Tag: "India Holidays"

Discover India: Explore Kerala & Her Spices

If you’ve always dreamed about luxurious India holidays, consider travelling to God’s Own Country, Kerala, and visit the famed spice plantations. Spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and turmeric have long enchanted the world. Many nations fought to control the spice trade, which ran from Indonesia to India to Arabia and finally importation into Egypt and western Europe. In northern Europe, spices were worth their weight in gold, literally, as they both preserved meats and lent their intense flavours to food.

Spices of India

Southern India is world renowned as a producer of spices. On your India holidays visit one or many of Kerala’s spice farms and plantations. Take one of the famous houseboats to explore the backwaters of Kerala, five huge lakes connected by canals, rivers, estuaries and lagoons. This magical and lushly green region of India attracts many visitors each year who come to experience this unique life upon the lakes, where people routinely venture by boat and on the subtle footpaths on land. Cruise on a luxury houseboat to visit fishing villages, tribal hamlets and the fascinating floating bazaars for a very different kind of shopping experience.

Houseboat in Kerala

While staying at a Kerala spice plantation, explore how cardamom, coffee, vanilla and pepper are grown. Inhale the fragrance of the spices in the air and taste how they flavour the regional Kerala cuisine. Delicately savour a Keralan curry and explore the blended spices, seeing if you can taste the separate flavours in the masala. India’s spices are well-known for their medicinal properties as well, and they have been used for thousands of years in this region to treat and cure the people’s ills. The various spice farms and plantations you may visit all have their own different charms, with their own harvest festivals and traditions.

Tikka Powders

Kerala is bordered by the Western Ghat mountains, a region of great biodiversity. If you get a chance, cross over to Mysore, known as the City of Sandalwood. Mysore is famed not only for its fabulously scented sandalwood, but for its picturesque markets of incense, silk and crafts made from rosewood, teak and sandalwood. Mysore is host to many splendid temples and the Maharaja’s Palace as well as the famous Palace Hotel, if you desire another taste of opulence. Your India holidays will encompass days of light travel, visits to spice farms and plantations, bird watching tours, wildlife preserves, colourful markets and stays in luxury lodgings.

Spices in an Indian market

Your exotic India holidays will be all that you dreamed, the magnificent bright colours, ancient temples, the fragrant air of the spice plantations where you can almost taste the scents, so rich is the air, the lush greenery of the Kerala backwaters and the friendly, hospitable people who welcome you to their homes and farms. This fabulous journey will create memories to savour for years to come. Speak to our India holiday travel specialists today and let us tailor your trip.

Our Hit List of Culture, Food & History Holidays

There are a huge selection of culture, food and history holidays that you can take to destinations all over the world. See this selection of hand-picked sights and attractions to add to your bucket list.

Jordan

On  Jordan holidays, head to the ‘rose red city’ of Petra  to see first hand one of the most famous archaeological sights in the world; discovered just 200 years ago. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where Eastern traditions are blended with Hellenistic architecture.

Petra by night

Cambodia

While on Cambodia holidays,  journey  to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, here you can unravel the mysteries of the bas-reliefs that tell of tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer Empire.

Angkor Wat

Vietnam

Vietnam holidays too, have plenty of culture on offer. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay’s myriad mountains seem to rise out of the ocean from nowhere. Another highlight is the “rice basket of Vietnam”, the mighty Mekong Delta is a landscape of floating dwellings and paddy fields criss-crossed with canals. If temples are on your agenda then take a walking tour of Hoi An. In this quaint town you can visit ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful riverside market.

Mekong Delta

India

For Indian culture Rajasthan is a must. Head to Agra to view the majestic Taj Mahal; a sight which must be seen to be believed. Whilst on India holidays, See the Jama Masjid Mosque in Delhi and Jaipur’s Amber Fort. Pause for a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a late 16th century palace in great condition and soak up the views of bustling Jaipur from the Hawa Mahal.

