Gonow May Issue by Cross Section Interactive Private Limited

GONOW

a cross section publication

VOLUME 14. ISSUE 11. MAY 2014. ` 50

A L L A B O U T T R AV E L A N D T O UR I S M

Exclusive pullout guide: Desi Food in Thailand

Aha! Desi kha

A Gu i d e to Indian and Tha i Restaurants in Tha Vegetarian iland

DESTINATION CHINA

The Dragon allures with History and Modernity EXPERIENCE

Traditional Dubai SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

The Sound of Music Tour

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Summer Time

Hills, Beaches and Sea

this issue pg 32

From the Editor

destination guide The dragon allures with history and modernity destination 16 Korea - what makes it an ideal destination for Indians? niche destination 20 The Sound of Music tour: GoNow captures the film nostalgia that propels tourism in Salzburg luxury travel

24 The Colossus: The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is dazzlingly more than just the highest hotel in the world

guide 35 Exclusive pullout guide: Desi Food in Thailand hospitality 112 Starwood Hotels goes the extra mile with exciting offers and services exclusively for Indian travellers Summer getaways

116 Summer sojourns - Luxury cruises, hilly holidays and exotic

With spring having yielded to summer, it is the holiday season once again and the time for a perfect getaway. In this season of travel this month’s GoNow is a perfect companion, a repository of ideas and a guide. As a gift for our readers, we present along with our magazine a mouth-watering guide to Indian and Thai Vegetarian Restaurants in Thailand which they will find useful and an indispensable tool of travel. Even as Indians have begun to adventure to all parts of the globe, we bring to you a feature on South Korea, a land of history and culture that is fast emerging as a destination of choice. You will enjoy our feature on The Sound of Music, the unforgettable and captivating film which has riveted generations and which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in the summer of 2015. What better time can there be to take a Sound of Music Tour and explore the breath-taking sights of Salzburg where this feast of cinema was filmed? At another level altogether, read with interest our review of the highest hotel in the world that takes hospitality to new heights. As interesting is our exploration of a lesser known part of Dubai that is untouched by steel and concrete and is all about the past and traditions. The dragon allures to the far east of the giant Asiatic continent, and China’s fascinating mix of tradition and modernity is reflected in another feature. As the travelling Indian becomes more of the norm, international hospitality opens out to them and we explore how Starwood hotels and their brands across the world go the extra mile for their Indian customers. We also feature a travel guide of summer destinations, all about cruises and hills, each absolutely indispensible this hot May. Golfers will revel in the development of a new golfing hub in Ahmedabad. May’s GoNow ends with a befitting guide to travelling with children, as many of you will not like to leave them behind. Happy reading.

beaches for this summer

tourism connect

1 30 Experience the local spirit in Coorg and Kabini with Orange County

metro travel 1 34 The new golfing hub: Ahmedabad, featuring the best of golf courses where the services are on a par with the international standards delhi update

1 38 This summer in the capital: All the latest offers in the

luxurious properties of Delhi/NCR in terms of F&B, Spa, Stay Offers and more

last page 142 A guide to travelling with children

city explorations

pg 28

Traditional Dubai - where it’s not all concrete and glitter but there are old warm areas where local traditions are still flourishing

Editor: Navin Berry Managing Editor: Priyaanka Berry Features Desk: Anupriya Bishnoi, Nikita Chopra Advertising: Saurabh Shukla Design: Ashok Saxena, Neelam Aswani Circulation: Chandra Tamang Go Now is printed and published by Navin Berry, on behalf of Cross Section Media Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Anupam Art Printers, B-52, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi - 110 028 Go Now is published from IIIrd Floor, Rajendra Bhawan, 210, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002. Tel: 91-11-43784444. Fax: 91-11-41001627. E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com This issue of gonow contains 144 pages

ON THE COVER Summer coolers at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak If travel excites you just the way it excites us, share your experiences on /gonowlifestylemagazine /gonowmagazine /gonowmagazine

drop us a line.

Like something we wrote? Wondering how to get somewhere? Or been to a place you want to talk about? Write to us and let us know. Don’t have the words to describe a place? Don’t worry – send us your best travel pictures and we’ll let them speak for you. If your letter or photo is published, you will get a year’s subscription to gonow absolutely FREE! Send your letters and photographs to E-mail: info@crosssectionmedia.com Material not used will not be returned

May 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

vSnippets Complimentary night’s stay at Phoenix Park Inn, Goa

PUT YOUR THINKING CAP ON AND WIN A FREE TRIP TO MP

fter a colourful festival of Bhagoria, before Holi in March, Madhya Pradesh Tourism is now set to celebrate Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day on 24th May 2014. They are organising an interesting competition for it, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Paheli – ‘Bujho to Jaane’. For this, you need to put on your thinking cap and indulge in a brain storming session to get your answers right. A total of seven winners will be randomly selected. The first three

winners will be given a 2 nights/3 days package in a Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s hotel anywhere in the state, which will include free lodging, boarding and sightseeing with transport (nearest rail head) within Madhya Pradesh, with condition that the prizes have to be utilised latest by 30th Sept.’14. A winner can come himself or herself with spouse and two children below 12 yrs. For further details, log on to: www.mptourism.com

Upper deck on A380, with a 3 room cabin, flying with Etihad

ransforming the experience of air travel, Etihad Airways unveils The Residence by Etihad – its three-room cabin on its Airbus A380. The Residence will be the breath-taking and completely new forward upper-deck cabin on the A380. Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, a separate double bedroom and a shower room. Guests in The Residence will also have a personal butler. It will feature the revolutionary First Apartments, which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe. Etihad Airways has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins. This service will also be soon available on the airlines’ B787 Dreamliners. With the launch of this new fleet, the airline will also be redefining its cabin classes. For further information, visit: www.etihad.com

GO NOW May 2014

On your trip to Goa stay at the Phoeni x Park I n n for t h re e nights and get a complimentary 4th night stay. The package i ncludes da i ly breakfast, lunch and dinner on bu f fet a nd welc ome w it h a non-alcoholic drink. You can also enjoy the ‘happy hours’ at ‘Chapora’, everyday from 5 pm to 7 pm. You can have fun with the family at the swimming pool and the fitness centre on complimentary basis. The hotel will also take you for a half day sightseeing tour of Goa in an A/C coach followed by a boat cruise as a part of the package. Price: `16,700 When: valid till 30th September 2014 For further information, call: Regency Tours, 011-47474700

Relish Shabu Shabu at Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi

Indulge in one of the most renowned Japanese delicacy, Shabu Shabu at Wasabi, Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Their signature presentation of Shabu Shabu uses Hot River stone bowls, Mount Fuji lava slabs, and Sakura Salt stones. Japanese ingredients are served with Udon noodles, Japanese Koshihikari rice featuring dishes like Rib eye shabu shabu, Angel shrimp shabu shabu, Maguro tataki, Kinoko shabu shabu. You can also learn the art of preparing watermelon tequila, pomegranate cocktails, the Bellini recipe and more with the top bartenders of the city and drink unlimited cocktails on Thursdays. Timings: Wasabi – Lunch 12:30 – 14:45Hrs & Dinner 19:00 – 23:00Hrs For further information, visit: www.tajhotels.com or call: 011-23026162

with travellers in mind

he China Kitchen’s new menu includes a variety of choices for vegetarians, thirty one varieties of dumpling and creative interpretations of dessert, bringing a distinctive menu to the city’s existing Chinese food scene, and offering the guests a break from the usual. The new menu will feature the following unique items: steamed rice shao mai, steamed crispy tofu, baked shrimp cabbage

roll, traditional pumpkin soup, slow-cooked peppery lamb leg, sea bass fish ‘Papilliotte’ and more. This is one of the largest and most extensive menus of The China Kitchen since it first opened six years ago. Where: Hyatt Regency, New Delhi When: available from 1st May 2014 For further information, call: 011-66771334

A IN H C E H T , E IT R U O V A F S DELHI' NU E M W E N A S E C U D O R T KITCHEN, IN

May 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

IndiGo’s new flights boost metro connectivity

he airline has now launched four new daily flights, consolidating its connectivity in metros. The new schedule would see the introduction of the eighth daily non-stop flight between Delhi and Kolkata and the 15th daily non-stop flight between Delhi and Mumbai. The flight from Delhi to Kolkata will depart from Delhi at 9:25 pm and will

leave from Kolkata at 6:15 am the next day, whereas, the new flight connecting Delhi and Mumbai will fly from Delhi at 9:55 pm and back from Mumbai at 7:20 pm. Price: Delhi–Kolkata: `3,960; Kolkata–Delhi: `4,187; Delhi– Mumbai: `3,960; Mumbai–Delhi: `4,184. For further information, visit: book.goindigo.in

VISIT KENYA FOR THE BEACH EXPERIENCE

oving on from wildlife experiences, Kenya has a lot more to offer to the travellers. It has some of East Africa’s greatest beaches and Indian Ocean island getaways. The Kenya Coast offers a variety of beautiful beaches that all look out on to the glorious Indian Ocean. To the North is Lamu Island which offers a mix of beaches and plenty of culture. To the South are Mombasa, Diani, Watamu and Malindi which offer unspoiled white beaches and a variety of water-sports. Snorkelling and diving around the offshore coral formations is said to be the best in East Africa. It is a haven for those who are looking for a relaxing vacation. Water sports and fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy the waters of the Indian Ocean. The protective reefs have created ideal beaches with calm, inviting waters. Kenya encapsulates the essence of Africa – friendly and interesting people, stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. It offers a striking combination of Swahili culture, superb palm-lined beaches and colourful marine life. For more information, visit: www.magicalkenya.com

GO NOW May 2014

vSnippets

Cathay flies twice daily from Delhi to Hong Kong

The improved schedule of Cathay Pacific now offers a more valuable arrival time into Hong Kong along with further connections to North America, Australia, Japan, China, Taiwan and more. The airline has launched two daily flights on this route, with one departing from Delhi at 01:25 and arriving in Hong Kong at 09:25; whereas the other flight departs from Delhi at 22:45 and arrives in Hong Kong at 06:50 +1. On the return route, the first flight from Hong Kong will depart at 17:45 and arrive in Delhi at 21:15 and the second one will depart at 20:15 and arrive in Delhi at 23:45. For further details, 1-800-209-1616 or mail at: india_res@cathaypacific.com

with travellers in mind

oing beyond the clichéd mindset, Park Inn by Raddisson Gurgaon Bilaspur turns budget hotels from dull to lively. This is the first property of the next generation Park inn by Radisson hotel in India. The hotel is a bright, bold, fresh and energetic and offers affordable luxury to its guests. Their service goes by the tagline, adding colour to life, and are designed to make stays fun, comfortable and uncomplicated. “This new generation hotel is based on a much defined set of standards and a defined colour palette. We have four different colours in this hotel forming the whole design concept, which are Red, Blue, Green and Yellow. The technology and service that goes into each hotel of this brand is much defined. They are going to be consistent all across India. The colours are intentionally kept bold; the

reason behind this is that Park Inn by definition is an aspiring brand. It provides great value for money, it charges you three star rates but the experience that it provides are at a par with the four-star level, in terms of food and beverage offerings, cleanliness, room layout, the wooden flooring and the overall look and feel. The colours have been brought in to create identification, and a change from other hotels,” said Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Location is a delight for business travellers as the hotel is conveniently placed in the National Capital Region of New Delhi. Right on National Highway 8. Guests can move around the business and manufacturing hubs of Manesar and Gurgaon with ease. It is less than an hour’s drive away from the

airport and nearby tourist attractions including the Sheetala Mata Temple, the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary and the Damdama Lake. It is surrounded by a multitude of leisure options for guests who opt for extended stays to relax at the end of the day. The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has plans to take this brand forward all over India. Rana adds, “The next one will be opening in Indraprastha in New Delhi within a couple of months. We had signed a joint venture with Bestech Hospitality last year to build 49 Park Inn hotels in India over the next set of years, of which eight have been signed and are in different stages of construction.”

N O S IS D A R Y B N IN K R A THE FIRST P ON A G R U G , R U P S A IL B IN S OPEN

May 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

vSnippets 2 Nights/ 3 Days Amarnath Yatra Package

PARTY ON THE DECK THIS SUMMER Boat Party Prague Prague treats its enthusiasts with floating clubs, equipped with flashy lights, bass-filled sound systems and with international DJs playing the hottest dance music. The stand-out thing about this boat party is that if anybody wants to take a break from the dance floor, the upper deck offers breath-taking views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world as the boat floats under the Charles Bridge and through the heart of the city. For further information, visit: www.boatpartyprague.com

ith thumping music and a magical atmosphere in the middle of the sea, boat parties are catching up across the globe and in India as well. Some of the most popular destinations known for these parties include Ibiza, Prague, Croatia and Cannes. Some of the most happening boat parties across the globe are: Ibiza, Spain – Pukka Up Pukka Up’s legendary boat parties are one of the best sunset boat parties in the world with three hours of great house music over the crystal-clear Balearic Sea. It is now in its 11th year and is one of the best around the world. So much so that they now plan to have three days of boat parties in San Antonio & Ibiza Town. For further information, visit: www.pukkaup.com 8

GO NOW May 2014

Soundwave Croatia This is an exciting annual festival that also runs a number of boat parties embarking the Adriatic Sea, with the Kornati islands only a short distance away. With stunning scenery and sunsets, the boat offers an onsite club for guests to dance the night away under the moonlight until the early hours. For further information, visit: www.soundwavecroatia.com Cannes – AXE Boat Party Every summer in the French Riviera is celebrated with the AXE Boat Tour along France’s southern coastline. It has introduced a unique way of partying over the 13 years of its existence. With the last extravaganza held in Cannes, the AXE Boat Party has propelled the idea of grooving to the beats of international DJs playing the most thumping tracks atop a boat. For further information, visit: http://www.theaxeeffect.co.in/AxeBoat-Party-TnCs/index.html

R e g e n c y Tou r s of fer s a comfortable and economical package for your trip to Amarnath t h is yea r. T he package includes sightseei ng i n Sr i n aga r w it h a n over n ight stay. The second day includes a journey from Srinagar/Baltal – Darshan – Srinagar/Baltal via helicopters. The confirmed chopper tickets for yatries, accommodation for two nights in Srinagar, individual transportation for the whole trip and all taxes are included in the package. Breakfast and dinner are also a part of it. The package doesn’t include airfare/train fare till Srinagar. Price: Double sharing per person – `15,000; third person sharing same room – `13,500 For further information 011-47474700

Roll into Eternity at WelcomHeritage Khimsar

On the edge of the Great Thar Desert lies the magnificent fort, WelcomHeritage Khimsar Fort & Dunes. Set in the midst of sand dunes, the fort stands as securely as it did over many centuries of battle and strife. The resort has 83 rooms inclusive of 16 luxuriously appointed Huts in sand dunes. The interiors of the rooms have a traditional look and Huts are mud plastered and are in a “Dhani” style. The property also provides recreational activities like R3 Natural Spa with a range of ayurvedic & international therapies, Swimming Pool, Yoga, Gymnasium and Tennis Court. The special heritage holiday package includes a double room with American breakfast, lunch and dinner. Price: `13,999 When: Valid till 30th September 2014 For further details 0141-2229700

with travellers in mind

JW MARRIOTT IN ’ L U IF T U A E B Y IT C E H ‘T

he city beautiful got a new luxury address almost two years back, keeping in mind the leisure travellers as this city is the ‘city in transit’ to some of the India’s most exotic getaways like Shimla, Mussoorie and Manali. The hotel offers 164 spacious rooms, including four suites and one presidential suite elegantly designed in a unique open layout. With an overall appeal kept simple by the designers, Wilson Associates from Singapore and Karen Kim from Marriott, the hotel oozes international appeal in its décor, while maintaining the regional charm in hospitality like that of welcoming guests with Lassi. Simple but elegant natural materials

like travertine stone and sycamore woods have been used in the front lobby. Sycamore woods are beautifully understated and are known for their timelessness. Keeping in mind the city, JW Marriott houses an appropriate number of restaurants, instead of focussing on different kinds of cuisines. The dining options here include Saffron (fine dining Indian Cuisine); The Café@JW (Global Cuisine); Oregano Restaurant & Bar (Italian Cuisine); Chandigarh Baking Co (Deli & Patisserie); The Lounge, Whisky 111 – Bar. Chandigarh Baking Company was not as delightful as what we will find at Aerocity’s Delhi Baking Company or at Bengaluru Baking Company, but adequately alluring. However the ambience of Whiskey 111 will transport you to the Victorian era. The entire bar is made up of wood and the architecture will remind you of a setting in one of the scenes in Charlotte Bronte’s novel. But

why Whiskey 111? “We want to give our customers an exclusive taste of whiskies from all around the world and we are well aware of the fondness of whiskies among Punjabis. So it’s our attempt to bring a smile onto their faces. Here they will get 111 kinds of whiskies and its really rare that they will get this kind of variety anywhere else under one roof”, explains Sunny Ghaiee, Director of Sales and Marketing, JW Marriott, Chandigarh. The infinity pool, located on the top floor of the hotel, overlooks the gorgeous city and adjacent hills, making it really difficult for the guests to make a move any further. Other options for unwinding and relaxing include Quan Spa and Fitness Centre. With not many luxury properties in the city, JW Marriott Chandigarh is also a home to conduct some of the most elegant weddings and upscale meetings in the Grand Ballroom which is adorned with crystal chandeliers. This property is an attempt to bring luxury to tier 2 cities where the motive of pleasing the guests with 5 star hospitality and the locals with expert-chef restaurants seems getting accomplished. Text & photograph by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

May 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

Rendezvous with wildlife and nature in Rishikesh

or your next escapade, spend time am idst nat ure and serenit y at Ganga Kinare in Rishikesh. This riverside boutique offers an adventure package which includes, Wildlife Safari in Rajaji National Park, White Water river Rafting and breakfast. As a part of the package, you can also go for a complimentary yoga session every

morning and also use the Firefox Bikes with a biking trail map. You can also go for a riverside nature walk from hotel to Triveni Ghat and back to view the evening Aarti. Price: `10,800 per person. When: valid till 31st May 2014 For further information, visit: www.gangakinare.com

Discover Thailand’s island escapes with MakeMyTrip

vSnippets Kids stay free with Hilton’s Indian Travel Deal

‘ T he Great I nd ia n T ravel Dea l’ by H i lton Worldwide is a special offer that presents travellers the opportunity to enjoy great rates. Under this offer, two kids can stay and eat free and if you want an additional room for kids, then that is available at half price. This offer is available at hotels and resorts operated by Hilton Worldwide in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Vadodara, Pune, Shillim, Goa and Jaipur. Among the participating hotels, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is an all-villa retreat, and spread across

350 acres in the unspoiled landscape of the Western Ghats. Whereas, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Arpora - Baga is located minutes from Baga and Anjuna beaches, and is in the heart of the stunning coastline of North Goa. Price: `4,250. When: Valid for stays until 1st October 2014. For reservations, visit: www.hiltonindia.com, or 000-800-440-2177

3 Nights & 4 Days stay at Sagar Resort Manali

lan an exciting and refreshing holiday with complete packag e s f r om M a k e My T r ip. From Phu ket to Bangkok, Ko Lipe to Krabi, Ko Chang to Ko Tao, Thailand has an island for every month and a beach for every week. Thailand’s beauty is no secret, but there are still a few wonders that rema i n relat ively u nder wraps. Like the smaller, less ex plored a nd more beautiful islands of Hua Hin and Koh Samui. The Family Getaway package to Hua Hin offers you experiences of city’s cultural heritage, relaxing beaches and vibrant local markets. Visit the beautiful island of Koh Samui with The Big Chill Samui package with which you can indulge in adventure activities like snorkelling, scuba diving and more. Price: Family Getaway Hua Hin – `31,990; The big Chill Samui – `45,990 10

GO NOW May 2014

This summer, enjoy a stay in the hills at Sagar Resort Manali. The package includes a welcome drink on arrival and bed tea and fruit basket and cookies on the first day. The package is valid for the Deluxe Room category for a couple. Breakfast and dinner are also a part of the package. One child, below the age of ten years, can stay on complimentary basis without an extra bed. Use of gym and sports room is also complimentary as a part of the package. All taxes are included in the package. Price: `14,999 per couple. When: valid till 30th June 2014. For further details, contact: Regency Tours 011-47474700

with travellers in mind

he new diving activities include: Atlantis Dive Discovery for beginners;Â Atlantis Dive Explorer a 30 minute dive for certified divers and the exclusive Royal Dive for those who want a VIP experience and the entire majestic Ambassador Lagoon to themselves. Experience the zero gravity feeling at the Atlantis and try one of the fun new diving programmes. These programmes give you an opportunity to be face to face with sharks, rays and 65,000 fishes. If you are not a licensed diver, the hotel has snorkelling available

for anyone above the age of six. The extremely fit 84 year oldÂ Buzz Aldrin, spent a lot of time exploring the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis and enjoyed performing some playful and impromptu anti-gravity antics for the Atlantis guests at the glass observation window, such as spinning around, making faces and swimming upside down. So, the next time you visit Dubai, do not forget to book your diving session at The Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis, The Palm. To book, visit: www.atlantisthepalm.com

AT N O O G A L E H T H G U O R H DIVE T I A B U D , M L A P E H T IS T ATLAN

May 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

vSnippets 30% off on summer stays at Moevenpick

Bloomrooms – The swanky affordable abode

Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts offer discounts up to 30 per cent at most of its hotels during selected dates between 1st June and 30th September 2014 as part of the ‘Summer Sunshine’ offer. Also, guests who book their stays through moevenpick-hotels.com receive complimentary Wi-Fi. Promotional rates start from only USD 69 per night in Essen, Germany. Several destinations can be booked for less than USD 90 per night, including Saigon, Cairo, Frankfurt, Izmir and Dubai. Engaging city breaks to destinations like Paris, Berlin, Lausanne, Geneva, Amsterdam and Istanbul are also included in the ‘Summer Sunshine’ offer. For further information, visit: www.moevenpick-hotels.com/summer

uaranteeing comfortable sleep and a fresh start to the day, Bloomrooms understands and meets the needs of the guests inside and outside the hotel. This unconventional hotel, offers a wide variety of room types, specifically designed to better meet the individual needs and fit everyone’s budget. Their Compact Rooms are for the people on the go, who are just looking for a comfortable bed to spend the night and have a peaceful sleep. These rooms are available as single as well as queen rooms. The other category, the Standard Room offers guests with space for both work and play; you can choose from a single, queen or twin standard room. It is a category suitable to both business as well as leisure travellers. Whether you are two, or three persons, you will always find the value rooms a great way to save. These are available in twin and triple categories. K now n for its a f forda ble rates, Bloomrooms offer free Wi-Fi, minitch the heat this summer, and head eral water and shuttle service to its to Jamaica for a blissful experience. guests. The rooms are well-appointThe weather in Jamaica is always ed with custom built cloud beds, known to be vacation-friendly. The award-winning designer Grohe rain country is home to breathtaking beaches, showers, amenities from Gilchrist stunning resorts and scintillating waters. and Soames and clean and crisp The island country treats its travellers with towels. The hotel offers a pillow azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Jamaimenu for the guests to choose their ca has a number of beach gems like Docperfect pillow for the night. For gastor’s Cave Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Regtronomic delights, you can head on gae Beach, Silver Sands Beach, James Bond to the Amici Cafe & Lounge at the Beach and more. One of the leading providhotel, which offers a variety of deliers of adventurous tours of Jamaica, Chukka cacies for you to choose from. Caribbean Adventures are must do activities Where: 7 Link Rd, Jangpura of Jamaica. Chukka offers a number of excitExtension, New Delhi, 110014 ing water activities for tourists to indulge in. Chukka Horseback Ride ‘N’ Swim, Jamaica River Check-in: 14:00; Check-out: Tubing Safari, Jamaica White Water Rafting, and Jamaica Dunn’s River Climb and Catamaran 11:00 Cruise, are a few famous water activities Chukka Caribbean offers. So, spend your summers For bookings, call: 011relaxing on the beach with the sound of the waves and your favourite drink in Jamaica. 41225666, or mail: book@ For further details, visit: www.visit.jamaica.com bloomrooms.com

