Gangadharan Menon Travelogues -3

links to Gangadharan Menon's travelogues:
Gangadharan Menon's Travelogues -II
Gangadharan Menon's Travelogues -I
Kalakkad A Forest Less Travelled
Mad about Mangroves
Fort coming Attractions
Invincible Forts in the Sea
On a Green Trail

A tale of three sanctuaries 

The Story of India : BBC

This is a BBC series on India. Other than part 12 and 15 the whole lot should be here.



Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Part 6



Part 7


Part 8


Part 9



Part 10


Part 11



Part 12

Part 13


Part 14

Part 15

Part 16


Part 17


Part 18

Part 19


Part 20


Part 21


Part 22


Part 23


Part 24


Part 25


Part 26


Part 27


Part 28


Part 29


Part 30


Part 31


Part 32


Part 33



Part 34


Part 35

Great TVC's and Marketing Initiatives: Span Air

Incredible India: Indian Tourism Advertising Account up for grabs

The Ministry of Tourism has called agencies for empanelment.
Click Here

Delhi Metro

Link to the Delhi Metro
Delhi Metro

VISA PROCEDURES FOR THE OUTBOUND INDIAN TRAVELLER

This is a very useful link for those who are planning to go overseas for vacations and on work.
Visa Procedure for Outbound Tourists

Kerala Tourism Update

Kerala before it is houseful!!

World's Top Airlines

World's top airlines as per a survey.
http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-worlds-top-10-airlines/20101126.htm

National Geographic Photography Contest

Some stunning pictures from National Geographic.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/11/national_geographics_photograp.html

Fort coming attraction- Forts of Maharashtra. Gangadharan Menon

Matheran and Mahabaleshwar are known to most travelers who take to the hills at the hint of an opportunity. Ganga writes about a lesser known attraction, the Panhala hills which is uniquely situated inside a historical fort!
Fort Coming Attraction at Panhala

Gangadharan Menon's Travelogues

Gangadharan Menon: Mad about Mangroves

The new airport in New Mumbai, will hopefully not result in annihilation of the mangroves. Ganga talks about mangroves and why he is mad about them and why every nature lover should be!
Mad about Mangroves

Gangadharan Menon's Travelogues

Heritage Sites of the World 2010

http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4566283

 Interesting link on heritage sites of the world.

Air Travel in India. Air India

Most Indian passport holders choose the national airline hoping for treatment that is better than what they can expect in Air France and British Airways, where it is alleged that being an Indian could mean being treated like unwanted cargo.Air India however, does not seem to offer anything better to the hapless Indian traveler. The total apathy and the complete lack of passenger interest is evident in this video.


I believe it is worse in the Middle East routes where the passengers are blue collar workers and are treated typically like "cattle" .

Incidentally, "cattle class" is a term which was used to refer to those traveling in the economy class, by  Mr Shashi Tharoor, the MP and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Mr Tharoor was asked to resign, no not for this remark, but following allegations of corruption and misuse of office  in the IPL Cochin franchise formation. But his remark is indicative of how our elected representatives look at the voting public!Not surprising that the State owned airline should treat the people of this country in this fashion!
I believe the rot starts at the top and the Minister concerned, Mr Praful Patel should be asked to resign. Where there is political will, performance follows and the turnaround of the Indian Railways under Mr Lalloo Prasad Yadav is a case in point.

GOA , Goa, Gone? India. Famous Indian Beach Destinations

Goa has probably some of the fines beaches in the country and is a preferred destination for many. This article, which appeared in the yahoo web site describes a frightening scenario that is emerging. If you are from that State, or are a regular visitor to the beaches of Goa, or interested in promoting tourism in this country, you will be alarmed.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/248/20101109/1582/tnl-goa-sex-mafia-on-cocaine-coast.html

Interesting Visuals of Landscapes and Places.

 Interesting visuals .. you can zoom in and out .. gigapixel photography

http://gigapixelphotography.com/vancouver-yaletown-condos/

Gorgeous Travel Photos - Aerial Views

Some awesome photographs byYann Arthus-Bertrand.

http://justpaste.it/3ky

Songs from Kerala: Film music - Thumbayum, thulasiyum

This song from the movie Megham captures the Kerala landscape beautifully. Girish Puthencherry provided the lyrics which were tuned by Ousepachan.

Aamchi Mumbai - I love Mumbai

Pondicherry Tourism Promotional Campaign 2004 Pitch

Since this is the season for "inspired" campaigns and "creative coincidence", a link from the archives on the Pondicherry Tourism campaign.
http://mayanmuse.blogspot.com/2009/10/plagiarism-imitation-or-mere.html

Gangadharan Menon: Travelogues II

A collection of articles on travel by Gangadharan Menon.

http://corpgypsy.blogspot.com/2010/10/gangadharan-menon-travelogues.html

Black buck stops here

Birds I view

Green eyed wander

 Pink City

Creative Heads get together to save the planet

http://www.junglelens.org/theteam.php

Gangadharan Menon: Travelogues

Putting together the links to articles published by Gangadharan Menon. Ganga was my colleague at PSL McCann Mumbai and continues to be a friend, philosopher and guide. Free flowing and pristine as the river whose namesake he is, his writings to have the same aura of truth and depth and they flow from pure, lofty heights.
  