The Taj Mahal

Egypt

On Egypt holidays, head to the vibrant, sprawling city of Cairo where the ancient and modern rub shoulders. Its medieval splendour, graceful minarets and traditional bazaars are incredible. Museums filled where Pharaoh artefacts  transport you back to an ancient time and the magnificent pyramids overlooking the city are a constant reminder of Egypt’s mysterious past. Discover the awe-inspiring landmarks of ancient civilization with a cruise along the Nile as the rich history of Egypt unfolds itself along the banks of the river.  A Nile cruise offers a truly remarkable experience, with breathtaking scenery and once in a lifetime visits to cultural wonders. While Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, hosts the mighty Temples of Karnak and is the gateway to the Valley of the Kings with its elaborate tombs and the Colossi of Memnon.

Cairo

Mexico

Mexico holidays allow you to experience the incredible Chichen Itza,  a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. The archaeological site is located in the municipality of Tinum, in the Mexican state of Yucatán. The traditional Mayan church can be found in the Cancha Maya, one of the main plazas in Tulum pueblo. Or try Laos, which has its own distinct culture. Discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Luang Prabang, Explor the Pak Ou Caves, walk among the archaeological site of the Plain of Jars or watch the magical sunset on the bank of the Mekong River in Vientiane.

Chichen Itza

Thailand & Cambodia

Experience the culture on Thailand holidays through the countires exquisite cuisine. Thailand has an abundance of towns which offer lessons, classes and courses that will enable you to enjoy Thailand’s culinary arts and its culture through hands-on experience in the kitchen as well as opportunities to explore the country. On Cambodia holidays enjoy a cooking class at one of the very best cooking restaurants in the city, Malis. Luu Meng is Cambodia’s most renowned chef and he will guide you through a morning to remember that includes shopping for ingredients at the local market and then preparing and cooking some choice courses which you can then enjoy for lunch. In Siem Reap enjoy a private cooking class at the Sugar Palm restaurant. Home-cooked Cambodian food, including an introduction to prahoc will be on the menu as you work with the head chef to produce dishes that will make your mouth water in anticipation.

Thailand & Cambodia have many Cooking Classes

What else would you add to this list?

Top Gear Goes To India – 2011 Christmas Special

After having heard that this year’s Christmas Top Gear will be an India special, I wondered whether Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May could better 2010’s Top Gear Three Wise Men special or 2009’s Bolivia special or even 2008’s Vietnam special. And I think they did.

The humourous 90 minute long episode pulled in 5 million viewers on Wednesday 28th December 2011, and was based around one mission – to help save Britain’s economy by setting off on a trade mission to India. Equipped with three British cars and a range of unique British products, they paraded across one of the world’s most fascinating countries, India, the second highest populated country in the world with 1.2 billion people (UN, 2010).

They cast made interesting choices of cars – Jeremy chose a Jaguar XJS 4.0-litre, James a Rolls Royce and Richard chose a classic Mini Cooper. They set off on a journey that crossed India and included several mini adventures such as an 18 hour train journey, creating banners to promote British businesses and a hill rally with locals. One of the highlights of the India special episode was when Clarkson, Hammond and May ended their journey driving through the breathtaking and picturesque Himalayas to reach the end of India. This looked particularly spectacular in high-definition.

India moved into the fast lane and world media spotlight when it recently hosted its first New Delhi Formula 1 Grand Prix and perhaps with programmes like Top Gear and the next James Bond movie being shot in India, we will see more of India’s beauty and charm on our screens in the near future.

Watch the trailer here. Where do you suggest they shoot the 2012 Christmas special?

Source: Top Gear & Radio Times

New James Bond Movie Set To Film In India

After visiting some of the most glamorous and exotic locations across the globe, the world’s most famous spy is going to India to shoot the next James Bond film at the likes of the humble Sarojini Nagar market in Delhi and relatively unknown town of Navagam near Ahmedabad. Other possible locations could include the gorgeous sandy beaches of Goa and bustling business district of Mumbai.

The Indian Government granted permission to India Take One Productions to shoot the yet to be named 23^rd James Bond film, which will be directed by Sam Mendes and is to be released on 9^th November 2012.

In 1983, James Bond’s 13^rd film, Octopussy, was extensively filmed in India at the City Palace in Udaipur.

City Palace in Udaipur

The new James Bond film will join an increasing number of foreign films that are being given permission to shoot in India. At the last count, 22 films including ‘Mission Impossible 4′, ‘Singularity’, ‘Life of Pi’ and ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ had been given permission to film in India. In recent years, films such as the 2008 Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire have also been worldwide hits, offering India a welcomed boost to tourism.