Soak up the sun in Jamaica

GO NOW May 2014

with travellers in mind

aking you through a variety of cultural highlights, shopping facilities and world class events, Engadin St. Moritz is organising its 21st British Classic Car Meeting in July. It combines elegance and class in the breathtaking Engadin Alpine world. Around 200 British old-timers and classic cars have been meeting in St. Mortiz since 1994. Some of these are Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin & Lagonds, Jaguar and Daimler, Austin-Healey & Healey. A limited number of other pre-1960 British cars are invited to take part in the British Classic Car Meeting St. Moritz in the Open Class. The list of interesting classic cars at the BCCM thus becomes even more attractive. The British Classic Car Meeting will be held over three days. This season, you can also enjoy the Festival Da Jazz in

Engadin, St. Mortiz, where Stars and rising stars alike bring blue notes to the legendary Dracula Club, whose relaxed welcome has made it a cherished rendezvous for luminaries of the jazz scene. This highest-altitude club-based jazz festival in Europe has evolved over recent years into one of the gems of the calendar. This festival will go on for around a month, spreading the music all around the destination. When: British Classic Car Meeting from 11th July to 13th July. Festival Da Jazz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10th July to 10th August. For further information, visit: www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

Z Z A J & G IN T E E M R A C E VINTAG MUSIC AT ST. MORITZ

May 2014 GO NOW

with travellers in mind

vSnippets Free Wi-Fi for tourists in Taiwan

Relish the interactive culinary Journey at ‘Xperience’

ith a relaxed yet stylish gastro-bar dining concept, Xperience Restro and Bar at Sofitel So Singapore offers guests a unique interactive culinary journey of the senses. Xperience diners will be able to design their own customised menus, based on different culinary experiences crunchy, juicy, smoky, creamy, silky, spicy and zesty – to name a few. Ensuring a social environment and tapping into the increasing trend for family-style sharing, dishes will be available in three sizes: XS for tasting, XM for a personal size and XL for sharing. The menu can be tailored to suit any mood. It offers a sophisticat-

ed combination of international tastes to surprise and delight the guests. Some of the must-try dishes include the foie gras & truffle siew mai, smoked salmon with vodka caviar, and Chipotle chilli crab tacos. Xperience Bar features an extensive list of cocktails that mirror the restaurant, allowing guests to choose drinks based on their mood or to create something from scratch. 35 wines by the glass ensure that all occasions can be catered to on 35 Robinson Road, and a lively vibe with a range of Resident DJ’s promises to entice the passers-by. For further information, visit: www.sofitel.com

Go for a Royal break in Jaipur

njoy your vacations in the majestic city of Jaipur with Royal Orchid Hotels. Their two nights and three days stay offer in the deluxe category room includes breakfast and dinner and a non-alcoholic welcome drink on arrival, along with 10 per cent discount on food and beverage. You can also opt for a pick up from the airport / the railway station in a chauffer-driven car or the luxury of half-day sightseeing in the chauffer-driven car as a part of the package. The offer is valid for Hotel Royal Orchid, Jaipur and Royal Orchid Central, Jaipur. Price: Hotel Royal Orchid – `9,000 + taxes; Royal Orchid Central Jaipur – `8,999 + taxes. When: valid till 30th September 2014 For further details, visit: www.royalorchidhotels.com

GO NOW May 2014

Taiwan is one of the first countries in the world which offers free Wi-Fi to its citizens on a large scale. Now it has taken a step forward, and is offering it to foreign tourists as well and that too for free. For this the tourists need to present their passport as ID at a Taiwan Tourism Bureau counter and login to an iTaiwan account using their account on their digital device. The Taiwan government-backed free iTaiwan wireless network was launched in 2011, and currently has about 4,400 hotspots in major tourist spots, transportation hubs, cultural establishments and government offices all over the island country. In addition to this, iTaiwan has also established roaming agreements with four local governments so that tourists also have access in Taipei City, New Taipei, Taichung and Tainan.

Airport TV concept introduced at T3, IGI Airport

Networkplay in association with T3 Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi has created an exclusive Airport-TV network, which will air world-class HD-content to entertain, inform and relax the T3 traveller before they board their flight. Placed strategically to engage a captive audience, these TV Screens will offer world-class edutainment content to passengers who spend between 40-90 minutes on an average waiting to board their flights. The Airport-TV Network will air a good mix of short-form and long-form content, keeping in mind the dwell time and content consumption habits of a premium traveller on the move. This network covers over 125 42-inch or more HD-Television screens located at ambient dwell opportunities within T3 near the boarding area, baggage reclaim area and at other captive locations.

with travellers in mind Elie Bernheim, the grandson of Raymond Weil and the CEO of the company of the same name is an avid traveller with a special love for gourmet food and wines. In conversation with GoNow he tells us that he looks out for stress-free check-ins, an enjoyable lounge, and a different destination every time he travels. He also makes it a point to visit the finest restaurants during his trip to a destination.

ow frequently do you travel for business? And where? I travel a lot and visit a different country and continent every time! RAYMOND WEIL today counts more than 3’500 points of sale in more than 95 countries on the five continents. I also often travel to the UK, USA, India and Germany where we have our four subsidiaries. What kind of destinations do you prefer travelling to for leisure? Where did you travel recently? Istanbul. It is the most amazing city in the world and has a lot of meaning for me. It was where I met my wife and where I got married. I go three or four times a year to visit my parents-in-law. I’m fascinated by its history, culture and the lifestyle. Just walking along the Bosphorus River enthralls me – the atmosphere takes my breath away. Which airlines and hotels do you prefer travelling with? Turkish airline for its lounges which are definitely the best in the world! As far as hotels are concerned, I particularly enjoy staying at the Sofitel. Do you think spending extra money for a business class seat is worth? When it allows you to arrive fresh and clean to your business meeting on the other side of the planet, it is definitely a must! Tell us something about your top three airport experiences. Istanbul, Dubai and Singapore would be my top three airport experiences for the quality of services and comfort they offer. What are the essential comforts and facilities you look for while travelling? As a frequent traveller, I spend a lot of time at airports, so special access to comfortable and enjoyable lounges and easy stressfree check-in facilities are a priority for me. Any country/city you are looking forward to visit? I’d love to go to Iceland, Ireland and Scotland once. What gadgets do you travel with? I always carry my iPad with me when travelling. What kind of traveller are you? (Fussy, relaxed, casual or spontaneous) I’m a very frequent traveller so I can say that I’m quite relaxed. What are your criteria involved in choosing a destination while travelling for business and leisure? I’m passionate about food so I always make sure there are very nice restaurants everywhere I go. I choose very carefully and make sure that I book well in advance the places where I absolutely want to eat! Do you attend any frequent exhibition or events annually? Tell us something about your experience with them. RAYMOND WEIL is present at Baselworld every year and we also attend other watch fairs all over the world during the year. These great experiences are very tiring ones so we are always happy to go back to a nice hotel after an enjoyable dinner!

“ISTANBUL, DUBAI, SINGAPORE – MY TOP 3 AIRPORTS”

May 2014 GO NOW

destination In the midst of rapid modernisation, South Korea is becoming one of Asia’s most vibrant and culturally rich countries. With lush countryside and being an island of gods, South Korea never fails to delight its visitors. We talk to Jae Sang Lee’s, Director of Korea Tourism Organisation centering our concern on the reasons why Korea should be visited by Indians.

xciting festivals

Quite like India, the Korean history is largely celebrated through exciting and unique festivals. The fifteen day long Seoul Lantern festival is one of the major attractions. Lanterns light up a dream of one thousand years under the theme of Baekje Dynasty, an ancient kingdom that blossomed in Seoul. While the “Lantern festival” fills Korea with gleaming lights reflecting its rich history, festivals like the Boreyong mud festival adds to the fun and thrill of a whole new experience in a foreign land. A healing beauty indulgence for some or an excuse to channel their inner child, amidst wrestling, sliding, splashing mud and massages, this festival attracts thousands of visitors from across the world. Indians can have a whole new take

KOREA What makes it an

ideal destination for Indians?

on Holi with this festival in Boreyong’s warm weather, the beach and of course the mud. The mud festival is to be hosted between 18 -24 July in 2014.

24 hours shopping

A countr y where ever ything, starting from internationally branded products to local one’s to traditional hand made products, are available making it quite difficult for shoppers to hold on to their wallets. The most popular markets in Seoul are the Dongdaemun and Namdeemun with products ranging from clothing to spices. Famous for midnight shopping, the Dongdaemun market is the place to be for wholesale merchandise goods. Visitors can travel to museums and theme parks by day and shop by night, as this street market is stays open till dawn. Some of the most popular markets, both with tourist and locals, are the Dongdaemun, Namdaeemun, Insadong, Myeondong markets in Seoul and the Gukje Market in Busan where one can find traditional Korean handicraft items and the Bupyeong Kkangtong market where one can buy souvenirs item like ‘Hanbok’, a traditional Korea dress, or imported products like fashion goods, mini car sets and other items. While local goods are a street thing, brand conscious visitors can indulge themselves in mega malls showcasing international brands like Zara, H&M and Nike. From luxurious shopping malls to local markets, Korea has it all.

Entertainment

Thanks to singer PSY’s” Gangnam Style”, Gangnam, located in Seoul, is one of the most popular places in Korea to visit. One of the most vibrant and dynamic capitals of the world, Seoul keeps people up until wee hours in the streets in major shopping districts and downtown areas. Worn out with late night shopping, one can easily unwind in a café or restaurant or enjoy a night out in the clubs and bars of the ever dazzling city. With Koreans diversifying globally, much to an Indian tourist’s delight, one can also catch a Bollywood movie running in one of the Korean theatres.

Exotic food

Gwanghwamun Plaza

GO NOW May 2014

Indians love food. Following a traditional beliefs spices and sauces are the basics of Korean food as they are believed to be the major ingredient of a dish, contributing chiefly to its taste. With most Korean being meat lovers, Indian visitors can enjoy different kinds of meat prepared with exotic

niche destination

Night view of Busan skyline May 2014 GO NOW

destination Lotte World

herbs and spices. Also, slurping a bowl of chicken or pork soup, while in Korea, is a delicious experience and highly recommended. While non-vegetarians can have the time of their life trying Korean dishes with various types of meat, vegetarian Indians donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about starving or carrying Indian food all the way. The kingdom has its local vegetarian meals like khimchi, bibimbap, tasty rice cakes and puddings. There is also traditional temple

GO NOW May 2014

cuisine to offer, prepared following the Buddhist mandate and is all organic.

A terminus for Historians

Just like India, Korea is culturally rich. Korea is home to numerous historical sites. Listed under UNESCO are nine cultural and one heritage site. The historical beauty is showcased in the temples, shrines, palaces and tombs of various dynasties and many other historical monuments.

Historians and culturists are in for a treat in this ancient kingdom. In addition to history, visitors can also experience Korean Buddhism under the Temple Stay Program in one of the ancient Buddhist Temples and live the life of a monk, far from the noise and stress of crowded cities. This stay is an opportunity to get closer to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s karmic connection and attain peace of mind and soul. An experience many city dwellers today crave for.

Jae Sang Lee, Director, Korea Tourism Organisation

Korea is a one-stop destination for shopping, festivals, entertainment, exotic food, historical exploration and sports and adventure. These are highly enjoyed by Indians and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably why Korea becomes a favourite for Indian travellers.

Hassle-free travel

Korea is well-connected through an efficient transport system comprising of KTX express trains, subways and ferries. The super high-tech KTX Trains, a cutting edge technological incorporation, connects the whole of South Korea within a three hour living area in a superfast and comfortable way. The country has a highly developed transportation system whether it is world class airports like Incheon International

Airport, Seoul or Gimhae at Busan or the subway system that operates between the airport and the downtown area in Seoul and Busan or taking a high speed KTX train that connects the two cities of Seoul and Busan in just under three hours or taking a bus that connects all important cites of Korea. Seoul also runs taxis that are easily available and reasonable at the prices. For foreign visitors, the taxis provide a language interpretation service which makes

the journey across the city hassle-free.

Sports and Adventure

From lake ferries to submarines tours, from watching whales and bungee jumping to cycling in the mountains, Korea is a melting pot of exciting adventures for young vibrant visitors from all over the globe. As told to ANUPRIYA BISHNOI Photo courtesy KOREA TOURISM ORGANISATION

May 2014 GO NOW

niche destination

THE SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR

It is 50 years ago that this great musical opened the doors for tourism to Austria. GoNow captures the nostalgia behind this legendary film.

he Sound of Music, a classic of cinema, on the list of all-time great films, a best-loved musical and a cultural phenomenon, hardly needs an introduction. Produced in 1965 by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film was based on a beloved Broadway musical that itself derived its inspiration from the book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Von Trapp. When released, the film took the world by storm. Its powerful combination of a delightful and gifted story, exquisite acting and direction, over-powering and melodious songs and the breath-takingly and fresh scenery of Salzburg left audiences enraptured. This public acclaim was accompanied by five Oscars, including 1 Bavarian Mountains Lake Königsee: You will enjoy a wonderful view on the gorgeous Lake Königsee amidst Best Picture, and two Golden Globe the Bavarian Alps during our Bavarian Mountains Tour. awards for Best Picture and Best 2 SOM Leopoldskron Palace: One of the major sites of Actress in a musical or comedy. It our Original Sound of Music Tour – Leopoldskron Palace was also the highest grossing film which was used for the terrace scenes, the ball scene, of its time. Clearly a timeless clasthe lake scenes with the boat as well as the scenes with sic, the film thrills audiences to this the glass Gazebo, which was located in this garden in the past. 3 Ice Caves: During the ice caves tour with a licensed mountain guide you have the possibility to marvel at mysterious ice figures. 4 Mozart Square Salzburg: Explore for yourself the historic sites of Salzburg’s most famous son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! Everywhere in town you will find statues and inscriptions in his honor. 5 Eagle’s Nest: Take the tour to the Eagle’s Nest and enjoy a breath-taking alpine panorama view and learn more about this historical place.

GO NOW May 2014

5 4

May 2014 GO NOW

niche destination 6

day, and, having gone through multiple re-releases, will continue to charm them in the future. ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’, and the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’ are some of the numbers from the film that remain popular and not just with one generation. The film will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 2015 for which grand celebrations are planned in Salzburg, Austria, the city with which the film is associated, having been filmed on location there. The Sound of Music 50th Anniversary Festival will be held here June 22-27 next year. It is a good time to take a tour inspired by the film of the famous Sound of Music sites in Salzburg. No doubt, the hills will once again reverberate with the sound of music.

GO NOW May 2014

8 7

10 9

SOM Pavillon: Who doesn’t know this famous glass Pavillon? Who has never dreamed of being kissed or getting a marriage proposal here? On our tour you have the chance to visit this famous Sound of Music Site. 7 SOM Mondsee Church: The famous wedding scenes has been shot in this magnificent church – during our Sound of Music Tour you have the opportunity to feel like Julie Andrews alias Maria von Trapp. 8 Lakes & Mountains Boat ride: You certainly will enjoy a

nice boat ride at Lake Wolfgang during the Lakes & Mountains Tour (from May to October) 9 Ice Caves View: After a funicular ride a 30 minutes’ walk to the entrance of the Ice Caves awaits you. From up there you have the perfect view over the mountains of Tennengebirge and Hagengebirge. 10 Salt Mines Tour: An adventure awaits you on the Bavarian Mountains & Salt Mines Tour – explore this underground world in traditional miner’s clothes.

May 2014 GO NOW

luxury travel

THE COLOSSUS

It towers above all other global luxury hotels, way up into the highest echelons of hospitality. The RITZ CARLTON HONG KONG is dazzlingly more than just the highest hotel in the world. by KISHORE AND SMITA IYENGAR

Scaling geographic pride As we drive smoothly into Kowloon, the city’s vibrant commercial hub, the colossus looms upward into the clouds that envelope the highest floors. From it’s strategic location overlooking Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor and Central beyond, this highest hotel in the world is also the tallest structure in the capital of Asia’s economic powerhouse. May we present The RitzCarlton Hong Kong, folks. Occupying floors 102 onwards right up to the skies to level 118 above the ICC (International Commerce Centre) and the swank Elements Mall below, the RitzCarlton Hong Kong scales other heights of eminence that set it apart as the Lone Emperor of world class hospitality. The tapering vertical thrust of architectural artistry encapsulates many interesting features. Take a look at this… The RitzCarlton, Hong Kong presents design and style that are taken to new levels by LTW Designworks. The absorbing design theme of the hotel is inspired by the city’s dynamic culture – a global metropolis at the crossroads of the East and West.

A distinct class apart

The creators of this colossus are architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC (New York) and Wong & Ouyang (Hong Kong) Ltd; and the design maestros who have created energy in the spaces are LTW Designworks (Singapore), SPIN Design Studio (Japan) and Wonderwall (Japan). The hotel entrance on the ninth floor is the beginning. The porte cochere features the magnificent Hong Kong skyline as a backdrop, that’s for starters. A cool ocean of Palissandro blue marble stretches across the entire space and throughout 24

GO NOW May 2014

the hotel. A dark wood entryway leads guests through to the lift lobby that is counterbalanced with vivid orange onyx walls, a refreshing design element. All through the swish hotel interiors, modern interpretations of traditional Chinese fittings and art convey a distinctive style that give the hotel a true identity in this magnificent city. To instill a sense of warmth and intimacy, and to demarcate areas in the larger public spaces, handtufted wool and silk ‘cartographic pattern’ carpets are liberally used. With their jewelled blue-grey and earthy brown-yellow tones, the carpeted areas resemble parterres. For speed, it needs just 52 seconds for guests to be transferred to the lobby on the 103rd floor. Be amazed by an abstract artwork depicting a classic Chinese water colour of running horses. The image is dissected into fragmented strips offering varied views of the artwork from different angles. The hotel’s 312 guest rooms all open out to spectacular city and harbour views that never cease to awe and inspire. Smartly equipped with state-of-the-art features and latest technology, the spacious rooms and suites boast HD flat screen 45” to 55” LCD TVs, remote controlled mood lighting and interior amenities, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound systems, 160GB Classic iPod elements, world class bath amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Telescopes are available in all suites for guests to enjoy the breathtaking views to their fullest.

Distinguished features

The hotel also boasts the highest Executive Club Lounge in the world at level 116. We walked into The Club Lounge that possesses an intimate, homey feel with

the use of soft lighting, modern classic furniture, and shelves that resemble suit cases. The dark Brazilian marble floor with its bold quartz inserts is juxtaposed with the gleaming white marble counter tops delicately streaked with orange and grey. Other striking elements include the mirrored columns near the windows

Deluxe Victoria Harbour Suite, The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

that are etched with a metallic-finished fretwork pattern. At night, the result is a subtle, glittering reflection of the dynamic city. The Club Lounge is graced by floor-toceiling windows offering spectacular and panoramic views of the city and Victoria Harbour. Chill out and unwind, the faciliClub Lounge Conferencing cover

ties are A-listed! A buffet area, a lounge section, a library and a meeting room complemented by appealing interiors provide a perfect backdrop to enjoy martinis and fine wines self-dispensed at the bar sitting area or experience the unmatched culinary distinction of the hotel’s chefs through six food and beverage presentations daily. Club and Suite guests enjoy 24-hour access to The Club Lounge, personalised check-in and check-out service, dedicated Club concierge service and high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access. And there’s more…

Pedigree elements

Club and Suite guests are escorted directly to their rooms and privately checked in to their new luxury pad. They can enjoy a complimentary limousine service to get around the destination within the vicinity. That is not all. The Ritz-Carlton has elegantly restored the art of the handwritten note. Each guest in residence enjoys elegant personalised stationery of high quality letterhead in gold lettering. Per-

haps the best-kept secret of guests ‘in the know’ reserving Club and Suite accommodation is the traditional afternoon tea presented with compliments in The RitzCarlton Club Lounge. With a three-tiered stand elegantly complete with scones, sandwiches and at least five speciallyselected teas, it is the crème d’excellence experience in an exclusive and rarified environment.

The One and Only

But the glittering crest of pedigree privilege is their ultimate ‘towering’ offering beyond compare. Their world’s finest and most exotic high tea paired with the finest vintage luxury Champagnes and the world’s most exotic Graff Diamonds offered from a bespoke, custom-created treasure trunk and presented by a private butler, caps the ultimate hospitality experience here. Most certainly reserved for just the privileged few.

