recipies traced down from local families. Their signature dishes <span style="color: purple;">Malabar Fish Curry, Meen Pollichathu,
Alleppey Prawn curry and Mixe Grill Seafood Platter are worth the fame.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For relaxation and rejuvenation one can enjoy treatment at Serena Spa or do few laps in the swimming pool. At the sundown, one can enjoy cocktails in Bear and Wine Lounge and for the book minded there is a well stocked Library for browsing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.koderhouse.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Koder House</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><span style="color: purple;"> </span></strong><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tower Road, Fort Kochi Phone : 0484 2218485 / 2217988. <strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Email: <a href="mailto:koderhouse@gmail.com">koderhouse@gmail.com</a></span></strong></span></span></span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Old Harbour Hotel</span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #ededed; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">A charming heritage boutique hotel opposite the piazza is a 300 years old Dutch-Portuguese mansion , which functioned as residence for employees of English tea-broking firm and later a hotel for traders. This old mansion was restored into a </span><span style="background-color: #ededed; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">hotel of style and leisure, keeping the original façade and architectural elements intact, to bring alive the old hotel of previous sea- farers.</span><span style="background-color: #ededed; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> While restoring the building preservation of the building and its natural surroundings were kept intact. This boutique hotel offers a comfortable blend of luxury,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #ededed; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> style, heritage and tradition to discerning traveler. <img alt="oldharbourhotel" src="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/pictures/pict1.jpg" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ededed; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Exterior view of the Old Harbour Hotel</strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ededed; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">The hotel has thirteen spacious lofty celing rooms, each named after the old street names of Cochin. Each rooms opens into the luxuriant courtyard or faces the piazza. The furnitures are a mix if traditional and modern with all modcons in each room. The garden cottages with a verandah, private lily pool and open sky shower is a high point here. </span><br />
<a class="stil3" href="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/eng/oldharbour_eng.html"><img alt="Old Harbour Hotel" border="0" height="256" src="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/images/ohh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img alt="oldharbourhotel" src="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/pictures/pict3.jpg" /><span style="background-color: #ededed; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Inner Courtyard view</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ededed; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">We also have a large garden with a swimming pool as well as a stage for cultural performances, all of it set amidst plenty of natural green. For the comfort of our guests, there is an Ayurvedic spa and a large open-air terrace. We are aware that our guests are special and to ensure this, care has been paid to organic soaps and lotions in the bathrooms, comfortable robes and slippers as well as plenty of bottled water.</span></div>
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<img alt="oldharbourhotel" src="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/pictures/pict8.jpg" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #ededed; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Luxurious and spacious room</strong> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ededed; clear: right; float: right; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="oldharbourhotel" src="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/pictures/pict4.jpg" /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #ededed; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><strong>Arcaded Dining Hall</strong> serves organically grown vegetables, high quality meats, freshest cath of fish and crusticans. Seafood is served in barbeque menu at dinner time in the courtyard garden. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ededed; color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Facilities</strong>: Swimming pool, spa, fine dining.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ededed; color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tariff</strong>: Ranges between <img alt="Indian Rupee" src="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/bilder/IRs10.gif" style="background-color: #ededed; color: #494949; font-family: verdana, Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /> 9500 to 16000- depending on the room type and season</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Old Harbour Hotel</span></b></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/328, Tower Road, Fort Kochi Phone : 0484-2218006, Mobile: 09847029000</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Tea Bungalow</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tea Bungalow celebrates its one century of its existence in 2012. Built by United Carpets, the famous British firm engaged in soir and spice trade to function as its office-cum-workshop. It changed hands in 1956 when Brooke Bond, the tea company bought it and christened it Brooke Bond Bungalow. Restored to perfection with blend of the colonial heritage and modern facilities, Tea Bungalow offers ten spacious en-suite rooms ecah named after a port involved in spice and tea trade. The rooms are named Cochin, Zanzibar, Galle, Mombasa, Muscat, Malacca, Mauritius, Cambay, Goa and Calicut and offers a tranquil place to step away for a while. Spotlessly clean, the bedrooms are elegantly designed to exude, warmth and comfort and an ineffable sense of quiet luxury.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ornate carved wooden doors, simple elegance of each room, exquisite paintings on the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">wall are charming additions. The wide verandahs with broad comfortable armchairs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and teapoys are great spots to idle away time.</span></div>
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<img alt="" height="432" src="http://www.teabungalow.in/images/photo-gallery/1310728787_gall_pic11.jpg" width="600" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Café du Mahé</strong> <span style="color: purple;">is a multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Indian, Kerala and </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Continental cuisine. The elegant dining area with exquisite tableware and s</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">oothing lighting opens onto the garden. Some tables are also set up al fresco near the </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pool.</span> </div>
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<img alt="" height="432" src="http://www.teabungalow.in/images/photo-gallery/1310728697_gall_pic9.jpg" width="600" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>The Garden</strong> is the perfect foil for Tea Bungalow, enhancing its calm serenity. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">One can lounge on the garden chairs under a lawn umbrella or in the dappled shade </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">of the jackfruit, breadfruit and cinnamon trees, and enjoy the exotic shapes of the </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">bonsai plants. At night the cleverly lit garden is transformed into the stuff of dreams.<br /><strong>Facilities</strong>:</span> <span style="color: purple;">Multicuisine restaurant, Poolside Barbeque Lounge, Coffee Lounge, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Swimming Pool, Library</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Tariff:</span> Ranging from Rs.6,000 to Rs 10,000 depending on the room and season</span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.teabungalow.in/"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tea Bungalow</span></strong></a> <span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">1/1901, Kunumpuram, Fort Kochi. Phone: 484 3019200. Mobile: 9388719678 9388719679. email: </span> <a class="text" href="mailto:info@teabungalow.in"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">info@teabungalow.in</span></a></div>
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<u><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Malabar House</span></strong></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Old Dutch mansion built in 1775 located opposite the Parade ground near Dutch cemetry has been home to the spice and tea traders over the past centuries. This is more than a highly designed heritage hotel. It is an art
hotel, home of a carefully curated collection, highlighting Kerala’s composite
culture as a passage between East and West. It offers flawless comfort and an
