Mahindra Homestays » DESTINATIONS

Places in Kottayam

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:00:53 +0000

An important Kerala centre for spices and rubber, Kottayam lies near the tourist hub, Alleppey, in the southern part of the state. The famous Keralan backwaters are accessible as the town is based at the basin of Meenachil River and the Vembanad Lake.

The weather here is cooler in comparison to Alleppey and the evergreen lush topography a great respite. Kottayam is also known for famous home-bred bakeries. With a large Syrian Christian community residing here, non vegetarian delicacies are in plenty. Look out for local jaunts to try some delicious beef, pork and sea food.

Kottayam is a fairly small town, spread over about 55 sq kms and is not traditionally a tourist hub, but there are some interesting places in Kottayam where you can choose to base yourself for a few days or visit during your trip.

1. Vagamon
This is a hill station close to Kottayam, situated 1100 metres above sea level. Vagamon is not that well known on the tourist circuit so one enjoy the lush ravines, tree lined hills and an extensive carpet of bright green in a tranquil environment. The drive itself from Kottayam to Vagamon is magnificent with pine trees amidst solid rock. Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram are the highlights of this place.

2. Pallam
Pallam is a great place to see some of the different art forms of Kerala in their natural settings rather than in air conditioned auditoriums, offering a more authentic experience. The Anjaneya Kalari Marma Chikilsalayam is based in the Pallom region of Kottayam and gives the visitors a guided walk through the popular Kalaripayatu performance. There are limited entries and no fees, which makes this a great place to get acquainted with the ancient art. The establishment is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments. Pallom is also known for the first power house in Cochin and Munroe Lighthouse. It is associated with famous names like Haley Mathew (a great patron of the famous snake boats).

3. Pallikathodu
Kerala is known for its natural beauty in backwaters, lush forests and plantations. Amongst these, there are some spectacular waterfalls in the Kottayam region to visit. Just 18 kms from Kottayam, Pallikathodu is famous for the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, best seen after the rainfall in August. Crashing down from the mountains from a height of 100 ft this is a fantastic spot for a relaxing picnic.

4. Ettumanoor
Just 15 km away, Ettumanoor is famous for an old Shiva shrine. It is believed to be thousands of years old and houses ancient paintings and seven statues of half golden elephants. This is largely a historical destination with its lineage attributed to the times of Mahabharata, as the Pandavas are said to have established a temple here.

5. Poonjar Palace
Poonjar Palace has a royal connection to the history of Kottayam. Prince G.V Raja’s home is now a museum where antiques, rock-cut lamps, sculptures and other artefacts are displayed for public viewing. The palace stands as a testimony to an opulent time for the Prince, reflected in the richly carved furniture, chandeliers, jewel boxed, paintings and sculptures. Not far from the palace, is an extraordinary replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, with intricate sculptures depicting stories from the Puranas. Poonjar Palace makes for a good off beat trip from Kottayam town.

6. Kumarakom
The pretty backwater village of Kumarakom is located just 16 kilometres from Kottayam. An ideal place for setting off on a backwater cruise, the village is set to the backdrop of Vembanad Lake where numerous traditional houseboats can be found plying the waterways.

Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:00:55 +0000

India is full of interesting historical forts. A beautiful and well preserved example is the spectacular Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra, looking out over the Arabian Sea.

HISTORY
Sindhudurg Fort was built in 1664 by King Shivaji. The strategic rocky island location was carefully chosen to counter foreign forces, and to keep the nearby villages in check.

Located 510kms south of Mumbai and 130kms north of Goa the construction was done under the supervision of Hiroji Indulkar, an able architect. It is said that Shivaji invited 100 Portuguese experts from Goa for the construction of the fort and that 3000 workers were employed round the clock for three years to build Sindhudurg.

After Shivaji, Sindhudurg passed through the hands of Rajaram-Tarabai, Angres, Peshwa and the Bhosales of Kolhapur. It was briefly captured by the British in 1765 Ad And was renamed by them as ‘Fort Augustus’. Later in 1818 AD, the British dismantled the fort’s defence structures.

STRUCTURE
The 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four km long zigzag line of a 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions.

The fort is approachable from the Malavan pier by a boat through a narrow navigable channel between two smaller islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. The main gate, flanked by massive bastions, faces the city.

