Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008 - (Page 20)

nearby Rishkish is the yoga capital of India. In the evening, Dinesh will drive guests into the town, where they will take a boat across the Ganges river to Parmarth Nikeran, the largest ashram in the area, to witness the evening Aarti, which is one of the most auspicious prayer offerings in Hinduism. This 90minute ritual begins with a holy fire ceremony, in which a devotee of the Ashram offers a mixture of herbs and clarified butter to the fire while chanting mantras. After the offering, whose aim is to purify the surroundings, the Guru lights small lamps, which are set onto the river as a way of giving thanks to the water for being the source of life and prosperity. THE GROUND-FLOOR ANANDA SUITE (living room shown) has its own private garden, perfect for meditation or taking in beautiful views. ADVISOR INSIGHT: Satya Srikonda, a travel specialist at Shanthi Travel/American Express in Hawthorne, NJ, says: “India, a country that just celebrated 60 years of independence, is a vibrant, dynamic and much talked about travel destination. Many travelers today are eager to visit and experience the rich and varied cultures of the different regions of this wonderful nation. India is the world’s largest democracy and its second-most-populated nation. A country with a 5,000-year history of philosophy, religion and fabulous historical monuments, India is a fascinating, unique and colorful mosaic. “India is comprised of diverse climate zones, so travelers can easily tailor a trip to that part of the country that best suits their weather preferences,” Srikonda continues. “June to September is an ideal time to visit the Himalayas. September to March is the peak tourist season and is the best time of year for the seven-day ride aboard the Palace on Wheels, one of the most popular luxury trains in India. Its journey begins in the capital city of Delhi and moves on to the royal state of Rajasthan, coming to a halt at the amazing Agra, site of the Taj Mahal.” Srikonda, who was born and raised in India 20 and lived there for more than 30 years, says that there are a number of sites and cities she finds more fascinating every time she visits her home country. “There are 28 state capitals, most of which have their own language and dialects, as well as traditional food, dress and customs. They include Bangalore, a silicon city, and the charming hill station Shimla, which was the summer headquarters for British India. The two largest metropolitan cities are Mumbai, a major business hub of Asia, and New Delhi, India’s capital city, with its rich history, great buildings and historical sites. For those interested in Indian religion, the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is a must-see with its 20,000 sculptures and 1,160 pillars. The city of Hyderabad, a 400-yearold metropolis and the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, is dotted with minarets and mosques. A central business district overflows with shopping bazaars, where visitors will find vendors selling pearls, bangles and silk.” Noting that luxury hotels in India often occupy converted palaces that reflect the architectural grandeur of ancient dynasties and cultures of different regions, Srikonda names among her favorites “the Imperial, the most luxurious in Delhi, located in Janpath just steps from the renowned shopping district and major attractions; Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, located just a few hundred yards from the Taj Mahal; and Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, in the middle of Lake Pichola, built with white marble and mosaics. Here, all guests are treated like royalty,” she says. “For shoppers, make sure your clients bring along an extra suitcase. In Delhi, shop for colorful jewel-toned Kancheepuram silk and Benares-style bridal brocades in the state emporia of Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. Shop for silk and cotton carpets with Kashmiri favorites featuring Persian and central Asian motifs at the Jammu and Kashmir state emporiums. “India is rife with culinary adventures unique to each region. Try thin, crispy lentils (dosas), steamed rice flour (idlis) and donut-like fried vadas in the south. I highly recommend The Dakshin restaurant at Sheraton Kakatiya in Hyderabad. The Indian Mughlai cuisine of the north is fragrant with spices. My favorite restaurant is Neel Kamal, which faces the Lily Pond in Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. “India is a unique cultural experience and an incredible journey everyone should enjoy,” Srikonda concludes. LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | April 2008

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Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter London DESTINATIONS India Greece HOTELS Golf Royal Hideaway Playacar Chateau Marmont SPAS Hawaiin Spas Southeast Asia CRUISES: Antarctica Cover Story: Rocket man The Pulse Traveling Gourmet Jetset Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - April 2008

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