excellent service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://www.hotelkhoj.com/media/catalog/product/i/n/in-ke-con-030_exterior.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="598" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Acquired and restored by the French husband and wife duo Joerg and Txuku, the transformation of the large white Indo-European bungalow froma decrepit mansion to being the first boutique hotel of Fort Kochi has been a remarkable journey. Best of the heritage legacy was conserved and strengthened through extensive use of traditional architectural expertise this resulted in a perfect combination of traditional appearance and modern comfort. The hotel is also home to a fine Indian art collection, which ranges from antiques to contemporary art pieces. Each of the spacious suits and rooms are elegant and luxurious.</span><br />
<img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.malabarhouse.com/german/malabar-house/images/malabar_suite.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="480" /></div>
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For fine dining experience, Malabar Junction, the signature restaurant of the hotel scores way above multistarred restaurants. Txuku personally curates the menu which is an eclectic amlagam of the traditional tastes of Kerala with Mediterranean cuisine. The <strong>"Fisherman's Dream</strong>", a snapper fish marinated in secret sauce is to die for. Bread is freshly baked in the in-house bakery under the supervision of the owners. Caramelized pineappale served with green and black pepper is the kind of dessert that I would cherish always. Divine, its
wine lounge is the crossroads of tradition of South India and innovation. <br />
<img alt="fine dining at Malabar junction" height="265" src="http://www.malabarhouse.com/german/malabar-house/images/malabar_junction.jpg" title="fine dining at Malabar junction" width="640" /><br />
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Divine, its wine lounge is the crossroads of tradition of South India and innovation. <br />
<img alt="divine - the wine lounge" height="300" src="http://www.malabarhouse.com/german/malabar-house/images/divine_wine_lounge.jpg" title="divine - the wine lounge" width="480" /><br />
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<img alt="the experience at malabar house" height="300" src="http://www.malabarhouse.com/german/malabar-house/images/malabar_house_experience.jpg" title="the experience at malabar house" width="480" /><br />
Enjoy
classical music or a dance performance at the patio stage, rejuvenate your soul
and body at the ayurvedic spa, step into the history and culture of Fort Cochin</div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facilities:Fine dining, swimming pool, spa, wine lounge, </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tariff:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.malabarscapes.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Malabar House</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><b style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">1/268 - 1/269 Parade Road, Near - St Francis Church, Fort Kochi Phone: 0484 2216666</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>The Old Lighthouse Bristow</u></strong></span> </div>
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The Old Lighthouse Bristow is a heritage mansion converted into a boutique hotel. Mansion with a beach front surrounded by abundant greenery while the sea waves from the Arabian ocean crash on its shore. Once residence of Sir Robert Bristow, the architect of modern Cochin port, today it offers a luxurious stay experience to traveler. </div>
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<img height="342" id="il_fi" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F8hEwiVXXc0/TgBCRNrmA9I/AAAAAAAFdqw/TWTWmGOp4n8/859_image_9.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="512" /></div>
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Room options are both garden facing as well as seafacing suites which offers stunning view of the Arabian sea from its ensuite balcony. There are two garden villas for that exclusive rendezvous by the sea. All rooms are spacious. Stay here provides ultimate privacy and style. </div>
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There is a large swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and outdoor beach side seating area, while breakfast and dinner is served facing the sea. </div>
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<img height="355" id="il_fi" src="http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b435/tradekerala/KTF/TheOldLighthouseBristow.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="640" /></div>
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Th hotel lobby and halls are decorated with sculptures and paintings representing the colonial heritage thus connecting the visitor with its past. <br />
Alfresco dining can be experienced at the outdoor restaurants Bistro and Lighthouse Lounge. The Vinocean bar is well stocked for a spirited experince! Spa Deha, the spa offers rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages, perfect foil for the jaded body. </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Facilities: </strong>Alfresco dining, Bar Lounge, swimming pool, Spa, beachside seating area, </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Tariff:</strong></span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.oldlighthousehotel.com/"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Old Lighthouse Bristo</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Beach Road, Next to INS Dronacharya, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 3050101 / 3050102</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>The Old Courtyard Hotel</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Old Courtyard Hotel, previously mansion of the Koder family of Fort Kochi. It was known as Lily Koder’s house. Jacob and Rose Kuruvinakunnel found this gem of a mansion on Pricess Street a perfect setting to start a heritage hotel. </span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="316" id="theimg1_0" src="http://www.oldcourtyard.com/wp-content/themes/default/images/flash2.jpg" title="" width="640" /><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Colonial style rooms, wher period furnitures compliment the modern facilities, roomd adorned with the art and craft objects that were sourced from the antique heaven of Kochi. The cobbled central courtyad with a large old mango tree lends a charming touch to the atmospheric hotel. Arched arcade around the courtyard allows for plenty of light and air play. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Evenings under the tree enjoying that refreshing drink with enchanting music played by local artists is a great way to unwind after a walk through the amazing streets of Kochi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;">The eight rooms located on the first floor overlooking the central courtyard and accessed through the stairs offer value for money stay options in a colonial setting. All rooms are airconditioned and have ensuite bathrooms. The King Suite is the room that one should choose if you want real luxury. The most spacious room, with lounging area, furnished with an antique 4-poster bed and antique furnitures. Exedues A typical colonial charm.</span></span><br />
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Four poster period bed<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">View of a Superior Room.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The restaurant in the courtyard offers refreshing dining experince. Fresh seafood catch is cooked to your liking in the fresh ingredients and spices that grow abundantly in Kerala. The cuisine on offer ranges from Kerala, Continental, Mediterranean and Asian flavours. The staff are lovely, friendly but not overbearing which make a a nice change.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Facilities: Cafe and Restaurant, Live Music in the evenings</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tariff; Ranging from Rs.2,000 to Rs.6,000 depending on the room and season visited.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.oldcourtyard.com/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia;">The Old Courtyard Hotel</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="color: blue; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Princess Street, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2216302 / 2215035</span></span></span><br />
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-17835182338721508862012-06-25T23:49:00.000+05:302012-07-08T11:45:16.780+05:30Fort Kochi - Tracing the colonial past<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Fort Kochi, once a seaside fishing village on the Western coast of India was ruled by the Zomorins, the Rajah of Kochi. This seaside village has come a long way since then having been ruled over by the Portuguese, Dutch and British for over 400 years. In the process it earned the sobriquet of 'Little Lisbon' for the Portuguese, 'Mini England' for the British and 'Homely Holland' for its Dutch rulers. The heritage city today commands respect among the discerning travelers keen to enjoy a relaxing getaway from the hustle bustle of the today's world. Fort Kochi or Cochin is a charming small island town which has retained its unique architectural heritage and the natives protects its glorious past with vengeance. Kochi 's journey has been quite eventful - from having the distinction of being the first European colony in India; city which had a prosperous Jewish community and a strong Syrian Christian population; and a city which was sacked by Father and son duo of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the great South Indian rulers. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The town was used by the Arabs, and Chinese traders for sourcing pepper, cinnamon, cardamom. cloves, sandal wood, etc from Kochi region. Extensive interaction between the Arab traders, the local zomorins shaped the culture and heritage of the region including the town of Cochin.