Ups and downs of the Ghats

A necklace of 53 beaches in Konkan

A night in a Goan forest

Golden temple of Ejuri

Being at home with Adivasis

Chasing the flamingos

Kutch a beautiful place


Sindhudurg Devbaug Tsunami trip Karli river

Konkan coast Kolis and Portuguese Creole fishing

Morachi Chincholi peacocks tamarind-trees

 Ladakh philistines play mumbai

 Out in the jungle

Tailing the king

The wild side of wildlife" by Gangadharan Menon

TANZANIA- CIRCLE OF LIFE by Gangadharan Menon

Silent Valley in Kerala: Not Silent Anymore - Gangahdaran Menon

Bird Sanctuaries in India, Gujarat : Ganga goes bird watching.

Click here for the next set of articles

WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS: The Heavenly Bed Promotion

Interesting way to promote a hotel. This is from Mumbai, India.
http://www.afaqs.com/news/story.html?sid=28571_Westin+Hotels+&+Resorts+unveils+campaign+for+its+signature+Heavenly+Bed+in+India

Travel Another India: A fantastic travel portal

Travel Another India, an NGO which is promoting responsible tourism into Rural India, was  awarded the Cartier Womens Initiative Award for 2010 as the laureate from Asia. The work done through the organisation "Travel Another India" is laudable. To know more about this initiative click on the link below.
http://travelanotherindia.com/

Travel another India was started by Gouthami who is a fellow IRMA Alumnus. For those who are not in the know, the  Institute of Rural Management Anand, is a management institute, set up with help in the form of pedagogy and teaching materials from IIM Ahmedabad and caters to the managerial resource pool of development related organizations.  It offers scholarships in return for its post- graduates working for three years in  non- governmental organizations and government welfare and development departments. It was also ranked as one of the best sectoral institutes in the Indian Express Survey of Business Schools. In 2004 it was ranked among the top 10 business schools in India by a business magazine.

Its alumni include Raju Narisetti, the Editor of Washington Post, Sivakumar Surampudi of ITC,  who shepherded the E- Choupal schemes, Sanjay Tripathi, the Head of  Marketing  at HDFC Standard Mutual, Ramanuj Shastry, the Natonal Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi, Sanjeev Asthana of Reliance Retail, Sivasankaran Nair, who is the Director of Kerala Tourism Promotion Board, G.V.L.Narasimha Rao, who made a name in Market Research and moved onto join the Madhya Pradesh Government as Advisor on Media, Satish Babu of Inapps, Premjith Sodhi at Lowe, Sanjay Sinha of Mother Dairy, Andy Bhanot at BBC World Service, the management teams at Amul, NDDB, various State Milk Marketing Federations, District Cooperative Unions, Oilseeds Growers Cooperatives, NGO's and in the corporate sector.


On behalf of everyone at the Alumni,  and from those of us who promote responsible tourism ,we wish Gouthami even greater success.

Advertising Campaigns: Travel: Aviation:Jet Blue

Mumbai Buzz. Travel Tips

 Cuisine in Mumbai
http://www.cnngo.com/mumbai/eat/40-mumbai-foods-we-cannot-live-without-974140

Humor: 84 tips on what not to do while in Mumbai.
Legal Disclaimer:This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any known person or place is a coincidence. This is strictly for laughs and not to be taken seriously.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=135007316548508&id=620160180

Prathap Suthan: Travelogues

Well crafted piece of writing on travel.
CLICK HERE

Festivals of India: Dussehra

A very nice link to the festival of Dussehra.
CLICK HERE

Travel Advisory: Australia for Indian passport holders

Racial attacks that broke out in Australia were in the news for quite a while last year and the term "curry bashing" was heard in India. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
The rush for Australian student visa's trickled down much to the chagrin of some "agents" who were minting money sending unemployed youths to Down Under, ostensibly for education, but with the knowledge that as students they could seek employment in blue collar jobs.
This resulted in a backlash it would seem and Indian taxi drivers found tips being given in the form of insults, abuses and often punches. Those working in late night shifts found themselves being used as punching bags in public transport vehicles. Law enforcement agencies seemed to move very, very slowly...
Now at the end of the Common Wealth Games the issue has risen again as to whether the hostility between the inhabitants of these two countries is a lot more deep rooted.
We hope it isn't so.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Food served on flights: Research on taste and consumer preferences.