One of the most interesting features of this port is that the design of main door is an enigma, a hallmark of Maratha Architecture of fort building so that the entry can’t be located by attacking forces. The technique was so deceptive that the entrance was concealed due to blind curves. The zigzag pattern of outer wall was so built that the enemy would be visible from any point inside the fort and the troops inside could fire their guns and cannons effectively.

INTERESTING FACTS AND ATTRACTIONS INSIDE THE FORT

Shivaji’s palm and footprints are preserved here on dried lime slabs in a tower. Inside the Fort, temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri, Mahapurush and Shivajeshwar are worth seeing, all of which are in good condition.
Chatrapati Shivaji’s younger son Rajaram in his remembrance built this temple. Shivaji’s idol stands in a boatman’s attire inside the temple and probably only one of its’ kind in the country – where the image of Shivaji is without a beard.
Outside the southern wall there is a small beach, called Ranichi Vela (Queen’s private beach), where Queen Tarabai, daughter-in law of Shivaji, used to enjoy her sea-bath.
Inside the fort there are three wells of drinkable water, which is a nature’s marvel as sea surrounds the fort on all four sides.
On a rocky island between Sindhudurg and the coast stood the small fort of Padmagad, now in ruins. It acted as a shield for Sindhudurg and was also used for shipbuilding
The fort also houses a coconut tree which has a branch and also gives fruit. (No other coconut tree has a branch.)
There is a hidden passage that starts in a temple that looks like a water reservoir and goes under the island for 3 km, under the sea for 12 km, and from there 12 km to a nearby village. The tunnel was used as an escape route for the women if the enemy entered the fort. However, the British partially closed this passage after the fort was abandoned.

Popular Places in Alleppey, Kerala

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:00:32 +0000

Alleppey defines the quintessential Kerala experience in several ways. The placid backwaters which flow into narrow canals are the lifeblood of the small town which lies 60 kms south of Cochin. Life revolves around the water and most visitors will be here to explore the backwaters by boat, from the large elegant houseboats to small fishing canoes.

Also known as Alappuzha, the town has a rich history, a burgeoning home-stay culture for travellers and also serves as the venue for some of the most exciting festivals of the state.

Here are our five favourite places in Alleppey to visit.

1. Punnamada Jetty

You don’t need to take an entire house-boat to get the experience of the backwaters. Walk to the Punnamada Jetty point and watch the elaborate and well equipped house-boats dock on the banks. You can walk into some of them and have a look around. The jetty point is also a good spot to sight some rowers from a local sports school in the middle of the lake. Children from the school often whiz past the banks in canoes or hold swimming practices close by.

2. Alappuzha Beach

Though Alleppey is better known for its network of canals, it has a great stretch of sandy beach, often overlooked by visitors. There is 140 years old wharf which extends into the sea. Take some time to explore the sandy, palm-fringed shore line lapped by the Arabian Sea. Marari beach just before the town is a hot-spot for resort oriented holiday.

3. Kuttanad

Further towards the South, the Kuttanad region unfolds just after Alleppey. A fascinating area, this is well below the sea level and is known for its lush paddy fields. The topography is different from the backwaters and makes for an idyllic day out. You can see the locals at work in the fields as you cross vast patches of cultivation.

4. Vembanad Lake

Alleppey is sandwiched between Vembanad lake and the Arabian sea. The longest lake in India, Vembanad spans several districts in Kerala. The lake is stunning, covered in water hyacinth and home to a vast variety of bird life. Houseboats travel along the lake giving visitors the opportunity to see the many fishing villages clustered along its shores.

5. Pathiramanal

A small island on the backwaters, Pathiramanal is a bird watchers paradise as it is home to over 90 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. About 13 km from Alleppey it can be reached in about 30 minutes by speed boat from the town.

Things to do in Matiana

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:00:52 +0000

Apple orchards stretch over the length and breadth of this small town on NH 22, between Shimla and Narkhanda in Himachal Pradesh. Perpetually pleasant weather, a strong connection with the Goddess Durga and businesses rooted in apple farms, makes this a verdant and relaxed place to visit.

A small town feel and easy pace of life makes Matiana an ideal base for travellers who wish to relax and explore the region away from the tourist crowds. Matiana has a number of things to offer for those who like to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.

Here are our favourite things to do in Matiana.

