TOP TEN HOTELS FOR THIS DIWALI

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1. Umaid Bhawan
2. Taj Palace
3. Hyatt
4. The Park
5. The Crowne Plaza
6. Jaypee
7. The Ashoka
8. Shangri-La
9. Oberoi
10. Radisson

Discount Shopping this Diwali

With the festive season around the corner, Rediff Shopping, India's popular online shopping destination today announced a series of new offerings to brighten up Diwali. As part of its special initiative Rediff Shopping has launched a special Diwali store to provide a one stop shop shopping experience to Indians across the globe. Providing greater value to the buyers, Rediff is also offering a special Rs 1000/- gift voucher with every purchase.

The special store offers the largest variety of products and gifts, with over 1000 gift items ranging from mithai and mithai hampers from reputed stores such as Haldirams and Ghasitaram to dry fruits and pooja thalis. All the gifts come with a artful and decorative packing, reflecting the celebrations of Diwali. The store also has a special range of beautifully crafted diyas and fire cracker hampers.

There is also a selection of great designer jewelry from big brands like D�damas, Surat diamonds and Gili to choose from at discounted prices for personal and corporate gifting. Shoppers can also gain from some fantastic deals that are available on microwaves and home theater system from Godrej and LG.

Commenting on the special initiative for Diwali, Manish Agarwal Vice President Marketing said, With online shopping gaining popularity during festive season, we wanted to take the lead to provide a complete hassle free shopping experience to our buyers by offering the largest collection of specially choosen products and exciting deals. The store will not only cater to the domestic buyers but also a large number of Indians who are settled abroad and are looking to send gifts to their near and dear ones in India.

And if you are looking to buy that special gift for your loved ones for Bhai Dooj, buyers can also look at the special range of Bhaidooj gifts including designer apparel, watches, home appliance and several exclusive gift products. There is also special section for Dhanteras, which offers an entire range of gold and silver coins that are available at heavily discounted prices.

Apart from all these buyers can save money with free shipping option on most products across the Diwali store. Gifts can be delivered across 250 cities in India and around the USA as well. Buyers can choose the option of express delivery to ensure that the gifts reach your loved ones on time. To make their shopping experience more convenient and hassle free, Rediff Shopping also offering several different payment options including credit cards, debit cards, to demand drafts, cash on delivery and very easy EMI options.

So log on to http://diwaligifts.rediff.com to avail the best discounts and deals and get more out of your Diwali shopping.

NEWS - Exotic vacations lure Indians overseas

Diwali no longer seems to be binding people to their homes. This year, many more people are taking the long weekend off for a short holiday, and this is just the beginning of a promising holiday season.

Whether its the beaches of Goa and Kerala or the mountains up north, all the traditional holiday spots in the country are completely sold out for Diwali and the mandatory New Year celebrations. Internationally too, the popular South-east Asian destinations are attracting weekend holidays.

But what's new and exotic this season are packages to South America and the Scandinavian countries. And though a bit more steeply priced than the regular packages, at about a Rs 1 lakh per person for 10 days, these holidays are finding quite a few adventurous travellers. Travel companies are reporting record business this year. Chairman and Managing Director, Raj Travels, Lalith Sheth told CNBC-TV18, "Business is up by 50%-80%."

What is interesting this year is that, more people are opting to travel in groups - a trend that was declining over the past few years. Travel agents say, that is because there is a dramatic increase in the number of middle income families travelling overseas for the first time, who look for security in numbers. In fact, quite a few people are forming their own groups and customising their holiday. So much so that the director of Kesari Tours, Veena Patil says, "We have sent honeymoon couples in groups."

But packages this year are about 4%-5% more expensive over last year. Travel companies say that this trend is likely to continue. If fuel prices continue to soar, airlines will be forced to raise fares and with hotels increasing tariffs every year, packages are likely to cost at least 10% more next year. Despite this, travel agents are hoping this will not deter the 15%-20% growth that the industry has been witnessing over the last few years.

Go East India this Diwali

Elgin Hotels & Resorts: Luxury Heritage Hotels & Resorts in the Himalayas, India

Enchanting holiday getaways with the old world charm a regal royal era.

Elgin hotels and resorts are leading luxury heritage hotels in the Himalayas of India synonymous with warm hospitality.
Exquisite homely interiors, impeccable service, fine cuisine, a caring staff and contemporary technology blend to create an experience that is both warm and intimate.
Elgin hotels and resorts are beyond compare.
The Elgin group owns and operates leading luxury heritage hotels & resorts in the Himalayas Darjeeling, Sikkim India. Each hotel has been carefully located in the Himalayas. Darjeeling and Sikkim offer locations unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Destinations:

1) The Elgin Hotel in Darjeeling – A 125 year old Royal Manor House.