Interesting one on cuisine served in flights.
Click Here

Travel Portals in the news in India: Trip Advisor and Via

 US based online travel portal Expedia.com has launched TripAdvisor.in, the Indian version of its travel community site, TripAdvisor.com.
http://www.afaqs.comnews/story.html?sid=21964_Expedia+unveils+Indian+version+of+travel+community+site+TripAdvisor

Lowe Lintas won the account in October and Lintas Media Group won the media business.
http://www.afaqs.com/news/story.html?sid=28250_Lowe+Lintas+wins+the+creative+mandate+for+online+travel+company+Expedia

The media business for Expedia and Bangalore based Via are with Lintas Media Group.


http://www.afaqs.com/news/story.html?sid=28527_Lintas+Media+Group+wins+series+of+new+businesses+worth+Rs+150+crore

Kerala Tourism: Digital Campaign

Digital campaign by Kerala Tourism

http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/233702,kerala-tourism-courts-consumers-on-iphones-and-ipads.aspx

Kerala Travel Mart 2010

 Every two years the Kerala Travel Mart is held in the State to showcase the tourism products and players to the travel trade. This year it is being held at Bolghatty Palace in Cochin. It is a two day event and is scheduled on the 25th and the 26th of September 2010.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article795520.ece

Related links on Kerala:
http://corpgypsy.blogspot.com/2010/09/kerala-tourism-your-moment-is-waiting.html

http://vinodnatesansportfolio.blogspot.com/2009/10/mayan-consultants-international-2009.html

London Lootfest, Delhi Disgrace and Beijing Bamboozle

A very interesting article on the social cost benefit equations that surround mega events.
CLICK HERE

Mexico Tourism: Some exotic films by Diego Pernia

This post is all about some very arty films by Diego Pernia. However it would be advisable to appreciate also the selection of the specific spots and the manner in which they have been highlighted. Each of these destinations have a distinct color and palette which makes this a delightful spectrum of choices for the traveler.
This link is an appetizer to the main feast and provides you with the context.
CLICK HERE

COAHUILA


OAXACA


SINALOA


TAMAULIPAS


CHIHUAHUA


YUCATAN


CHIAPAS


VERA CRUZ


QUINTANA ROO
CLICK HERE

THE COLLAGE OF FILMS NEARLY 9 MINUTES LONG
CLICK HERE

COLLAGE WITH STILL SHOTS OF DESTINATIONS AND THEME MUSIC

KERALA TOURISM:" Your moment is waiting" a tourism promotion film

Somerset Maugham the famous English novelist,who once visited Kerala, in the first half of the twentieth century,wrote about his spiritual pursuits and his moment of self-discovery in the much acclaimed novel "The Razors Edge". This land, blessed with natures abundant generosity, has continued to be a haven for those on the exalted plane of self actualization. An insight, which possibly led the marketing team to look at "your moment is waiting" as a proposition for the upmarket UK traveler. The film "your moment is waiting" which is attached below, was made as per this brief according to press releases.



While the thought that "your moment is waiting" is evocative of a personalized experience and cues the fact that the land has myriad opportunities for the traveler to have an experience which is unique to him, the film ends up being too arty and vague. The model, Miriam Ilorah, who is from Sweden is possibly here to cue the upmarket inbound international traveler, but in effect, is overpowering the commercial and doing too much of a "video cannibalization". Her antics, which include some weird, obscurantist ritual (a girl who is rags and unwashed being subject to some sorcery ritual) is extinct in the current context and is simply catering to some anachronistic stereotypes some people have of the country. The Kathakali artist and also the Theyyam artist have been caricatured and almost mocked in the manner in which they have been depicted. This obviously may not go down well with the practitioners of the craft and their patrons.
The audio track is from Senegal, and credited to someone called Maal. This possibly accounts for the eerie wailing tone that follows the movie throughout. "Surreal" was the intention of the film maker, I am told!! As to why he should choose "Senegalese" to introduce personal moments in "Kerala", is something that defies logic.The film ends up looking and sounding like a music video of an abstract rock group which is in the throes of collective depression. For me, the palette too was dreary and grey, quite unlike the bright cyan and rich green that we associate with the state.The attempt probably would have been to make it "exotic" or maybe ensure that the visuals were also "surreal"!

Somehow this film, though well shot, seems to have missed all that is unique to the State and give it its unique character.The Kerala feel is missing altogether. I simply could not therefore relate to this rendition of "Gods own country". I am not saying that this had to be a catalogue of places to see in Kerala, but the theme of "personal moments" could have been rendered with veritas.

THE AGENCY SIDE OF THE STORY: STARK ADVERTISING.

