Travel Darbar By Inder Raj Ahluwalia

‘Let’s make India the adventure capital of the world’. That’s the clarion call given by ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India), and judging by their strength and commitment, chances are that this will happen. With ‘Emerging Pathways’ as it’s theme, the 13th Annual Convention of ATOAI, held in Kumarakom, Kerala, from September   18 - 21, 2017, attracted some 300 delegates from all over and India, and presented sharp focus on India’s enormous adventure offerings, and the industry that harnesses it. The convention’s agenda included issues such as policy; capacity-creation; responsible tourism; and marketing. The convention was kicked-off with an impressive inauguration led by Mr. Kadagampally Surendran , Honourable Minister of Tourism, Kerala, along with Mr. Satyajeet Rajan, Director General Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, and Dr. Venu V, Principal Secretary Tourism, Kerala. Spear-headed by Capt. Swadesh Kumar , President ATOAI, and his dy...

The first touch! The first meal! Moment one! Words aren’t necessarily the best communication medium here, but a few words are in order… If you’re wondering what the fuss is all about, it’s just this little business of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship,  Quantum of the Seas , that’s making ‘waves’ literally and figuratively with its unprecedented levels of technology that amps up the vacation experience. Boatloads of bandwidth keep guests connected; easy-to-use systems expand guest choices and simplify schedules; and RFID technology speeds the boarding process. There’s merit in their slogan – ‘For the smoothest trip, sail the Smart Ship’ Thirty minutes after boarding, I found myself in the confines of Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant opening. The place is al fresco, the food authentic Italian and sinful. Of Italian bargain. Entrée; salad; pork; cheese; then polenta; zucchini; and pork belly stuffed with vegetables comprised a meal of some substance. Lunch do...

It’s a mountain that rises in splendid isolation from the Judean Desert. And it unfolds a saga that though true, belongs as much to folklore as to history books. For tourists today it is just another site, but it is also a symbol of sacrifice for an entire nation. Having a tour guide like Avihai Tsabari had several advantages, not the least of which was his desire to share information in advance with everyone around. Yet he’d chosen to stay quiet on this one, which had got me thinking. It was bright and sunny the day we dropped by. Located on the western shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest and among the most desolate regions on earth, Masada not only features stark natural beauty, but is also the site of one of history’s most dramatic moments. Nineteen centuries ago on this gaunt plateau, a group of freedom fighters pitted against the might of ancient Rome decided to kill themselves rather than surrender. It was a dramatic last stand. The summit had been fortified by King He...

It was a quiet, no-fuss entry into a quiet, no-fuss city! I’d arrived from Taipei, courtesy the Taiwan High Speed Rail, and the 96 – minute ride – with a stop at Taichung – was ‘smooth as flowers’. The High Speed Rail network is a marvel of Taiwan’s engineering prowess, and the super-fast trains literally glide across the country. My brief visit made one thing amply clear. Kaohsiung is a city of substance. My hotel,  The Splendor Kaohsiung,  provided a perfect setting. Taiwan’s highest building until overtaken by Taipei 101, the hotel is still the highest in the country, and the view from its Tuntex 85 Skytower is truly stunning. While three corners focus on the sprawling city, one presents a pristine view of the calm, pale blue sea and Kao Port. The Skytower’s got it all – telescopes, seating, signages, and a refreshment counter. All I had to do was get into a special elevator to be whisked up for the visual treats. My city exploration was a continuation of the treat....

                                                                                                              It's easy street in more ways than one. Lazy weekends starting with the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee and croissants over the Sunday papers at a downtown café, followed by a stroll under clear blue skies along one of Australia’s finest Victorian era boulevards. Then seeing pristine, grand local architecture; foraying into Austra...