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Friday, March 21, 2008

Celebrating Holi The Indian Way From Desiya India Hotels

Make a hotel reservation in India in March to kick start the travel dreams of an Indian sojourn amidst a riot of colors. Come Spring and it's the time to get ready for serious fun and frolic with multi-colored hue. In north - India the celebration assumes an entirely new significance. Even as the last remnants of chilling winter wind blows across the northern highland, the people get ready for a slugfest of color. Differences of religion, race and nationality are forgotten amidst the celebration as people smear one another with color.

This is the peak tourist season in India. In the states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, the celebration of Holi reaches a height unmatched elsewhere. International tourists too take part in the frolic. In Rajasthan, Holi is just another excuse to ride a camel or an elephant and throw color on one another. Delhi too is bedecked with color as people throng the streets and partake in the fun. In places like Mathura and Vrindavan, festival assumes importance as the legend of Lord Krishna is associated with the celebration. In the night before Holi, the darkness is shattered by the bonfires lit in every locality as a symbolic destruction of the forces of evil.

Holi is the festival of unencumbered revelry. Tourists become an instant party to this festival. Online hotel reservation facility provided by www.desiya.com has changed the Indian tourism scenario. The real time online hotel booking engine of Desiya.com can book more than 390 hotels spread over 150 Indian cities. Large inventory of hotel rooms ensures guaranteed availability of accommodation in the hotel of one's choice. The website has consideration for tourists with different tastes and preferences. Through the Desiya.com booking engine, people can book different categories of hotels. Extremely user-friendly interface enabled hotel booking with minimum number of clicks. The inventory is updated by the minute and booking is confirmed instantly.

Desiya.com is a complete travelsite. It takes into consideration the travel requirements of a traveler and endeavors to solve the problem. Car rental is extremely essential for a tourist. Now it is possible to book cars through Desiya.com. There are different types of car. It is for the person concerned to choose one that suits the travel requirements best. Flight booking option has enhanced the utility of the website and has made it more complete. Flights can be booked from anywhere to everywhere across the globe.

This is the time to indulge in some entertainment of the Indian kind. Enjoy the spirit that is India in the riot of colors.

For more information contact: Mr. Amit Taneja, MM-18, DLF City - 2, GURGAON 122 002, India. Phone No. US Toll Free: 1-877-desiyaa UK Toll Free: 0 - 808 - 234 6797 While In India: (0) 9899011047

Traveling is a passion for me and exploring the infinite variety of Nature is my obsession. In my articles you will find more than just hills, rivers and forests. I try to look into the people, their society, culture and tradition. In the travel and tourism websites that I write for, there is a deliberate effort to bring out the very spirit of the place.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Pet Friendly Hotels - More Popular Than You Would Expect

Many people cannot imagine placing their pets in a kennel while they are on vacation. The thought of their beloved pet cooped up while they are on vacation is just unimaginable. Most people consider their pet as part of the family, therefore their pet goes with them on vacation. If you have decided to take your pet with you on vacation, then there are things you need to consider, the first would be finding a pet friendly hotel.

Making Your Reservation

When making your travel plans, check with the reservation clerk at the hotel to verify that they do accept pets. You should also indicate the breed of your dog, as some hotels have restrictions on the size and breed. You should also ask about any additional costs or deposits that may be necessary if you bring your pet. Another question would be if you were allowed to leave your pet unattended in the room. The bottom line is to be sure you understand the hotel's pet policy so there is no misunderstanding when you get there.

Packing For Your Pet

For your pet's sense of security, pack your pet's favorite toy and food. Just like packing for yourself, pack any medications or vitamins that your pet may be taking. In addition, be sure to have your pet's vetrinary phone number on hand just in case there is an emergency.

Pet Identification.