Gourmet grandeur

The finest indulgence one can ever have May 2014 GO NOW

The Diamond Ballroom

and never forget involves the palate to the hilt. At the state-of-the-art one Michelin Star designer Italian restaurant Tosca with a grand exhibition kitchen and calibrated noir lighting to involve your taste buds, affable and talented Three Michelin Star Chef and Director Pino Lavarra from Puglia, Italy energises southern Italian delights with inimitable flair and flourish. Aiding him in the gastronomic pilgrimage is Assistant Manager , ace sommelier and wine maestro Ali Fong who excels in wine pairings and selections with cuisine. Our gastronomic journey sailed along with top vintages and eclectic dishes. ‘Provolone cheese fondue with slow cook Italian egg and onion cookie’ paired with a light 2008 Pinot Grigio Dessimis, Vie de Romans, Cannellone filled with buffalo Robiola cheese and vegetable stew’ matched by a crisp Vermentino di Gallura Classico, Capichera. The effect was heightened by ‘Steamed Asparagus tips with Buratta cheese, sun-dried cherry tomatoes, wheat biscuit from Agerola and Black truffle’ synched to a heady 2004 Rosso Gravner. And then came ‘Chestnut cake with olive oil Gianduja chocolate layers with caviar olive oil and whipped cream’ married with a top 2006 Passito, Sagrantino di Montefalco, Paolo Bea. 26

GO NOW May 2014

The city’s most distinguished Two Michelin Star Chinese Restaurant Tin Lung Heen with it’s eclectic Orientalcontemporary décor invites gourmands to it’s finest-in-town Cantonese delectable dining fare presented by experienced and innovative Michelin Starred Chef de Cuisine Paul Lau Ping Lui. His expertise is matched by Assistant Manager, seasoned sommelier and wine guru Benson Yan. The wines-and-cuisine pairings at both fine dining havens are a privilege to ingest. The cuisine and premium world wines pairings fine tuned our taste buds to exalted heights. The Chef’s Premium collection scaled ‘Pan-fried lotus root with assorted vegetables, vegetable dumplings with mushrooms, smoked bean curd sheet’ topped by a NV, Louis Roederer, Brut Premier Champagne. A mélange made it’s presence with ‘Stir-fried white Asparagus with Japanese Ginkgo’ (with Coldstream Hills Yarra Valley Chardonnay, Australia) and ‘Braised assorted vegetables and deep-fried Shitake mushroom in honey sauce’. The masterly variation was enchanting, -‘Braised bamboo fungus with spinach and black truffle’ matched with a fine Pinot Noir Crimson, Ata Rangi, Martinborough, New Zealand vintage. The sweet

finish was ‘double-boiled papaya with red dates and white fungus’.

Custom-made finesse

The stylish Lounge and Bar that serves a signature afternoon tea, the rooftop bar Ozone is a truly stunning venue at 490 meters above sea level. For those wishing to relax and indulge, Being the highest bar in the world, Ozone is proudly perched on the topmost floor of the hotel. Here in the aura of orchestrated mood lighting and strobe glows, one can indulge in the chicest signature cocktails stirred up by award-winning global mixology expert Teresa Park and an exotic selection of Asian tapas and Japanese specialities. DJ beats and hip numbers blended with the absolutely captivating vistas of the city and Victoria Harbour below adding psychedelic dimensions to a hearty evening out. This hotel celebrates many of its ‘firsts’ with ascending assertion. The Highest Chef’s Table in the world here at The RitzCarlton Hong Kong is one of the ultimate experiences of personalised gourmet perfection by creative Executive Chef Peter Find and his dedicated team. It features an open kitchen that offers a front row view for the diners. The ambience is intimate

luxury travel The dazzling Ritz Carlton Hong Kong on Kowloon Waterfront

with soft lighting and rich burgundy red furniture and fittings. “The idea of a Chef’s Table is to present guests with an insider’s pass to the world of cooking. Guests will be able to see and experience the work and secrets that go into fabricating the dishes we served,” says Executive Chef Find, “Everything is personalised. The menu is tailormade by me and my team after a thorough consultation with the guest. Through the dishes that we prepare, we hope to share with the guests our passion for and the refinement of the culinary arts.” The exclusive experience includes Chef Find and his selected team of three chefs, attending only to that table throughout the evening. Every dish is served with detailed explanations of the ingredients and the cooking method. Guests are welcome to interact and give feedback to the chefs which makes it an enjoyable dining phenomenon.

Therapeutic escape

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA located on the 116th floor, also the highest spa in the world, is a tranquil haven of stilling peace. It features nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couple’s suites, re-defining the urban spa experience in the city and across Asia. A fully-equipped fitness centre and an indoor pool on the 118th floor with a 28m x 7m LED screen on the ceiling completes the health experience at the hotel.

Business Beluga

With its scintillating ‘diamond’ theme, the Diamond Ballroom on the third floor is reminiscent of an imperial darbaar. Its glamour quotient is defined by it being one of the largest in the city. It is decked opulently by a dazzling sea of chandeliers with crystals that seem to drip from the ceiling. Some of the wall panels feature cut-mirror effects that give sparkle and complement the theme of the ballroom. The reflecting tones are ephemeral glows of champagne and amber. Some of the accent walls are clad in a lush cream fabric or textured leather, and outlined in dark marble which adds a touch of sophistication. The grand lacewood doors that are fitted with cut crystal handles complete the regal presentation. We raised a cheery toast to the neondazzle and breathtaking skyline of Hong Kong has seen from the highest level 118 at Ozone, where Cordon Bleu whizkid Teresa Park presented her inimitable, celebrated concoctions – ‘Blackberry Mojito’ and ‘Basilic’. From that altitude, the atmosphere was just right for a cool, cool encore! May 2014 GO NOW

city explorations Dubai is not all concrete and glitter but has old warm areas where local traditions are still flourishing. Text and photographs by ROMAIN MAITRA

“You can never understand Dubai if you have not been there, But being there is no guarantee for comprehension either.” – Svenja Lis

his ambiguous quote offers an insight into the intricacy of sociological space and historic time as one begins to discover the other sides of Dubai, the areas of intimate throbs and pulsations that vibrate behind the lacquered exterior of this Emirati El Dorado. No matter wherever you go along the broad roads, flyovers or metro tracks, you will be submerged with the repetitive views, near and far, of the vertical oodles of tall buildings with their chins cocked up to the sky. But Dubai has also other old and warm areas where local traditions are nourished and shared. The 14 km long Dubai Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, divides it into two parts – Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai – and a stroll along its banks evokes the city’s centuries-old trading traditions that throve due to the Creek’s historic role in Dubai’s development of trade and commerce. In order to trace the old charm, there-

A dhow rides high above a moving autobus 28

GO NOW May 2014

fore, I head for a tour of the heritage building sites at the Al Bastakiya quarter of Dubai. Established around 1859 during the rule of Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum, the area’s old traditional houses are simple but smack of good taste and the play of sunlight on the houses and walls along the narrow alleys form astute shadows here and there. One such building is the wind tower house of ‘Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding’ where I am supposed to have a ‘cultural’ breakfast of Emirati food to be further spiced up with a lecture on local cultures and mores. With their slogan of “Open Doors. Open Minds”,

the Centre aims to remove barriers between people of different nationalities and raise awareness of local traditions, culture, and Islam among foreign residents and visitors and students through regular programmes of culture and heritage tours, cultural meals, and mosque visits. A whole lot of covered utensils for buffet are placed on a carpet in the inner courtyard of the Centre and a large band of intrigued western tourists sit around them in rows: the lecture would soon begin. A man arrives in traditional onepiece attire kandura, milk-white clean and trailing to his ankle, and with a traditional ghuttra headdress. “How do we keep our white dress so clean?” Our teacher, Nasif, hurls the query to the gathering. “These dresses are simple, very cheap and so we can have many of them for use,” he

Traditional

Dubai

city explorations resolves it himself. “Besides, modesty prevails in the fact that both the rich and the poor wear the same dress.” He then takes out the circular black cord agal from his headgear, opens it into a bigger circle, and explains that its original use was for tethering camel’s feet at night time. He then elaborates why men wear white and women wear black. As coffee is being served, he dwells on the minutiae of drinking coffee and what the custom signifies in Bedouin culture. “We invented coffee, no matter what the standard perception from the West would make one believe,” he says. Nasif also proides amazing statistics about the Emirati women: “65 per cent of workforce is from our women and 91 per cent of our women go to higher education, way much higher than men.” A white lady volunteers to wear an abaya, the women’s black over-garment covering most parts of the body with a headscarf called sheyla, and he explains

During a Cultural Breakfast Nasif lectures on aspects of Arab history and culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

passageways al gic ma s ha h ira me Ju at din Ma in ed The souk hous under archways with open-fronted shops on both sides how this overall keeps the body cool, suggests modesty and makes it a sartorial equaliser between the rich and the poor. Since I had already eaten breakfast in my hotel, I pick up some salubrious grapes from the Emirati smorgasbord and set out to further explore this Al Bastakiya district. The landmark wind towers are unique features in this region that create air circulation within a room. In olden days, the shape of the tower, with its four shafts, caught any passing breeze channelling the cool air down one side of the tower and forcing warm air up again through another. According to a local English daily, Dubai’s Architectural Heritage Department has launched a headlong drive to protect its historic buildings and officially plans to reach 220 of these by 2016. I pop in at the natty ‘XVA Gallery’, a beautiful hotel-and-café-cum-exhibition space, that has been a meeting point of Dubai’s nouveau cultural community since 2003. Another place lurking nearby is the ‘Calligraphy in House 188’ where the art of Arabic calligraphy is taught in the workshop of the renowned master Atiq Ali Ansari. As a strain of swinging jive fills the

air nearby. Nestled in one of these houses is the Mawaheb studio where I step in the middle of a world of mirth, dancing spree and painting session. Meaning talented in Arabic, Mawaheb is an art studio, with instructors and volunteers, for those with special needs from 16 years and above. “We believe that art made by individuals with special needs is pure and comes from the soul,” a jaunty instructor tells me. In another foray, I venture in the evening into the resplendent souk (market) housed in Madinat Jumeirah’s imposing fortress-like architecture of sandstone colouring and traditional wind towers. The souk, I have been here before, is my most favourite traditional life-style bazaar in Dubai with its magical passageways with open-fronted shops on both sides under a long series of ornately-carved wooden archways. In its entirety, Madinat Jumeirah would mesmerise you with its electric charm if you take a ride at night on the abra (water taxi) through the winding three kilometre long canal that flows through its sprawling premises that also houses a whole host of recreational facilities, boutique hotels, courtyard summer May 2014 GO NOW

city explorations houses, restaurants, a theatre and other things. The next day, I cross the Creek by another abra and visit the old Fahidi Fort, which is todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dubai Museum. In the murky lighting and groping dimness of its corridors, if you can be indulgent with your fanciful figments, you can perhaps communicate non-verbally, cutting across linguistic barriers, with the human-size models of Emirati ancestors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; toiling men and women in separate cubicles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; engaged with their daily chores of varied professions. There is a life-like goldsmith crouching over an ornament and it seems he would move his hand any time to lift it up for a closer look. Although I am not a compulsive shopper like most Indian tourists, least of all of ornaments or spices, it is difficult still to resist the itch of further walking down the

A meditative dromedary in the courtyard of Al Bastakiya district of traditional houses

An ornate ceiling of the Madinat Jumeirah Shopping Arcade

GO NOW May 2014

The giant necklaces that cover way below chests on display at the Gold Souk

A baker demonstrates his skills in a restaurant in the food quarters of Deira old Dubai

nty wonders”, wrote ve se or n ve se y’s cit a in t no ht lig de e You tak a question of yours.” to es giv it er sw an the in ut “b , no lvi Italo Ca streets to respond to the visual and olfactory delights that the bustling Gold souk and Spice souk have to offer. I spend half an hour sauntering through the corridors and alleys: this is the human face of Dubai that expresses itself and vibrates through your sensory organs, this is where different social classes come to commingle and interact face to face on the road. No sensory experience is, however, complete unless you mollycoddle your taste buds, even though you are curious enough to explore the unfamiliar. It is evening and I am in a different part of Deira – with Port Saeed in the distance, displaying diminutive sights of some dhow cruises and small boats along the waterbed. And I am in the most instructive company of the food expert Arva Ahmed, who runs

‘Frying Pan Adventures’, to take up a three hour long Arabian Food Pilgrimage. Other ‘pilgrims’ have also gathered from different countries and Arva walks the talk through different streets and passages – a marathon session of lecturing, restaurant hopping and food tasting. She informs me that her sister Farida undertakes a separate tour of Indian Food across Meena Bazaar, Dubai’s ‘Little India’. Arva’s gastronomic knowledge is outstanding and any foodie going to Dubai must do this adventurous tour with writing pad and camera, and I also realise that so much walking also invariably helps raise appetite! Among the numerous items I taste in different places – sometimes in restaurants, sometimes directly from the cooking pots of chefs, and sometimes from glass cases – a few are Falafel mah-

Carl Vaz, Director, DTCM, India

“Dubai has transformed drastically and has yet managed to maintain its strong foundations from the past. In fact, the city’s customs are firmly rooted in Islamic traditions, providing strength and inspiration for all aspects of everyday life. In order to experience the traditional life of Dubai, visitors must make it a point to visit the Dubai Museum. The true old-world charm of Dubai can be experienced at places like the Hatta Heritage Village, the Al Fahidi District (Bastakiya) and the Dubai Heritage and Diving Village. At these places visitors can take a step back in time and experience some of Dubai’s culture and heritage.”

shi (chickpea falafels stuffed with chilli paste and onions), Halawat al Jibin (the channa roll – clotted cream stuffed into a cheese roll and drizzled with sugar syrup and rosewater), Emirati Chicken Machboos (chicken cooked in Emirati spices along with the rice), Laham Salona (lamb curry with blend of Emirati spices), Baghali Polo (rice with broad beans and dill) with Maahicheh (lamb shank boiled in a tomato broth) and so on. After all these, there is also a wide variety of Arabian sweets like the Baklawas of all kinds and ice creams, which I would now prefer to see rather than to devour. In this area it is difficult to imagine the Dubai that glitters in the showcase for the privileged world’s attention. I am told that a lot of immigrants, mostly from Philippines have settled down in this part of Deira and I even chance upon an advertisement here in which only a bed is for renting out for sleeping (probably to be left behind for the next claimant when this one would be out for work)! “You take delight not in a city’s seven or seventy wonders”, wrote Italo Calvino, “but in the answer it gives to a question of yours.” I think, without challenging Svenja Lis’s statement, I have got some semblance of an answer from these walks. This is how Dubai lives – a hybrid mega-space where multiple realities cohabit, collide, and cross-fertilize. Although most often unseen. This is how Dubai thrives in multiple tiers in the frozen past and the mercurial present – and where human will to progress rides high on the galloping future. May 2014 GO NOW

destination guide

THE DRAGON ALLURES HISTORY AND MODER Beijing and Shanghai – though antithetical – are two of the world’s most exciting cities offering a kaleidoscope of fun, food and fabulous experiences

Text & photographs by NEETA LAL

s I stand here – atop the Great Wall of China - soaking in a breathtaking Legoland of gray, serpentine concrete expanse amid green, grassy hills – I’m awash with a strange sense of fulfillment. The climb up to this vertiginous wonder – thronged by over five million tourists each year – was an arduous one for sure, but it marked the fructification of a personal childhood ambition. All four of us – spouse, kids and me, that is – boarded a coach from our down-

Parts of the Forbiden City in Beijing 32

GO NOW May 2014

town Beijing hotel to get to the base of the Wall. Tickets bought, passed the turnstile and we nipped up in two cable cars to a cavernous station. We were then disgorged into an open space that marked stage four of our expedition (it is no less!). This is the final leg of the sojourn where we negotiated a steep gradient on foot.

Twenty minutes later, we were at the summit. And what a view! Our vantage point – or what’s called the Badaling side of the Wall (there are many accesses to the monument) – offers us a spectacular sweep of the valleys below. Letting out a collective gasp, we peer over at Ground Zero (way down thousands of meters) from where we’d originally started. The Wall, our accompanying English guide tells us, was apparently built and restored over 2,000 years by several Chinese dynasties to fob off rapacious foreign invaders. It stretches seemingly endlessly (over 6,000 kilometres) covering varied

destination guide

ES WITH RNITY terrain and climactic and topographical features – desert, grassland, rivers, mountainous vistas.... Incredible history fused with a stupendous scenery. What could be better? It’s breezy up here and we hold tightly onto our hats and belongings. The atmosphere is carnival-esque – kids in finery, happy families snapping photos, senior citizens catching their breaths on the steps, lovers in a tight embrace.... business and pleasure! Aggressive commerce thrives here too – even at several thousand feet above ground – pretty much like it does in the rest of China. Peddlers hawk knick-knacks, souvenirs, toys, eatables and much else. We’re accosted by brusque Chinese auntyjis selling ersatz gold medallions. Priced at 30 yuan apiece they flaunt cheesy lines like “Look, I climbed the Great Wall”. “Lady, velly good. Buy, buy!” Before I can say ‘bye-bye’, the kids are already in the thick of negotiations and have whittled down the price to 10 yuan per piece. We wear our medals and freeze the moment for eternity in our Nikon. The climb downhill from the Wall is uneventful except for an occasional breathless visitor enquiring about the distance to the top (reminiscent of my trek up to Vashno Devi). Though Beijing and

Shanghai are both on our itinerary, the cities are a study in contrast. Like chalk and cheese. While Shanghai dazzles with its cosmopolitan glitz – like an uber sophisticated aunt from New York – Beijing has the comforting embrace of antiquity. One is futuristic, the other anchored firmly in tradition. Even so, Beijing does seem a tad out of breath keeping pace with the demands of an exponentially growing population, currently pegged at 20 million. Traffic gridlocks bedevil the city and civic infrastructure seems under assault. But despite this, the city’s volcanic energy is unmistakable. It is riding a capitalist boom, its economy is surging even in the aftermath of a bruising economic meltdown and its leaders wooed assiduously at the geopolitical high table.

An integral part of the city’s architectural landscape is Old Beijing peopled with quaint buildings and hutongs. In fact until recently, the city was almost entirely made up of hutongs, the locals tell us, with constricted lanes and single-story buildings. From thousand-year-old temples and grand, ancient palaces to modern plazas, the interplay of this synergy between old Beijing and the new gives the city its energising vibe. The city’s dualism further manifests itself in pockets of shiny, glassfronted buildings and fashion- forward shopping centres. To get a taste of old Beijing, we go for a spin in quaint red rickshaws as narrow alleys make it possible for cars to pass through the constricted lanes of this terrain. It makes for a fun ride, our excitement heightened further with the vehicle’s ‘driver’ regaling us with sonorous songs (albeit in Mandarin), throughout the half-hour trip! Though the Wall is the superstar in Beijing’s constellation of attractions, there are other big-ticket sights too. The expansive Forbidden City showcases the Chinese penchant for flamboyance. The maze-like complex requires days of exploration if you want to see it in its entirety as it is a full-fledged city with 980 buildings still standing! We get to the City on a Sunday when it is resonating with the happy chatter of a weekend crowd. Couples are strolling on its velvety lawns, candy sellers doing brisk business while kids are running amok. Long-winding covered walks – running like arteries through this labyrinthine complex – allow one access to different areas May 2014 GO NOW

destination guide of the City. It is a majestic compound and its sweep of history breathtaking. Across the road from the Forbidden City is the 100-acre Tiananmen Square, the biggest urban square on the planet. A mix of the old and the new, the square’s gate was originally built in the 1400s by the Ming Dynasty and later modernised and cemented by the Chinese government in the late 1950s. The Temple of Heaven in Chongwen District offers great snapshot potential with its gleaming ensemble of terracottaroofed buildings and gold-plated statues of gods and goddesses. An architectural symbol of the city, the temple is surrounded by a lively park packed with locals drinking tea, practicing calligraphy, tai-chi or simply watching the world go by. Shopping anyone? Wangfujing Street, in Dongcheng district, is Beijing’s answer to the high streets of Paris and New York. Many of the area’s shops – ensconced in maze-like streets – trace their provenance to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), no less! We’re advised to put on sturdy shoes and be prepared to walk. Not that we mind. The intensity of the jostling crowds is leavened nicely with aesthetic visual fare – beautiful sculptures, fountains, plazas, traditional Chinese architecture, gorgeous ornamental columns and pretty flowers all around the marketplace. Acrobatic shows are a must in Beijing if you’re with kids. We attended two that redefined contemporary theatrical entertainment for us. One was at the Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre in Xuanwu District and the other at the Chaoyang Theatre in Chaoyang District. We held our collective breaths as the intrepid and incredibly nimble artists performed one death-defying feat after another. They spun in air, ripped through hooplas, juggled fire and often performed at such an elevation that it gave us a crick in the neck just to see them. I seriously wondered whether the performers had any bones in their bodies! How did Beijing compare to Delhi, our friends asked upon our return. Are there any similarities? Of course, I said. The roads for one. Beijing’s roads filled me with so much nostalgia for Delhi that I almost choked! Read: no vehicle will acknowledge your presence, Zebra crossings may as well not exist, horns will blare indiscriminately and beggars will molest you. The only respite? No cows!

ith a population of 20 million (including nine million migrants), Shanghai is the second-largest and most developed city in China after Beijing. There are 4,200 high-rises here, my guide Wen Wen informs me, already more than in New York, and plans are afoot to build 1,000 more! Shanghai shares other similarities with the Big Apple – the city’s atmospheric Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s answer to New York’s Fifth Avenue, with a slew of top luxury retailers – Gucci, Dior, Cartier – occupying the gleaming streetscape. Where to begin in Shanghai? Good question that. You may start by ambling along the Bund, the historic waterfront promenade that divides old colonial buildings from the Huangpu River that divides the city into half and is a vital tributary of the Yangtze River and a con-

Shanghai Surprise! After Beijing’s Old World charm, Shanghai’s cosmopolitanism appears overwhelming. One of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world, it offers a high energy and progressive business environment, a big draw for foreign investors who contribute to its double-digit growth.