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The town is dotted with centuries Portuguese, Dutch and British bungalows, mansions, godowns, churches, synagogues, and halls which had fallen into desuetude now resurrected through renovation, rebuilding and enhanced by the suave owners and businessmen by converting these into heritage hotels, boutiques and spas. The Fort Kochi waterfront and its adjoining streets are dotted with these living mansions which even today continue to enchant visitors and promise one of its kind of experience of living in homes which have been witness to the Portuguese, Dutch and English cultures and Arab influence. Kochi's colonial past still survives in its mansions and street names. </span></span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Chinese Fishing Nets and fishermen</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Chinese fishing nets at the crimson sunset is the earliest memory of Cochin that I have. My father who was an established photographer in Calcutta had traveled to Kerala in the early 60's and he had displayed in his studio this amazing black & white photograph of beautiful sunset at Cochin with Chinese Fishing nets . It was my childhood wish to experience this sunset which was getting fulfilled when we traveled to Kerala last summer. The drive from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi was a usual manoeuvring through the busy streets of a bustling Indian city, as we crossed the bridge from Ernakulam and drove into the island of Fort Kochi, we could sense the sudden change in the landscape - gabled streets, fewer cars, more of people walking, low rising old houses, old canopied trees and streets names that seemed unlike any other city in Southern India. The pace of life seemed to have taken a pause! Leaving behind Mattencherry, the old bazar part of town, we moved further towards the Fort area and could feel and smell the sea nearby. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our abode for 3 nights Tower House, a Neemrana property has quite an amazing colonial past. It is a 17th century twin house with scallop wall and looks like a ship. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The sheer joy of stay at Tower House Bungalow (Formerly Peirce Leslie Bungalow) at stone throw distance from the famed Chinese fishing nests is a journey into the history of spice trade of this port city and an introduction to the good life lived by the foreign traders in the last 4 centuries. The generous arched doors welcomes one to step in to the another world where time stretches, pauses to watch the sun set and move over so lightly towards dawn.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The welcome area displays multi-religious art and antiques in honor of its Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Christian ancestry. The thick wall, teak stairs leading to the first polished floor covered entirely in fine teak that have with-stood the vagaries of nature and the general wear and tear looks steady enough to last few more centuries. The large salon on the first floor with high vaulted ceiling is designed to provide generous circulation of air which helps in keeping the place cool even in summer months. Long veranda opens in the inner courtyard and overlooks the green lawn and an inviting cozy swimming pool is ideal for enjoying a favourite book over a cup of tea. The rooms are in various sizes and named after its colonial masters - Noronha, Wayermah, Mateu, Souza, Mascarenhas , Mossel, Pacheco, Cunes and Menezes. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">Most of the rooms have large four poster beds, and windows that have views of the trees or the sea depending on where they are located.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The furniture here is an eclectic mix - rosewood, teak and ebony period furniture blends with cane and rattan pieces and informal sofas and settee. Light pours in through the windows, skylights and the vastness of the indoor spaces makes for an unforgettable experience. Tower House takes you back in time, moods and memories woven together create a fabric that is strong but sits ever so lightly.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/homeslidshow/homeslide/thetowerhouse/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Tower House, view of the inner courtyard</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Tower House, as seen from the piazza </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Mateu Suite " src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/activities_slideshow/rooms/thetowerhouse/c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Mateu Suite</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Noronha Suite" src="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/activities_slideshow/rooms/thetowerhouse/d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Noronha Suite</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fort Kochi is best experienced walking! All you need is to be comfortably dressed in cool cottons, comfortable walking shoes and a straw hat to shield from the harsh sun. The mansions, cafes, synagogue, churches, Fishing nets, museums and enormous antique shops are spread over the Fort Kochi and Mattencherry. Most of the places are at a short walking distance and the sights and sounds are best experienced at a leisurely pace here. Our walk covers the River Road, Calvathy Road, Bazaar Road and culminates at Jewish Synagogue. The entire distance covered is approx 5 kms (one way). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we step out of the mansion we are on the charming Princess Street, clean road with freshly painted mansions and welcoming antique shops looked very inviting, but we walked along past the park with huge old trees that covers the entire promenade. One has to be careful while walking under these trees for we witnessed large branches breaking off and falling underneath when strong wind blew. Walk past the Fort Kochi bus stand. One can catch ferry to the Vypen Island from the ferry located across from the bus stand. <b>Brunton Boartyard</b> another landmark mansion hotel stands by the water next to the ferry. The waterfront side is lined with old mansions, warehouses and native houses some converted into boutique hotels and some serving as government establishments. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soon, we are on Calvathy Road, with old Calvathy mosque on the right. The area has mix of muslim and Hindu population and their culture is on full display here. Further down is Calvathy ferry convenient for ferry to Wellingdon island and Ernakulam. Post the Canal we are on the Bazaar Road, the spice hub of Kochi. The area is know for spice trade with enormous warehouses and shops stocked with the finest kerala spices - exotic fragrance of fresh cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger and pepper engulfing the atmosphere in a heady aroma. Traders do brisk business here, deals are stuck and spices transported to far off lands. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The street right up to the Jew Town Road is full of these enormous warehouses and trading shops with spices spilling over all around. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">On the Bazaar Road further down is </span><a href="http://www.anchorhouse.in/" style="background-color: white;">The Anchor House</a> <span style="color: purple;">a hotel by the waterfront famed for its multicuisine waterfront restaurant-cum-coffee shop with variety of dishes and a view to behold. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Past the Mattencherry police station lies the Mattencherry Palace or Dutch Palace as it is called. This place was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and gifted to the Raja of Kochi. It is a simple </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">and unpretentious structure housing rich heritage of Cochin's glorious past. Built around </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">a quadrangular structure in the traditional Kerala Nalukettu style of architecture with a courtyard in the middle. A small temple of </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Cochin royal family stands in the courtyard. Se</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">ctions display musical instruments, local handicrafts, murals art, royal robes and weaponry in wooden galleries which are covered under beautifully carved wooden ceilings. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The glory of the palace rests on the large number of murals, executed in the best traditions of Hindu temple art, which are religious, decorative and stylised. The murals have been painted in rich warm colours in tempera technique. </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">The king's bedchamber or </span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Palliyara</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">, on the southwest corner of the Palace, is noteworthy with its low wooden ceiling and 300 sq ft </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">of wall surface covered with 40 odd paintings depicting various stories from Ramayana. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">The paintings are believed to have been created by Veera Kerala Verma. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The palace is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday being the weekly closure </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">day. Fee. Rs. 2/- photography is not allowed inside the palace.