Emphatically you would not leave home without any identification neither should your pet. Your pet's identification tag should have the pets name, contact number, and immunization tag if applicable. Never let your pet out of your sight, tying them up outside while you shop inside could be detrimental for you and your pet. Someone could steal your pet, or even antagonize your pet to the point that they may bite.

Consider a Transportable Kennel

A portable kennel for your pet will offer a comfortable and secure place for your pet while you are out. In addition, it will eliminate any mischievous behavior and possible damages to the room. A portable kennel will put your mind at rest knowing your pet is safe and so is the hotel room.

Research Your Vacation Locale

Many attractions are pet friendly. Research your vacation area for these pet friendly tourist sites either online or through the local chamber of commerce. It is worth your while to know what attractions in the area allow pets before you travel.

For more information about a pet friendly hotel, visit http://www.petfriendlyhotelinfo.com

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Monday, March 3, 2008

3 Star Hotels

Finding a hotel that suits your budget comes easy when you take into consideration the activities that you will be busy with, or what you want to achieve during your stay. If being extremely pampered and totally worry-free comes last on your list, then you?re welcome to try a 3-star hotel. This is not to say that 3-star hotels do not offer any degree of comfort or luxury; it just seems impractical to be paying for lavish amenities when you won?t have the chance to take advantage of them.

If you?re a business traveler, who intends to be primarily engaged in, well, business matters, and not that concerned with having a fun and relaxing time, then a 3-star hotel with provisions and facilities that are useful for conferences and business correspondence would be a good recommendation. Furthermore, the affordable price is more attractive if you intend to keep the business expenses low. Also, an in-house restaurant, bar or lounge eliminates the need to go elsewhere for lunch or dinner meetings, and thus saves you time that you can spend preparing for presentations instead.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the tourist spectrum, a weekend traveler who has a planned itinerary can find good value in a 3-star hotel that is within minutes of a popular tourist destination, such as Paris or Amsterdam. Just because you?re visiting a top tourist spot doesn?t mean you have to spend a lot on accommodations. For instance, three star hotels like the Hotel Windsor Opera in Paris (only over a kilometer away from the city center) even offers services such as a business center facility, room service, and a fitness center, with rates that are at least about fifty percent lower than the best hotels located in the heart of the city.

While 3-star hotels may be expected to offer more than basic accommodations, it may be best to assess them and make a choice according to your expectations and needs. For instance, you may deem access to a fitness center more important than room service, or prefer Internet access and a business center to availability of a swimming pool. Whatever you prefer, be reassured that you can consult with an online guide and make sure to ask the right questions that will ultimately lead to a pleasant 3-star hotel experience.

Here are other 3-star hotels that may be of interest: the Hotel Sylter Hof in Berlin, which prides itself as a good location for business functions, and is immediately accessible to the city?s major airports; the Hotel Diplomatic in Rome, which is within close range of the Spanish Steps and the Vatican, and boasts of a fitness center, a swimming pool, and impeccable service; the Kensington Close Hotel and Healthy Spa in London, which offers an indoor swimming pool, beauty treatments, a health and fitness club, and three restaurants; and the Circus Circus Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is a family oriented hotel that offers live circus act performances and boasts of the Grand Slam Canyon theme park.


Welcome to our travel Blog ! Read our great member reviews on their own travel experiences, which travel insurance, travel agent they used plus much more to help you plan your own holiday or city break. Reviews on cities and hotels in cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome plus many across all continents can be found right here. Travelcubic can help you find flights, train tickets, ferries, cruises, buses, taxis and car hire. please visit http://www.travelcubic.com

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

The Exotic palace Hotels of India

When I started on a one month long tour to India, I had no idea what was in store for me.
I was not even sure why I planned on a tour to India. May be I was just too fascinated by the lifestyles of the Indian Maharajas and wanted to see and experience for myself their lives and their palaces. My interest in Indian palaces and forts grew by reading books like India Style by Monisha Bharadwaj, The Indian Princes and their States by Barbara N. Ramusack, The Indian Subcontinent by Alison Arnold and Indian temples and palaces by Michael Edwardes.