The Bund Area in Shanghai 34

GO NOW May 2014

duit for billions of dollars worth of cargo that passes through the city’s ports. The bustling waterfront also offers great entertainment potential. And as we skim the glutinous river’s surface in a boat, Wen Wen explains that the huge Manhattan-style area of skyscrapers on the Pudong side didn’t even exist 20 years ago – it was marshland. But over the last two decades, Shanghai has increased in size six-fold, its modernisation a result of unprecedented prosperity. The city is also chockfull of Michelinstar restaurants, shops, galleries, clubs, and discos, easily reachable via a clean and efficient metro system. However, exponential growth and modernisation also mean collateral damage to the city’s architectural heritage and unique character. In fact I found Central Shanghai to be overly commercial – packed with vertiginous glass towers (usually hotels

Aha! Desi khana

and Thai V A Guide to Indian egetarian n i s T t h n a a r iland Restau

ROYAL THAI EMBASSY D-1/3 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057 Telephone : (+91 11) 2615 0130-34 Fax : (+91 11) 2615 0128-29 Website : http://www.thaiemb.org.in ROYAL THAI CONSULATE-GENERALS KOLKATA 18B, Mandeville Gardens, Ballygunge, Kolkata 700-019 Telephone : (91-33)2 4403229, 2 4407836, 2 4409723 Fax : (91-33)2 4406251 E-mail : thaiccu@mfa.go.th, thaiccu@airtelmail.in Website: www.thaiembassy.org/kolkata MUMBAI • First Floor, Dalamal House Jamnalal Bajai Marg, Nariman Point Mumbai 400-021 Telephone : (91-22) 2282-3535. Fax : (91-22) 2281-0808 E-mail : thaimub@mfa.go.th Website : www.thaiembassy.org/mumbai CHENNAI No. 3, First Main Road, Vidyodaya Colony, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600 017 Telephone : (91-44) 4230 0730, 4230 0740, 4230 0760, 4230 0780 Fax : (91-44) 42020900 E-mail : thaicnn@mfa.go.th Website : www.thaiconsul.webs.com

GONOW MAY 2014

Contents

Message from the Ambassador of Thailand to India………………… 38 Message from Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi…… 39 About the guide………………………………………………………40 - 41 Bangkok……………………………………………………………… 42 - 63 • Sukhumvit Area • Pratunam • Charoen Krung Area • Khao San • Silom Chiang Mai……………………………………………………………64 - 71 Hua Hin…………………………………………………………………72 - 75 Koh Samui………………………………………………………………76 - 81 Phuket / Khao Lak………………………………………………… 82 - 89 Krabi………………………………………………………………… 90 - 95 Pattaya……………………………………………………………… 96 - 106 Emergency Numbers…………………………………………………… 107

GONOW MAY 2014

Message from the Ambassador of Thailand to India

Namaste & Swadee Krub, India and Thailand are no strangers. Historically, we share similar roots and culture including Buddhism, Ramayana, Sanskrit language and curry. For the past two years, more than one million Indians visited Thailand annually. Thailand has been their favourite destination not only because of its hospitality and natural beauties but also exotic foods. Many of them were first-time visitors and perhaps were restricted to vegetarian or Indian foods. They may find it bewildering to satisfy their palate while travelling in Thailand. Yet, they might not realize that there are many authentic Indian and Thai vegetarian restaurants available in major cities. This is why the Royal Thai Embassy together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, VFS Global and Thai Airways International has come up with this Guide to help them find good and reasonably priced Indian and Thai vegetarian restaurants in major tourist spots across the country. We hope that, after visiting Thailand, you will know more of Thailand and our vegetarian cuisine. The Royal Thai Embassy would like to thank the above mentioned co-sponsors for their support. For those wishing to keep this Guide as a companion in their Smart Phone, it can be downloaded from the Royal Thai Embassy website: http:\\www.thaiemb.org.in/index.html. I wish you a pleasant journey and enjoy your stay in Thailand. Chalit Manityakul Ambassador GONOW MAY 2014

Message from Director, TAT New Delhi

Summer is in the air. It is now time for a summer break. May I wish you all a pleasant summer holiday. I would like to thank you all for making Amazing Thailand your favourite holiday destination. As you are aware, Thailand has a lot more to offer for parents, kids and the whole family. And those who would like to feel at home, this guide is one of your travel companions to Thailand. It is full of details of Indian and vegetarian Thai restaurants that you can find in major tourist spots. Details include price range, location, dishes on offer, ambience etc. For those who are veggie lovers and would like to try some exotic vegetarian Thai cuisine, a number of authentic Thai restaurants are also recommended. Bon Voyage and Bon Appetite! Runjuan Tongrut Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi Website: www.tourismthailand.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/tat.newdelhi Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThaiAmazesYou

GONOW MAY 2014

About the Guide

This guide is designed to introduce you to the diverse Indian and Thai vegetarian cuisine found across Thailand. We list for you restaurants that serve Indian and vegetarian Thai dishes in key tourist cities starting with the capital city of Bangkok and moving onto Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Phuket/Khao Lak, Krabi and Pattaya. This list is not exhaustive but aims to give an overview for the readers to ponder. It does not give endorsement nor intend to rate any restaurants. The information contained is compiled from a database provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand and randomly checked for accuracy and up-to-date status. The publisher wishes to thank the Royal Thai Embassy and the office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in New Delhi for their support. It also thanks the co-sponsors, VFS Global and Thai Airways International, for making this Guide possible. However, they are not responsible for any mistake or error that may appear herein. The copyrights of this Guide belong to the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi. Permission for reprint or copying must be obtained from the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi.

How to use the Guide

Each restaurant listing carries a brief description along with complete contact details, price indication, timings and the location. You will also find icons given below each restaurant name meant to indicate the following:

Air Conditioning

Disability Access

Wi-Fi

Alfresco

Liquor

Sea View

Conceptualized, Designed and Produced by Cross Section Media Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy. Text compiled by Supriya Sehgal with guidance from Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi © Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, 2014

GONOW MAY 2014

Chiang Mai

Bangkok

Pattaya

Hua Hin

Koh Samui Khao Lak Phuket

Krabi

GONOW MAY 2014

Bangkok Mughlai food

You could plan an entire trip to Bangkok based only on food and you would still need more time to cover everything. Bangkok resonates with the cosmopolitan culture of any big city around the world. Given this, you can find all kinds of cuisines from different parts of the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Continental. This is great for a traveller as the choice then includes the vibrant food stalls and plush restaurants serving authentic flavours from across the world.

GONOW MAY 2014

Sukhumvit Area

For many travellers, the arterial Sukhumvit road is synonymous with the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok. A number of odd and even numbered Soi’s (streets) criss-cross along Sukhumvit, pregnant with glitzy malls, restaurants and shops. The area comes alive in the evenings with temporary stalls full of clothes, jewellery and bric-a-bracs emerging on the sidewalks. The indispensable Sky Train rumbles above Sukhumvit road, which extends into Pleonchit and Siam Square and will glide you over the lively shopping hubs of the city.

Indian

a fine dining experience with cuisine focused on Mughlai food from North India. Dinner with live ghazals and Bollywood music performances are especially popular.

Akbar

The 36 years old Akbar Restaurant offers Indian, Pakistani and Arabic cuisines with plenty of options for vegetarians. The location, just off the Nana BTS Station, is an added plus if you are looking for a pit stop between shopping.

Intercontinental Hotel (President Tower Arcade) Basement, 973 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330. ✆ +66 026560102-3 www.bawarchiindian.com  bawarchigroup@hotmail.com Timings: 11.00 -00.00 Cost for 2 (w, w/o alcohol): 10001500, 2500-3000 Other Locations No 13, Sathon Soi, Thungmahamek, Sathon, Bangkok, 10120 ✆ +66 026776249 20/11 Nantai, Soi 4, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110. ✆ +66 026567357 F 1-3 Ambassador Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok 10110, ✆ +66 022540444 2/9 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110, ✆ +66 0868359537

¼ Soi 3 Nananua, Sukhumvit Road, Near Grace Hotel, Bangkok ✆ +66 0226503347, 022556935 www.akbarthailand.com Timings: 11.00-23.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 600-800

Bawarchi Five locations in Bangkok alone testify the popularity of Bawarchi in the city. The restaurant offers 43

GONOW MAY 2014

Best Kashmir Restaurant

Dosa King

The cosy Best Kashmir restaurant’s busy décor doesn’t seem to distract any of the guests from the North Indian dishes like bhindi and bharta. A perfect eating pad in between shopping, the restaurant lies just off Soi 23 in Sukhumvit.

Though Dosa King offers both North and South Indian cuisine, the dosas, uthappam and vadas from its South Indian menu, are the highlights. The restaurant lies in the heart of Sukhumvit and is perfect for a quick meal. Vegan food is also available.

419 Sukhumvit Road (Between 21-23), Klongtoey Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110. ✆ +66 022583759, 022611757 Timings: 11.00-2.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 400-600

153/7 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1, Bangkok 10110 (Express entrance from Soi 11) ✆ +66 026511700, 026511651 www.dosaking.net  contact@dosaking.net Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

Bukhara’s Restaurant

Hazara (Part of Face Bangkok)

The signature daal makhni, paneer and aloo gobi dishes are the most ordered by vegetarians at Bukhara’s. Latest Bollywood music in the background completes the setting to a North Indian meal.

The multi-levelled seating and decidedly plush décor of the Face group of restaurants compliments the fine dining experience. The Frontier cuisine, with a vast choice for vegetarians as well, is best enjoyed at night in candle-lit ambience and backdrop of soothing music.

Shop No 121, Between Soi 5-7, Sukhumvit Road, (Opp. Two Pacific Place), Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 022536265, 022537957 www.bukharasindianrestaurant.com Timings: 11.00- 23.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-500, 600-800

GONOW MAY 2014

Soi 38, Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 027136048-9, 023917702-3 www.facebars.com  admin@facebars.com Timings: 11.00-14.30, 16.00-22.45 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 20002500, 3500-4000 44

India Today

Indian Host

The first floor restaurant overlooks the busy Sukhumvit area and is a great stop for its North Indian focused food. Strains of Bollywood music add a dash of interest to the Indian palate; the paneer options are delicious.

Located at the edge of the vibrant Soi 22, Indian Host is focused on North Indian cuisine. Choose from a variety of vegetarian specialities – the veg guloti kabab is especially popular amongst regulars. The 7-year-old restaurant also serves Indian-Chinese fusion and nonvegetarian dishes.

168, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 8, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 026530780, 026530781  indiatodaybarandrestaurant@gmail. com Timings: 11.00 - 00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-600, 1000-1200

30 Soi, Sukhumvit 22, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110. ✆ +66 022601115-6 www.indian-host.com  manager@indian-host.com Timings: 11.30 -23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 1000-1500

Indian Chaat

Indus

Stacked up with the other hip boutiques of hinterland Soi 31, Indian Chaat’s basic décor and simple Indian cuisine is a breath of fresh air as compare to the other restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Established in 2004, Indus is one of the sought after restaurants for its delicious North Indian cuisine and its art deco antique vibe. Hand carved wooden artefacts, elaborate doors and plush ambience complements the rich dishes like paneer, mixed

59/4, Sukhumvit Soi 13, (Opp Sawadee School), Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 022597900, 0826889366 Timings: 11.00 - 22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 300-400

Thai Ingredients Feel that punch in your soup? Must be the exotic galangal root of Thailand. 45

GONOW MAY 2014

Masala Art

vegetable and Indian breads perfectly. Entry by booking only. #71, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok ✆ +66 022584900, 0833152251 www.indusbangkok.com  manager@indusbangkok.com Timings: 11.30-14.30, 18.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 1500-2000, 2500-3000

Overlooking the sprightly nightlife of Thonglor on Sukhumvit 55, the first floor restaurant is a good option for an alternative take on Moghul cuisine. Bhutta Kabab, Dahi Kabab and Bhindi Masala are some of the top choices for vegetarians.

Khana Khazana

88 Thonglor, Soi 8, 2nd Floor, Unit- L 205, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110. ✆ +66 027138357 www.masala-artbkk.com  info@masala-artbkk.com Timings: 11.00-15.00, 18.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 1000-1500

Pure vegetarian North and South Indian cuisine are the main draw for guests at Khana Khazana. The restaurant also offers Gujarati meals with dishes like green puri and dhokla on the menu. 153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1, Main Road Corner, Near BTS Nana, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 026511700, 026511651 www.khanakhazanabangkok.com  khanakhazanabangkok@gmail.com Timings: 10.00 - 00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 1000-1200 Other Locations 120/39 Rajpraprop Soi 3, Next to Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Opp Indra Square Shopping Arcade, Pratunam, Bangkok 10110, +66 026319349, 026319350

Mrs. Balbir’s Twenty long years in the restaurant business has won Mrs. Balbir’s, a reputation of being one the finest restaurants for North Indian cuisine in Bangkok. The main branch at Soi 11/1 is more atmospheric with aesthetic interiors, while the other branches are part of food centers in malls. Address: 155/1-2, Sukhumvit Soi 11/1, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 026510498, 022552536 www.mrsbalbirs.com  info@mrsbalbirs.com Timings: 10.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-500, 750-1000 46

Other Locations Central Food Hall, 7th Floor, Central World Department Store, Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok ✆ +66 0811015573 (10.00-21.30) Tops Supermarket Basement Floor, Robinson Soi 19, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, ✆ +66 0890497079 (Tue to Sun11.30-22.30, Closed on Mon) Platinum Food Centre, 6th Floor, Platinum Fashion Mall, ✆ +66 081836553 (8.30-20.00) Central Chitlom, Floor 1, Food Centre, ✆ +66 0818356553 (9.00-21.00) Central Silom Complex, Basement, ✆ +66 022313174 (10.30-21.30) Central Plaza Rama 9, Basement, ✆ +66 0818356553 (10.00-22.00)

www.greatpunjab.in/bangkok  dash@mgpthailand.com

Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Myra Myra’s specialty lies in its pureveg Indian, Italian and Chinese cuisine. Economical thaalis and buffets are also available at the 1-½ year old restaurant. Myra’s location at the lively Soi 22 is an added advantage. #06, Sukhumvit Soi 22, Near Holiday Inn, Sukhumvit, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 026634566 www.myra.co.th  myra.poojary@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 400-500

Mumbai’s Great Punjab Traditional North Indian cuisine with some South Indian and Chinese options is available at Mumbai’s Great Punjab at Soi 13. You can also choose from the more economical unlimited meals at 199.

Nasir’s Economical prices and dishes like tomato bhartha, bhindi and karela dishes for vegetarians are the main pull to the Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant on Soi 13.

10/23 Trendy Condominiums, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 0841666768, 0891134599

10/18 Residences Trendy, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 0860122737  nasirboutique@yahoo.com Timings: 10.30 – 01.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

GONOW MAY 2014

Numuskaar Indian Restaurant Reasonable pricing, delicious curries and the vantage location of Numuskaar have amassed a number of regulars. The Pind Chana, Bhartha and Palak Paneer are favourites amongst the vegetarians.

An elegant Indian flavour to the interiors and a lineage of awards makes the restaurant a definite choice for foodies. Ask for a table by the window while booking.

Soi 9, Preeda, Sukhumvit Soi 8, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 022551869, 026532167, 0813739415  tonyhora@hotmail.com Timings: 10.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 500-600

26th Floor, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toei, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 022597900, 0826889366 www.rembrandtbkk.com  info@rembrandtbkk.com Timings: 11.30-14.30, 18.30-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 1200-1500

Rang Mahal The 26th floor view of the city adds a dash of interest to the traditional non-spicy North Indian cuisine of Rang Mahal. The pickles, like papaya achaar add an extra tinge of authenticity to the cuisine.

Saras The buzz at meal times in Saras speaks for its popularity with families interested in Indian and Chinese fusion vegetarian food. Most ordered dishes include daal tadka and paneer. Guests who want alcohol can sit in the non-veg section, Palki, on the first floor.

Indian One is never too far from home with a range of Indian curries, stirred and stewed in the most authentic way – palak paneer and stir fried noodles maybe equally popular in Bangkok!

GONOW MAY 2014

Koko

Sukhumvit Soi 20, Near Windsor Hotel, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 024018484 www.saras.co.th  contact@isis.co.th Timings: Mon-Fri 8.30-22.30, Sat-Sun 8.30 -23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 700-1000

Quick, on-the-go Thai veg options with a strong infusion of greens and strictly ‘no MSG’ makes Koko one of the favourites in Siam Square’s ‘chic’ boutique street. Spicy fried mushrooms and stir-fried noodles rank on top of the list with regulars.

The Little India The Little India promises a peek into authentic Indian fare, just off the main Sukhumvit Road. End a meal with favourite veg options like daal and aloo and some masala chai.

Siam Square Soi 3 (BTS Siam) ✆ +66 026584094 Timings: 11.00-21.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

4 Sukhumvit, Soi 5, Klongtoey Nua, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 026571008, 0915363531 Timings: 9.00-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 500-600 Other Locations 2, 122/30, Soi Somprasong, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026562819, 0807742101

Na Aroon Part of the boutique hotel Ariyasomvilla inside a 1941 Bangkok villa, Na Aroon promises a soothing ambience to your ‘all-veg’ meals. Choose to sit by the pool or inside the oriental theme restaurant for hearty vegetarian fare prepared largely from organic produce.

Vegetarian Thai

Khun Churn Vegetarian @ Sukhumvit 42

Ariyasomvilla Co. Ltd., 65, Sukhumvit Soi 1, Sukhumvit Road, KlongtoeyNua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 ✆ +66 022548880, 022538800 www.ariyasom.com  davidlees@ariyasom.com Timings: 6.30-22.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 1000-1500, 1600-2200

G Floor, Bkk Mediplex Bldg., next to Ekamai BTS station, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 ✆ +66 2 713 6599 Timings: 10.00-21.00

GONOW MAY 2014

Pratunam (Baiyoke Sky Hotel and Indra Shopping Centre)

The rooftop restaurant of Baiyoke Sky Hotel may be the single most serene spot in the Pratunam shopping district of Bangkok. The landmark hotel and the orange Indra Square shopping centre hide behind them, a beehive of shops selling clothes, shoes, bags and more at ridiculously low prices. A coterie of tired shoppers, serious distributors and restaurant owners fill the narrow streets till late night. It’s no wonder that Pratunam is abuzz with hungry shoppers who make the Indian restaurant business tick.

Indian

Behind Indra Hotel, 3rd Street, Pratunam, Bangkok ✆ +66 090 6600951, 026562919 Timings: 10.00 – 23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-300, 400-500

Annapurna Predictable but safe North and South Indian options make Annapurna a popular joint with shoppers in the Pratunam area. One can also choose a thaali to make things easier.

Bombay Dreams The lure of bright Bollywood posters and rich Indian cuisine is what brings most people to Bombay Dreams. The restaurant is only 1 year old but is gaining ground among the many Indian restaurants at Indra Square for its brilliant North Indian renditions. 120/35-36, Ratchrarop Soi 3, Phayathai, Rajthevee, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026563116, 0888105003 www.bombaydreamsbkk.com  bombaydreamsbkk@gmail.com Timings: 10.00-00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-500, 750-1000 50

Chauhan Restaurant

the Pratunam market near the Indra Square, Curry Kulture is pleasantly away from the clutter of other restaurants and the mass of shoppers in the narrow streets. Choose this for easy combos like paranthas and aloo-puri.

The brightly lit Chauhan restaurant lies in the thick of action in the Pratunam area. Patronised by weary shoppers, this is a perfect stop to grab some North Indian lunch and dinner.

1st Floor, 120/91, Rajprarop Road, (Beside Indra Regent Hotel), Pratunam, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 0884905446, 022513308 Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 500-600

122/56, Soi Somprasong, Near Gateway Hotel, Pratunam, Opp 7 Eleven, Bangkok ✆ +66 0869823650  macztravel@gmail.com Timings: 10.00 – 23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-300, 400-500

Delhi Darbar Restaurant

Chotivala

Bollywood on TV and pictures of Thailand’s royalty provide the Indian-Thai fusion décor at Delhi Darbar, but the food remains purely Indian.

Before stepping into the bustle of Pratunam, stop at Chotivala for delicious Indian vegetarian food, just before Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

122/69, Soi Songprasong Ruam, (Behind Indra Hotel), Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 022543704, 0818422124 Timings: 10.00-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

120/24, Ratchrarop Soi 3, Opp India Square, Phayathai, Rajthevee, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026563113 www.chotivalabkk.com  chotivala.bkk@hotmail.com Timings: 10.00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

Guptaji Ki Kitchen The bright green cosy seating in the plush leather sofas of Guptaji sets it apart from the number of restaurants in the same plaza. Economical combos like chhola

Curry Kulture Situated at the beginning of 51

GONOW MAY 2014

bhatura make it a good option for a quick bite.

www.khuranainn.com  khuranainn@hotmail.com

122/31, Ratchaprarop Road, Soi Songprasong Ruam, Phyathai, Racthevee, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 0888824104, 0868949628 www.guptajikikitchen.com  evergreenimpexcolltd@gmail.com Timings: 9.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-300, 400-500

Timings: 10.00-2.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-500, 750-1000

Kohinoor The modest Kohinoor provides great veg and non-veg Indian cuisine, perfect after a hectic shopping schedule at Pratunam.

Other Locations 122/11, Soi Songprasong Ruam, Phyathai, Racthevee, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400, Unlimited Veg Thaali for 100

122/55 Soi Somprasong Rajprarop, Road Payathai Rajthewi, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026563381. Timings: 11.00-00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

Indian Spices

Royal Dosa

Part of Khurana Inn, the family run Indian Spices offers an elaborate menu of North Indian, South Indian, Continental and Thai food that can be customised as per your liking.

Simple Indian fare at its best, and a joint that assures an unhectic vibe with that meal. 122/12, Rajaprarop Road, Phyathai, Rajtaevee, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026563787-8, 0813153685  info@grandregentinn.com Timings: Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-600

120/176-180, Near Baiyoke Tower 2, Pratunam, Rajprarop Road, Bangkok 10400. ✆ +66 022080517-9

Thai Essential Don’t be alarmed at the red chilli paste – it’s subtle, flavoursome and essential for your culinary trip to Bangkok!

GONOW MAY 2014

Sanjha Chulha An economical thaali of 239Thb or a spread of dishes from the veg 52

menu, the Indian theme restaurant is popular with Indian shoppers who make a beeline for Pratunam.

417, Pratunam Ratchaphararop Road, Makkasan Rajthivi, (Opp Indra Regent), Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026501018, 0834308793, 0816418727 www.tajmahalfoodbangkok.com  info@ tajmahalindianhalalfoodbangkok.com Timings: 10.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 300-400

120/31,32, Ratchapharop, Soi 3, Opp Indra Square, Phayathai, Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400. ✆ +66 026563114 www.sanjhachulhabkk.com  sanjha.chulha@hotmail.com Timings: 9.00-1.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-500, 750-1000

Tazaa Indian Food

Taj Mahal Restaurant

Tucked away at the end of a busy Pratunam shopping plaza, Tazaa serves as an oasis for tired shoppers. Spacious seating and an Indian, Chinese and Thai spread make this a good option in the area.

Tired from all the shopping? Taj Mahal offers a respite and a simple North Indian menu just off the main road. 53

GONOW MAY 2014

122/32-34, Ratchaprarop Road, Soi Songprasong Ruam, Phyathai, Racthevee, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 026319303, 02563296 www.tazaaindianfood.com  tazaaindianfood@gmail.com Timings: 10.00-23.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 500-600

✆ +66 026564293,026564328 www.currypotbangkok.com  the_currypot@yahoo.com Timings: 10.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-600, 1000-1500

Zaika Restaurant

The Curry Pot

Zaika has slightly more plush seating and a range of customisable Indian, Chinese and Thai food as compared to the array of restaurants in the Pratunam area.

Typical North Indian cuisine with dishes likes palak, baingan and chana are in complete synthesis with the décor; notice the toran lined doors and windows to feel like you were sitting in an Indian home.