1. Birdwatching

This small town of Himachal gives a vast opportunity for birding enthusiasts to see plenty of different species. The varieties are distinctly different from that of other parts of India. Birds like Drongo, fly catcher, bar tailed tree creeper, black bulbul and Grosbeak can be spotted here.

2. Walking Trails

The hills are a perfect place to explore and there are plenty of local trails to follow. Small village settlements, old-towering trees and local life are found along some of the most beautiful trails here. A good way to see the destination and get acquainted to the local culture, this is highly recommended.

3. Explore the Apple Farms

You can’t escape the importance of the apple farms in the region. Most people here have small or big farms and the conversations invariable leads to the season’s production and other issues. Visit an apple orchard and enjoy the freshness of apples right off the tree. While most of the harvest is sent to local or larger distributors, many people have diversified into small units of chutneys (Indian condiment) and juices. Perfect souvenirs to take home!

4. Hatu Peak

A little over 15 kms from Matiana, the Hatu peak towers over the Narkhanda town. It takes about an hour from the town to drive up to this serene spot with oak stands and bright green pastures in the middle. From here, you can get a good look at the Himalayas on a clear day. Try not to visit on a weekend – the number of visiting cars and bikes often end up in a jam.

5. Local Temples

Matiana has always been associated with its devotion to the Goddess Durga. Apart from her, the destination is also sprinkled with other smaller temples. You will find temples tucked away in nooks and crannies, below trees, by the road and some elaborate ones. The religious zeal in the people is commendable here.

Where to stay
Constructed on the edge of a hill facing a panoramic valley with far-off mountains views is Krish Rauni Resort. Situated in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh, this homestay in Matiana is at a height of about 8,000 feet from the sea level. The orchard around the house has benches painted in bright red, yellow and green where you can relax with a book, or spend time on the huge terrace which gives a wide view of the valley around.

Tea in the clouds; things to do in Darjeeling

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:00:46 +0000

Kanchendzonga, clouds, fragrant cups of tea and sumptuous food. Head to Darjeeling and live in the clouds for a while, literally.

This quaint hill station is located about 2150m above sea level and clouds tend to come down often enveloping you. The British loved the misty, mild-to-chilly climate of Darjeeling. So much so that they annexed it from Nepal and made it into their own special summer retreat to escape the heat of the plains. Among other things, they set up the tea plantations that today are responsible for the world-famous Darjeeling tea.

Here’s a list of things to do in Darjeeling:

1. Take a tea tour
Take a tea estate tour or stay on a plantation. On a tea tour, you will get to see what goes into making that perfect cuppa – you will go tea plucking with workers, get a round of the factory where leaves are processed and indulge in tea tasting.

The delicate flavour of Darjeeling tea is dependent on the climate and environment and the flavour and aroma of tea differs from hillside to hillside. Recommended is a tour of the Makaibari estate. Founded in the late 1850s, its tea fetches some of the highest prices in the world.

2. Visit a monastery
You can also go on a monastery tour. Darjeeling has several beautiful monasteries and temples. The Ghum Monastery (situated 8 km from Darjeeling in the town of Ghum) follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a 15ft statue of Maitreya Buddha.

The Bhutia Busty monastery is in Darjeeling town, near Chowrasta. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas and is credited with the origin of the name of the town, Darjeeling. The monastery used to be known as Dorje Ling and was originally located on Observatory Hill before the Nepalese destroyed it in 1815. It was later rebuilt on the present site. A must-see at the monasteries are the gorgeous wall murals made with colours derived from powdered stones.

3. Take a walk around town
Take some time to go for long walks around town. Get to know Darjeeling up close – take a guided tour with the folks at Darjeeling Heritage Walks. They’ll show you a Darjeeling that very few people get to see. You may find yourself taking part in prayer ceremonies at a Tibetan monastery, sipping hot cups of butter tea, meeting legendary sherpas, sampling the best local foods, visiting lesser-known treasures like Crookety, Russian artist Nicholas Roerich’s house in nearby Kalimpong, or being regaled with real-life stories from Darjeeling about Afghan princes and spies in monks’ clothing that will put a Bond thriller to shame.

4. View mountain peaks
Play a game of hide ‘n seek with the Kanchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world. It is right there behind the mist, its snow-capped proximity like an invisible presence.

Sometimes it can remain resolutely, tantalisingly hidden. And then, sometimes you get lucky as the clouds lift like a theatre curtain. “Sometimes a tourist has waited 22 days and then been obliged to go away without a sight of it,” wrote Mark Twain from Darjeeling in 1896.