The palaces of the Indian Maharajas

India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. The best part about India is its rich history; the stories of Indian Kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdom is rather amusing. Even more amusing is to read about the secret lives of these kings and queens, their palaces, their summer retreats, their leisure activities, their traditions and their interest in art and architecture.

But time passed and none of them can be spotted today; their palaces, forts and other remaining works of art have become major tourist attractions even for the people of India. Most palaces and forts are opened today for tourism where as a few exotic ones have been converted into palace hotels.

Exotic Indian palaces that are converted to hotels

One of my major objectives of visiting India was to stay in one of the many palace hotels and experience the life of the maharajas (kings). I have discussed below some hotels in which I stayed and those that I cherish the most.

The Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore

My trip to Mysore was to reflect on my travel itinerary that needed that I visit those places that had a rich heritage and culture. Mysore was just one of them. When In Mysore I decided to stay in the Lalitha Mahal Palace which is by far one of the most exotic palaces that I have come across in my life. This palace was built way back in 1921 by a king named Wodeyar Krishna and was designed by E W Fritchley who was a famous English architect.

Today this palace is maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation and they have done a good job with it. The exterior of the palace looks show white where as the interiors are almost as good as new. All rooms of this palace over-look the beautiful Chamundi hills and give the visitor a breathtaking view of Mysore city.

The palace offers all facilities that one can expect from a five star hotel that include swimming pools, golf grounds, health club, lounges and a shopping arcade to get all your souvenirs. This palace gave me a glimpse of the lavish life that that kings would have lived back then.

Fern Hill Palace in Ooty

Ooty located in southern India is Indias well known tourist destination. When in Ooty I decided to stay in the Fern Hill palace hotel that has a history dating back to 1840. Back then it was used by the British as their summer resort. This palace hotel has more than 50 rooms that also include hotel rooms and cottages. Although the palace is quite old, it is well maintained and has everything that can make anyone feel like a maharaja.

This exotic palace coupled with the pleasant atmosphere of the hill-station gave me something that I could cherish for life.

Bolghatty Palace in Cochin

Cochin in southern India is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean and lives very much to its reputation. When in Cochin I decided to stay in Bolghatty Palace which was used as a British governors residence when India was colonized by the British. The Kerala tourism development corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture bringing it back to all its glory.

The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully, not to destroy their essence. The art work is as good as new and the portraits seem to talk back to you. It almost looks as if time stood still in the palace since it was built way back in 1744.

Lake Palace in Udaipur

My next destination was Udaipur in Rajasthan situated in the western part of India. The Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most exotic hotels that I ever stayed. The hotel is located in the middle of the blue waters of lake Pichola and practically looks floating in water from a near by fort.

Built way back in 1754 by Maharana Jagat singh, the palace is today maintained by the Taj group of hotels and offers the prefect ambiance for a romantic stay. The palace has 85 beautiful rooms along with special suites and fascinates everyone with its lustrous marble pillars, ancient paintings and unbelievable works of arts including glasswork. I almost felt like staying in a fantasy island with my room overlooking a refreshing lily pond.

Udaipur also has many other palace hotels but none can be compared to the Lake Palace. I was also fascinated by the Laxmi Vilas Palace which was once a guest house to serve British guests.

Bikaner house (Bharatpur House) In Mount Abu

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is another hill station that fascinated me. Mount Abu has a host of palace hotels as this was a favorite hill station for the Maharajas. I decided to stay in the Bikaner House palace which is located in one of the most scenic locations in Mount Abu. This palace built in 1893 was used as a summer residence for the ancient kings.

The palace is well maintained and has spacious rooms that have ancient paintings and art work. The rooms overlook mystic hills that look so much in peace with them-selves. It almost gave me a heaven on earth kind of an experience.