It would only be fair to provide the other side of the story. This is what B.R. Swarup the Creative Director from the agency has to say on this:
http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/233509,your-moment-is-waiting-says-new-kerala-tourism-tvc.aspx

CHARGES OF PLAGIARISM: MEXICAN TOURISM FILMS BY DIEGO PERNIAS 

It is interesting to note that the whole film seems to be a part of the visually rich series shot by Diego PernIas for Mexican Tourism. The tenor tone and feel are the same, right down to the slow movement and the wailing soundtrack. While Pernia's has stayed true to the collage of colors and the culture of Mexico, our friend Mr Varma, seems to have ignored the ethos and the feel of the State of Kerala altogether.

http://corpgypsy.blogspot.com/2010/09/mexico-tourism-some-exotic-films.html

Diego Pernias has taken care to change the look and colors of the 10 films he has shot to stay true to the place he is showcasing, an elementary precaution that Varma should have taken. In which case this would have been a brilliant effort all round!!

CHARGES OF PLAGIARISM :THE ASHES AND SNOW FILM BY GREGORY COLBERT

Even as the din about this being a rip-off from the Mexican films is about to die down, fresh allegations of this being a frame by frame lift from Gregory Colberts film has been doing the rounds.. As this video shows, the commercial seems to be almost a copy of another video used by  Gregory Colbert  as part of his Ashes and Snow exhibition project!!
You can read more about it in http://www.ashesandsnow.org/en/info/?module=page&idsection=1



The PR Machinery has been at pains to handle this onslaught of negative comments in the media. This is an  article in the ET:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Didier-Drogba-endorses-Kerala/articleshow/6609719.cms

The Hindu gives the impression of being  stridently "leftist" in his views and does this  possibly   explain the tilt in favour of this film? We don't know!. Ever since Mr Ram ended up looking very silly on National television ( NDTV),after his assessment of the political situation in Tamil Nadu during the Lok Sabha elections  proved to be completely removed from reality, not much of credibility is being attributed to its views by this writer.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article696850.ece?sms_ss=twitter&sms_ss=twitter

RELATED LINKS ON Kerala Tourism
CLICK HERE 

THE REALITY OF KERALA

The tourist in Kerala has to be prepared for the high density of population, the ubiquitous greenery of equatorial flora and fauna, the never ending coastline with its pristine fishing beaches, the placid blue-green backwaters with swaying coconut trees, the yearlong bright sunny days and even the short monsoons with its incessant rains. There are wild forest reserves where elephant herds graze lazily, tea gardens along cool hills stations with quaint Victorian English cottages, small bustling towns where traditional buildings with tiled roofs and ancient woodwork stand cheek by jowl with modern glass and concrete towers, ancient churches, mosques and temples with elaborate sculptures, all of these make for a busy cultural cauldron that awaits him...even if it is in the premium segment.
The many exclusive resorts that thrive here provide the benefits of a much revered and traditional medical system called Ayurveda through spa treatments which have a growing following among the cognoscenti. Kerala, where literacy is at its highest in the country and where women enjoy almost equal rights to men, has an enlightened policy as far as preserving its culture goes.
Kalari payyatu the native form of martial arts, still thrives in many kalari sanghams and students from the world over come and stay years to master this craft. Traditional performing arts too are carefully preserved,fostered and taught to many. Kathakali, Mohiniattom are forms that are popular at global centres. Temple arts and rituals too are not allowed to perish. The Pongala at Manacaud, the Sabarimala rituals, the Pooram at Trichur are avidly watched by the curious traveler and anthropologist.

Abu Dhabi Tourism: TBWA Raad Abu Dhabi

A lovely ad by TBWA for Abu Dhabi Tourism

Air Deccan TVC: First time flier

Madhya Pradesh, India : Tourism Campaigns

Madhya Pradesh is a state in the heart of India and home to the famed erotic sculptures of Khajurhao temples. This commercial lists out a whole gamut of must visit places in this State. Quite and interesting take and delivered in a sing song style that is endemic to the region.

Kerala Tourism: Responsible Tourism

 Kerala is now looking at "responsible tourism.

http://green.in.msn.com/greenliving/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4356706

Kerala Tourism: Top ten destinations

A survey by a magazine has ranked Kerala as a top tourism destination much ahead of Rajasthan, Goa , Phuket and Bali.
 Read up to know more
http://news.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4327531&page=1

Mumbai: Carparking at Andheri East

Very clearly, the maximum city is adapting to changing times and an ever increasing population of people and automotives. After the Bandra Worli sea link and skywalks, overhead metroways  which are connecting the eastern suburbs to their western counterparts it is now automated parking lots in multi-flooor complexes. This link gives you more details
http://autos.in.msn.com/autonews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4322484

Snorkelling at Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India

Ganga goes snorkeling in the monsoons at Maharashtra.
http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2010/aug/260810-Sindhudurg-Devbaug-Tsunami-trip-Karli-river-boatman.htm

Formula for getting the cheapest flights

An interesting article
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20100823/385/ten-now-a-formula-to-get-you-the-cheapes.html