Tiger Hill is best known for the view of the dazzling sunrise over Kanchenjunga. On a clear day you can even see Mt Everest from here.

5. Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Take a ride on the Lilliputian Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a 60 cm narrow-gauge railway that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 becoming only the second railway in the world to have this honour. It goes up to a height of 2,286 metres.

Mark Twain described his trip on the railway in 1896 as “the most enjoyable day I have spent on the earth”. Among much-repeated stories about the DHR, one goes like this: A telegram sent from the line to headquarters in Calcutta during Mark Twain’s time allegedly said: “Tiger eating station master on front porch. Telegraph instructions.” Check out the website of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society which has more than 800 members in 24 countries.

6. Go book shopping
Browse and pick up a book on Darjeeling at Oxford Book & Stationery in Chowrasta. This specialises in books on Darjeeling, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and the Himalayas.

7. Buy tea, tea sets and Himalayan honey
Sit down with your book and a cup of Darjeeling tea and watch the sunset at Nathmulls Lounge in Chowrasta. They are the oldest and the largest tea merchants here specializing in Darjeeling tea and source over 50 varieties of tea both from tea auction as well as directly from tea estates. They also stock an amazing variety of tea pots from miniature enamelled ones to intricately carved silver tea sets.

Pick up some excellent Himalayan Honey at the lovely little shop Life & Leaf on Chowrasta. They work with small farmers and local artisans and sell a variety of products. They stock tea sourced directly from farmers as opposed to the other shops that sell tea by the big companies. The advantage? Part of the profits is channelled back to farmers. They also stock bamboo products, earthenware, woven stoles and embroidered tea cosies and mats.

Hang out at the uber cool Gatty’s Café in the evenings and listen to some of the best live music India has to offer. Darjeeling is known for its music and local talent.

Interesting facts about Darjeeling

Darjeeling derives its name from Tibetan words ‘dorjé’ (thunderbolt) and ‘ling’ (place), and translates to Land of the Thunderbolt.
Nestled in the Mahabharat Range (or Lesser Himalayas) at an elevation of 6,710 ft, the town was taken from Nepal by the British in the mid-19th century and, because of its temperate climate, used as a sanatorium to escape the heat of the plains.
The man credited with building Darjeeling is Arthur Campbell, a surgeon with the East India Company.
The British gradually set up tea plantations and developed distinctive hybrids of black tea, created new fermenting techniques. Today Darjeeling tea is known as the champagne of teas.
Writer Mark Twain was 61 years of age when he came here in February, 1896. And became a huge fan. Here’s what he said of the town: “The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once even by a glimpse would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the world combined”.

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Things to do in Amritsar

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 20:00:43 +0000

The city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab in Northern India has lots to offer visitors. People flock to see the glittering Golden Temple but also discover a city full of interesting sights and plenty of world-class restaurants. Here are some things to do in Amritsar to make the most of this vibrant destination.

1. The Golden Temple

The Harmandir Sahib commonly known as the Golden Temple is a prominent Sikh gurdwara. Construction of the Golden Temple began in 1574 on land donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The building project was overseen by the fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus.

The temple was completed in 1601, but restoration and embellishment continued over the years. The Golden Temple has unique architecture. It has been deliberately built at a level lower than that of the neighbouring land in order to teach the lesson of equality and humility. The shrine can be accessed from all four directions signifying that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

The only restrictions are that visitors must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke in the shrine. Visitors are asked to leave their footwear at a facility near the entrance, cover their head and wash their feet by wading through the shallow pool before entering. It is advised to come here keeping a few hours spare in order to soak in the magic of this divine temple.

2. Jalianwala Bagh

A historical monument telling the sad story of mass killing during India’s freedom struggle is another must visit in Amritsar. The site is famous for the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 carnage carried out by British General Dyer. He was convinced that a major insurrection was going on and hence banned all meetings. On being informed that about 15,000 people had gathered at Jalianwala Bagh, he along with 50 riflemen opened fire and kept firing till all ammunition was exhausted. Although, Dyer was removed from duty and forced to retire, this tragic incident left a deep scar on the people and was a catalyst in quickening the struggle for Freedom. The place also has a park. The Martyr’s Gallery is open to all from 10 am to 4 pm during winters and from 9 am to 5 pm in summers.