122/41, Soi Somprasong, Ratchaprarop, Pratunam, Bangkok 10400 ✆ +66 0816821306, 0922091149  macztravel@gmail.com Timings: 9.00 – 1.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

120/359, Stella House, 1st Floor, Ratchapharop Road, Behind Bayoke Sky, Bangkok 10400

GONOW MAY 2014

Charoen Krung Area

Indian and Chinese silks, spices and precious stones glimmer from the numerous shops at the historic Charoen Krung area, built by the order of King Rama IV in 1861. The neighbourhood runs along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River, and is still fraught with archaic architectural nuances; more noticeable in the rugged doors and windows. A number of Indian restaurants line the streets, representing the dominant community in the vicinity.

Indian

(Saladeng BTS), Opp Irish Pub, ✆ +66 022381478 House #6, Sukhumvit Soi 31, (Prompong BTS Station), ✆ +66 022596647

Himali Cha Cha & Son

Indian Hut

The elaborately carved wooden door of the original Himali Cha Cha ushers you into the award winning 1979 establishment just off the jewellery street in Chareon Krung area. Other than the delicious North Indian fare, Cha Cha’s lineage of cooking for rich diplomats, including Lord Mountbatten, is what brings many food lovers here.

An amalgam of plush Indian-Thai aesthetics and award winning dishes from the North Indian menu make Indian Hut a veritable choice off the silver and silk shopping area of Chareon Krung. Try the palak kofta and paneer kabab from the veg options.

1229/11 Charoenkrung Soi 47/1 (Opp Oriental Hotel Road), Bangkok ✆ +66 022351569, 026306358 www.himalichacha.com Timings: 11.00-15.30, 18.00-22.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 500-600 Other Locations 10/1 Soi Convent, Silom Road

418, Suriwongsee Road, next to MAA Hotel (Manohra) Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 22365672-3, 022378812, 0858461929 www.indianhu-bkk.com  indianhutbangkok@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-800, 1000-1500 55

GONOW MAY 2014

Little India Restaurant

of Bangkok and placed it on every recommendation list. The restaurant serves both veg and non-veg food.

Proximity to the river, non-greasy North Indian cuisine and a vantage spot on the atmospheric shopping street outside the Shangri-La Hotel, make Little India one of the best haunts for Indian cuisine in the area.

392/1, Chakaphet Road, Pahurat, Near India Emporium, Bangkok ✆ +66 022216565  royalrasoi@live.com Timings: 10.00-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 1000-1500 Other Locations 622, Emporium 5th Floor, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 24, Bangkok 10110, ✆ +66 0816330737 Passage to India via Royal India Food Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok, ✆ +66 026107667, 0816409171 95, B1 Rambuttri Village Inn, Chakraphong Road, Soi Rambuttri, Bangkok 10200, ✆ +66 022826688

64/38-39 Soi Wat Suan Phlu, (Opp Shangri-La Hotel), 42/1 Chareon Krung Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 026307906-7  litteindia_bangkok@yahoo.com Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 800-900

Royal India

Wood Lands Inn

Excellent North Indian cuisine and traditional sweets have made Royal India one of the most long-standing award winning restaurants

Woodland’s convenient location and economical prices often makes it a busy joint for traders on Chareon Krung Road. The restaurant serves North Indian cuisine with ample vegetarian options. 1158/5-7, Chareon Krung Road, Soi 32, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 022353894, 02235664-41 www.woodlandsinn.org  manager@woodlandsinn.org Timings: 8.00-00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 100-200 56

Khao San (Backpacking Hub)

Decidedly the youngest part of the city, Khao San is where you will find backpack-toting youngsters from all parts of the world! The moniker of ‘backpacker’s street’ urges thousands to the relatively cheaper stay options, tattoo parlours, shops full of clothes and of course a variety of restaurants and local food stalls.

Indian

Giant fruit shakes and homebaked treats are favourites. Parallel to Tanao Road, Near Khaosan Road. ✆ +66 22807549 www.ethosnet.biz Timings: 7.30-00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 300-500

Chilli Chill Sit on the first floor of Chilli Chill to watch the Khao San backpacker’s street abuzz with action at dinner. Best spot for some North Indian cuisine in the area.

May Kaidee Soon to go international, May Kaidee has a heartening array of veg and vegan food along with an equally promising story of May, who started out running a street stall years ago. The Thai cooking classes and the restaurants are mostly the haunt for travellers and regulars, who swear by the food.

71 Chakrapong Road, Beside Chanasongkram Temple, Banglamphu, Bangkok 10200. ✆ +66 022828692, 0816256709, 0818104472 Timings: 12.00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 500-800

Ethos A traveller’s delight, Ethos’ partial floor seating, easy-going vibe and a wide array of Veg and Vegan Thai, Indian and Western food has guests hanging around for hours.

33 Samsen Road, Soi 2, Banglamphu, Bangkok 10200 ✆ +66 0891373173, 026294413 www.maykaidee.com Timings: 9.00-22.00 57

GONOW MAY 2014

Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 250-400 Other Locations 59 Tanao Road, Banglamphu Wat Mahan, Banglamphu

Timings: 08.00-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 300-400

Taste of India

Red

Wooden floored Taste of India offers that perfect respite on a hot afternoon on the busy Khao San road or the best location for dinner, for those looking for North Indian cuisine on the backpacker’s street.

Red takes Indian food into a creative realm. Red serves curries, tandoor items and other Indian delights that people everywhere have grown to know and love, but it also presents contemporary Indian fare unshackled by tradition. Chic and modern, Red is located in a charmingly converted villa, blessed with plenty of onsite parking, and only a short hop by taxi from the Thonglor BTS Station.

115-117, Khaosarn Road, Banglamphoo, Bangkok 10200. ✆ +66 022828703 www.tasteofindiabangkok.com  info@tasteofindiabangkok.com Timings: 12.00-00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-500, 600-800

124 Sukhumvit Soi 53 (Thonglor Soi 9) Bangkok Thailand ✆ + 66 (0) 2259 7590  info@redbangkok.com Timings: 11.30 - 14.30, 18.00 - 23.00

Tham Na The tasteful Indian themed paintings on the brick walls of Tham Na add to the experience of ordering from its divinely delicious organic vegetarian Italian - Thai fusion menu.

Sara, Nouvocity The spacious boutique restaurant with veg and non-veg options in Indian and Thai cuisines, Sara is a refreshing break from the snug, budget restaurants around the backpacker’s street.

175 Samsen Road, (Between Samsen 3 and 5), Bangkok 10200 ✆ +66 022824979 www.facebook.com/ ThamnabyChefyim Timings: Mon-Sat 11.00-15.00, 17.0021.00, Sun Closed Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 400-600

2 Samsen 2, Samsen Rd., Banglamphu, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 ✆ +66 022827500 www.nouvocityhotel.com

GONOW MAY 2014

Silom

Fast becoming Bangkok’s busiest business district, Silom gets a drastic makeover from its official vibe in the evenings – thumping music from restaurants and massage parlors draw travellers into its vibrant nightlife. Serene contrasts are not too far in the form of cafes hidden between green streets – those definitely need some exploring on foot!

Ama

Bonita Café and Social Club

Indian

Jae food served with an extra dash of Chinese love by ‘Ama’, the lady of the restaurant. Economical combos and convenient location, just off Silom road are the added plus for this charming restaurant near the temple.

American styled café with a motley of interesting objects as décor is known for its vegan food, including Thai dishes, and love towards barefoot running. 56/3 Pan Street, Silom, Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 026379541, 0818659933 www.facebook.com/bonita.c.sc  bonita.c.sc@gmail.com Timings: Wed-Mon 11.00-15.30, 18.00-21.30, Tue Closed Cost for 2 (w, w/o alcohol): ??

Silom Street, Bangkok, 10500 ✆ +66 0897890889 Timings: Mon-Fri 9.30-17.00, Sat/ Sun Closed Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 100-200

Annapurna

Chennai Kitchen

A prime address on the Pan Road in Silom gives Annapurna an extra edge for easy access to travellers looking for simple but authentic South Indian fare. The restaurant also serves other Indian cuisines, but South Indian dishes are most popular.

The homely Chennai Kitchen offers credible South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis and uthappams. 10, Thanon Pan, (Very Near Sri Maha Mariamman Temple – Wat Khaek), Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 022341266 Timings: 10.00-15.00, 18.00-21.30 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 100-150

50 Pan Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. ✆ +66 026352211, 0905648130 Timings: 9.00-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300 59

GONOW MAY 2014

Indian Delight

value for money for its delicious South Indian fare, keeping it simple and authentic.

For a choice of North or South Indian cuisine along with the famous chaat snacks from the country, head to Indian Delight on Silom Road. From the food to the décor, the Indian theme runs consistently through the restaurant.

No. 5/1, Silom Road, Opp. Narai Hotel, Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 022356336, 0816214302 Timings: 10.00- 22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

Tandoor

899-903, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 ✆ +66 022666676, 022666674  indiandelightbkk@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-400, 600-800

A combination of live Indian music and rich creamy North Indian cuisine is enough to transport anyone to India from the heart of Bangkok’s Silom road.

Orange Cafe

6th Floor, Holiday Inn, Silom, Bangkok, 10500. ✆ +66 022384300 www.holidayinnbangkok-silom.com  reservations@holidayinnsilom.com Timings: Tue-Sun 11.30-14.00, 18.3023.00, Mon Closed. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 1200-1800

Don’t be alarmed by the words ‘pork’ or ‘chicken’ on the menu; they are there to let you know that the dish is crafted after the traditional version, only with a twist! The Thai food is all vegan!

Tian Sin

35/4 Soi Yommarat, Sala Daeng, Bangkok, 10500 ✆ +66 026363313, 083905 www.orangecafe.salasom.com  orangecafe@salasom.com Timings: Mon-Fri 11.00 -15.30, Sat/ Sun Closed. Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

One cannot ignore the street food of Thailand and certainly not the joint that serves delicious vegetarian options. Expect a non-frills, push cart styled eating arrangement with the most authentic Thai flavours.

Tamil Nadu Restaurant

Phiphat Soi 2, Bangkok ✆ +66 0869841621 Timings: 6.30 -13.30 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

Located on a quiet corner of the Silom Road, Tamil Nadu promises GONOW MAY 2014

Vegetarian Thai For some restaurants, it makes sense to veer off the trodden roads and hunt them – just because they are that good. Both Anothai and Issaya deserve that extra ten minutes on the road for a fabulous meal.

Anothai Vegetarian Restaurant & Bakery Regulars at Anothai would fervently recommend the fresh juices (Bilimbi and carrot) along with a long list of teas and baked items at this ‘destination’ restaurant, which is focussed on vegan and organic offerings. It lies in a complex behind the Praram hospital and may need some local help to find.

Push Cart Snacks While Bangkok’s cosmopolitan ambience doesn’t ignore any major cuisine one cannot give the authentic ‘food stall’ culture a miss. ‘On the go’ snacks, soups and cut fruit are perfect accompaniments to shopping or sight seeing.

976/17 Soi Rong Phayaban Rama 9, Bangkok. ✆ +66 026415366 www.facebook.com/Anotai Timings: Thurs –Tue 10.00-21.30, Wed Closed Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

cuisine of traditional ingredients with progressive cooking methods.

Issaya

4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chua Ploeng Road, Thung Muahmek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120. ✆ +66 026729040-1 www.issaya.com  contact@issaya.com Timings: 11.00-15.30, 18.00-22.30 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 500-600, 1000-1500

A lush green lawn greets you on arrival. The old Bangkok villa has a dash of bright colours and artistic furniture for an atmospheric setting to Chef Ian’s signature Thai 61

GONOW MAY 2014

Gaggan

Award winning Blue Elephant Restaurant; Bangkok (Sathorn Area )

This award winning restaurant is tucked away from the bustle of Ploenchit. The soothing white décor, exclusive progressive Indian fare and a combination of alfresco and indoor dining, makes Gaggan one of the most sought after Indian restaurants. Book for the kitchen view table well in advance for a peek into Chef Gaggan‘s world.

With a reputation for authenticity and excellence, Blue Elephant stays true to the culinary culture and influences of Thailand. Typical of a classic, our restaurant in Bangkok is housed in a century old building, creating a feeling of time travel in addition to the exquisite dining experience that awaits you. The menu is a palette of traditions and novelties, and delights even the most discriminating palate. Having travelled the world, Khun Nooror Somany Steppe, our star chef and Khun Chang, our corporate chef, use their experiences to take you on a culinary journey, the Thai way.

68/1 Soi, Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Phathumwan, Bangkok 10330 ✆ +66 6521700 www.eatatgaggan.com  info@eatatgaggan.com Timings: 18.00-21.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 18002800, 3000-4000

Nahm Restaurant Advance booking is required Nahm Restaurant Thailand Restaurant is a Michelin Star. Luxury Tours Thailand is a blend of traditional and modern. Serves authentic Thailand cuisine and has been recognised as one of the top restaurants. Best of Asia . Nahm is a place both for serious gourmets and for those who desire to learn more about

Blue Elephant Building 233 South Sathorn Road, Kwaeng Yannawa, Khet Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand ✆ 02 673 9353 Timings: 11:30-14:30, 18:30 -22:30

GONOW MAY 2014

authentic local cuisine.

Delicious Thai Restaurant in Bangkok.” Authentic Thai Veg & Non Veg .

Ground Floor, The Metropolitan Hotel, 27 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok ✆ +66 (0) 2625 3333  res.bkk@nahm.como.bz www.metropolitan.bangkok.como.bz Timings: 12:00-14:00, 19:00-22:30

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok 155 Rajadamri Road 10330 Bangkok ✆ +66 2 126-8866 Timings: 11:30-14:30, 18:00-22:30

Sirocco at Lebua Bangkok (Silom area )

Sra Bua, Siam Kempinski Hotel

The sense of ‘having arrived’ at one of Bangkok’s most iconic restaurants begins with the ascent to the 63rd floor and the walk down the artistically lit staircase, with the city below and the soothing strains of the jazz band resonating through the warm breeze.

Siam Kempinski Hotel is delighted to announce Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin – Authentic Thai food with a modern flair! Enjoy the freshest Thai creations from Michelin-Star talent. Sra Bua takes you on a culinary journey through Thailand with a modern interpretation of classical dishes. Add in Kempinski service and flair, and you are in for a memorable dining experience.

63rd Floor, 1055/111 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok ✆ +66 2624 9555  reservations@lebua.com http://www.lebua.com/sirocco Timings: 18.00-01.00

991/9 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 ✆ +66 021629000 www.kempinski.com  reservations.siambangkok@ kempinski.com Timings: 12.00-15.00, 18.00-00.00 Cost for 2 (w, w/o alcohol): 1000-1500, 1800-2500

Spice Market Spice Market’s selection of fine Thai cuisine has made it a favourite restaurant among locals, who voted it “Most 63

GONOW MAY 2014

Chiang Mai Located on the northern plains with a lush countryside and mountains and with rivers crisscrossing the city, Chiang Mai never had a history of coconuts in its cuisine. Till date, you will find the characteristic coconut flavour associated with Thai cooking, missing in this part of the country. Red meat is a popular component to meals, which almost always have sticky rice. And if you love spicy food, Chiang Mai will be a gastronomical delight - the food tends to have a zingier tinge to it here. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty of options here, given that the popularity of organic produce is on an all time high.

64 64

Chang Klan (Prostrating elephant) Road Area The burst of expansion in Chiang Mai has made the city stretch out in all directions, but the Chang Klan and Loh Kroi areas remain the most vibrant for tourists, with the night market close by and plenty of options to stay. This is the old part of the city, brimming with cafes, bars and restaurants – Chiang Mai’s nightlife at its best. Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Indian Arabia

Bombay Restaurant

Arabia serves a wide array of Indian breads and veg curries in addition to the halal food for non-vegetarians. Parathas and hummus makes for a great combination for a quick bite, while shopping at the night market.

Bombay Restaurant is great to grab a quick bite of Indian cuisine with a small infusion of European dishes as well. 17 Nantharam Road, Chiang Mai ✆+66 0896373033 Timings: 9.00 – 21.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Anusarn Market, Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, 50000. ✆ +66 053818850, 0817245580. Timings: 10.30-12.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 400-600

Hinlay Curry House

Asma Restaurant

A blackboard menu, cosy seating in a home-like setting and cuisines ranging from Indian, Thai, Burmese, Pakistani, Malaysian and Indonesian makes Pongsak’s 30 years old establishment, one of the best loved restaurants of Chiang Mai. The mixed veg and pumpkin curry is a top choice for vegetarians.

The cosy Arabic and Indian restaurant in the North of the city dishes out great veg and non-veg options for guests. The restaurant has also started serving Thai dishes, which can be customised for vegetarians. 149/20 Anusam Market, T. Changklan, Chiang Mai, 50200. ✆ +66 053818588  sma.kung@hotmail.com

8/1 Nha Wat Kate Road, Soi 1, Chiang Mai, 50000 65

GONOW MAY 2014

authentic North Indian cuisine. 46 Ratwitthi Road, Chiang Mai ✆ +66 0837828248 Timings: 00.00 – 1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 700-900

Punjabi Restaurant

✆ +66 053 242621, 092 4096956 www.facebook.com/HinlayCurry  hinlaycurry@gmail.com Timings: Mon - Sat: 11:00-14.00, 18.0021:00, Sunday Closed Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

North Indian cuisine at Chiang Mai’s Punjabi restaurant promises authentic flavours and favourites for guests. Paneer curries and mixed vegetable with Indian breads makes for ‘at home’ meals.

Le Spice

1/3 Moonmuang Rd, A. Muang, Chiang Mai.  rajan105us@yahoo.com Timings: 00.00 – 23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

Amongst the ‘quick bites’ at Le Spice, hummus with naan is a favourite. Also try the Indian thaali and other authentic dishes from North Indian cuisine.

Raj Darbar

31 Charoenprathet 6, Changklan Road, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai, 50000 ✆ +66 053234983 www.facebook.com/ LeSpice. ChiangMai Timings: 11.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

Traditional Indian recipes served in an equally authentic ambience are perfect for enjoying close to the night market of Chiang Mai. Try the samosas, daals and a variety of veg curries here. 99/2 Loi Kroh Road, Changklan, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50100 ✆ +66 053279427, 0829292984 www.facebook.com/pages/ RajDarbar-Indian-Restaurant  Rajeev_Singh@hotmail.com Timings: 10.00 – 12.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

New Delhi It is not difficult to identify the fresh ingredients of favourites like garlic naan, paneer and bhindi dishes amongst the vegetarian options. New Delhi is the epitome of GONOW MAY 2014

Royal India

Muang, Chiang Mai,50200 ✆ +66 0831342197 www.facebook.com/pages/TajMahal-Restaurant  ganeshvenezia@hotmail.co.th Timings: 10.00 – 22.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

The basic décor of Royal India is a stark contrast to the delicious Indian cuisine that is offered by the restaurant. The fruit lassi and convenient thaali combinations are recommended.

Taste of India

11/12 Talad Boonyu, Ratwithee Road, Chiang Mai, 50200. ✆ +66 0841741001 Timings: 10.30 – 23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

Great value for money and authentic Indian flavours are the highlights of Taste of India.

Spicy Bollywood

105/3, Kamphang Din Road, Changklan, Chiang Mai, 50100 ✆ +66 053208254, 085390702  parsadvirender@gmail.com Timings: 10.00 – 23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

The flexibility of customised preparations makes Spicy Bollywood an excellent choice for guests. The restaurant can offer even Jain food to those who do not want any non-vegetarian aspect to their meals.

Whole Earth Restaurant Whole Earth enjoys a vantage location on the corner of the night market and dishes out excellent Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines, with a wide selection for vegetarians. Given its lineage of transcendental meditation, Indian Ayurvedic food is also available here.

155-157 Moonmeung Road, Sompet Market, Chiang Mai, 50200 ✆ +66 053289648 Timings: 11.00-23.00, Monday Closed Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Taj Mahal

88 Sridonchai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50100. ✆ +66 053282463 www.wholeearthrestaurant.com Timings: 11:00-23:00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-700, 800-1200

Taj Mahal offers Indian cuisine in an un-elaborate setting. The parottas and pulaos are amongst the favourites with regulars. 99/4 Ratchaphakinai Road, Prasingha, 67

GONOW MAY 2014

65 Moonmuang Road, Mun Mueang Road, Chiang Mai, 50200 ✆ +66 053278315, 271156  aumvegetarian@hotmail.com Timings: 10.30 – 20.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Beetroot Stories Cafe

Vegetarian Thai

A lush garden is the perfect ambience for the Veg Thai and Western Fusion cuisine of Beetroot. The stir-fry cashew nuts curry coupled with a dollop of rice is especially popular.

Aubaon Vegetarian Food The best place for economical and excellent vegan Thai food, Aubaon is popular for its simplicity, both in décor and cuisine. Try the brown rice with vegetables.

Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai, 50100, ✆ +66 0870246903 Timings: 10.00 – 21.00, Closed Mon-Tue third week of month Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

11 Nantharam Road, T. Haiya A. Muang Chiang Mai 50000 ✆ +66 053284393, 0818811474 Timings: 6.00 – 16.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 200-400

Bodhi Zen Bodhi Zen is focussed towards vegetarian and vegan Thai and Vietnamese food. The deep fried jackfruit is worth a try.

Aum Vegetarian Thai food with a slight fusion of European cuisine makes Aum one of the most popular options for veg travellers. The relaxed low seating with bright yellow tables and colourful cushions adds an interest to the meals. GONOW MAY 2014

18/5 Ratchawithin Road, T.Sriphom A, Chiang Mai, 50200 ✆ +66 053289608, 0875787662 www.bodhizencuisine.com  bodhizencuisine@gmail.com Timings: 11.00 – 15.00, 17.00 – 22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200- 400

Brown Rice Organic Bistro

community center for hill tribe and refugee families in northern Thailand.

Head to the vegan friendly Brown Rice Organic Bistro for homecooked style Thai veg food.

116 Maneenoparat Rd (at Sanam Kila), Chiang Mai, 50300. ✆ +66 0810285383 www.thaifreedomhouse.org  thaifreedomhouse@gmail.com Timings: 9.00-17.00, Closed on Sun and Mon Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200- 300

Chang Moi Road (at Chaiyapoom Road and Chang Moi Road), Chiang Mai ✆ +66 0869188428, 0932924688 www.facebook.com/ BrownRiceOrganicBistro  duangvg@gmail.com Timings: 9.00-23.00, Closed on Wednesday Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200- 400

GIVA An intimate setting with fresh vegan delights, GIVA is best known for its juices and organic salads.