NewYork in pictures

 Nice pictures of a fabulous city.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/07/13/captured-new-york-city-from-above/2331/

Ganges flows to the Konkan Beaches: Maharashtra Tourism, India

Ganga, as Gangadharan Menon is fondly called, has a lot in common with the river from whom his name originates. It travels a lot . From the lofty heights of the Himalayas through the populated plains of the Indian sub continent to the sea on the Eastern coast and then into the Ocean. Pristine and flowing with a purpose, it nourishes and helps those who flow with it to its natural pre-ordained destination.
This article is about the unexplored beaches on the Konkan coast in the Western part of the Indian sub-continent. This time Ganga unravels many little gems on this coastline for the beach lover who seeks privacy and prefers things natural.

http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_a-necklace-of-53-beaches-in-konkan_1417141

Bird Sanctuaries in India, Gujarat : Ganga goes bird watching.

 Gangadharan Menon is a communications professional. I had the good fortune to work with him at PSL McCann in the 90's. Ganga is an avid nature lover and nowadays travels a lot and writes about his travel.His family shares his passion and this article is about the feathered friends he found in two bird sanctuaries near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India.

http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2010/jul/290710-twin-bird-Nalsarovar-Thol-Europe-Tailed-Godwit.htm

7 Natural Wonders of the World

Interesting link. Hopefully these will endure and not fall prey to the demons of 'development'.
http://green.in.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3464162

Kerala Tourism : Empanelment of Agencies for 2010

http://www.afaqs.com/perl/news/story.html?sid=27549_Kerala+Tourism+empanels+seven+agencies+for+its+creative+and+media+duties

H1N1 Flu Update 2010

Mumbai in India has reported instances of the H1N1 flu as also parts of Kerala in South India.Please find below some tips to avoid falling prey to this pandemic.

http://corpgypsy.blogspot.com/2009/08/travel-advisory-h1n1-flu-in-india.html

Other links for learning more about  this disease

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_A_virus_subtype_H1N1

http://india.gov.in/citizen/health/h1n1.php

In Kerala, South India, there are large number of  swine flu cases reported, as also for cases of dengue and chikungunya
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever

http://www.pathologylabindia.com/dengue.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikungunya

Incredible India: 50 Smashing Photos!

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/03/20/the-beauty-of-india-50-amazing-photos/

From Russia With Love! Tourist attractions in Russia

 Tourist attractions in Russia
http://www.squidoo.com/top-attractions-of-russia

Banyan Tree Al Wadi opens in Ras Al Khaimah

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts opens its resort in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah.

http://www.ameinfo.com/230121.html

Ras al Khaimah at the ITB 2010
http://www.ameinfo.com/227232.html

South Africa: FIFAWorld Cup 2010 from June10th to July 15th

 Links on the FIFA World Cup anthem song and commercials

http://mayanmuse.blogspot.com/2010/06/fifa-world-cup-2010-freedom-song-by.html

Tourism data:Srilanka attracting Middle East tourists

SriLanka attracting Middle East tourist traffic.

http://www.ameinfo.com/235127.html

Disaster sites : Landslides, Land falls

 Slide show of land caving in due to natural factors.

http://news.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3555375&page=1

Indian travel portals and tactics for the summer of 2010

http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/izone1/izone_fullstory.asp?Section_id=4&News_id=38377&Tag=4178

Tips on travel from the Readers Digest

Tips on travel: Hotel bookings

http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-your-hotel-desk-clerk-wont-tell-you/article179244.html

100 SPOTS TO VISIT

Attached is a link for the 100 best travel spots. Useful compilation for those putting together their "travel bucket lists"

CLICK HERE

Musafir Hu Yaaron from Parichay another Travel Song

The travel song; Yoohi chala chal rahee from Swades

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VB2dHVNyds

This song is an ideal on the road song... lovely for those who see themselves as eternal travelers!

Festivals of India: Vishu, Bihu , Puthiyandu and Baisakhi

http://mayanmuse.blogspot.com/2009/04/festivals-in-india-vishu-baisakhi-bihu.html

CAVEAT EMPTOR: Meru Cabs - Never Rely On Us

CONSUMER COMPLAINT:

MERU CABS – DON’T RELY ON US

REF: ADA 45365

I had on a few occasions used the Meru Cabs service and on finding them prompt, the fare reasonable and the driver well behaved, continued my patronage. Good things seem to last only a while it would seem. On the 23rd of March 2010 I booked the can for a trip for the 24th morning at 9.30 am from Mahindra Park, which is near BKC at Ghatkopar West on the LBS Marg. The call centre confirmed my booking and send me an sms. However, at 9.00 am around 30 minutes before the car was to show up I was informed that there was no car available!!. There was no attempt to even look at any other alternative, though the employee agreed to call me back in ten minutes after checking with her seniors. This did not happen and as went outside to hail a cab, I saw a Meru can driving by without a passenger, I flagged him down and showed him the SMS upon which he agreed to take me to my destination! His response was that he was free from 9.00 am in the morning till 9.14 when I boarded his vehicle and that no one told him of any passenger. However at 9.15 am just as I took his vehicle he received a call for a passenger waiting for him at Ghatkopar Station which was easily 30 minutes away given the traffic!!!