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Past Mattencherry Palace, the hustle and bustle of a tourist enclave starts and spills over to the Jew Town Road. The Keralite </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">J</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ews once virtually occupied all houses here in Jew Town, now these residences lie vacant and shut as most of the Jew traders have migrated to Israel </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;"> leaving behind their residences which wear a forlorn look. The antique and curio shops and spice souks on Market Road, however, continue to thrive.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This stretch of road about 1 kms long is the hub of shops and warehouses selling antiques and enormous varpu (copper vessels). Both sides of the streets have shops cramped and filled with antiques (and antique looking) crafts, furniture, wooden idols, wooden spice holders, old clocks, wooden fairies, copper trunks and vessels, bells and figurines, prints and photographs. This is perhaps the antique paradise of India! Do not get fooled by the tiny entrance to the shops, for you will be drawn into the carnivorous back rooms with never-ending stock of antique goodies, which you would be tempted to buy. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best place to shop for the antiques here is </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.crafters.in/" style="background-color: white;">Crafters</a> Antique Shop, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">owned by the John and Sunny Malayil, enterprising Syrian christian family, Crafters </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">has an amazing c<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px;">collection of antiques and not so old, curios, handicrafts, souvenirs and memorabilia in wood, metal and porcelain from all across India. Rare antiques like Hindu and Christian religious artifacts, stone sculptures, old brass-embedded wooden jewel boxes, Kerala’s celebrated traditional uruli (vessel), Chinese jars, ceramics, clocks, glass bottles and jars in myriad colors and shapes, classic furniture including old wooden doors, pillars and frames, and murals. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They are also credited with crafting world's largest Varpu (vessel) which is on display in one of their outlets near the Police Museum on Jew Street.</span><br />
<img alt="limca-books" src="http://www.crafters.in/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/limca-books.png" />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We stopped for a cool and refreshing meal at the Cafe Crafters. This cute little cafe on the first floor of Crafters, the antique shop overlooking the tri-section leading towards Pardesi synagogue is a fun place as one can sit in the balcony overlooking the street and savor fluffy signature appam with kerala stew. </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One can also witness fierce trade bidding at the nearby Cochin Oil Exchange functioning since 1935. The lane by the exchange leads to the 400 years old </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>Pardesi Synagogue, </b>the last of the seven synagogues that once graced this street and the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Its interior holds curved brass columns, an intricately carved teak ark, Belgian crystal chandeliers and Torah crowns of solid gold set with gems. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">The floor has hand-painted porcelain tiles from Canton, each tile has a different pattern. The synagogue also houses </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">two copper plates with details of rights granted to the Jews during the reign of Bhaskara Ravi Varman in the 10th century. One end of the synagogue has 45 feet tall clock tower with four clock dials. Once there were dials with numerals in Hebrew, Latin, Malayalam and Arabic. Now, replaced only with Hebrew and Latin dials - perhaps a symbol of the intolerant times that we live in! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;">Synagogue is open to all between 10 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm. Entry is through ticket priced at Rs. 2/- Closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Photography inside the synagogue is not allowed.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Apart from the antiquated synagogue what caught my eyes here is almost extinct Jewish </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">community in Kochi - only few families survive here, </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaheh_Hallegua" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" title="Yaheh Hallegua"><span style="color: purple;">Yaheh Hallegua</span></a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">, the ticket seller at synagogue is the last female Jew of child-bearing age here. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;">And when their population would become extinct in Fort Kochi, we would be reminded of this enterprising community that had migrated to India several centuries ago from Iraq, through their legacy of the synagogue, the street called Jew Town, and also perhaps the exquisite embroidery work that the surviving Jewish families promote from the houses lining the lane by the synagogue. Fine embroidery is crafted on kerala cotton napkins, table-wears and towels. These are crafted by families who have been trained by the Jewish families. These crafts are painstakingly created and are much in demand with boutique hotels and foreigners. I was told they participate in Christmas Mela at foreign embassies in New Delhi every year. Their small houses painted in green and white with Star of David and Jewish symbols on windows and name plate in Hebrew on the door perhaps remind the Jewish community here of their glorious days! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Embroidered napkins and towels displayed in the Jewish shop opposite the synagogue </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We strolled into the nearby Fort Kochi Police Museum and T</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">ourist police station, the first of its kind in the country. The police station-cum-museum offers services and facilities to the foreign travelers like clarifying their doubts on passport and visa, registering complaints and grievances on lost passports and expired visa, hiring taxis, boat booking among others. One can also obtain tourism brochures to different tourist destinations in the State. The Police museum has fine display of evolution of Kochi police through the ages. The display exhibits police uniforms, weapons and armory through the years from the colonial period to the present. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">The street ahead leads to few large spice shops and the Jewish Cemetery. We decided to turn back and return to Fort Kochi for that is where all the elegant colonial mansions of Kochi still shine gloriously. Auto-rickshaw is a good option to return quickly to Fort Kochi as theses are quite handy in negotiating the back streets. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>Fort Kochi Walk</u></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><u> </u></b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our walk of Fort Kochi begins starts from Tower House on Tower Road, the hotel faces the thick canopied piazza which extends right to the seashore where several fresh fish stalls witness buzz around the day more so in the morning and afternoon when the natives descend here for their daily fix of fresh fish at some very down to earth price. Boutique hotels and restaurants also pick up their stock of fish and crab from here. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fort Kochi is a maze of small streets and alleys all displaying their colonial names proudly through the street signage - Rose Street, Burgher Street, Peter Celli Street, Princess Street, Residale Street, Santa Cruz Road, Parade Road, Napier Street, Lilly Street and Beach Road. In fact, it would not be off the mark if we say that the colonial Fort Kochi is primarily closeted on these streets beyond which the place is distinctly like any other small town in Kerala. These lanes and bylanes displays strong colonial influence in the build architecture and merchandise sold and the cafes and restaurants caters mostly to the travelers. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we step out from Tower House and turn right towards Princess Street the mansion next door is boutique Old Harbour Hotel, set around a square courtyard, an old mansion restructured to provide modern upper crust facilities in the medieval surroundings. The hotel looks inviting and deserves more elaborate mention in later post. While we are still there, the next door Koder House demands attraction. The heritage boutique hotel once owned by the Jewish Koder family. The three storied hotel was actually built by the Koders to accommodate families of their three sons. It is believed to have been structured and gabled in Europe and shipped to Cochin. Its windows are said to be made of imported Belgium glass. The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">red brick facade with wooden arch on the top looks inviting. The intersection of Tower Road and Princess Street has rows of private residences brightly painted each has its own idiosyncratic signage, name plate or even a warning sign which would certainly elicit a broad smile from even a sober soul.