2) The Silver Oaks Hotel in Kalimpong- Home of a famous Jute magnate now converted into a luxury hill resort in the Himalayas.

3) The Norkhill Hotel in Gangtok – Once the royal guest house of the king of Sikkim. This heritage hotel has hosted heads of states and people of prominence from the world over. Richard Gere and the Dalai Lama to name a few.

4) The Elgin Mount Pandim Hotel in Pemayangtse (Pelling), West Sikkim, India. Once the summer retreat of the royal family of Sikkim. This Heritage property is now a luxury boutique hotel. Each bed room in the hotel offers magnificient views of the snow capped Himalayas.

for more details visit: http://www.elginhotels.com/

EXOTIC DESTINATION - Seductive Santa Barbara - by Esselle

Be it Gloria Swanson and Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn, everyone did a turn at Santa Barbara. Honestly, the name brings on all kinds of connotations---- of swishy rollicking times, heady parties and swizzly drinks.

Well it is an oasis for the rich and famous but special occasions do deserve special locations. It is famous for its western spirit, friendly people and tri tip barbecue, its idyllic climes and beaches, its 485 restaurants and super luxurious spas, its beauty and serenity. And the show which made the place famous.

Located on the scenic Southern California coast that boasts a Mediterranean ambiance Santa Barbara is one of the most affluent cities on the American Riviera. Its Spanish-inspired architecture and breathtaking mix of mountains, valleys and beaches also offers urban delights. Nearby Los Angeles, including Disneyland, Universal Studios, Beverly Hills and Hollywood make for short trips from Santa Barbara.

If you want to get married here well it would be a commemoration for a life time. And you'd be in good company too. Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier got married here. In case you want to go there for a sizzling honeymoon, you have company too--John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy went for there honeymoon here.

Today's celebrities too seem to love walking in here. Just a while back Charlize Theron and Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow also enjoyed the salubrious beckoning of this Californian resort. So if you like it being ruled by the sun this summer sign up for your fire holiday at Santa Barbara. For it is unique and energizing with oodles of pure fun. Tennis, golf, swimming, sports, leisure, biking, reading, tours, wine tasting, beach trips, horseback riding, kayaking and surfing, weekly tournaments are all for those who want to always list what they did at a vacation. Or simply unwind fiber by fiber relaxing at the beach or by the pool and enjoy the Santa Barbara sunshine.

Santa Barbara is after all one of the world's premier vacation destinations and you can find real classy swingers here amidst its breathtaking scenery, world-class dining, shopping. A lot of avant garde people including scientists, writers and general philosophers hang around here adding substance to cultural events and film festivals. The beautiful oceanfront is enough of a high but you could also take an excursion to outlying areas, including the romantic and remote Channel Islands and beautiful valley wine country.

Of course at the "coast of the sun" the lure of California could be the perfect holiday icebreaker. You will love to love, love to play and love a wee bit of luxury - well a lot actually. A five star a holiday with a golden tan thrown in for free is a must for all beautiful people. So why should you deny yourself? Use this chance at Santa Barbara to enhance your gorgeous bods, pecs and hairy locks in the Spanish and Latino hot spots.

Watch the stars of the zodiac as they perform for you. But once you hit the dance floor, posed in Saturday Night Fever fashion every day of the week there will be no stopping you from seeking out the limelight in true California style. Yes tonight you could be John Travolta or Olivia Newton John. Live La Vida Loca at the bars, and exciting nightlife and sip heavily from the cups of hedonism. For a sumptuous sybaritic experience even for one night try out the San Ysidro resort which has undergone a multimillion dollar renovation.

If you are the outdoorsy kind you can nestle in luxurious cabins in El Capitan Canyon, only minutes from an unspoiled section of coastline. Hike amongst ancient Chumash Indian artifacts, kayak with dolphins or simply relax on the beach. This coast will inspire and rejuvenate the lover in all of us.

Diwali Destination - ABBOTT MOUNT

ABBOTT MOUNT
The Clouds Beneath Your Feet

By Lesley A. Esteves

Not even the breathtaking vistas of the forested drive to Champawat District from Kathgodam can prepare you for the beauty that greets you in Abbott Mount. After long stretches of moss-covered deodar forests you finally reach Lohaghat on the banks of the Lohawati River. Leave Lohaghat’s crowded bazaar behind and, 6 km ahead at Marorakhan, a road climbs dramatically up through the clouds over 3 km, to the tiny settlement of Abbott Mount.

There are just 13 cottages spread across this hill, all built pre-Independence by John Harold Abbott of Jhansi, who named the hill for himself.