I called up the helpline numbers to ask for an explanation and I was told they would revert only after three days!! The mobile numbers given of Meru employees who are supposed to handle complaints were all switched off.

One shudders to think of what the scenario would be if one had to catch a flight in the morning hours and this happened with the reliable and lowly black and yellow cabs not in operation!!


This is issued in public interest so that less number of people make the mistake of “relying on Meru”!! I have no idea how they operate their systems and how this complaint will be handled. It seems they have the backing of political heavyweights and with no competition in the fray, do pretty well as they please!!

GOLDEN CHARRIOT: SOUTH INDIAN TOURISM BY RAIL

 Titled the Southern Splendour, this luxury train will travel through a scenic route covering the four southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Puducherry.

http://www.kerala.com/news_kerala_Karnataka_luxury_train_0_4473.html

http://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a120078.html

AIR NEW ZEALAND TVC

AIRLINE MARKETING: JETBLUE USES TWITTER

This is a very astute use of the social media (twitter) by an airline Jet Blue.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-20000289-36.html

FESTIVALS OF INDIA: GUDI PADWA, UGADI, CHETI CHAND,

Gudi Padwa falls in the first month of Chaitra and is the New Year of Maharashtrians. Maharashtra is a state in the Indian Republic and has Mumbai (previously Bombay) as its capital.
Some links about this spring festivals and the rituals involved. In this year 2010 it falls on the 16th of March heralding the arrival of spring.
http://www.indianholiday.com/best-of-india/festivals/gudi-pawda.html

In the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, this festival is called Ugadi. Sindhi's celebrate this as Cheti Chand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gudi_Padwa

Town of Fucking and Town of morons:)

Some towns have strange names. Fucking is one such name and Moron is another name.:)
http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/10812

In Haiti there is a place called Moron. In India there is a place called Chutiya which means "vagina".

Roadside Architecture

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/roadside-architectural-wonders.htm

Festivals of India: HOLI

For those who believe Indians are conservative, and boring in terms of outlook Holi provides a pleasant surprise. Even as the sobriety of the Lent is in progress in the Western World after the carnival celebrations to do with the Mardi Gras, the Indian sub-continent plays catch up by celebrating the arrival of spring with its own carnival and possibly, the start of activities to prepare the summer crop. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of March (Phalgun).

Legend has it that Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, was saved from a burning fire into which his father, the demon King Hira,nyakashyap had cast him with the help of Holika. Holika was burnt to ashes and to commemorate the victory of good over evil, people light a bonfire, called “Holika Dahan” on the eve of the Holi .

Another legend says that there was once an ogress Dhundhi, who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Prithu. She was chased away by children on the day of Holi. Yet others say, that Lord Krishna, when an infant, killed an ogress who tried to poison him while suckling him, on this day.

Elsewhere, it is believed that the God of Love, Kamadeva, was restored to life this day, at his consort, the Goddess of Sex, Ratidevi’s request, by Lord Shiva, after being burnt to death with his third eye. It is therefore seen as an occasion for romance and merry making. It is therefore common for lovers to frolic with their beloved in this festival by splashing colours and dancing to “hori” songs.

Another legend has it that a mischievous Lord Krishna applied colour on his beloved Radha, so that her fair complexion would not contrast with his dark skin. This has led to the practice of throwing coloured powders (gulal, abeer) and water on each other. Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on a decorated palanquin and taken out in a procession in Bengal and is called Dol Yatra/ Dol Purnima. At Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon, Holi is celebrated with vigour as these are places associated with Radha and Krishna. At Barsana, “Lathimaar Holi” involves men teasing women by singing mischievous songs. Women in turn, beat them with sticks in mock fashion, while men use shields to protect themselves. Dulandi Holi is observed in Haryana, where women use sticks on their younger brother in laws (devars) in mock fashion, for all the mischief they do.

Holi delicacies include gujia, malpuas, mathri, puran poli, among others. Thandai is a drink which is mixed with “bhang”(cannabis) and is drunk during the revelries.

Sikhs, display their physical strength and military prowess as they gather at Anandpur Sahib a day after Holi to celebrate Hola Mohalla. The tradition was started by the tenth and last guru of Sikh religion, Guru Gobind Singhji

Manipuris celebrate the festival for six continuous days. The highlight of the festival here is a dance, called 'Thabal Chongba'.