3. Wagah Border

Wagah, on the Indo-Pakistan border, is 28 kms from Amritsar. Numerous visitors come to see the ceremonious change of guards and the flag hoisting and lowering activities done skillfully and with precision by the border security forces of both the countries. It is interesting to note that border security forces of both India and Pakistan undergo the elaborate ceremony jointly! The ceremony is impressive and one of its kind in India, and is a sure shot recipe to evoke feelings of patriotism. The flag down ceremony starts at 4:30pm and goes on till 5:00pm.

4. Khair-ud-Din Masjid
Renowned for its architectural beauty, Jama Masjid Khairuddin is one of the most admired religious center of Amritsar. Famous among the tourists as well as the locals, this beautiful mosque was built by Muhammad Khairuddin in 1876. This holy place is where Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari raised his voice against the British rule. This grand edifice of the freedom struggle displays one of a kind architectural elegance. Do note that being located in the midst of a busy market, this mosque is quite crowded.

5. Durgiana Mandir

Located in close proximity to the Golden temple is the Durgiana Mandir which was built during the 16th century. Although dedicated to Goddess Durga it also houses other deities such as Lakshmi and Narayana. Located in the middle of a pristine lake, it does not follow the typical temple architecture of ancient times. A renowned depository of Hindu scriptures, this temple displays an unusual grandeur and elegance of its own.

6. Akal Takht

The Akal Takht, next to the Golden Temple, is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the religious governing body of the Sikhs. The principal sacred text of Sikhism, Adi Granth is housed in the ground floor of the Akal Takht and is taken out in procession every morning to be placed at the Harmandir Sahib. Again at night, it is brought back to the Akal Takht. It also houses the 68 holy shrines of the Hindus and according to the teachings of Guru Arjan Dev. It was enough for the devout to visit these shrines and not visit all the original Hindu shrines which are spread all over the country so come visit the Akal takht if you’re seeking a short cut to your journey of spirituality!

7. Shopping
Shopping in Amritsar can be very exciting and you will be spoilt with the amount of choice that is available. Famous for its traditional Phulkari Embroidery, Amritsar can be quite a haven for shoppers. Also available are the beautiful Patiala Salwars worn by the women of this region. To team with them get the Punjabi Jutis, the traditional shoes of the people of this region. Considering that Amritsar does got quite chilly during the winters, you can also buy here some fantastic woollen garments, carpets and blankets woven by the people of Punjab.

The old city bazaars are the best places to go for shopping the traditional items. You can try out Guru Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar and Shastri Market to get hold of some elegant Patialas. The market places are abuzz with activity right from 11:00 in morning till 9:00 in the evening.

8. Food

Last but not the least, no write up of Amritsar could ever be complete without mention of food. Known for their fish fry, lassi, paranthas, puri channa, Kulfi, Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti you are going to need days if not weeks to sample all of it!

Kesar da dhaba in the heart of old city whips up some delicious but also quite heavy food. Surjeet food plaza located in a capacious basement on Lawrence Road is best known for its yellow daal, paneer dishes, and the tandoori fish. KulchaLand located at the District Shopping Complex serves up delicious Amritsari kulchas from morning till evening 4 p.m. The pickles, jams and jellies of Amritsar, made by the rural women are great to carry back home.

Related articles and links of interest
Amrisar destination guide
Amritsar homestay collection

The Marwar festival in Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:00:25 +0000

Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan are colourful and lively affairs. Normally mythological in nature the celebrations relate to Gods and Goddesses, while others are celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of medieval heroes. The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan is one such example.

History of the Marwar Festival
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct) in Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province. It is a festival devoted to the music and dance of Marwar region. The festival was originally known as “Maand” Festival. During these two days the folk artists bring to life the myths, legend and folklore of the area.

Why Jodhpur is the best location for the Festival
Jodhpur celebrates the die-hard courage of the heroes of the land, the Rajputs, who are the sons of royal houses. The massive Meharangarh fort and the impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace which are symbols of might and valour of the Rajputs, make Jodhpur an ideal location for the festival. The humongous fort is an apt place to enjoy the beauty of the beautiful blue city.