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On Princess Street, colonial buildings with their peeling walls and window sills laden with flowerpots look very inviting. Down t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">he street are mansions and residences converted into hotels or cafes and shops lined on both sides. Kochi Books is a landmark bookstore with wide range of books and periodicals. One can browse at leisurely pace and once satiated one can saunter down on to Peter Celli Street where the amazing Cafe Teapot awaits with its cheery mustard facade. This is one landmark cafe that I would love to go back again and again and would not get bored. The decor is simple yet classic and truly a tea house, since the interior displays hundreds of tea pots and cups from all corners of the world displayed on all four walls and even hanging from the ceiling are pots all around. One can place oneself on the ground floor or climb up the stairs for a machan-like upper seating area. The tables are recycled tea chests and one massive table has an old tea-tree for the table base. Their tea collection and chocolate pie are great any time of the day. For lunch we simply loved the Kerala Mustard Fish, a simple curry served with rice or appam.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><b>Cafe Teapot serves wide varieties of tea. Great for no-fuss breakfast and meal</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Round the corner of Princess Street one of the earliest streets to be laid in Fort Kochi and Peter Celli Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from Loafer's Corner, the traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial locals. One can meet and engage in some wholehearted conversation with locals here. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Not too far from the Loafer's Corner near the Cafe Coffee Day are few small tailoring shops who would stitch up cool and casual kurtas, tops and pyjamas in Kerala cotton in few hours. Ideal casual clothes for the summer of Kerala. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Further down few yards at the intersection of Rose Street is Vasco Homestay. An old mansion which is believed to be the house where Vasco de Gama stayed while he was in Kochi. V</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">asco House has the typical European glass paned windows and balcony-cum- verandas characteristic of the 16th century. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">On the right corner is the famous St Francis Church, built by Portuguese in 1503. Believed to be the oldest European church in India. Vasco de Gama was originally buried here in 1524 before his remains were shipped to Lisbon. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adjacent to the St Francis Church flanked by Napier Road and Residale Street and spanning upto Parade Road is the Parade Ground spread over 4 acres, the largest open area of Fort Kochi. This was used as a Parade ground by the colonial occupants of this island. Their defense establishments operated from the mansions that surround the ground. One comes across groups of young men enjoying game of football or cricket here. Some of the finest boutique hotels are located around the Parade Ground. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Further up towards Pattalam Road is <strong>Bishop House</strong>, b<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop’s House stands on a little hillock near Parade Ground. The facade of the house is characterized by large Gothic arches and has a circular garden path winding up to the main entrance. The building was acquired by Dome Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Further up is <strong>Oceanos,</strong> a seafood and Mediterranean cuisine speciality restaurant where the fresh catch of the day is cooked exactly the way you want it to be. One can take to the small lane going past this cafe and move towards the Beach Road through the lanes well covered by thick canopy of tall trees lining the lane. We come across private residences which continues to attract attention of citizens of metropolitan cities, where box like monstrous tall structures are mushrooming in the name of modern architecture. When would the designers look inward and recreate replicas of such fine built heritage?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Soon we are on the Beach Road and could hear the sea waves crashing against the boulders on the shore, the area around this part of the beach is under the Indian Navy hence can not access the beach from here and one has to walk upward towards the east to get an access to the beach. Here on the left is </span><span style="color: #656e67; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"> is situated right on the beach. Surrounded by abundant greenery on three sides and facing the Arabian sea on the other. This property has served as residence of Sir Robert Bristow, the architect of modern Kochi port in the 1920's. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Further up standing majestically atop the cliff by the sea shore is <b>Thakur House</b>, private residence of the famous tea-trading Rai Bahadur Thakur family, thus the name Thakur House. This was built over the site where once stood the Gelderland Bastion and was originally built by the Dutch East India Company as a club and community centre for its officers. Perhaps this explains the often talked about private tunnel which leads to far off place. The polished wood floors, high ceiling ed spacious rooms and enormous bay-windows are true representations of the Dutch architecture. For film buffs, it is interesting to note that the Ismail Merchant film 'Çotton Mary' straring Great Sacchi, James Wilby and Madhur Jaffrey was shot at Thakur House. </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">As we walk further ahead, we reach a cluster of beautiful quarters, private residences and shops around Lilly Street and Napier Street. It is a very quite part of the town with slate roofed single or double storied mansions dot both sides of the street. Literally taking one back to the much leisurely days in the colonial era. One could imagine, horses pulling the buggy carrying the Dutch, English or the Portuguese officers to one of those mansions. Fab India has opened their store on Napier Street, while Dal Roti on Lilly Street serves almost authentic North India cuisines from its high ceiling dining hall enclosed in a seemingly tiny house. The Malabar House hotel, a part of the Trinity group is round the corner from here. It is known for its upper crust luxurious ambiance, perhaps a bit too much of antiques and art and craft. However, they run an excellent multi-cuisine restaurant and equally good spa here. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Few yards away towards the back yard of the Malabar House is Dutch Cemetery where rests the mortal remains of the valiant Dutch officers are army men who braved the vagaries of nature in this far-off land in the dark continent. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">The <strong>Durbar Hall</strong> is built on the Parade Ground Road across the ground. It served as a Durbar Hall (court house) of the Maharajah of Kochi. Built over 150 years ago, now converted into a heritage art gallery and being readied to be the focal point of </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art in Kochi. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">The exhibition is set to be placed in spaces across Kochi, Muziris and surrounding islands. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Indian and international artists are expected to exhibit artworks across a variety of mediums including film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media and performance art. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">A cafe is also attached to the gallery. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Further down adjacent to St Francis Church is the oldest colonial mansion dating back to 1506. The <b>Le Colonial</b>, was home to the Portuguese Governor for almost 150 years and then was lorded over by the Dutch for another 140 years. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">St Francis Xavier is also said to have lived in the house which has also called the "St Francis Bungalow”. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Sold to the British in 1795, it was acquired by J Thomas, the legendary tea traders. The mansion has combined colonial history of 500 years, now converted into a boutique hotel under the Neemrana fold, the mansion has not only retained its architectural heritage but also added modern amenities for its discerning guests. The hotel is adorned with many art objects, prints, paintings of Raj and the days before relieving its colonial past. It has 7 tastefully decorated rooms named after Jan Van Spall, Vasco da Gama, Major Petrie and Tipu Sultan among others. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Walking along and on to Napier Street, we are now heading towards Vasco de Gama square, an ideal place to watch fishermen catch fish with the large Chinese fishing nets along the beach. It is a narrow promenade with thick canopied old trees standing tall. The square has many stalls selling fresh water fish, tender coconuts and snacks. One could also sit on one of the stone benches on the promenade and watch sea waves crashing at the shore and containers ships moving in and out of Cochin harbour. One could also see two large steam boilers of cranes used in Cochin Dock some 50 years ago, now let to rust. These boilers look fantastic against the backdrop of the setting sun and an old tree which sheds its leaf in summers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">The <b>Chinese fishing nets</b> known as 'Cheena vala' is said to have been introduced to Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. Though some attribute this to Kublai Khan. These are stationery nets installed by the seashore on a platform. These are cantilever structure with nets suspended over the sea. Large stones are suspended from ropes at the other end as counter weight. To operate the net a dozen odd fishermen drop the net into the sea water while one person walks along the main beam to let the net descend into the water. Once the net is under water, fishes get entangled in the net. After a certain time, the 5-6 fishermen pull out the net by pulling the ropes from the water in vigorous motion with loud chorus. Once out of the net, the fish is immediately auctioned off to the nearby fish stall owner. These nets are an object of interest for visitors and one usually ends up pulling the rope along with the fishermen (they cajole you to do so!) and once the rope is pulled and you had your share of fishing thrill, and strained arm muscles, the fisherman would ask for 'bakshish'. You help them catch the fish and also pay for it, strange! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">This is where I had the most amazing fresh fish bar-be-Que meal. It is amazing to know how reasonably priced are fresh fish here. I took 1 kg of salmons and 750 odd grams of large prawns all for just about 250 odd rupees from one of the stall. Handed the lot over to one of the </span><b style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Ýou Buy We Cook</b><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">' stalls across the promenade opposite Delta School. They cooked the fish according to my liking and served hot with coriander chutney and onion salad all for 100 rupees. So here we are eating up almost 2 kgs of fresh fish nicely cooked and bar-be-Que all for less than 500 rupees. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">We round-off our Fort Kochi walk with visit to the Santa Cruz Basilica, a 16th century Portuguese church standing tall on Rampart Road. The Gothic structure with tall spires has tall windows decorated with stained glass arrangements depicting scenes from the Bible. The quaint confessional boxes are worth a watch. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Fort Kochi offers wide stay options, one can pick from top end heritage boutique hotels, the modern hotels operated by famous hotel groups in India as well as home stay options. For me heritage boutique hotels or even a home stay options here are more personalized. Kochi also offers wide range of food inspired by Kerala cuisine as well as the the English and French. Fort Kochi's stay options and food deserves separate posts. That and much more in the next post. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Places to Stay</span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><u>Boutique Hotels</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.malabarscapes.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Malabar House</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><b style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">1/268 - 1/269 Parade Road, Near - St Francis Church, Fort Kochi Phone: 0484 2216666</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><a href="http://the-tower-house.neemranahotels.com/">Tower House</a> </b></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> </b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 1/320, Tower Road, Fort Kochi Phone: 0484-2216960-62, Mobile: 9895693716</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/"><b>Old Harbour Hotel</b></a> </span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/328, Tower Road, Fort Kochi Phone : 0484-2218006, Mobile: 09847029000</span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lecolonial.in/" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px;">Le Colonial</a><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><b> </b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 1-315, Church Road, Vasco de Gama Square, Fort Kochi. Phone: 484-2217181/2217182</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"> <b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.cghearth.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Brunton Boatyard</span></a> </span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Calvetty Road, Fort Kochi Phone: 0484 2215461/ 2215465</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.koderhouse.com/">Koder House</a> </span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Tower Road, Fort Kochi Phone : 0484 2218485 / 2217988</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><b><a href="http://www.waltonshomestay.com/">Walton's Homestay</a> </b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/39, Walton Hall, Princess Street, Fort Kochi . Phone: 0484 2215309, Mobile: 9249721935</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: purple; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.fortheritage.com/">Fort Heritage</a></span><span style="color: blue;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 1/283, Napier Street, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2215333 / 221 5455</span></span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.oldlighthousehotel.com/">Old Lighthouse Bistro</a></span> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small;">Beach Road, Next to INS Dronacharya, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 3050101 / 3050102</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://abadhotels.com/residencia"><b><span style="color: purple;">Grande Reseidencia</span></b></a> </span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> 1/373 Pricess Street, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2381122 </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.fortcastle.com/"><b>Fort Castle</b></a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rose Lane, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2216810 / 2216811. Mobile: 9846036977</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.oldcourtyard.com/"><span style="color: purple;">The Old Courtyard Hotel</span></a> </span><span style="color: blue; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Princess Street, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2216302 / 2215035</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.bolgattypalacekochi.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Bolgatty Palace</span></a> </span></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> Mulavukadu, Bolgatty Island. Phone: 0484 2750500 / 2750600 / 2750457</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.bernardbungalow.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Bernard Bungalow</span></a> </span> </span></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> Parade Road, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2216162. Mobile: 9847427999 </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: purple; line-height: 15px;"><b><a href="http://spencerhome-fortkochi.blogspot.in/">Spencer Home</a> </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 15px;">Parade Road, Fort Kochi. Phone: 0484 2215049. email: spencerhomestayfc@rediffmail.com</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 15px;"> </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #e3dfd9; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><u>Modern Hotels</u></span></b>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.vivantabytaj.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Vivanta by Taj - Malabar</span></a> </span></b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 19px;">Willingdon Island, Kochi. Phone: 0484 6643000 / 6643182</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://www.tridenthotels.com/"><b><span style="color: purple;">Trident Kochi</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;">Willingdon Island, Kochi. Phone: 0484 3081000 / 3081002</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 19px;">T</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19px;"><b><a href="http://www.cghearth.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Casino Hotel</span></a> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 19px;"> <span style="color: blue;">Willingdon Island, Kochi. Phone: 0484 2668421 / 3011500</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.bolgattyislandresortkochi.com/"><span style="color: purple;">Bolgatty Island Resort</span></a> </span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 15px;">Mulavukadu, Bolgatty Island. Phone: 0484 2750500 / 2750600 / 2750457</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Credit: Some of the photographs have been borrowed from website of Neemrana Hotels.</span></span><br />
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</div>Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-43003788362743177172012-06-24T14:00:00.002+05:302013-09-01T12:39:28.089+05:30Srinagar - The Eternal City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Srinagar is a popular hill destination in India famed for its lakes, waterways, centuries old gardens, and a town that is still rooted in rich heritage and where traditional crafts flourish. Once a favorite destination, Srinagar went through 2 decades of political unrest which led to this becoming a minefield of terrorism in the 80's and 90's. It is only now that the normalcy seem to have returned to this valley. The People here are welcoming and extend warmth to the visitors and extend the old world courtesies to one who cares to visit this ancient land.</div>
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The romance with Srinagar starts from the moment your plane hovers over the snow peaked mountains and green valley. The sight from the plane window brings wide smile and twinkle in the eyes of the traveler. The clean and renovated Sher-e-Kashmir International airport replicates the chaotic air facilities available in India. Yet, no one seem to minds long wait for the luggage to arrive. For they know beyond the chaos of airport lies salubrious weather, glorious sunshine and rounds of ride on the placid lake water on the Dal, numerous rounds of savoring 'Kehwa' (Kashmiri saffron tea) sitting on the patio of the Houseboat on the Dal Lake.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n41WpR_VkOE/T-bLvzZktxI/AAAAAAAAAGI/RO3goRvsSPU/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n41WpR_VkOE/T-bLvzZktxI/AAAAAAAAAGI/RO3goRvsSPU/s640/DSCN0736.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>The flower sellers on Dal Lake are a charming lot, they would be seen rowing their flower laden boat moving from one houseboat to another in search of a customer for their beautiful flowers. Their call to prospective customers "Phool lena.. phool ka beej lena" (take flowers, take seeds) rings in the air every morning. These beautiful flowers tempt one in buying a bunch of them. Curiously, every flower boat is name - Mr Wonderful Flowerman. </div>