For more details, go to
http://www.holifestival.org/

TEMPLE TRAIL: ATTUKAL BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE

The coastal state of India has always been an exception to the Indian rule and a mix of contradictions. The state which elected the first Communist State in the country, has never reelected a party in the elections and has alternated between a Congress and a Left Ministry for decades now. It also has a well entrenched RSS network and an equally strong Muslim League. The interests of the Church, always finds an echo in the Kerala Congress with its roots firmly entrenched in the Central parts of the State. The State has however never faced religious riots of the kind seen in other parts of the country in the last few decades. A testimony to the unique social fabric of this place.

It enjoys the highest literacy rates and has probably the best quality of life index. It is also the most backward in terms of industrial development and survives on inward remittances of the millions who labor for relatively low wages in the Middle East and a few others who do slightly better in the United States and UK, thanks to the IT industry.


Female infanticide is almost unheard of here and adoption of the girl child is on par with that of the male. Female literacy is on par, if not better than that of the male. Enrolment of female students in professional courses is again reflecting a similar trend Employment figures also do not show any discrimination or skew. It is therefore not surprising that the Guiness Book of Records should list the ATTUKAL PONGALA in Trivandrum as one of the largest congregation of women for a festival or religious ritual. The Guiness Book of Record mentions a figure of 1.5 million devotees in 1997 and the figure is likely to be double the same according to volunteers. The serpentine queues that curve out from the temple premises now reach the Statue junction towards the northern side which is nearly 8 kilometres away!!


The Pongala festival held annually at the Attukal Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala is a ritual where women alone are allowed entry and permitted to participate. It is therefore called the “Streekalude Sabarimala” which means that it is the “Sabarimala for women”. For those who are not familiar, the Sabarimala Temple admits only men and women who are past 60 years of age and is a popular religious destination for millions of devotees.

At the Attukal Pongala it is interesting to see men do a role reversal and play a supportive role by providing help and support to their spouses, siblings and daughters by arranging transport and providing amenities on the outskirts of the temple premises. It is not an uncommon sight to see women being escorted back by the men and children after the strenuous ritual and there seem to be small groups involved, with a spirit of fraternity and a spirit of cooperation clearly discernible. In fact most houses near the temple keep pots of "sambaram" ( buttermilk) near the doorstep for devotees who may be thirsty and provide them access to the sanitation facilities in the house should it be requested by them even though they may be strangers from out of town. A spirit of common cause seems to bind everyone together for a day, it would seem. This festival cuts across caste barriers which is otherwise a bane of the Kerala Society. As the fame surrounding this event grows,so does the strength and intensity of belief it would seem. Women brave the scorching  summer of the "kumbha masam" (February-March) and wait patiently in the hot afternoon sun to light the pyre for the ponkala and the heat from the million fire stove makes the mercury climb a few inches. But the women seem undaunted by all this and complete the chore with devotion and with the firm belief that their prayers will be answered. These women are not illiterates steeped in superstitious rituals but include IPS officers, beauty queens who appear on international fora, rich businesswomen and film stars with millions in their bank accounts.

For those who rattle imaginary sabers and wage idiotic war with the theme of women are better than men and are discriminated and launch seminars and conferences, this little event in a corner of the world is a quiet reminder of how nature intended life to be, which is to do what comes naturally in a spirit of cooperation and devotion.



For details of this event and the temple, go to



http://www.attukal.org/pongala.htm


http://www.attukal.org/


http://www.onamfestival.org/attukal-pongala-festival.html

CHINA: RAIL TRAVEL IN CHINA

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Heritage Tourism: India

http://www.afaqs.com/perl/media/story.html?sid=26286

The Temple Trail: Sivarathri

Every year India observes the day of Sivarathri in the early part of the year to commemorate the day when Lord Siva is supposed to have nearly swallowed the poison that came out of the churning of the ocean Palazhi. He is supposed to have kept the poison in his throat on his wife's bidding and not swallowed it. To avoid any harm he stayed awake the whole night for the poison to settle. Since then he is also called "neela kantha" or the Blue Throated One. Many say that this is an allegory to the many evil and poisonous instincts that we have in us that should not consume us nor should be acted out but kept in abeyance. Rituals and mores surrounding this have meant that Sivarathri is celebrated with devotees staying up all night and praying to the Lord keeping him company. In Haridwar there is a Maha Kumbh where people pray at the Ganges which is supposed to have its origins in Kailas , Lord Shiva's abode.
It is also common to find many travelling to the northern districts during these occasions.
Links on Sivaratri:

When is it observed?
http://www.mahashivratri.org/when-is-shivaratri.html

A wiki on sivaratri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri

The Sivaratri at Haridwar a tourist attraction.
http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?674490