What to expect at the Festival
Bringing to life the legendary folklores of the area, the folk artists do complete justice to it. Listening to the folk musicians singing praises of the bygone heroes may not be completely understood by all but the fierce intensity can be strongly felt in these songs whatever language you speak. Being in the audience to the buoyant and spirited performers of the folk dances is an immerse experience. Watching the folk dancers, who accurately balance the earthen pots on their heads and dance to the rhythm of the songs sung by the singers, leaves the spectators in awe.

The typical Kalbeliya dance has made a mark internationally and you can witness it here in its own land with the true Indian spirit.

Bringing alive the competitive spirit of Rajasthan
Other attractions of the festival include horse riding and horse polo. Various other competitions are also organized during the festival. Women participate in henna competition, which involves the art of making intricate designs on palms with henna. Rajasthani men take immense pride in their moustache. A turban-tying and moustache competition for men is one of the highlights of the day.

The concept of valour and courage is woven intricately in almost every historical epic of a country. The harshness of the so called fighters is part of their personality. Their stamina to endure any given situation is remarkable. The Rajputs have set a milestone and created a rich history and celebrating these heroic tales allows participants to recognise the toughness of these fighters and the richness of the past.

Souvenirs to bring back home
A small fete is organized by the state tourism and cultural board wherein a number of craftsmen display their skills, you can buy numerous craft items and souvenirs displayed at the stalls set up here, known as “Haats”.

Dates for the Festival
For 2012 the festival is being held on the 28th and 29th of October.In 2013 the festival will take place on the 17th and 18th October

It is only by witnessing a festival such as the Marwar that you can really appreciate the magnificent historical past of Rajasthan!

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Indian Grand Prix in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:00:04 +0000

If you love cars and are a speed addict to boot, then you’d probably want to be in Delhi this October when the Indian Grand Prix 2012 will be held. Spectators can enjoy the event from October 28, when the practice rounds begin on the 5.14-km Buddha International Circuit at Greater Noida.

The Grand Prix season this year started in Australia on March 18th and will end in Brazil on November 25th. The 2012 Indian GP will be the 17th of the 20-leg championship.

This year the Grand Prix is being contested over twenty races – the most races in a season in the sport’s history. The 2012 season has broken several records – six current and former World Drivers’ Champions — Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher — started the season, breaking the record of five established in 1970.

Here are some facts about the circuit and suggestions for what else to do in Delhi during your stay.

The Buddh International Grand Prix Circuit

The Buddh International Circuit was the venue for the annual Formula One Indian Grand Prix, hosted in 2011.
The 5.14 km track has been designed by world-renowned German architect and racetrack designer, Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, the UAE, South Korea and the US.
The circuit is spread over an area of 874 acres.
It is expected to have the second fastest average speed of any circuit on the calendar behind Monza.
It can accommodate about 110,000 spectators.
The pitlane is also one of the longest in F1, at more than 600 metres.
The name ‘Buddh International Circuit’ was chosen as the area where the track is situated is called Gautam Budh Nagar.

Getting to the circuit
Greater Noida is strategically located at a distance of 25 kms from New Delhi to which it is connected by a flyover and a newly developed 6-lane express way. The New Delhi main station is just under an hour’s drive from Greater Noida.

While you are in Delhi

While you are in Delhi, here are a few things you can take in:
Visit the Red Fort, a 17th century fort complex built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Check out the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the Indian President. It was built by the British, just before they left India.
Pick up trinkets and curios at the pavement shops of Janpath Market.
Check out the Qutab Minar. At 72.5 m, it was supposed to be the tallest skyscraper in the world when built. It took three generations to complete the tower (1193-1368).
Climb the minaret at the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
Enjoy the succulent kebabs at legendary Karim’s restaurant in Chandni Chowk or try some fiery Kerala cuisine at Gunpower.
Explore the labyrinthine bylanes of Hauz Khas with its eclectic ambience of crumbling monuments and hip boutiques, book stores, art and antique shops and restaurants.
Browse Yodakin, a bookshop that stocks independent publishers.
Pick up a veg-dye t-shirt or laptop sleeve at People Tree.
Visit Agra and the Taj Mahal. It takes less than two hours by India’s fastest train, the Bhopal Shatabdi.

Where to stay
There are a number of great homestay options in Delhi. Banyan Tree Homestay has acquired an enviable reputation amongst discerning travellers and corporate clients with a great swimming pool for relaxing in after a busy day. Casa Homestay gets rave reviews from visitors who love the comfortable and spacious rooms in central Delhi. Darshan Homestay is located in one of the affluent areas of the capital. It’s a well-maintained and safe neighbourhood with a popular local market. View all Delhi homestays.