Dharma Kitchen

Tha Pae Soi 1, Loi Khor Rd, Chiang Mai, 50100. ✆ +66 0856248769 Timings: 11.00 – 21.00, Sun Closed Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 200-300

The buffet style Thai food is a good option to taste authentic Thai flavours, available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Happy Green

155 Suthep Road, Muang (at front of Wat Suan Dok complex), Chiang Mai ✆ +66 0890477596 Timings: 8.00 – 17.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 100-200

Outdoor seating in vegan friendly Happy Green is popular with guests looking for local Thai flavours. The vegetables used are organically grown and used in a creative way to add interest to Thai cuisine.

Free Bird Cafe Enjoy the Thai-Western fusion vegetarian local homemade food in a garden setting at Free Bird Café. All proceeds go towards supporting the Thai Freedom House, a language and arts

4/3 Moo 3 Pa Daet Rd, Tambol Pa Daet, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai, 50100 ✆ +66 0864194761 Timings: 7.30-19.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

GONOW MAY 2014

Im Thip Vegetarian

Sam Sein Phichit

The cosy Im Thip offers vegan Thai food close to the Muang Mai market. There is also a buffet option for a quick bite.

One of the best options for local Thai food, step into the buffet styled Sam Sien Phichit for a choice of veg curries with rice or noodles.

58 Muang Samut Road, Chiang Mai, 50300. ✆ +66 053233263 Timings: 7.00 – 17.00, Sun Closed Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 200-300

34/3 Sanambin Khao Rd (Suthep Rd, opposite Chiang Mai’s Art Museum sign), Chiang Mai. ✆ +66 0817463974 Timings: 6.00 – 18.00, Closed 1st and 16th of the month. Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): Less than 100

Kin Lum Vegetarian

Saskit Vegetarian Restaurant

Get vegan friendly homemade Thai food at Kin Lum on Chang Klan Road. Vegetable stir fry and other dishes like mushrooms are available.

Chinese Jae and Thai local economical food is available at this buffet styled restaurant. One can choose from a wide array of curries, vegetables, noodles, soup and rice.

119/36 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, 50100. ✆ +66 0841700259 Timings: 10.00-22.00, Thurs Closed Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

3/2 Suan Dok Road (at east of Wat Suan Dok temple, Hiltribe Handicraft shop), Chiang Mai, 50200. ✆ +66 053903855 Timings: 7.30 – 14.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): Less than 100

Mangsawirat Suan Dok At Mangsawirat, you can get Chinese Jae food and an assortment of dishes from Thai vegan cuisine. The restaurant also has food products for sale. 15 Suthep Road, Suthep (at next to Suan Dok Temple and Pharmacy Faculty), Chiang Mai. ✆ +66 053 808666 Timings: 6.00-15.00, Sun Closed Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

GONOW MAY 2014

Taste From Heaven The all veg menu in the city’s Taste From Heaven restaurant is extremely popular with health food enthusiasts. The proceeds from the restaurant go to Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for sick and ill treated elephants. Tofu burgers, clear wax gourd’s soup and the banana blossom salad are top choices here.

✆ +66 053419011-13 www.thehousethailand.com  kafe@thehousethailand.com Timings: 10.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-700, 800-1200

237-239 Tapae Road, Chang Klan, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50100 ✆ +66 053208803 www.taste4heaven.com  taste4heaven@yahoo.com Timings: 8.30-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

The Tea Tree Cafe

The House Restaurant

Though there are limited options, the simple menu of The Tea Tree Café also means that there is less confusion. Choose from vegan and vegetarian Thai dishes or settle for juices or tea.

One of Chiang Mai’s most unique restaurants, The House serves exceptional Asian fusion veg and non-veg dishes. The restaurant, Ginger Kafe is part of the lifestyle boutique located in a Thai styled house. Veg favourites like fried sea bass with young peppercorn are popular.

Moon Muang Soi 6, 2nd floor, Chiang Mai, 50200 ✆ +66 0823394722 www.theteatreecafe.com  laura.horvat@gmx.net Timings: 12.00-22.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

199 Moon Muang Road, Sriphum, A.Maung, Chiang Mai

GONOW MAY 2014

Hua Hin Influenced by both central and southern cuisines, Hua Hin is the perfect place to try the best of both â&#x20AC;&#x201C; coconut heavy flavours and hot fish curries with beans, bamboo and potatoes. Given its proximity to the coast, Hua Hin gets a steady supply of fish, lobsters, crabs, mussels, prawns and scallops which can be fried or cooked in soupy noodles. The flavours are not so bold but have the characteristic Thai tinge.

GONOW MAY 2014

72 72

Hua Hin Night Market Area

The resort city of Hua Hin exudes a mixed vibe of a relaxed seaside city with a busy cosmopolitan ambience, making it an exciting destination for travellers. The main Thanon Phetkasem road, which stretches parallel to the beachfront, is busiest at the night bazaar junction. Most of the restaurants are located here – perfect to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, markets and food.

Maharaja Indian Restaurant

Indian Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant

Elaborate Indian aesthetics for the restaurant match the rich taste of North Indian cuisine served at Maharaja. Bhartha, Chhole, Paneer and plenty of other options for vegetarians are available with a vast menu of both veg and non-veg dishes.

Indian, Thai and Pakistani cuisine in an intimate alfresco setting makes for your experience at the Bombay Palace Restaurant. Vegetarian dishes include paneer, bhindi, aloo and mixed vegetable served with rice or naan.

112 Naresdamri Rd, Hua Hin ✆ +66 0814413234, 0814254422 www.maharajahuahin.com  thetaj@hotmail.com Timings: 10:00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

27/1 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin Soi 57, Hua Hin 77110. ✆ +66 0873656319  bombay.palace.huahin@gmail.com Timings: 11:00-22.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 800-1000

Little India Restaurant The cosy restaurant on Poolsuk road serves generic north Indian food with ample options for vegetarians as well. 18/2 Poolsuk Rd, Hua Hin www.facebook.com/littleindia.huahin Timings: 11.00-22.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 400-600 73

✆ +66 0875288640 www.huahinindianrestaurant.com  royal.huahin2000@gmail.com Timings: 10.00-23:00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

Shiva Though Shiva lies a little outside the city, it warrants a trip for an authentic Indian meal. The cosy modern setting with a flower scaped garden dotted with bright white chairs and umbrellas is a respite from the buzz of the town. Shiva serves pure vegetarian food from North and South India along with some non-veg options. The palak paneer, bhindi masala and daal makhni dishes are well worth the drive to the restaurant.

New Delhi Thai Hua Hin New Delhi serves Indian and Thai cuisine, which can be customised for vegetarians. The indoor and alfresco seating can accommodate almost 40 people, making the place abuzz with visitors. Soi 80 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin 77110. ✆ +66 0811588016  sunushanti@gmail.com Timings: 9:30-22.00, Closed on Sunday Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

Side Street of Soi 88, 38/11 Khao Hin Lek Fai 2 Road, Opposite of Chom Dong Villa, Hua Hin 77110. ✆ +66 032652546 www.indianrestauranthuahin.com  enquiry@ayurvedahuahin.com Timings: 12.00-22:00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 400-600

Royal Indian Food Though Royal Indian is known for its North Indian cuisine, the restaurant also serves a few customisable Thai dishes. The buffet focussed restaurant is good for economical veg and non-veg meals in the busy Barza Damnoen Kasem Road.

S & S Indian Restaurant S & S Indian restaurant is one of the most popular joints for authentic Indian cuisine in a homely setting. Garlic butter naans coupled with rich creamy paneer are usually the top choice

Damnoen Kasem Road, Amphoe Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110 Today 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

GONOW MAY 2014

for vegetarians. The restaurant also serves non-vegetarian dishes.

(at Petchkasem), Hua Hin, 77110. ✆ +66 0863016784, 0863016784 Timings: 6:00-15.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

Petchakasem Rd Soi 94, Hua Hin 77110 ✆ +66 0814555298 Timings: 12:30-21:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

The Falafel On The Tracks

Taj Mahal

Do not be misguided by the name; Falafel also serves vegetarian Thai food along with Middle Eastern staples. The stall lies on Soi 88 and serves quickto-grab-food like omelettes, sandwiches and pita bread. Rice combinations with Thai veg curries are also available.

Whether it is crispy pakodas or Kashmiri pulao, Taj Mahal dishes out a fair variety of delicious Indian cuisine. The cashew pakoras, papri chaat and samosas make the menu more ‘snack friendly’ for vegetarians.

Soi 88, Hua Hin, 77110 ✆ +66 08854225675 Timings: 6:00-22.30 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

31/1 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin ✆ +66 0860411980 www.taj-mahal-restaurant.8k.com  chrisajai22@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Vegetarian Thai Reun Thong Vegetarian The vegan friendly Thai and Chinese restaurant is perfect for trying local flavours in an authentic street style stall setting. Rice combination with veg curries make for economical and quick meals.

Khao Chae During the hot season in Thailand, and in the old times when the refrigeration did not exist, eating the rice with Jasmine and candle fume scented water was the way to cool down the body temperature. The dish is called Khao Chae.

38/1 Srasong Rd, Prachuap Khiri Khan

GONOW MAY 2014

Koh Samui d) (Samui Islan

Being an island, Koh Samui has an abundant choices of seafood. Expect a lot of crabs, lobsters and fish in the local dishes. With Koh Samuiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity with travellers, you can now find a range of restaurants serving authentic cuisines from different parts of the world. Traditional fare, if you can get your hands on any, will have an infusion of papaya, beans and pineapple in extra hot curries. GONOW MAY 2014

Near Chaweng & Bo Phut

The largest and most popular beach of Chaweng and the inland area of Bo Phut, lie along the north east coast of Koh Samui. Long stay travelers or weekend tourists from Bangkok come here for water sports, a range of cuisines and unwinding on the beaches. At night, the market areas are abuzz with travellers looking for something to tingle the palate.

Indian

 info@havelisamui.com

Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Curry Pot Indian Restaurant

Kohinoor Indian Restaurant, Bo Phut

A great range of vegetarian dishes and optimum pricing for the portions, makes Curry Pot one of the most visited Indian restaurants in Chaweng.

The roadside Kohinoor restaurant serves a fantastic mix of North Indian veg and non-veg cuisine. Try the mixed veg kababs and wash it down with some cold sweet lassi.

200/10 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach Road, Samui Night Plaza, Koh Samui Bophut, Surat Thani, 84320 ✆ +66 0853570817, 0836363944 www.currypot.info  info@currypot.info Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Moo 1, Fisherman’s Village, Bo Phut, Koh Samui 84320. Timings: 11:00-23:00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Noori India, Chaweng

Haveli Indian Restaurant

One of the oldest restaurants on the Chaweng beach, Noori India’s North Indian and Mughalai dishes have found fans from all over the world! You can also ask for customised veg Thai-Indian fusion dishes. The owner, D.D, and his team ensure that the ambience, traditional classical music and personal attention complement

For an array of Indian snacks like samosas and chaats or more elaborate Indian cuisine, make a pit stop at the Haveli Indian Restaurant. Also if you are there over the weekend, the Sunday buffet is a good option. 33/10 Moo 4, T. Bophud, Big Buddha Beach, Bangrak Koh Samui, Surat Thani 77

GONOW MAY 2014

the delicious food served at Noori. 17/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Amphoe Koh Samui, Surat Thani ✆ +66 0867407873, 077413108  nooriindia_samui@yahoo.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Yuvraj Indian & Thai Restaurant Some good ol’ zeera aloo, daal makhni with roti is what Yuvraj is best known for. Simple vegetarian meals and practical combos or customised Thai food has regulars coming back here. 3/187 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach Road, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, 84320 ✆ +66 0880406991  meetu79@gmail.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Vegetarian Thai Jay Tamachad Vegetarian Restaurant

Tandoori Hut

Authentic Thai flavours are best enjoyed at the street stalls and Jay Tamachad epitomises that experience. Mock meat dishes make the menu interesting sounding, but all the dishes are 100% vegetarian. Try them with steam buns to neutralise the taste a little.

The vegetables dishes like shahi paneer, navratan korma, bhindi masala and aloo jeera of Tandoori Hut are enough to transport you to New Delhi. This is North Indian cuisine at its best in Koh Samui. 13/11 Moo 2, T. Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320. ✆ +66 077300498-9 www.tandoorihutsamui.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

GONOW MAY 2014

Hat Chaweng 4, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320. ✆ +66 0896451951 Timings: 7.00 – 18.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): Less than 100 78

Lamai Beach

Tandoori Nights

Indian

Just the right punch of spices to the North Indian cuisine and you have a favourite on the busy Lamai Market Road. Vegetarians can choose from dishes like mixed vegetable, paneer, palak and bharta coupled with a host of Indian breads or the easy paratha combos.

The quieter southern beach stretch of Koh Samui, Lamai, may be far smaller than Chaweng, but is equally vibrant in the evenings. A number of restaurants line at the main street, and make for good pit stops between late night shopping.

Live India

124 /122 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui 84310. ✆ +66 0911617026 www.tandoorinightskohsamui.com  info@tandoorinightskohsamui.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Enjoy the view of the buzzing Lamai market from Live India, as you enjoy rich North Indian dishes. Vegetarians too, have a robust menu to choose from; paneer, aloo, palak and naans are favourites.

Tandoori Palace

124/175 Moo 3,Hat Lamai Road, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui 84310 ✆ +66 081366727 www.facebook.com/pages/Live-India  sanjaydubeysamui@gmail.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

Situated at the edge of the Lamai market street, Tandoori Palace is a viable option for travellers looking for North Indian veg and non-veg meals. Staples like paneer curry, bhindi masala and aloo keep the regulars coming back for the authentic Indian flavour. 124 /361 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui 84310. ✆ +66 0869513367  manjeetsingh2000@gmail.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

GONOW MAY 2014

Saffron

Vegetarian Thai Lamai Veggie

Saffron is richly inspired by the art of traditional Thai cuisine in its entire splendor. Presenting the authentic tastes of Thai cuisine as its best, Saffron allows one to savour Thai flavours in a contemporary yet classically elegant setting. Traditional cooking methods and techniques passed down from generation to generation are steep in Saffron’s culinary presentation. Saffron sets itself above the rest as a premium restaurant offering fine Thai cuisine complemented with the warm and graceful service

Owned by Bee, the vegan friendly restaurant is a little hard to find, but when you do, it is completely worth it. It’s at Lamai Veggie where you can taste authentic Thai veg cuisine – don’t get startled by meat options, they are made of mock meat like tofu. 138/14 Moo 4 Maret Lamai Beach (at Had Lamai 4), Koh Samui, 84310 ✆ +66 0897232061 Timings: 10:00-18:00, Closed on Mon Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 500-800

80 80

distinctive of the renowned hospitality of Banyan Tree and Thailand. Overlooking the glittering Lamai Bay, the ambience is one of understated, elegance. ✆ +66 (0) 77 915 333 Timings: 18.00-23.00

The Page Combining contemporary elegance with a highly sophisticated concept design, The Page is a refreshing modern take on Koh Samui’s upscale dining scene. With a menu offering of Thai and international fusion and a host of “original experiences” found nowhere else on the island, indulge in

culinary delights that excite the eyes and tingle the taste buds. Enjoy the sunrise with a signature breakfast by the beach or a light casual lunch overlooking the sea. Then chill out at The Beach Bar with its 101 unique cocktail selections. artistic snack interpretations and live jazz sessions on selected days or explore the innovative cuisines available for an exceptional dinner engagement. 14/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut , Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand ✆ + 66 77 422 767 http://www.thelibrary.co.th/the-page. html

GONOW MAY 2014

Phuket/ Khao Lak The coconut has to be the star of Thai cuisine in Phuket. Apart from thickening curries and neutralising the spices, it is also grated as a condiment. Coconut oil is also widely used for Thai cooking. Chinese and Malay food also has a huge influence on Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchens. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not difficult to find thin rice noodles with fish curry, steamed chicken with soy sauce and stir fried dishes. There is also a vast influx of Indian flavours over the years.

82 82

The best of lush green hills, long stretches of clean sandy beaches and everything that makes for a perfect tropical experience lie in the Southern Island of Thailand, Phuket. With waves from the Andaman Sea lashing its west coast, Phuket is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Beaches like Patong, Karon and Kata is where most of the island’s restaurant and nightlife is concentrated. International food, especially North Indian cuisine, is a coveted choice for many.

Baluchi

Indian Ali Baba

Baluchi at Horizon Resort offers both indoor and outdoors seating to enjoy the Phuket weather and the frontier cuisine that they serve. The award winning restaurant also serves Thai and Continental dishes. Classics like paneer and aloo dum never disappoint the vegetarians.

The fresh salads amongst Indian flavours are a hit with travellers. Try the orange salad before you start with mains like bhindi masala, veg samosas and biryanis. 2, Ruamchai Road, Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket, 83150 ✆ +66 076349924 Timings: 11.00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 400-600

Patong Beach, Amphure Kathu, 64/39 Thaweewong Road, Soi Keb Sap, Phuket, 83150. ✆ +66 076292526 www.horizonbeach.com  horizon@horizonbeach.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-700, 600-900

Badshah Indian Food

British Indian Curries

Another good option for Indian cuisine at Patong, Badshah serves the classics in a cosy setting by the main road. There are plenty of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Indian cuisine with a twist – British Indian Curries simplifies the complex Indian flavours cuisine for beginners. A few veg options are available for customers.

Phungmuand Sai Kor Road, Patong Beach Lodge Patong, Phuket, 83150 ✆ +66 0869422008 Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 400-600

Soi Samakee 2, 68/5 Moo 7, Rawai, Phuket 83130. ✆ +66 0862661325 Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 400-600 83

GONOW MAY 2014

Deepavali

Timings: 11.00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 400-600

Khanasutra

Deepavali offers a fine dining experience from the Indian sub continent - dishes suffused with flavoursome spices. The daal tadka and palak paneer masala is exceptional.

Khana Sutra serves rich Indian cuisine in a warm ambience of red and yellow hues. A dash of special herbs adds a punch to the cuisine. There are options for both veg and non-veg patrons.

123/26 Bangtao Place, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110. ✆ +66 0807223377 www.deepavaliphuket.com  info@deepavaliphuket.com Timings: 12.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-700, 800-1000

18-20 Takua Pa Road, Tambol Thalad Nuea, Muang, Phuket 83000 ✆ +66 0805336941  billychima@hotmail.com Timings: 11.30-15.00, 18.00-00.00, Closed on Tue. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

OTHER LOCATIONS

49 Moo 1, Laguna Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 ✆ +66 076270673 98 Moo 4, Patak Road, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100. ✆ +66 076330059

Kohinoor

Hot Curry

Brilliant North Indian cuisine at an affordable price makes Kohinoor one of the popular options. Bhindi, Bhartha and Palak dishes are a favourite with regulars, as is the live music in the evenings.

Buffet style arrangement at Hot Curry makes picking the best for you easy. Try Indian and Thai cuisine for a ‘best of both worlds’ meal. 206/22-23 Rat-U-Thit 200year Rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket, 83150 ✆ +66 076292811 www.hotcurrypatong.com

The joy of sharing For Thais, meals are an informal affair involving a circle of family and /or friends sitting around the table sharing a variety of dishes. A typical Thai meal consists of rice with many complementary dishes served concurrently.

Patong, 237/10 A11-A15, Soi Namsia (Opposite Holiday Inn), Phuket, 83150 ✆ +66 0816937744 www.kohinoor-indianfood.com Timings: 11:00-00:00. Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 300-400, 500-700 OTHER LOCATIONS

204 /48 Rat-U-Thit Road, Soi Ladiva, Patong Beach, Phuket

Kwality Indian Cuisine Kwality Indian Cuisine promises great Indian flavours from both North and South India; the idli, sambhar and dosas are authentic enough to transport you to Chennai in an instance.

gobhi, aloo, bhindi, paneer and daals for the vegetarians, so you can never go wrong while choosing.

110/18 Thaweewong Road, Soi Patong Tower, Phuket, 83150. ✆ +66 076294082 Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 400-600

394 Moo 1, T.Cherngtalay, A.Thalang Laguna, Phuket, 83110 ✆ +66 076270673 Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Light of India

Live Indian Restaurant

A large array of Indian cuisine from North and South makes Light of India a great choice. Pure vegetarians have a mix of vegetable and paneer options and can also ask for Thai food, which is strictly veg.

Swift service and brilliant Indian flavours to match make Live India one of the top picks for travellers in Phuket. Veg customers can breathe a sigh of relief as there are plenty of veg dishes on the menu!

98, Aroonsom Patong, Opposite SCB, 400 Meter North of Bangla Roadd, Phuket, 83150. ✆ +66 0849943410 www.lightofindiaphuket.com  imi_phuket@hotmail.com Timings: 10.30-23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Phuket Aquarium, 31/28 Moo 8 Sukdidej Road. T. Vichit, Cape Panwa, Phuket, 83000. ✆ +66 815379970  tonydubey1973@gmail.com Timings: 10:00-23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-800

Little India

Madras Cafe

An Indian gourmet option in the heart of Phuket, Little India is an authentic Indian joint. The restaurant serves regulars like

Delicious pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine served by Madras Café is extremely popular for a quick snack. Get authentic dosas 85

GONOW MAY 2014

with sambhar and chutney at reasonable prices. The restaurant also serves North Indian, Arabic, Iranian and European dishes.

Kathu, Phuket, 83150. ✆ +66 0900018591 www.facebook.com/pappadams  pappadamsphuket@yahoo.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 600-900

198/1-4, 80-82, Patong, Kathu, Phuket ✆ +66 0805212259 www.indianfoodphuket.com  info@madrascafephuket.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Ristorante Pizzeria Zafferano Indian food with some European options added to the menu makes Zafferano a good option to try multiple cuisines in one place. Aloo pakoras here might be a good pick for vegetarians.

Navrang Mahal Navrang serves some of the best dishes from Indian, Thai and international cuisines. Pure vegetarians can choose from aloo gobhi, palak paneer, mix raita, bhindi masala, mixed vegetable curry, rajma, veg seekh kabab, pakoda, and chaats. Jain food is also available here.

237 Palm Square Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150  pizzeriazafferano12@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Royal Tandoor

206 Karon Road, Karon Beach, Muang, Phuket. ✆ +66 076286464 www.navrangmahal.com  info@karonseasand.com Timings: 12:00-1.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-700, 700-1000

A range of Indian veg and non-veg food with Thai and European infusion, makes Royal Tandoor a viable option to satisfy different palates. Amongst Indian veg food, malai tikka, pindi chana and aloo gobhi are extremely popular.

Pappadams

78/6 Soi Moh Wattana, Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Kathu 83150 ✆ +66 0876733472, 0815350669 www.royal-tandoor.com  info@royal-tandoor.com Timings: 11:00-00:00. Cost for 2 (w/o, alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

The food, though priced on the higher side at Pappadams is well worth the trip for the authentic Indian cuisine. The kulchas and stuffed parathas are exceptional. Soi Banzaan, Patong Beach, Patong,

GONOW MAY 2014

Sabai Sabai Indian Restaurant

 shahjee04@hotmail.com

Timings: 12.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Generic Asian food with Indian and Burmese infusion makes Sabai Sabi an interesting stop that offers a wide variety. With specialities from so many countries available, vegetarians are bound to find a large array to choose from.