 LINGASTHAKAM

OUTBOUND TRAVEL FROM INDIA- TTFOTM 2010 MUMBAI

The TTFOTM, an acronym for the Travel and Tourism Fair –Outbound Travel Mart is in its 20th edition and growing. Conducted by Fairfest Media Ltd , it has shows in Chennai and Bangalore in January every year, in Mumbai and Delhi in early February, in Hyderabad and Calcutta in July , and finally in Ahmedabad and Surat every August.
Given the increasing trend in outbound traffic and the stability and resilience of the Indian economy, the participation in these fairs, is not surprisingly, enthusiastic. At the Mumbai event, the general visitors who paid up a modest Rs 20/- for entrance, were at least 3000 daily, according to estimates. The trade visitors arriving to strike deals with the various tourism boards were a separate lot.  What is also worth mentioning is that an increasing share the outbound trade market is now originating from the mini metros and the small towns, which were hitherto not considered viable by many tour operators according to some of the travel professionals present.
The other trend is the increasing popularity of home stays. This seems to have picked up dramatically in Kerala. With a yawing gap between the five star luxury hotels and the cheap and dubious economy hotels that cater to back packers, there is an opportunity for home stays that provide affordable lodging and provide an authentic feel of the place and its culture.
Web portals like make my trip and time share players like Mahindra Resorts seem to be increasingly entering the travel arena and for good reason, it would seem.
Ends…

 

Japanese National Tourism Organization

  

From Russia with love :)

Hongkong, here we come:)

Naturally Nepal!

Kenya they claim  is magical, but that is if you like wildlife and safari's! 

Maldives, the sunny side of life:)

The China National Tourism Administration, as a destination it is expected to land at the top of the table pretty soon. Inflow of tourists is way ahead of India's.

Jamaica , probably the cricket connection?

Macau was the venue of the film event IIFA( Indian International Film Academy) and the casino there helps :) It is also touted to be the Venice of the East !

The Egyptian Tourism stall, did not find any belly dancers in action though :), however lots of mummies and daddies showing interest here :)

Pattaya and Phuket, Thailand is a popular destination!

Canada, Turkey and Tanzania were also in attendance though the pictures are uploaded.

Himachal had a presence.

Gujarat seems to opening its doors.

Terrorism notwithstanding, J&K is inviting visitors.

Incredible India which was coined by Prathap Suthan still has currency,

the stall was to promote the North Eastern states.

Maharashtra Tourism had its stall, they are happy to welcome "tourists"!

 

Rajasthan Tourism, not just for high celebrity weddings and VIP's !!

Learning from the Kerala model?

Nainital, Mussorie, Jim Corbett park, lots of hill stations and colonial heritage on display!

Pink chaddis notwithstanding, its a green flag for visitors. Heritage at Hampi, Mysore, Brindavan gardens are big draws as is Bangalore which was once the air-conditioned city, though now its the software and BPO hub.

Kerala seems to be moving to homestays and they already have a Union of owners:)

  

The boat tragedy was a set back and the land title problems in Munnar are a controversial issue,

however, the promotional efforts are going on with vigour.  The recent decision of the Centre to cut back project allocation may have served as a wake up call.

The Aitken Spence group was present, as did the Mahindra Holidays people, make my trip and arzoo were the digital players with stalls, Raja Rani  had a huge area, so did Guideline and the Aqua Suna group. At Rs 13,500 per sqmt, it must have been a value for money proposition.

Ends...

INDIAN TOURISM UPDATES: JAN 2010

 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TOURISM
http://www.4to40.com/indian_travel_places/indian_travel_news_index.asp?id=550

 INDIAN HOTEL INDUSTRY: INCREASE IN ROOM INVENTORY
http://www.4to40.com/indian_travel_places/indian_travel_news_index.asp?id=512

KERALA TOURISM PROJECT ALLOCATION BUDGETS NIXED BY CENTRE
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-a-first-tourism-minister-cuts-funds-to-Kerala/articleshow/5536879.cms

FIGHTING SWINE FLU AUG 2009: ARCHIVES
http://www.4to40.com/indian_travel_places/indian_travel_news_index.asp?id=381&travel_news=Himanshi_Dhawan

INDIAN TOURISM: SURAJKUND FESTIVAL

http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3601209

OUTOUTBOUND TOURISM FROM INDIA.-CONSUMER ADVERTISEMENTS 2010

 

 200% cash back contest. Cox n Kings

 

 Cox n Kings, Mumbai Mirror cover page

                                        Cox n Kings Dubai Shopping Festival

 

Emirates Dubai Shopping Festival

Kuoni advertising Australia

SOTC promoting Europe. (Kuoni owned)

Make my trip .com for USA

RAJ Travels Challenge?

 

Raj Travels follow up

Kesari Travels for Thailand

Strawberi provides for individual travels.

SK Tours for Dubai and Far East

Kathmandu from Shreshta Holidays

Mahindra Club Holidays for Munnar

This is time share advertising

Club 7 with their Classic Tours 

to Europe and USA 

Small operators in classifieds

Cruises from Samlink 

  

Travelocity advertising online booking 

 

Star Tours for Europe USA and Dubai