December 2011
EAST: AMBIKA KALNA
A jewel in hiding
The rich terracotta temple architecture in this small town of West Bengal is to be seen to be believed. From the Orissan rekh-deul form of architecture to the rare 25-turret temple to the unique 108 Shiva temple, that fuses the Shaivite world view with indigenous Bengal architecture, the diversity is amazing and awe-inspiring.
WEST: PUSHKAR
Unbridled joy
Besides watching the fascinating deals for livestock at the cattle fair, shopping, dance and music, desert safaris, horse and camel rides, serene sunrise and sunsets by the lake, and endless celebrations summarise the eight days of tumultuous times at Pushkar.
WEST: SOUTH GOA
Amber hues of a laidback sojourn
With its sun-kissed beaches, lush fields and rich heritage, the region around Palolem beach is a world worth exploring for an intrepid traveller. In fact, it is no less a land of magic than its more celebrated cousins in the State’s northern parts.
SOUTH: KOTTAKKAL
Marakkars, India’s unsung
naval heroes
Malabar’s unique geological features may be a tourist guide’s delight, but they also formed the base of one of the most successful naval guerilla operations that the country has seen.
Offshore
MEXICO: Central America
Where faith builds on
the ruins
PATTAYA: Thailand
Leisurely
lightness
of being
....ALL OFFSHORE >
In & about
Travel News
Go Gaga in New York
Alwar comes alive
Jet signs first air-rail codeshare
Marine reserve plan for Coral Sea
London 2012 Festival programme announced
UNESCO Museum to feature Shimla train
Online Kerala Tourism game
New conservation plan for Central Africa
New 7 Wonders of Nature revealed
....FULL NEWS >
Features
PHOTO TIPS
Pattern primer
WORDVIEW
A look at travel and culture through the world of words
ALMANAC
Cochin Carnival
December 22 to January 1
Mamallapuram Indian Dance Festival
December 25 to January 25
Sunburn Festival Goa
December 27-29
Mt Abu Winter Festival
December 29-31
International Kite Festival
January 10-14
YOUR SHOT
Results of photo competition
Columns
TOM ALTER
Film/Theatre/ Actor
Message in a bottle
A poem written in anguish and yet full of hope – that we may yet redeem ourselves, individually and collectively on receiving this message
BN UNIYAL
Senior Journalist
Book labels, ex-libris
Bookplates, once used by buyers to assert their ownership of a book, today have dedicated collectors and a market that few in India know about
SOHAIL HASHMI
Film Maker
History behind modernity
Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate even today opens onto several treasures visible in everyday life, but those that are little talked about and even less visited
V KRISHNASWAMY
Golf Commentator
Malay style
Malaysia was one of the first countries to adopt the sport to attract tourism and business, and choices to tee off exist all over
PHOTO ESSAY-Wings of Desire