We drove straight down into the driveway of Snow View Cottage, unchanged since the time Abbott first built it. Deodars, pears and a solitary walnut graced the grounds. We stepped out of the car and there they were — the Himalaya stretched across the horizon. Kalyanji, the caretaker at Snow View, pointed out the peaks — Trishul, Maiktoli, Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti, the majestic Nanda Devi. He tried to point out the Pindari Glacier, but the clouds rose too fast. Beneath our feet, the bowl of the Soar Valley was filled with clouds. It was for this special view that Abbott chose this particular mount that towers above the neighbouring hills. And which affords the visitor the pleasure of sipping tea in a garden while watching the clouds float by, beneath her feet. After the sun set and it was pitch dark, we still sat facing the mountains, clustered around a bonfire under the walnut tree. The fireflies turned the deodars into Christmas trees; the brandy travelled all the way down to our toes. And, all the while, Kalyan’s sister told us tall tales of leopards and ghosts in the surrounding

WHERE TO STAY AD EAT

Snow View Cottage (Tel: 05965-234169; Tariff: Rs 3,000 for the cottage) was built by the original Abbott nearly a 100 years ago. At some point, it passed to Nepal royal Shamsher Rana and is now owned by charming hosts Gogi and Kiran Sandhu. The well-appointed cottage is perfect for taking maximum advantage of the phenomenal views. There are picture windows on all sides and massive sofas in which you can lounge as you gaze open-mouthed at the peaks. The caretaker Kalyanji prepares wholesome meals with vegetables from the cottage’s own patch.

Abbott Mount Cottage (Tel: 235421; Tariff: Rs 3,000) is another of Abbott’s 13 lovely cottages, offering three rooms, laundry and a cook who makes all meals, not included in the tariff, which is for the entire cottage.
For more details visit : http://www.abbottmount.com/ and http://abbottmountcottage.com/

Incredible India

www.incredibleindia.org

Incredible India welcomes you to the online booking service. You will be able to search a range of accommodation options across India. Accommodation details and pricing information is provided by either a 3rd party or directly by the establishment.

Non-Indian residents will be able to complete their transactions in US$ while Indian residents will be able to complete their transactions in Indian Rupees. For most complete results and to find Government approved B&Bs leave the ‘Ratings’ setting at ‘All’. Non-Indian residents can currently book Government approved B&Bs in US$. Indian residents will also be able to book B&Bs in Indian Rupees in the next few weeks, but in the interim, please email indiaenquiries@eviivo.com for a complete list of all approved B&Bs.

When you click to book you will be directed to a different website for fulfilment. Please note the Ministry of Tourism is not a party to any transactions occurring on this site and carries no liabilities or provides no warranties in relation to the transactions. Ministry of Tourism does not authenticate, confirm, supports or take any responsibility of any claims or offers - provided through the links from the Site www.incredibleindia.org Please note that not all properties are featured on the maps, and the points on the map are provided for indicative purposes only and should not be used for navigation purposes. If you have any feedback in relation to this service please email indiafeedback@eviivo.com.

AULI - A time to Ski

Kashmir’s loss is Uttarakhand’s gain,” confessed a former skiing cham­pion of Kashmiri origin rather ruefully. And indeed, since most of us don’t fancy meeting one of Osama’s lieutenants on the slopes of Khilanmarg, let us be grateful to the Indian babu who decided to develop the little known pasture of Auli into a winter skiing resort in the late eighties.

Auli isn’t large: the entire skiing area is about 5-7 km, but since it’s located way up between 9,500 and 10,500 ft, it commands excellent views of the surrounding peaks which soar well over 23,000 ft. The air is cold, fresh and scented with the aroma of pine; the skies are azure blue.

This may not be Aspen or St Moritz, but hey, this is India of 50-degrees-in-the-shade fame, and it’s pretty mira­culous that we have slopes with wonderful, soft powdery snow at all. And the Uttarakhandis are trying: a spanking new cable car ropeway traverses 4 km up the hill from Joshi­math, transporting you over the tops of oak and fir trees to Auli. And when you swoop down the slopes, you don’t have to worry about the trudge back up: the baby slopes have a 1,640-foot ski lift, and the advanced slopes have a 2,620-foot chair lift to haul you to the top.

So forget another winter at the beach and head north instead. After a week on the slopes you will be confident enough to whiz down a mountain and execute a fancy parallel turn. Skiing is wonderful exercise but be warned, it’s dangerous — your tummy disappears, your muscles tone up, your skin glows with good health. It could become addictive.

Clifftop Club at Auli is located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet in India's most scenic location amid the snow clad Himalayas. The resort provides a 270 degree clear view of the snow covered Nanda Devi range (the highest in india and third highest in the world). Other ranges in sight include Dronagiri, Kamet, Trishul, Neelkanth, Mana, and Mukut . They belong to the snow-line ranges which are covered with snow all round the year.