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The serenity of the morning on Dal Lake is one of the best that I have experienced. The morning cal, mist covered lake, mist floating over the nearby Zabarwan hills, boats languidly moving on the water, kingfishers watching over the water attentively for its catch and water hen diving deep into the water to catch its meal. The sparrows creating ruckus in the bushes. flower-seller calling out to the tourists and menfolks rowing to the nearby market for the morning buy of fresh bread. </div>
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Viewed from top the city presents a great vista of a medieval town with tin roofed brick and wood houses spread all over the ground dotted with trees and tall minarets of its mosques and khanqah (mausoleums), river Jhelum meandering through the city and several bridges spanning over it.<br />
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Lotus is a much sought after flower in Srinagar and Kashmir. It is cultivated not only for offering to the deity during the puja (prayer) by Hindus but also it is consumed extensively by the Kashmiris. Lotus roots called 'Nadru' is a Kashmiri delicacy. One can see lotus being commercially cultivated on the Dal lake. Three varieties of lotus is cultivated here - yellow, white and pink.<br />
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Srinagar is dotted with several mausoleums of the Muslim saints. Mausoleums dedicated to them are ornately decorated with the designs and embellishments in form of papiermache, miniature painting and khatambund woodcraft, the traditional craft of Kashmir. The Khanqah-e-Maula near Zainakadal bridge (above) flanked by traditional brick and wood houses on river Jhelum is a must visit. This mausoleum is dedicated to Shah Hamadan, the Persian saint who is said to have introduced and propagated Islam in India.<br />
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A tribe of Kashmiri fishermen live on the boat in all seasons. The tiny boat is their home as well as important to their trade of fishing. The family usually a husband and wife live on the boat - fish, eat and sleep. They spread the net in the evening and collect their catch early in the morning. The female member then carries the catch to Fatehkadal in Downtown to sell the fish, only to return before the evening to spread the net for another night and for another catch.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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Kashmiri spices are known for its flavour and robust colour. Kashmiri Red Chillies are much in demand in India for its deep red colour which comes out very vividly in any cuisine. The fennel, cocks-comb flower add that local flavour to the Kashmiri cuisine. Saffron however, tops the list as the most prized Kashmiri spice. These spice-sellers in Zainakadal spice market are bunch of happy locals whose favorite pass-time is smoking (through the hooqah) and reminiscing about the "good old days" and worrying about the "Indian occupation of their land". But they are hopeful about the future and yearn for peace and normalcy. They have witnessed enough bloodshed in the last two decades. <br />
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Taking the sight of the lake aboard gaily painted Shikaras (water taxi-boats) on the Dal lake is a must do thing when in Srinagar. The sight of happy families enjoying that calming ride on the water spreads most joy and I begin to wonder, what went wrong in Kashmir that its men, women and children had to face so much of hardship due to militancy. This also tells me that it took almost 20 years for a whole new generation of Indians to savor the experience called - Kashmir.<br />
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Placid waters of Dal lake is not only home to hundreds of Houseboats, shikaras but also it is home to thousands of families who have not known another home. This is their home, trade centre and their farm. The floating vegetable farms on the Dal produces some of the freshest vegetables. Every morning a temporary floating vegetable market springs up around the sun-rise, witnesses quick deals and offloading of sold vegetables onto the empty boats of buyers and make way towards the boulevard for onward transporting to the downtown Srinagar. This farmer is heading back home after selling off his stock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fisherman collecting his catch early in the morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tranquility of misty morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shikaras moored by the boulevard. These boat-taxis have funny names, one of these is named '- Facebook Deluxe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite shikara. </td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Top 10 Must Do's at Srinagar</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u>Stay on the Houseboat</u></b><br />
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Spend a night or two in Houseboat on the Dal Lake or for those who prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle may opt to stay in houseboat on Nagin Lake. Each houseboat is self contained, spacious and well furnished with most of the requirements for a comfortable stay available on board. A typical houseboat has three bedrooms with an en suite bathroom, a spacious Living room, a dining room, pantry and a front lounge. Some houseboats have adjoining small garden or a on the water deck, where one can sun bathe or just relax. The houseboats are richly furnished with carpets, kashmiri handicrafts and ornate woodwork designs on the ceiling and walls of any houseboat is a must. Houseboats are classified from Super Deluxe to D Category depending on the amenities available on board. Pickup a houseboat moored after the Nehru Park for atmosphere, scene and tranquility. These houseboats are closer to Char Chinar, Dal Market, Floating vegetable market, lotus farms, Kabutarkhana and Nishat and Shalimar Gardens.<br />
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<b><i><u>Where to stay:</u></i></b><br />
<u><b>Houseboats</b></u><br />
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<b>Tunda Palace </b> Accessible from Ghat # 16 and 17 Contact - Ghulam Ahmed Tunda 9622427780<br />
<b>Prince of Vale </b> Accessible from Ghat # 16 and 17 Contact - Salim Tunda<br />
<b>HB Teheran </b> <span style="background-color: white;">Accessible from Ghat # 16 and 17 </span><br />
<b>HB Bostan</b> <span style="background-color: white;">Accessible from Ghat # 16 and 17</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Cheerful Charlie </b></span><span style="background-color: white;">Accessible from Ghat # 16 and 17 Contact - Aslam Donglu</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">On Nagin Lake one can choose to stay at Gurkha Houseboats run by Welcome Group of Hotels. </span><a href="http://www.welcomheritagehotels.com/hotel/gurkha-houseboats-srinagar" style="background-color: white;">http://www.welcomheritagehotels.com/hotel/gurkha-houseboats-srinagar</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
<b><u>Shikara ride on the Dal Lake</u></b><br />
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Take a tour of the Dal lake and Nagin lake on a Shikara. See the Kabutarkhana (pigeon house of former Maharaja of Kashmir, Char Chinar (4 Chinar trees) on a tiny island, Dal floating market behind Nehru Park, Floating vegetable market, visit Papier Mache factory and watch process of papier mache crafts, lotus farms, or visit Shalimar and Nishat Gardens. The Shikara wallah would also show you HB Cheerful Charlie, where the famous song 'Bhumro, bhumro.." of hindi film Mission Kashmir was picturised on Preity Zinta and Hritik Roshan. Must do on shikara is a trip of the backwaters of Dal where you see the villages and the non-touristy Dal Lake. Contact Ashique (9419011042), the owner of shikara 'Facebook Deluxe'at Ghat # 16 for an enjoyable ride.<br />
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<b><u>Floating Vegetable Market</u></b><br />
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Early morning visit to the floating vegetable market must be on top of your agenda even if you are not staying on a houseboat on Dal lake. The market settles down around sunrise on a vast patch of clear water in the backyards of the lake where farmers from lake carry freshly picked vegetables. Buyers from downtown Srinagar pick up these boat loads of vegetables and clear away by 8 am.<br />
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<b><u>Boat ride on Jhelum River</u></b><br />
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The river Jhelum was once lifeline of Kashmir before advent of vehicles and mechanized transport, hence the city of Srinagar also settled on the two banks of the river. Century old brick and wood houses still stand tall on both flanks. Recently started speedboat ride is a good way to see the stretch of river from GPO Park upto Zainakadal. On the way one sees the old wooden bridge of Zainakadal which is unique in form, the khanqah-e-maula, the raghunath temple are some of the important buildings that you would come across during this journey. It takes about 70 minutes for a round trip and cost approx 960/- for the full boat which takes 8 persons. One can pick up the speed boat from Grindlays Ghat or the covered boat from Pirzoo Garden across the GPO on Bund.<br />
Caution - These speedboats do not have life jackets or life saving equipments.<br />
