Travel Darbar By Inder Raj Ahluwalia

By Inder Raj Ahluwalia It was that feeling, all over again. Framed behind me was the most beautiful background imaginable. Mountains with jagged peaks glistening in fresh snow, gradually tapering down to brownish granite, which in turn gave way to thick forest. It was a magic moment, and like most magic moments, all too soon it was gone. Innsbruck is one of Austria’s prides and joys. The abundance and proximity of nature and the grandeur of its high mountains are enhanced by the ever-present contrast between ancient traditions and the vitality of a modern city. Innsbruck @ Innsbruck Tourismus Christof Lackner The Alps lie literally at your doorstep, which means snow, snow, and more snow. It also means a bracing climate and a wealth of sports. 0ne can go climbing, walk the mountains, mountain bike, or paraglide. Six attractive and popular ski regions, some 53 lifts, 112 km of pistes, over 9 km of high-altitude cross-country tracks, two ski passes, and fun parks explain why Innsbruck was...

By Inder Raj Ahluwalia A mere 8 Kms from the Kolkata Airport, in close proximity to the International Convention Centre, Eco Park and the business hub of Salt Lake & Rajarhat, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat has established itself as a pivotal oasis of service and comfort. A Different ‘Feeling’ By all accounts, this is a hotel with a ‘difference’ as discerning guests learn to their delight. Checking in at the hotel brings quick rewards. The focus on wellness means guests have a choice to be pampered with an invigorating massage at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, indulge in Westin Workout facilities, or just enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. It’s all nice and easy and its all available every day, round the year. Rooms With A View 304 elegantly appointed, spacious guest rooms and suites providing a panoramic view of the city, ensures all guests have the proverbial ‘roof above their head’.  With 27,000 square feet of state – of –the - art banqueting and c...

Sailing upstream under the ‘Blue Wonder Bridge’ aboard one of the world’s oldest paddle-steamers, taking in the beauty of the Elbe Valley, was definitely my kind of holiday, I told myself snugly as I settled down on a seat that was strategically placed to provide pristine views. And indeed, the views were pristine. Grand city monuments looked down on expansive green steppes that tapered down to the river on both sides, as we chugged along. It didn’t take me long to realize that they don’t call Dresden the ‘Florence of the Elbe’ for nothing. Set against a scenic background is an inexhaustible potential of art, science, and dynamic industry; reason enough for ranking the city as the ninth largest international tourist centre. It is one big panorama, that makes for one big adventure. Their domes and steeples piercing the sky, imposing old structures greet one at every turn. And the first timer’s first impression is shaped by the skilled architecture that’s created a f...

‘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...