The BBC also stated that, “there have also been reports that some of the shoot will take place in South Africa, and that filming would begin by the end of the year.”

Source: BBC News

Celebrations erupt all over India as the cricket world cup comes home

On Saturday 2nd April 2011, tens of thousands of cricket fans from around the world turned to television screens and commentators as the World Cup Final unfolded at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Celebrations erupted all over the world as India won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 after 28 years. India became the first hosting team to win the cricket world cup with the finals played in the hosting country. The finals were watched by an estimated 1.2 billion people all over the world making it the largest single audience for any world final in any sport! There is no doubt that most of these audiences would have came from India’s cricket mad nation with a population of approximately 1.21 billion people!

Indians around the world celebrated the win from the UK, to Canada, to Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore. Scores of fans around the world celebrated the triumphant win by spilling into the streets waving the Indian flag, banging dhol drums, carrying posters and flamboyantly dancing to bollywood music and celebratory chants of ‘Chak de India’ meaning, “Go, India!” An unforgettable experience if you were lucky enough to have been on a holiday in India.

If you missed out on any of the celebrating, sit back and watch how it was done from around different parts of India and around the world:

India

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Delhi International Airport

Dubai

Singapore

For your chance to be able to visit such a beautiful country full of colours, energy, rich culture and delicious cuisine, Western & Oriental Travel are offering you the chance to save 10% on all India tours booked by 22 April 2011 and valid for departures until 30th September 2011. See our fantastic and exciting India holiday collection.

Most Interesting Traditional Foods

Never mind fast food, here are the communities that are preserving the great old home cooked recipes.

In every holiday destination I have visited, I have noticed an ongoing theme. Nearly everywhere I have visited has a McDonald’s or a greasy kebab house on the corner of a back alley.  When I visited Egypt back in 2009, I was amazed to find a McDonald’s right in the middle of nowhere! It soon came to my attention that travellers are not always able to able to experience the real culture and local cuisine that destinations have to offer.

Whatever happened to the traditional foods that are native to each country and enjoying the delicious local cuisine on offer? Here are some interesting traditional foods which might entice you…

Mustard oil pickles, India
There are some great places to eat whilst on holiday in India. Originated in Mumbai, India, the ancient method of preserving food by making a pickle has been used for centuries. In the height of the summer when the sun was at its hottest, locals living in rural areas where food was not as accessible, used to spend days cutting vegetables and fruit for pickling. Passed down from generation to generation, families in India have perfected their own signature pickle recipes that are used to preserve and eat with delicious Indian curries. Popular pickles in India include lemon, mango, onion and the renowned chilli pickle. Many recipes include a mixture of mustard oil and ground spices to give them that authentic Indian flavour!

Chuno from Peru: one of the oldest foods in the world

The potato remains one of the most sustainable foods in the world, millions of people around the world consume tonnes of potatoes every year. However, for Andean towns in Peru, extreme temperature variations in the region can cause trouble with growing crops. However, these extreme conditions present the perfect method of preserving what would otherwise be inedible potatoes. Peru is where Chuno Blanco originates from and archaeological evidence has found in the Andes, Chuno is a 10 million year old food source.

Don’t forget to look out for Chuno potatoes on your next Peru holiday and tour. I’ve been told they are a real treat!

Guarana, Brazil
Famous for being an ingredient in soda and fruit drinks in health stores, this coffee bean sized fruit is used as a sweetener in soft drinks and energy shots. Not many people know that this tiny fruit originates from the Amazon Rainforest. Members of the Brazilian Satere-Maue tribe use an ancient technique of mashing the plant seeds into a hard bar that is used to grate on food and into drinks. These seeds are very rich in caffeine and vitamins and many tribes use them to combat fatigue and stimulate brain activity.

Guarana Berries in the Amazon Rainforest

Siwa Oasis Dates, Egypt

Founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, Siwa Oasis was once the most inaccessible of all Egypt’s oasis. Famous for its dates, the area boasts some 300,000 date trees which are considered some of the finest in the world. It is believed that the mineral waters of Siwa and the saline soils give Siwan dates their unique sweet taste.

Siwa Oasis Dates in Egypt

What is the most interesting traditional food you have tried?