One more palace hotel which fascinated me in Mount Abu was the Sunrise palace which is situated in one its highest points. This palace hotel was built somewhere in the year 1920, and is quite popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar

My objective of visiting Bhavnagar, a relatively lesser known tourist destination in western India was to stay in the famous Nilambagh Palace. Built by Maharaja Bhavsinghji in the year 1723 this palace looks like a piece of architecture in itself. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and has 18 AC rooms and 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and offer an extremely luxurious stay. The room in which I was put up overlooked beautiful lawns down below; and I could hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing mildly over me. The whole atmosphere was so tranquil; it really took me to a different world.

The best part about the palace was the way it has been designed and maintained. All rooms had antique furniture, beautiful chandeliers and belgian mirrors. Then there was this striking swimming pool that has been designed like a roman bath with marble steps and white walkways. Taking a dip in that exotic pool which was specifically meant for the maharajas was I thought a true privilege.

The palace on Wheels

The palace on Wheels is not a hotel or a palace, but a maharaja style train that is run by the government of India for tourism purposes. I was recommended to make this train journey by a fellow traveler and believe me; I was glad I took his advice.

This train is designed for the purpose of giving its voyagers a taste of ancient India and covers all major destinations and heritage spots in Rajasthan. Starting from Delhi (the Indian capital), the train takes you to all major destinations in Rajasthan that include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra and back to Delhi in a seven day journey. I really got a good insight about the tales of Indian kings and queens and their lifestyles at the end of these seven unforgettable days.

The interiors of the train look no less than a five star palace hotel and that goes for the rooms too. The rooms are comfy, contain artistic furniture and include a private bath; now what more could you ask for?

When boarding my plane back home, there was a strange nostalgic feeling that had crept over me. But I was glad of one thing; I had lived out my dream of living like an Indian Maharaja.
I was not even sure why I planned on a tour to India. May be I was just too fascinated by the lifestyles of the Indian Maharajas and wanted to see and experience for myself their lives and their palaces. My interest in Indian palaces and forts grew by reading books like India Style by Monisha Bharadwaj, The Indian Princes and their States by Barbara N. Ramusack, The Indian Subcontinent by Alison Arnold and Indian temples and palaces by Michael Edwardes.

The palaces of the Indian Maharajas

India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. The best part about India is its rich history; the stories of Indian Kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdom is rather amusing. Even more amusing is to read about the secret lives of these kings and queens, their palaces, their summer retreats, their leisure activities, their traditions and their interest in art and architecture.

But time passed and none of them can be spotted today; their palaces, forts and other remaining works of art have become major tourist attractions even for the people of India. Most palaces and forts are opened today for tourism where as a few exotic ones have been converted into palace hotels.

Exotic Indian palaces that are converted to hotels

One of my major objectives of visiting India was to stay in one of the many palace hotels and experience the life of the maharajas (kings). I have discussed below some hotels in which I stayed and those that I cherish the most.

The Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore

My trip to Mysore was to reflect on my travel itinerary that needed that I visit those places that had a rich heritage and culture. Mysore was just one of them. When In Mysore I decided to stay in the Lalitha Mahal Palace which is by far one of the most exotic palaces that I have come across in my life. This palace was built way back in 1921 by a king named Wodeyar Krishna and was designed by E W Fritchley who was a famous English architect.

Today this palace is maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation and they have done a good job with it. The exterior of the palace looks show white where as the interiors are almost as good as new. All rooms of this palace over-look the beautiful Chamundi hills and give the visitor a breathtaking view of Mysore city.

The palace offers all facilities that one can expect from a five star hotel that include swimming pools, golf grounds, health club, lounges and a shopping arcade to get all your souvenirs. This palace gave me a glimpse of the lavish life that that kings would have lived back then.