Stunning images of Goa and Maharashtra beaches

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:00:16 +0000

With over 40 mesmerizing beaches dotting the 131 km-long palm-fringed coastline, Goa is a beach lovers dream destination. From party beaches with all night revelry to hidden sun-kissed coves where you won’t see another soul, Goa has something for everyone.

Not to be outdone, neighbouring state Maharashtra also boasts a fantastic selection of golden sands alongside famous sights like the Sindhudurg Fort.

Our Go Goa itinerary combines both to give you plenty of opportunity to combine both destinations and relax and enjoy the best of coastal India. We’ve picked some of our favourite photos of the beaches and places that are part of this trip.

Sunset on the famous Colva beach.

Fresh seafood is plentiful; visit the fish market at Margao for some great picture opportunities and to pick up some fresh fish.

It’s not just the humans who enjoy the shade of the tall palms dotted along Colva beach.

Sindhudurg fort is of the best preserved forts of the Marathas and occupies an islet in the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Maharashtra.

Sunset on Tarkarli beach in Maharashtra.

Vengurla beach in Maharashtra at low-tide. This stretch of coastline is dotted with pristine beaches.

When you are all beached out, visit Amboli a British era hill station in Maharashtra as a day trip. Pictured are the impressive Kavlesaad waterfalls.

If you would like to explore the beaches of Goa and Maharashtra we have a five day package available from £261/ 21,370 INR / $427 USD total price per person on twin sharing. Please note that prices are subject to currency fluctuations. Prices are valid until March 2013.

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Six great places for shopping in Bangalore

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:00:22 +0000

Bangalore is famous for its youthful energy, cosmopolitan crowd, great weather and international flavour. A modern city, this is the place to get your shopping in south India. If this is going to be your exit city, it is even better. You can optimise your baggage at the end of your trip and fill your bags with souvenirs and trinkets which represent the whole of the south.

We’ve picked out our five favourite places for shopping in Bangalore.

1. M.G Road
The most famous high street and the most famous landmark of Bangalore is M.G Road. Once the only place with exciting night life and branded showrooms, M.G Road still hasn’t lost its lustre with all the new areas opening up. Book shops like Gangaram and Bookworm have entertained and supplied travellers for years. You can also find a huge range of saree shops and places to eat here. Look out for Lake View for the best milk shakes and Cauvery Emporium for cheap to extremely expensive souvenirs from South India.

2. Brigade Road
Perpendicular to the main M.G Road is the other famous high street, Brigade Road. Modern showrooms like Nike, Adidas, Levis and Tommy Hilfiger flank each other. One of the first department stores of south Nilgiris is also located here. Brigade road also has a number of export reject shops with an extensive list of high-fashion brands at throw-away prices. A shopper’s dream come true, don’t miss this one.

3. Garuda Mall
One of the well established malls in the centre of the city, Garuda Mall, is easily accessible and is a great place to catch a good movie or get shopping. Mixes of Indian and International brands line the four storey mall. Though many other malls have sprung up recently, you will find this one the most convenient to get to.

4. Chickpet
One of the most famous shopping stops of Bangalore, Chickpet defines the quintessential ‘bazaar’ of India. Cows, stray dogs, huge shopping bags wielded by exhausted ladies and plenty of snacks shops are characteristic of this saree haven. Great deals and variety, will leave you spoilt for choice. Head here to buy a sari, you are sure to find your pick in the budget that you have planned. Be ready for some aggressive bargaining.

5. Fab India and Mzuri Sana
Indian cottons have always been a favourite for many travellers. Not only are they great to travel in within India, but also make for some exotic dressing back home. Pick up kurtas, tops and furnishings with the best Indian aesthetics, all in soft washed cotton. Stores like Fab India and Mzuri Sana have increasingly become popular with people visiting the city.

6. Levitate
Bangalore has been on a kitsch drive with the youth hooking back to Indian designs and prints. Levitate, the first of its kind, was started by biker Meghna Khanna and is a hit with the travellers. You can find alternative silver jewellery, bags, harem pants, boxers, curious and more in this tiny shop on 100 feet, Bangalore. You’ll find it at Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, Sivanchetti Gardens.

Related articles and links of interest
Bangalore destination guide
Things to do in Bangalore
Best places to enjoy night-life in India