Honeymoon Package-Clifftop Club, Auli
Honeymoon on Cloud 9 at Rs 15999/- per couple for 3 nights/4 days at Clifftop Club, Auli.
Inclusions:
Room Tariff + All Meals (Bed Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea and Dinner) + Taxes.
One guided trek to Gorson Forest.
Decorated room for one night.
Candle lit dinner for one night.
Complimentary cookies with hot milk.
Complimentary skiing for one session subject to adequate snowfall.


Proposal from the Club Group of Hotels
The Club Group of Hotels operates under Ski & Snow Resorts Pvt. Ltd., who have been in the business of hospitality for over two decades. Our focus is on maintaining exclusivity in locations and creating an ambience that is unmatched by any competitor in our category.
Three of our properties, Clifftop Club at Auli, Mountain Club at Bhimtal and Alpine Club at Nainital are in exclusive locations where our guests can enjoy the privacy they so much deserve.
We offer Clifftop Club, Auli and Mountain Club, Bhimtal as destinations for youth camps, adventure, birding, photography, trekking, skiing, training and conferencing.

Clifftop Club, Auli:
Located at 10500 ft above sea level in the Chamoli district of the Himalayas, Clifftop Club is the only ski resort to be located next to the ski slopes. In winter, the slopes of Auli are a haven for skiers. Technical details on the ski slopes are attached in the Skiing Fact Sheet.
In summers, this is an ideal base for short and long treks to Gorson bugyals, RR Point and Kuari Pass. Its proximity to the Valley of Flowers turns the Auli bugyals into a riot of color during July to September, when myriad species of flowers bloom in the lush green meadows. A rich repository of Himalayan wildlife can be seen here, as the property lies just outside the Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve, declared a heritage site.

Our offer:
Clifftop Club has been operational from 2001 and we have now added more rooms to our inventory taking the count to 40. Mountain Club is a brand new property, operational only from March 2006, yet we have hosted the Dhirubhai Ambani International School from Mumbai and the Mayo College from Ajmer in the recent past and we have an association with some top corporate trainers who prefer to conduct their sessions at this property.
In keeping with our policy of associating with the very best, we wish to attract more discerning guests through you for niche and special interest tours. Many of the diverse of activities conducted by corporates find a place in the environs of Clifftop Club and Mountain Club. We welcome groups with excellent service and warm hospitality.


The commercials:
Group tariff on APAI (per person per day) Nett:
Property Clifftop Club
On double occupancy 2400/-
On triple occupancy 2200/-
On 4-occupancy 1800/-

Rate per person per day for a minimum group size of 20 persons includes room tariff, bed tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner, bonfire, trekking guide for one trek and all taxes. Cocktail snacks and soft drinks/soda extras.
One room complimentary for group leaders on every 10 rooms confirmed.


For further queries, contact:
Rupa Gandhi
Dy. Gen Mgr. Club Group of Hotels,
Ski & Snow Resorts Pvt Ltd,
607/608 Jaina Tower II,
District Centre, Janakpuri,
New Delhi-110058.
Tel: +91 9899797712
Email: rgandhi@ssrpl.com



SKIING FACT SHEET CLIFFTOP CLUB - AULI:
Ski Slopes: Four World Class Ski Slopes.
Details Of Slopes 1. 10 No. Slope (White): For Skiiers
2. 8 No. Track (Blue ) : For Skiiers
3. Temple Track (Red ) : For eginers
4. Composite Slope (Blue): For Skiiers

Length of Ski Slopes: 10 No. of Slope - 900 Meters.
8 No Slope - 800 Meters.
Temple Slope - 400 Meters.
Composite Slope - 3.1 KM.

Ski Lifts:
Nos. of Ski Lift: 2 (Two) - International Standard.
1. Standing Lift
2. Sitting Lift
Fare of Ski Lift : Rs. 30/- Per Trip For pole Lift (Standing )
Rs 200/- Per Trip for Chair Lift (Sitting )
Note: :POLE Lift ( Standing ) from Temple Track to Tower No. 10.
:Chair Lift (Sitting) from Auli to CLIFFTOP CLUB.
Cable Car : @Rs. 400/- Per Pax for To & Fro.
At a time 25 Pax can be accommodated.
It starts from Joshimath to Tower No.10 (Entrance to Gorson Reserve ).
It takes 22 Minutes to Gorson and 15 mins to Clifftop Club.

Special Attraction: 10 Km Long Cross Country Alpine Skiing by Indian Army.
Note : Auli is being promoted as an International Destination for SKIING. It has an International standard of GOOD SKI TRACKS & SKI Lifts. Depth of snow - 8 ft to 12 ft (Subject to weather conditions).

For more Details visit : http://www.ctcauli.com/