Fern Hill Palace in Ooty

Ooty located in southern India is Indias well known tourist destination. When in Ooty I decided to stay in the Fern Hill palace hotel that has a history dating back to 1840. Back then it was used by the British as their summer resort. This palace hotel has more than 50 rooms that also include hotel rooms and cottages. Although the palace is quite old, it is well maintained and has everything that can make anyone feel like a maharaja.

This exotic palace coupled with the pleasant atmosphere of the hill-station gave me something that I could cherish for life.

Bolghatty Palace in Cochin

Cochin in southern India is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean and lives very much to its reputation. When in Cochin I decided to stay in Bolghatty Palace which was used as a British governors residence when India was colonized by the British. The Kerala tourism development corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture bringing it back to all its glory.

The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully, not to destroy their essence. The art work is as good as new and the portraits seem to talk back to you. It almost looks as if time stood still in the palace since it was built way back in 1744.

Lake Palace in Udaipur

My next destination was Udaipur in Rajasthan situated in the western part of India. The Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most exotic hotels that I ever stayed. The hotel is located in the middle of the blue waters of lake Pichola and practically looks floating in water from a near by fort.

Built way back in 1754 by Maharana Jagat singh, the palace is today maintained by the Taj group of hotels and offers the prefect ambiance for a romantic stay. The palace has 85 beautiful rooms along with special suites and fascinates everyone with its lustrous marble pillars, ancient paintings and unbelievable works of arts including glasswork. I almost felt like staying in a fantasy island with my room overlooking a refreshing lily pond.

Udaipur also has many other palace hotels but none can be compared to the Lake Palace. I was also fascinated by the Laxmi Vilas Palace which was once a guest house to serve British guests.

Bikaner house (Bharatpur House) In Mount Abu

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is another hill station that fascinated me. Mount Abu has a host of palace hotels as this was a favorite hill station for the Maharajas. I decided to stay in the Bikaner House palace which is located in one of the most scenic locations in Mount Abu. This palace built in 1893 was used as a summer residence for the ancient kings.

The palace is well maintained and has spacious rooms that have ancient paintings and art work. The rooms overlook mystic hills that look so much in peace with them-selves. It almost gave me a heaven on earth kind of an experience.

One more palace hotel which fascinated me in Mount Abu was the Sunrise palace which is situated in one its highest points. This palace hotel was built somewhere in the year 1920, and is quite popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar

My objective of visiting Bhavnagar, a relatively lesser known tourist destination in western India was to stay in the famous Nilambagh Palace. Built by Maharaja Bhavsinghji in the year 1723 this palace looks like a piece of architecture in itself. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and has 18 AC rooms and 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and offer an extremely luxurious stay. The room in which I was put up overlooked beautiful lawns down below; and I could hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing mildly over me. The whole atmosphere was so tranquil; it really took me to a different world.

The best part about the palace was the way it has been designed and maintained. All rooms had antique furniture, beautiful chandeliers and belgian mirrors. Then there was this striking swimming pool that has been designed like a roman bath with marble steps and white walkways. Taking a dip in that exotic pool which was specifically meant for the maharajas was I thought a true privilege.

The palace on Wheels

The palace on Wheels is not a hotel or a palace, but a maharaja style train that is run by the government of India for tourism purposes. I was recommended to make this train journey by a fellow traveler and believe me; I was glad I took his advice.

This train is designed for the purpose of giving its voyagers a taste of ancient India and covers all major destinations and heritage spots in Rajasthan. Starting from Delhi (the Indian capital), the train takes you to all major destinations in Rajasthan that include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Agra and back to Delhi in a seven day journey. I really got a good insight about the tales of Indian kings and queens and their lifestyles at the end of these seven unforgettable days.

The interiors of the train look no less than a five star palace hotel and that goes for the rooms too. The rooms are comfy, contain artistic furniture and include a private bath; now what more could you ask for?

When boarding my plane back home, there was a strange nostalgic feeling that had crept over me. But I was glad of one thing; I had lived out my dream of living like an Indian Maharaja.

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