Shalimar Indian Restaurant Shalimar’s veg and non-veg buffets turn out to be the most economical and give you a great range of Indian dishes to choose from. This is one place where the kofta curry wins hands down against all other veg dishes.

82 Thaina Road, Kata Center, Karon, Phuket, 83100. ✆ +66 0836395875 www.sabaikata.blogspot.in  sabaikata@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

207-7,8, Soi Patong Beach Lodge,200 Pee Road, Patong, Phuket ✆ +66 0899093185 www.shalimarindianfood.com  mrbobby786@hotmail.com Timings: 10:00-23.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400

Shah Baba Indian Restaurant Shah Baba offers Indian cuisine and a homely atmosphere at Nai Yang in Phuket. Expect an eversmiling service and reasonable food for veg and non-veg customers.

Tandoor Khumbh matar masala, malai kofta and a mix raita with naan make for a perfect dinner option for vegetarian customers at Tandoor. One of Phuket’s favourite Indian haunts, do not give this one a miss.

74/7 Moo 3 Sakhu, Thalang, Nai Yang, Phuket 83110. ✆ +66 0836327793

4/12,Soi Kepsub, Near Horizon Beach Resort, Patong Beach, Phuket, 83150 ✆ +66 0876276766 www.tandoorphuket.com Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700 87

GONOW MAY 2014

Tandoori Nights

The Casablanca

Tandoori Nights chunky wooden furniture and brightly coloured walls add a dash of interest to the economical but brilliant cuisine from North India.

Book ahead to visit The Casablanca for North frontier cuisine from India and Pakistan. While the nonvegetarian dishes are popular, veg customers have a large choice between paneer dishes and vegetables.

Tandoori Nights, Fisherman Way, 5/32 Viset Road Rawai, Phuket ✆ +66 076381629 Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Tantra A fine dining option with a vantage location near the beach, Tantra is a treat for those who would love authentic Indian cuisine – think real mint and tamarind sauces to go with the food. Vegetarians can start with samosas and move on to rich paneer, bhindi and aloo dishes. 64/39 Soi Kep Sap, Thaweewong Road Patong Beach Phuket 83150 ✆ +66 076296016, 0858344655 www.tantraphuket.com  tantrapatong@gmail.com Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 600-900

135/23 Rat-U-Thit 200 Years Road, The Royal Paradise Hotel, Phuket 83150. ✆ +66 076340666  Casablanca.halal@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 600-900

Vista Restaurant A variety of cuisines from India, Italy, Australia, Thailand and China, along with a lovely view from the terrace seating, makes Vista a viable option if you want to book yourself in a fine dining ambience. 39/9 Muen Ngoen Road, Tri Trang Beach, Avista Hotel & Resorts, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, 83150. ✆ +66 076281281 www. avistahotelsandresorts.com  fnbmgr.ah@avistahotelsandresorts.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-700, 700-1000

Do you know that flowers can be eaten? Certain kind of flowers can be turned to a delicious dish especially for vegetarians such as rose, plumeria, Ixora, blue/ butterfly pea, and lotus with shrimp paste or sweet sauce. Some also use these in salads or put flowers like agasta and cowslip creeper in soup. These flowers actually have healing power, such as, rose is good for your heart, plumeria is used to treat fever, and Ixora helps increase appetite and improve digestion.

Kohinoor Restaurant

Vegetarian Thai Baan Rim Pa

Drop by to experience real kohinoor Indian food 26/22 moo 7 Petchkasem Road Khao Lak Phang Nga Thailand, Ban Khao Lak, Phangnga, Thailand ✆ +66 83-636-1861

Award-winning restaurant situated on a cliff overlooking the quiet end of Patong Beach in Phuket. Kathu District, Phuket. ✆ +66 76340789 http://www.baanrimpa.com/ Timings: 12:00-23:30

Kuk Kak

King Liew

Kuk Kak is Khao Lak’s most sizzling hot spot for enjoying a dinner and unwinding with friends. The authentic Indian delicacies created by the Indian chefs in a genuine Tandoor oven offer excellent flavours that rival those prepared in India

Known for its salads, King Liew emulates the Thai street style eateries in its ambience. King Liew serves vegan Thai food. 49 Ong Sim Phai, Phuket ✆ +66 0805456723 Timings: 10.00-22.00. Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 200

Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, 9/9 Moo 1 Tambol Kuk Kak Amphur Takua Pa, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand ✆ +66 76 427 500 Timings: 18:00-22:30

Khao Lak

Tandoori Palace

Indian

Curry Hut

6790/91 Moo 5 Soi Bang Niang, Khao Lak 82190, Thailand ✆ +66 816994980

They served Indian and Thai Cuisine at reasonable prices

Tourist Taj Mahal

4/11 Moo 7 | KhukKhak, Takuapa, Khao Lak 82190, Thailand ✆ +66 91 734 9495

59/1 Moo 5 Khuk-Khak Subdistrict, Khao Lak 82190, Thailand ✆ +66 89-908-3164 89

GONOW MAY 2014

Krabi

If you saunter into Thai restaurants in Krabi, apart from the regulars, it is easy to find some influence of Malay food. This means that your palate should get ready to experiment with fish curry sauce, cucumber dishes, pineapple, pickled cabbage and other fruits and vegetables. Of course, Indian food is also very popular in Krabi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not difficult to find lip-smacking paneer dishes with naan.

GONOW MAY 2014

Ao Nang Beach Road, Krabi

Krabi’s aqua marine waters, a tryst with Hollywood and a steady stream of travellers has made it one of the most coveted beach destinations of Thailand. The popularity brings with it a range of international cuisines along the main Ao Nang Beach road where lie a lively mix of restaurants. The road is especially alive in the evenings when sunbathers and scuba enthusiasts leave the sand and step out to try different haunts that Krabi has to offer.

Indian

27/1 Moo 2, Ao Nang Beach Road, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000 ✆ +66 0869523829, 0805514396, 075637024 www.bombaypalaceaonang.com  bombaypalace92@yahoo.com Timings: 11:00-1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Bombay Palace The air is heavy with the aroma of Indian spices as you pass Bombay Palace. One of the better-known options for Indian cuisine in Krabi. There’s a large array for both veg and non-veg customers to choose from. Aloo bhajji, paneer butter masala and desserts like gulab jamun are among the favourites.

Gajanana/Dolce Vita Restaurant & Bar You can choose from a varied mix of Nepali, Thai, Indian, Chinese and European food at Gajanana – vegetarians will not be disappointed. Apart from the food, the bamboo floor with bright cushions as floor seating makes the experience more atmospheric. 197/6 Khlong Muang, Nong Thale, Krabi Town, 81000. ✆ +66 0869834450  gajanana21_dolcevita@hotmail.com Timings: 11:00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 600-800

GONOW MAY 2014

Malati restaurant Its speciality chefs bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working around the world, ensuring that every meal is a memorable culinary experience. Should you have any special dietary requirements or gourmet preferences, please do not hesitate to ask the Executive Chef who will be delighted to personally tailor your meal. Experience the delights of authentic Indian and Royal Thai cuisines with all their variety, tastes, and traditions in this beachfront restaurant.

Kiran Kitchen It’s difficult to miss Kiran Kitchen on the main beach road at Krabi. Garlic naan and a host of veg and non-veg curries make for great combos here. Moo 2, 4203 Road, Ao Nang Beach, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000 Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 600-800

155 Moo 2, Nong Thale, Muang, Krabi 81000, Thailand Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Krabi ✆ (66) (75) 628 000  fb.krabi@sheraton.com Timings: Daily 18:00-23:00

Maharaja Not unusual to hear testimonials like ‘food cooked to perfection’ when you are researching Maharaja in Krabi. Daal makahni, paneer, bhindi masala and a choice of naans clearly makes this a North Indian restaurant, but it’s known to dish out some continental fare for patrons if they are looking for a change.

Noori Availability of both Indian and Thai cuisine makes Noori a good choice if you want try both at Krabi. The food can also be customised for vegetarians if you want something other than what is there on the menu already.

141 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000 ✆ +66 075695625 www.maharaja-aonang.com Timings: 11:00-23:00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 500-800

GONOW MAY 2014

245/5 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 8100 ✆ +66 0876274556, 0835954804 92

Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

✆ +66 075695783 www.royal-tandoor.com  royal-tandoor@hotmail.com Timings: 11:00-23:30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 500-800

Rasoi Restaurant

Taj Palace

The brightly lit Rasoi on the Ao Nang Road might be slightly over priced compare to the other Indian restaurants on the road, but the ambience and taste is well worth the visit. Veg and non-veg fare is available. For vegetarians classics like paneer, bharta, daal makahni and Indian breads are amongst the favourites.

Located just 2 mins walking distance from the beach, Taj Palace not only has a vantage location but some of the best options for vegetarians looking for Indian cuisine. Expect a robust menu of daals, sabzis, naans and pulaos to choose from.

245/8 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000. ✆ +66 0900712614 www.rasoimagic.net  inquiry@rasoimagic.net Timings: 11:00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-800, 1200-1500

111 Moo 2, 4203 Road, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi, Krabi, 81000 ✆ +66 0869511369 Timings: 11:00-1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 500-800

Royal Tandoor The biggest asset of Royal Tandoor is the ability of the staff to customise the dishes as per your taste. Although the restaurant serves North Indian cuisine, a small menu of Thai food is also available, which can be altered for vegetarian customers. 194/4 Moo 2, Ao Nang Beach Road, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000 93

Vegetarian Thai

Muang, Krabi 81000, Thailand â&#x153;&#x2020; (66-75) 620 740 - 3 http://www.rayavadee.com/dining_ grotto.html Timings: 11.00-20.00

Grotto

Aptly named, The Grotto nestles under an ancient limestone cliff on the edge of Phranang Beach. Enjoy a leisurely lunch here with your favourite book or lose yourself in the magic of a perfect sunset as you enjoy cocktails and a menu of light snacks with soft sand underfoot and a hint of romance in the air. Sumptuous barbecues are also held here on special nights each week.

Hong Ming Vegetarian Food Vegan Chinese and Thai cuisine is the specialty of this street style restaurant. Economical and authentic food makes it a good option for travellers who like to try local flavours. 4/1 Pruksa Uthit Road, Muang Krabi, Krabi, 81000, â&#x153;&#x2020; +66 0075621273 Timings: 6.00-17.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-300, 300-400

Rayavadee Resort; Krabi 214 Moo 2, Tambon Ao-Nang, Amphoe

GONOW MAY 2014

94 94

Sri Trang By The Sea

Phulay Bay A Ritz Carlton Reserve Krabi presents Sri Trang by the Sea.

Traditional Thai cooking in a modern, minimalist setting using the very best of ingredients and cooking in the authentic Thai traditional Cuisine. Sri Trang by the sea private room offers dishes made from only the finest ingredients, sourced from local markets each morning, then served with flawless Thai hospitality in a setting that reflects the unique culture and architecture of Thailand overlooking the Andaman Sea and its exotic islands.

Vegetarian Food Veer off from the main beach road for a taste of authentic Thai vegetarian food at Klongkha. Authentic local spicy food at Vegetarian Food is popular with locals – what better way to get inducted into local Krabi life.

111 Moo 3 Nongthalay, Muang, Krabi 81000. ✆ + 66 75 628 111 http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/ Properties/PhulayBay/Dining/Sri_ Trang/Default.htm

Klongkha Road, Krabi Town (Between Chaofa and Vannaprueg Road), Krabi, 81000 Timings: 6.00-17.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-300, 300-400

Vegetarian Head to Vegetarian for typical spicy Thai vegetarian and vegan food, served in buffet style at economical prices. This is a good option for pure vegetarians as the Chinese Jae food is served here.

Jae Food While veg and vegan food is common parlance world-over, take notice of Jae food from the Chinese kitchens. No meat and strict abstinence from dairy makes this closer to vegan food – works perfectly for those looking for something different in the veg array.

Thanon Luangpho, Krabi Town (at Thanon Uttarakit), Krabi, 81000 Timings: 6.00-17.00. Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 200 95

GONOW MAY 2014

Pattaya Pattaya emulates the food culture of Bangkok, though with far lesser options. Given the influx of tourists here, you are likely to find cuisines from all over the world. Though home cooking still retains some essence of tradition, especially in Thai desserts. You will find the use of pickles and herbs, roasted or grilled well for an additional punch to the taste.

96 96

Situated at the edge of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya lies only 160 km (2hrs) from the capital, Bangkok, and is a popular getaway for tourists. When it comes to restaurant and a lively night life, the coastline along the Bang Lamung district, also known as Greater Pattaya, is where you should be heading to. The entire stretch from east of Nakula beach on the north, to the main Pattaya beach, Pratumnak Hill areas around the Southern Jomtien beach are worth exploring. Cuisines from all parts of the world are offered in atmospheric joints; Indian cuisine occupying a large part of the topography and the palate.

Indian

 ahaar@bestindiandining.com

Timings: 11.00 -23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Accha

Ali Baba & Curry Restaurant

With atleast 20 options of dishes for vegetarians, turn to Accha for a taste of North Indian cuisine.

From the wide spread of North Indian dishes, the vegetarians have a small list to choose from – aloo gobhi, mushrooms, malai kofta and aloo jeera. Even though the options are less, the taste warrants a trip to Ali Baba.

315/158 Moo 12, Tappraya Road, Pattaya. ✆ +66 038252161 Timings: 11.30- 15.00, 18.00-23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 700-900

1/13-14, Pattaya Klang Road, Chonburi, Pattaya, 20150. ✆ +66 038361620 www.alibabarestaurant.biz  alibabagrover@gmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Ahaar Indian Cuisine With a focus on North Indian cuisine, Ahaar serves dishes like biryani, pulaos, paneer curries and other vegetarian options along with a robust non-veg list.

Badshah Indian Restaurant

194/22 Moo 9, Central Pattaya Road, Nongprue, Chonburi, Pattaya 20150 ✆ +66 038711151, 063168575 www.bestindiandining.com

Baadshah Restaurant provides of royal treatment, as the staff is ever welcoming. Though the prices and service are the key highlights 97

GONOW MAY 2014

of the restaurant, the Indian cuisine matches up to these for an excellent overall experience.

do not give this one a miss. 247/89-94, M10, L.K, Condo, Soi 3, Sai3, South Pattaya, Chonburi, 20150 ✆ +66 08246664736, 0847084939  garammasalapattya@gmail.com Timings: 11.00 -23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

394/119-120 Pattaya 3rd Road, Opp. X-Zyte Disco, Moo-9, Pattaya 20150 ✆ +66 038411690  baadshah_restaurant@yahoo.com Timings: 11.00 - 1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 600-900

Golden Chimney

Curry House

Golden Chimney offers a relaxing ambience with brilliant authentic North Indian preparations for both veg and non-veg guests. Sophisticated flavours are found in dishes like shahi paneer, kofta, bhindi masala and more.

Curry House on Pattaya 2nd Road serves authentic Indian cuisine. The vantage location, choices for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians along with economical prices, makes this a good choice for meals.

South Pattaya Road (Pattaya Tai), Between Cat Telecom &

370/17 Pattaya 2nd Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, Pattaya ✆ +66 0868217155 Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Garam Masala Restaurant Known for its tandoors and Indian curries, Garam Masala is a good option if you are in the Chonburi area of Pattaya. The tandoor dishes can be customised for vegetarians as well, so GONOW MAY 2014

Shell Gas Station, Pattaya 20150 ✆ +66 038414675 www.goldenchimney.com  ravi@goldenchimney.com Timings: 12.00 -00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 600-900, 1000-1500

Haveli

Dig in, with your hands! When it comes to Indian food, it is considered proper etiquette to eat with your hands. Of course your hands should be washed and it is traditionally suggested to use your right hand. The left hand is not used for eating; this is considered offensive and unclean.

For authentic Indian flavours, visit South Pattaya’s Indian food haven – Haveli. While they are plenty of options for non-vegetarians, the veggies can order the time-tested paneer, mixed vegetable and aloo dishes.

Makhni are some of the top dishes that vegetarians come back for. 306/64-68, Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Pattaya 20150 ✆ +66 038364656 www.indian-by-nature.com  av@indian-by-nature.com Timings: 17.30 – 23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 500-800

Central Place Hotel, 501/2-3, Moo-10, Tap-Praya Road, South Pattaya, Chonburi, 20260. ✆ +66 038364573 Timings: 11.00 -23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Indian Chimney

Indian By Nature

Standard Indian tastes but an atmospheric alfresco setting makes Indian Chimney a viable option at the Beach Road. Veg Biryani and the paneer dishes are the safest options for vegetarians.

Visit Indian By Nature for dinner only, to try the tastes of North Indian cuisine in Pattaya. The décor and service, both, complement the high quality of food. Jeerewale Aloo, Gobhi Achari and Daal

226/11 Moo 9, Beach Road, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, 20150 ✆ +66 038488477 Timings: 10.30-15.30,19.30-22.30 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

GONOW MAY 2014

Indian Garden Restaurant Choose from buffet styled dinners or a la carte North Indian dishes at Indian Garden Restaurant. Vegetarians have plenty of options like mixed vegetable and paneer dishes. The restaurant lies parallel to the beach road and close to the nightlife of Pattaya. Drinking Street, Pattaya 2nd Road, Banglamung, Chonburi ✆ +66 038421328-9 Timings: 11.00 - 23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 500-700, 800-1200

Layla A simple but busy pit stop for travellers who like food from the Indian subcontinent, Layla serves both veg and non-veg food. 363/26 Soi 16, Pattaya Beach Rd., Nongprue, Chonburi, Pattaya, 20150 ✆ +66 038710317 Timings: 24 hours Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

Khana Khazana Authentic North Indian and a fusion of Indian-Chinese and Continental cuisine is served at Khana Khazana. 216/3, Moo9, Between Soi 7 and 8, 2nd Road, Pattaya, 20150

GONOW MAY 2014

✆ +66 0811417243  khanakhaza@hotmail.com Timings: 11.00- 23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Madras Darbar Madras Darbar brings together the flavours from both North and South India – perfect for those who would like to snack on a vada, but settle for a North Indian thaali for lunch. 519/104, Second Road, Pattaya ✆ +66 038488945  madrasdarbar@excite.com Timings: 11.00-1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 600-800

Maharani Chef Hosan from Nepal infuses the perfect Indian spices into a host of North Indian snacks and complete dishes. The vegetable samosas, lassi and the paneer assortments are worth a trip to the Royal Cliff Hotel, where the restaurant is situated. The luxurious Indian décor completes the experience for diners. Address: 353 Phra Tamnuk Road, Part of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya 20150. ✆ +66 038250421 www.royalcliff.com 100

New Bombay Place The cosy ambience of New Bombay Place makes you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in. The restaurant serves North Indian cuisine with ample options for veggies as well – try the aloo, paneer and daal with a wide choice of Indian breads.

 gro-main@royalcliff.com

Timings: 11.00-14.30, 18.00-22.30, Closed on Mon. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-600, 600-800

Mantra Restaurant & Bar Apart from Indian, Mantra also serves Japanese, Chinese, Western, Mediterranean and Charcoal Grill, so there are plenty of cuisines and dishes to choose from for both veg and non-veg patrons. A walk-in cellar, chic interiors and the open kitchens are the highlight of Mantra. Casual wear like shorts and tee-shirts are not allowed. Book ahead. 240/2 Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya 20150. ✆ +66 038418418 www.mantra-pattaya.com  email@mantra-pattaya.com Timings: 11.00 – 1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 800-1000, 1200-1800

Walking Street 308/44, Moo 10, Pattaya 20150. ✆ +66 038711259 Timings: 12.00 - 2.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

New Kohinoor The economical buffet styled New Kohinoor makes meals quick and convenient, with options for both veg and non-veg guests. Vegetable pakoras are popular with vegetarians. 17/5-6 Moo 10, Pratumnak Road, opposite the Camelot Hotel, Pattaya ✆ +66 038710423 Timings: 10.00-00.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-400

Raj Mahal Meals with a view is the top highlight of eating at Raj Mahal. Add to that rich tastes from India and it has to be a good decision to 101

GONOW MAY 2014

eat here. Options for veg and nonveg patrons are present. Moo 10, Walking Street, Pattaya Beach Road, Nongprue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150. ✆ +66 038710904 Timings: 10.00-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 500-700

Royal Indian Hut Indian owners ensure that you get authentic Indian flavours at Royal Indian Hut. Try the bharta and gobhi aloo if you are planning to stick to the veg cuisine. 59/27 MOO-10 Pratumnak 2nd Road, Near Baverly Plaza Hotel, Pattaya ✆ +66 0813441925 www.facebook.com/pages/RoyalIndian-Hut Timings: 11.30-00.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Saffron Indian Restaurant Part of the H Boutique Hotel at the busiest road of Pattaya, Saffron serves North Indian cuisine. Choose from a large menu of authentic Indian dishes like paneer, bhindi, bharta and more. With Saffron just around the corner, you are likely to feel at home in Pattaya. 529/49-50 Moo.10, Pattaya 2nd Road, Soi 11, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, Pattaya. ✆ +66 038413555 www.hboutiquehotel.com  info@hboutiquehotel.com Timings: 11.00 – 23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 500-800

Saras Just like its main Bangkok branch, Saras in Pattaya is also a family focussed pure vegetarian restaurant. Gujarati food, thaali combinations and a host of Indian and Indian-fusion cuisines give you an exclusive mix to choose from. Sun City Pattaya Hotel, Pratumnak Road, (Next to Siam Bay Shore Hotel) ✆ +66 038424769 www.saras.co.th  contact@isis.co.th Timings: 9.30 -23.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 500-700 102

Sher-E-Punjab As the name suggests, SherE-Punjab is known for its specialities from North India - think creamy curries like paneer, malai kofta and daal makhni for vegetarians. Address: 216 Pattaya Beach Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, Pattaya. ✆ +66 038420158 Timings: 12.30-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Shri Krishna Restaurant The ISKON affiliated restaurant serves pure veg dishes with a choice of Indian and International cuisines and infused with organic options as well. The juice and salad bar is very popular here. 312/3 Moo 9, Pattaya Tai Soi 3, Banglamung, Chonburi, Pattaya, 20150 ✆ +66 0886769968 Timings: 11.30-20.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 300-500

Spice Restaurant Spice Restaurant brings to Pattaya a homely ambience with North Indian cuisine for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food is reasonably priced and the ambience, simple but tasteful.