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<b><u>Mausoleum Visit</u></b><br />
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Srinagar is home to the mausoleums of famous muslim saints - Shah Hamadan, Peer Dastageer and Makhdoom Saheb. These mausoleums are magnificent examples of Kashmiri architecture and craftsmanship. Ornately decorated interiors would mesmerize any visitor.<br />
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<b><u>Hazratbal Mosque</u></b> <br />
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The white marble Hazratbal mosque glistens in the daylight across the Dal Lake beyond the backwaters. Apart from being a magnificent structure, it houses the sacred hair of the Prophet Mohammed (saw) which is displayed to the devotees only on select few dates during the year. <span style="background-color: white;">Green lawn sprawled up to the edge of the Lake with large Chinar trees standing tall is a great place to relax and contemplate about life and its meaning.</span><br />
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<b><u>Mughal Gardens</u></b><br />
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No visit is complete without visit to the Mughal Gardens - Chashma-e-Shahi, Nishat and Shalimar and Pari Mahal nestled on the foothills of Zabarwan Hills flanking the eastern shore of the lake. Pari Mahal was a Buddhist structure, before it was converted into a Madrasah by the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh. The tiered palace provides a panoramic view of the Dal Lake.<br />
Chashma-e-Shahi (Royal fountain pavilion) houses a natural spring which cascades down from the hills. The adjoining garden also provides good view of the Dal Lake.<br />
Nishat Garden is a magnificent garden laid out in the charbagh style of mughal architecture, with cascading fountains and waterways flowing right into the lake in the olden days. Green lawns are well tended which reflects in many varieties of flowers in full bloom. JK Tourism has recently started a coffee shop on the lawns of Nishat. One can savour Kehwa with Kashmiri naan while resting on reed-mat with gaily covered bolsters to rest ones tired body.<br />
Shalimar Garden is the most beautiful of all. The tiered garden with flowers in full bloom all across, cascading fountains and tall shadowy chinar trees is a feast for nature lovers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariel view of the Dal Lake, houseboats can be seen moored in neat rows with Hari Parbat (Hari Fort in the distance).<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><b><u>Shopping in Downtown</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">Srinagar is a shoppers paradise for traditional crafts of Kashmir. Unfortunately, Kashmiri crafts are more female centric with very few options for men. One can pick Pashmina, Jamawar and Kani Shawls, stoles and mufflers, Embroidered dress, papiermache products, carpets, crewel and chain-stitch upholstery fabrics and dress materials; floor wares - namdas and gabas; wall hangings; copper-ware samovars and traditional bowls, glasses and pots; wicker baskets and lamps, walnut wood carved desks, tables, jewellery boxes; dry fruits, Saffron and spices. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">Visit Maharaj bazaar and market near Habbakadal bridge, Lal Chowk for dry fruits and saffron. Zainakadal for spices and copper ware; For carpet, chain stitch wall hangings and floor wear visit one of the outlets on Boulevard near Nishat and Shalimar Gardens. Ghulam Mohammed Joo at the crossing of Residency Road near Bund is an excellent option for quality carpets. Tiny little shops at Nauhatta are great bargain places for crewel stitch fabrics, namdas and gabbas. The shops at Residency Road have touristy rates which are much on the higher side. Go to shops where local residents shop for clothes. G M Shah on Residency at the intersection of Polo View is a treasure trove of Kashmiri embroidered dress and dress materials, furnishing fabrics, shawls and upholstery. Lanes near Hazratbal mosque are great to pickup some of the finest wicker ware baskets, lamps and wicker decorative items. Persian Dowry on Dal Lake behind Nehru Park is a treasure trove of famous papiermache craft. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><b><u>Dinner at Ahdoos </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Visit to Srinagar is incomplete without enjoy feast of Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine. Though the full wazwan feast consist of more than 30 courses which can only be had at a Kashmiri wedding. One can sample some of the wazwan dishes at the Ahdoos, a landmark hotel and restaurant on Bund. You can savour the red gravy Rista (mutton ball curry) or Gushtaba (mutton ball curry in white gravy), Tabak Maaz (lamp ribs deep fried), Kabab (seekh and boti), Nadru (lotus stem curry), Chemen (Paneer curry). These go well with the plain rice or dry-fruit rich Kashmiri Pulao. Round it off with Phirni followed by hot and invigorating cup of saffron kehwa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Alka Salka, few blocks away from Ahdoos is another good option for wazwan. The much touted Mughal Darbar near GPO is a disappointment though. For foodies who do not care much about the ambience but want to gorge on kebabs then Khayam chowk is the kebab paradise in Srinagar. About a dozen small eateries serve kebab, rista, gushtaba with rice or roti late into the night. All very reasonable priced.</span></div>
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<b><u>Coffee and Pasta, Pizza at Cafe Arabica</u></b><br />
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Post militancy, the first Cafe to spring up to cater to the needs of much aware Kashmiri youths is Cafe Arabica housed on Polo view located at Hotel Broadway. This excellent cafe serves among others, pastas, pizzas, Chinese, Arab and American dining cuisine. This atmospheric cafe is a hangout of Kashmiri youths who live with the times - informed, enlightened and tech-savvy. Open all day, till 10 pm on Polo View Road.<br />
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<b>Stream</b> on the boulevard near Dal gate is a newly opened restaurant is a good option in the Dal area for Lunch and dinners. There is also a Cafe Coffee Day in the Hotel Malik Place compound on boulevard, but beware of the snacks. I was served stale sandwiches! <br />
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<u><b>Useful Information</b></u><br />
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Places to stay - Hotels<br />
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Vivanta by Taj Zabarwan Hills, Boulevard <a href="http://www.vivantabytaj.com/Dal-View-Srinagar" style="background-color: white;">Vivanta by Taj Srinagar</a><br />
The Lalit Grand Palace Boulevard <a href="http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-grand-palace-srinagar" style="background-color: white;">Lalit Grand Palace</a><br />
Broadway Hotel Polo View, Maulana Azad Road <a href="http://www.hotelbroadway.com/" style="background-color: white;">Hotel Broadway</a><br />
Ahdoos Maulana Azad Road <a href="http://www.ahdooshotel.com/" style="background-color: white;">Ahdoos</a><br />
Green Acres Rajbagh <a href="http://www.wazirhotels.com/" style="background-color: white;">Green acres</a><br />
Malik Palace Boulevard<br />
Grand Mumtaz Polo View, Maulana Azad Road <a href="http://www.grandmumtazkashmir.com/" style="background-color: white;">Grand Mumtaz</a><br />
Shahenshah Palace Boulevard<br />
Centaur Lake View Boulevard <a href="http://www.centaurhotelsrinagar.com/" style="background-color: white;">Centaur Lake View </a><br />
Hotel Heemal Boulevard<br />
Hotel Madhuban Boulevard <a href="http://www.hotelmadhuban-kashmir.net/" style="background-color: white;">Hotel Madhuban</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Hotel Shah Abbas Boulevard</span><br />
Hotel Zabarvan Zabarvan Hills<br />
Almond Villa Mahindra Homestay <a href="http://almond%20villa/" style="background-color: white;">Almond Villa</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
Hillscape Inn Nishat <a href="http://www.mahindrahomestays.com/homestays/srinagar/hillscape-inn" style="background-color: white;">Hillscape Inn</a><br />
Mahatta Homestay Rajbagh<br />
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Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231463011440175094.post-3862066577500031582012-06-24T12:49:00.001+05:302012-07-26T20:14:56.486+05:30To the Travelers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">India</span></i> </b>as a travel destination is exotic and raw, rooted in ancient history, generously endowed with natural beauty, peppered with exotic cuisine and culinary diversity, embellished with traditional crafts still created manually by craftsmen following the tradition for generations. </div>
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Most of the Indian cities are not much of a great and wholesome tourist destinations baring few of them. Yet even these cities offer quite a feast for the senses. Being a predominantly non-city nation, Indian destinations beyond its cities offer travelers with a bouquet of exotic and offbeat options spanning over the sublime mountains and hills, deserts, seas, rivers, backwaters, forests, ancient and historical cities. These destinations offer the best of Indian crafts, art, culture, cuisine, music, traditions in the backdrop of mountains, deserts, villages, seas, rivers and backwaters.</div>
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This blog intends to bring to its readers the offbeat Indian destinations which I hope would help them in making an informed decision while planning an Indian holiday. Happy travelling to India! </div>
</div>Mohammed Nasirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11271054558504124425noreply@blogger.com0