Soi Buakhao, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburii 20150. ✆ +66 0876188213 Timings: 12.00-01.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 200-400, 400-600

Spices For authentic North Indian cuisine coupled with sea view, go to the 6.5 years old Spices restaurant in Bang Lamung. The restaurant serves both veg and non-veg dishes. 555/7 Moo 10 Pattaya Road 1, Pattaya City Walk, Bang Lamung, Pattaya 20260 ✆ +66 038423003 www.facebook.com/ Spicesrestaurantpattaya  abhimanusin@hotmail.com Timings: 11.00-23.30. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 400-600 103

GONOW MAY 2014

Tandoori House

VT Six Vegetarian Restaurant

Mr. Jabangir Hossain and his wife, Sunan, bring in the best of Indian and Thai hospitality at Tandoori House. Veg guests must try the bhajjis and masala poppadums as snacks.

Located inside the Talay Beach Condo building, the Indian Vegetarian Restaurant is popular for its vantage location and pure vegetarian food; they also serve Jain cuisine, which is otherwise hard to get in Pattaya.

397/25 Pattaya 2nd Road, Opposite Mike shopping Mall, Chonburi, Pattaya ✆ +66 038723155 Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 500-700

Second Rd and Beach Road, Pattaya ✆ +66 038412494 www.vtsix.com  vtsix@yahoo.com Timings: 11.00-23.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

Veda

Zaika Indian Restaurant

Veda is a viable option, on the Nakula Road for both veg and non-veg Indian cuisine enthusiasts. Buffet style meals give a wider choice.

One of the most popular Indian restaurants, Zaika dishes out the perfect ambience and flavours for tourists and locals alike. A wide array for vegetarians is also available.

256/27 Moo 5 Soi 20 Pattaya Nakula Road Pattaya. ✆ +66 0824610049 Timings: 12.00 - 24.00 Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 300-500, 600-800

215/62-63 Second Road Pattaya, Opposite Royal Garden Plaza & Marriott Hotel, Pattaya 20150 ✆ +66 038488958 www.zaikapattaya.com  zaika@zaikapattaya.com Timings: 11.00-1.00. Cost for 2 (w/o, w alcohol): 400-600, 500-800

104

Vegetarian Thai Budatip Health Station Budatip Health Station is the perfect option for vegetarians and vegans. The small restaurant serves authentic Thai and Chinese veg cuisine at economical prices. Pattaya Soi 3, Na Kluea, Bang Lumung, (Opp Mooks Residence) Pattaya ✆ +66 0870643342 Timings: 7.00 – 18.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 200

Five Star J Restaurant Healthy vegan food is the mantra for Five Star J. Try the rice combinations with Thai

veg curries using mushrooms, asparagus and aubergines. 313/37 Moo 10, South Pattaya Road (at corner of 3rd road), Pattaya ✆ +66 038421105 Timings: 9.00-21.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): 200-300

Which bread?! Indian food can be enjoyed with perhaps a mindboggling variety of bread. In the North, wheat is a staple food and used to make chappati, phulka roti, naan and other breads. Indulge in stuffed bread with vegetables and layered with either ghee (clarified butter). Poori is fried bread and usually had at breakfast or during festivals. In the South, the flat breads are crepes or dosa made from black lentils and rice. The popular varieties include dosa, appam, uttapam, Kallappam, rice or ragi rotis.

105

GONOW MAY 2014

to try Thai flavours in the most authentic setting. 56/36 Moo 5, Amorn Market Naklua Road, Chonburi, Pattaya ✆ +66 038726911 Timings: 6.00 – 16.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 200

Thummachat Kitchen Jay

Thummachat is known for its simple veg food on the Paniad road. The economical pricing and authentic Thai flavours makes it a popular choice with regulars and travellers.

The Thai Veg restaurant is a street-style stall which serves typical Thai veg menu full of vegetable dishes like mushrooms and cauliflower. As the name suggests, this is vegan friendly (Jay is the Chinese word for vegan food).

388/84 Paniad Chang Road, T Naklua, Banglamung, Pattaya ✆ +66 038716350 Timings: 7.00-18.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

576/5 Third Road, Near Thappraya Road, Pattaya. ✆ +66 0891197586 Timings: 6.00-16.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

Vegetarian Restaurant As the name suggests, the stall styled restaurant serves completely veg food. Female Buddhist monks run this restaurant.

Thammachart The Thammachart stall, typical of Thailand’s street style eating, serves delicious vegetarian combinations in Chonburi. A good option for vegetarians is GONOW MAY 2014

Pattaya Sai 3, Na Kluea, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, 20150. ✆ +66 0870643342 Timings: 7.00-19.00 Cost for 2 (w/o alcohol): Less than 100

106

Emergency Numbers

Tourist Hotline 1672 Tourist Police 1155 National Highway Police 1193 Emergency Call 191 Accident Recuse 1669 Ministry of Foreign Affair, Bangkok 02 203 5000 Embassy of India, Bangkok, Thailand 02-2580300-5

107

GONOW MAY 2014

Holiday Escape in Amazing Thailand

Koh Samet, Thailand Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office: Tel: 91-11-46741111, 41663567-9 | Fax: 91-11-41663570 Email: tatdel@tat.or.th | Facebook.com/tat.newdelhi Tourism Authority of Thailand Mumbai Office: Tel: 91-22-22042727-8 | Fax: 91-22-22042729 Email: tatmumbai@tat.or.th | Facebook.com/tat.mumbai Facebook.com/Tourismauthorityofthailandindia Twitter.com/ThaiAmazesYou

destination guide and office buildings), that give one a crick in the neck to take in. Glass-encased shopping centres with spiffy stores, cafes, and restaurants in their bowels add further to its glitz quotient. Even so, Shanghai is a hugely strollable city. And its in-your-face commercial ethos notwithstanding, municipal bodies have made a major effort to create ‘green zones’ across the city. You’ll always find a park or traditional garden in the vicinity where you may sit down to catch your breath and watch the world go by. Best of all, hop onto the hi-tech magnetic train to the new Pudong International Airport, reaching a top speed of 260 mph in the eight minute for a thrill-aminute ride. Or walk at night among the neon lights along Nanjing Road. There is so much to see and do and breathe in Shanghai that we absolutely loved it, and were busy from dawn to dusk. On Anyuan Road is located the beautiful Buddhist monastery called the Jade Buddha Temple. Wandering through this spiritual, serene place, and soaking in its bright yellow walls and red lanterns, incense-filled courtyards and the halls where devotees prayed to gold-plated Buddha statues, was an intense experience for me. The temple’s famous “white jade” Buddha (though it looked pale green to me), is a gasp-inducing two-meter-high statue of ethereal beauty. It took me a long time to take my eyes off it and finally leave the chamber where it is showcased. Then there’s the Old Town, in the southeastern corner of central Shanghai.

Eatery in Shanghai

That’s where you’ll find the Yu Garden and City Temple Market. The garden has five stunning acres of ponds, wooden pavilions, and rockeries. However, the serenity of this 16th century sanctuary is shattered ever so often by battalions of Chinese tourists marching through, led by guides with megaphones. Shanghai’s dining is just as vibrant as its retail: 20,000 eateries plying all types of cuisines. After savouring other types of cuisines, we saved the best for the last. A taste of the city’s iconic soup-filled dumplings – buns xiaolong. But be warned, this ain’t

no fast food. Consuming these culinary treasures is an art form. Here’s how: put the dumpling on a spoon. Now delicately bite off the top-knot of the dumpling which will release some meaty steam. (Take care not to spill any of the broth though). Now wait a moment. Inhale the steam coming out of the hole. Then, take a second spoon, dip it into the accompanying gingeryvinegar sauce and carefully pour a bit into the hole. Wait another moment. Enjoy another sniff of the fragrant vapours. Then, place the entire dumpling in your mouth. It’s a life-changing experience!

May 2014 GO NOW

111

hospitality Starwood Hotels & Resorts, with its nine brands spread around different parts of the world is all set to welcome Indians to their properties to try out their warm hospitality. GoNow talks to some of these hotels about what they have to offer to their Indian guests. From authentic Indian cuisine, to serving variety of teas and more, these hotels are going the extra mile to bring to their Indian guests a most comfortable experience.

With

, s l e t o H d o o Starw mile go the extra Sheraton Macao Hotel

common with hotels abroad. So little things like that and we solely recognise the Indian traveller. We were one of the first hotels to implement this programme.”

“We are a specialist in leisure market and also the meetings market, so from the leisure perspective we have a new product called Meet24 and this is particularly relevant to the Indian market because the flights coming in from India are very early in the morning, as they leave late at night. So, the most common requests that we get are that can they check-in early. That’s not possible when there is a high occupancy. This programme means that anytime you arrive, and if you have got up to not more than 100 rooms per night, we can guarantee that if you arrive in Macao at 10 in the morning, we can give you a room at that very time and you can start the meeting, and you can check out at the same time during departure. So, it allows you to start your meeting when you arrive, normal check-in time generally is 3:00 pm. Starwood rolled-out a programme last year, known as Indian Personalised Traveller. So, we have complimentary masala tea, slippers are very important and there is always a kettle in the room too which is not very

Price: Package Rates – 1598 Hong Kong Dollars/Night, this includes breakfast, one way ferry ticket.

Ruth Boston GM, Sales & Marketing

112

GO NOW May 2014

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Michael Drake Associate Director of Sales

“The hotel is next to one of the biggest shopping malls in Toronto – the Toronto Eaton Centre. Shopping being one of the major attractions for Indian travellers, this hotel suits their needs perfectly. We also serve Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines at our restaurants. We can also make some special arrangements for Indian travellers, if informed well-before. The number of Indian dishes can also be increased in the menu for the convenience of our guests from India; we also serve vegetarian food to our Indian guests, on request. As the hotel is located in the middle of the city, so it is quite safe for the travellers as well. Indians love warm welcomes, hence, we have spe-

cial arrangements for that as well when we have an Indian guest coming at our hotel. We are focussing a lot on the MICE section.” Price: US$ 200 for standard room (excluding breakfast).

W Bangkok

Allen Howden Director of Sales & Marketing “We are a one year old property, and W, the brand in itself is our USP because we are a global power house focussing on music, fashion and design. The hotel is attached to the sky train in Bangkok; also the whole product is design-led. We are not a traditional luxury hotel, but a casual luxury hotel. We are a huge 407 bedroom hotel, so we are focussing both on MICE as well as leisure. With Indian chefs at our hotel, serving authentic food is not a problem. If our guests let us know in advance, then we also prepare Jain food for them. As Indian travellers like to be greeted on arrival by senior people, so whenever we have an Indian coming over, our General Manager or Hotel Manager personally meets and greets them.” Price: Online – 6000 Baht, Agent – 5000 Baht, this is for ‘Wonderful’ category of room.

Aerial view of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

The St. Regis Bangkok Lobby

Starwood rolled-out a programme last year, known as Indian Personalised Traveller. Sheraton Macao Hotel was the first to implement this programme Dilip Puri MD India and Regional VP, South Asia, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts

As Indian travellers become familiar with Starwood’s brands in India, we believe that they will look for our brands when they travel abroad. With a projected size of 50 million Indian travellers abroad by 2020, this market presents a fantastic opportunity for our hotels globally.

St. Regis, Bangkok Holger Jakobs Director of Sales and Marketing

“For the Indian traveller, at Starwood in general we do global personalisation at all hotels of Starwood. For them, we are looking at vegetarian meals and especially Indian meals. We are looking at tea rather than coffee, for them sometimes we find that they travel in families rather than just honeymoon couples. At St. Regis, Bangkok, we have 51 suites and only few of them are two bedroom suites. So we make them available at a very attractive rate, so that the family can stay together and they don’t need to ask for connecting rooms, which may or may not be available. Our USP is our butler service, we have 227 rooms and suites and all of them have private butler service. From the time you arrive at the hotel, they take you through your room and serve you the whole time during your stay. They unpack the whole luggage for you, offer ironing for your clothes and shoe shine, so that you are all ready to go out. We also offer complimentary tea and coffee service. Our USP is our address; it is always very special for all St. Regis hotels.” May 2014 GO NOW

113

hospitality Price: it ranges from 300$ - 350$ per night, it includes accommodation, full butler service component, free access to the spa and more. This is for the deluxe room

Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel Den Ferdinand V. Navarro Director of Sales & Marketing “We have our own Sheraton brand signature amenities which include the facility of ‘Collar your plate’, where we cater to different cuisines and if you don’t eat Pork and you are a vegetarian, then we can arrange things for you accordingly. As a majority of the guests are Indians, we include some items in our breakfast menu, like curries. We don’t have an Indian chef, but if we have a huge MICE group coming, then we can arrange for one as well. We have a global package for MICE specific travellers, so if someone books before June 30th, then the travellers can select rebates or additional amenities for the meeting planners and the guests as well.” Price: The low season is around 170US$, including breakfast and internet. These rates are specific to our property and are only valid for groups.

W Barcelona Jeanine Perie Director of Sales

“We have three hotels in Barcelona. As we have been working with the Indian market since 2011 and we very closely follow the recommendations of our Indian colleagues on offering special Indian meals, vegetarian as well as other Indian meals. We have had different chefs at the hotel who told us about the cuisine. If we have a MICE group coming from India, then we get a specialised Indian chef from outside. We also have tea/coffee maker facilities in the room. We have the facility of early check-ins and late check-outs for Indians because of the timings of the flights that are available. In Barcelona, we have three brand‘s presence, W in Barcelona is the only hotel on the beach, Le Meridien in Barcelona is at a very unique location, right at La Rambla. Then we also have Four Points by Sheraton as well. Le Meridien and W are most famous among Indian travellers, with individuals and groups respectively.” Price (starting from): Four Points by Sheraton: 70 Euros; Le Meridien: 170 Euros; W Barcelona: 195 Euros 114

GO NOW May 2014

Bali Resorts Collection Dewi Favre Sales Manager, Leisure

“We have total six Starwood properties, but the ones which have been recently launched are Sheraton in Kuta and Le Meridien in Jimbaran. The Indian market is becoming big for us and both of these hotels are equally focusing on that. We have a lot to offer – leisure, honeymooners and family and MICE, etc. Sheraton Kuta is perfectly located. Indian clients like being in a place in the centre with lot of shopping options, nightlife and restaurants. The property is in the heart of all this. It is attached to a shopping mall with a mesmerising view of the ocean. In terms of service, the brand is well-known. Le Meridien is perfect for guests looking for exclusivity and who wish to relish the Balinese experience. Its location is purely Balinese and not as crowded as Kuta. There is a huge category of rooms here, from rooftop ocean-view villas to two-

bedroom suites and more. We also have a rooftop Ballroom that is see-through and offers ocean views.” Price: Sheraton – 220US$ ++ (Deluxe room), Le Meridien – 200US$ ++ (classic room). The rates include breakfast.

Central London Hotels Michelle Petersen Director of Sales & Marketing

“Park lane in London is that property of Starwood that’s famous among Indian travellers as it meets the myriad needs of an Indian traveller. The rooms at Park Lane are spacious, which are good enough for families. Also we have seen Indian guests in large number arriving at Le Meridien Piccadilly. This hotel is extremely popular because of its ideal location. We have done some customisation for Indian guests as far as food is concerned. We have Indian Chefs who take care of the India palette and give them what they can’t get anywhere else. A

For the Indian traveller, Starwood looking at vegetarian meals and especially Indian meals. Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran

???

W Barcelona aerial view

W Bali

guest should feel at home when they are in your property and this is one of Starwood’s initiatives to make them feel at home. Some other customisations can also be done but they are primarily on request. So a guest has to give a prior notification to us if they are looking for some exclusive customised services. We are also in process of launching some Indian programmes, but that’s going to take time and has not been implemented yet.” Price: 180 pounds excluding breakfast for an entry level room (Classic)

East & Central Europe Evert Schuele Regional Director of Sales

“Eastern Central Europe is famous for both business as well as leisure perspective among Indian travellers. Lots of Indian multinational companies are looking for incentives as well as spaces for meeting venues in Europe. Germany is famous from the business perspective and Switzerland is popular from the leisure perspective. The Eastern part of the Europe is also coming back on the map of Indian travellers which

will include Prague where we have Sheraton hotel, Budapest, Le Meridien and hotels in many other destinations like Hungary, Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.” “We just opened a new Sheraton hotel in Zurich. Zurich is not just a hub but also is a very famous destination among Indian travellers. We have opened that property on 16th January. So there is a brand new Sheraton that’s ideally located, just 15 minutes away from the city centre. What is close to my heart is the Hotel Imperial in Vienna as it has under gone renovation in public areas including the restaurants and being an up-scale hotel it’s really famous among the affluent Indian travellers. Also we are seeing popularity of Luxury Collection brand in Odessa, Ukraine as well as in Germany among Indian travellers.” Packages: “We have Indian components in the breakfast buffet. Also it’s our motive to understand the culture of Indians and then act accordingly. We do have Indian Packages but they depend on seasonality and what the guest is demanding, be it a mono trip for a customer.” As told to ANUPRIYA BISHNOI and NIKITA CHOPRA

May 2014 GO NOW

115

summer getaways

SUMMER SOJOURNS Among options to chill during summers, Cruising, Vacations at hill-top destinations and Beach getaways are a few. GoNow brings you the most luxurious cruises to keep you pampered, hotels at exotic hilly destinations to beat the heat and some cool beach locations for that perfect summer experience. Flip through to select your preference for a romantic getaway or a family vacation!

CRUISE ME AWAY! One of myriad ways of unwinding and relaxing is to set out on cruise. For a while it helps you keep away from the crowd, allowing you to rejuvenate and enjoy some signature and impeccable services on board. GoNow helps you sort out all your queries and provides is rendering options of you in some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most luxurious cruises. Have a look!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

he worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first all-suite, all-balcony ship, Seven Seas Mariner features four gourmet restaurants with open seating. Hallmarks include generous amenities and a welcome spaciousness. It caters to only 700 guests taking care of your much needed intimacy. A trailblazer in the exclusive world of allsuite, all-balcony ships, Seven Seas Voyager exceeds even the loftiest expectations for luxury. Considering her size, the amenities are surprisingly plentiful and include four main dining venues. Seven Seas Navigator has few equals, as all accommodations are suites with ocean views, the majority with private balconies. Her 490 guests enjoy an unusual level of luxury and some of the highest space and service ratios at sea. This cruise includes Africa/India, Alaska, Asia/Pacific, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Grand Crossings, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and Tahiti. Marble appointments accent the bath, featuring a tub or walk-in shower. Enjoy luxurious amenities that transform your 116

GO NOW May 2014

suite into your home away from home. Concierge-Level Suites and above receive even more distinctive privileges. Indulge in a Sunday champagne and caviar brunch at La Veranda or Compass Rose. Some of the luxury activities you can indulge in are at the Casino, the connois-

seur club while the lounges are the ideal locales to sip a fine cognac. Also you can entertain yourself at Show Lounge where you can applaud some of the finest entertainment at sea. OFFERS Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona, 7 nights for $4,259, Vancouver to Anchorage (Seward), 7 nights for $5,189, Copenhagen to Stockholm, 8 nights for $6,899. Visit www.rssc.com/specials/ details for more options.

A trailblazer in the exclusive world of all-suite, all-balcony ships, Seven Seas Voyager exceeds even the loftiest expectations for luxury.

www.theleela.com

THE VIEW, HEART-STOPPING. THE STAY, HEART WARMING. Presenting Summer Getaways from The Leela. It's our way of making your summer holidays an experience like no other. Discover romance in Udaipur. Unwind at The Leela Goa. Or surrender to the bliss of Ayurveda at Kovalam. Each of these properties offer breathtaking views and services that's sure to have you returning soon.

May 2014 GO NOW

117

Crystal Cruises

rystal Cruises has become the benchmark by which clients and travel agents measure all other cruise lines. Its fleet include Crystal Harmony, that accommodates 922 passengers and Crystal Serenity that accommodates 1,070 passengers. Crystal Cruises sails to all seven continents, with voyages of 5-100+ days in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, North Cape & Arctic Circle, Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, Antarctica, New England/ Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous annual World Cruise. Extraordinary space has been dedicated not only to the staterooms and suite accommodations but also to the public spaces – extra-wide 360° promenade decks, lavish fitness and spa areas, full-sized cinemas and nightclubs, dedicated children’s areas, and various learning centres. Gourmet cuisine is served in a number of elegant venues including the spacious Crystal Dining Room, casual eateries, and intimate speciality restaurants, such as Silk Road and the Sushi Bar, featuring dishes

developed by celebrity restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa. Fine wines and premium spirits are complimentary throughout the ships. Penthouse guests also enjoy personal butler service; a bar stocked with complimentary wine, choice of liquor and evening appetizers delivered by their butler. The grand Crystal Dining Room features international cuisine and regionally inspired dishes based on the itinerary, and never repeats a menu, even on a 100-plus day World Cruise. Further, the intimate Vintage Rooms play host to the ultimate gourmet experiences with the first-ever at-sea special wine-pairing dinners. Also guests can swim laps in one of two swimming pools, play paddle tennis (two courts on Crystal Serenity), jog or power walk on the wide Promenade Deck, work out in a well-equipped Fitness Centre, polish their swing with golf instruction from PGA golf pros, and pamper themselves in the lavish Crystal Spa & Salon. PRICE: Jakarta to Singapore, 7 days for $2,035, Copenhagen to Tromso, 7 days for $3,355, Monte Carlo to Lisbon, 5 days for $1,970. For more details visit www.crystalcruises.com/OfferDetail.

Crystal Cruises sails to all seven continents, with voyages of 5-100+ days. Crystal Harmony and Crystal Serenity can accommodate 922 and 1,070 passengers respectively. 118

GO NOW May 2014

Azamara Club

ach year, thousands of travellers from all over the world choose Azamara Club Cruises. The reason could be their two boutique ships that are just the right size, so you'll never feel lost in a crowd in our bars and restaurants, or by the pool, or in the spa or fitness centre. It could also be because of a bartender who remembers your favourite drink or a senior officer who joins you for breakfast. It could very well be the simple fact that there’s just one person we're thinking about satisfying. Azamara fleet includes Azamara Journey that accommodates 694 guests. It’s other ship, Azamara Quest, can accommodate 688 guests. Every year the cruise visits a variety of fascinating ports in the Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Asia, South America, the West Indies and North America. Azamara offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or home cooking, you'll love the quality reflected in the fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and variety of menu choices. Drawing Room by Assouline, the

summer getaways

Cunard

ake a holiday with Cunard and you’ll enjoy the renowned luxury and excellent service that have attracted discerning travellers to their ships for decades. The fleet includes Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria that includes Queens Grill Suites, Princess Grill Suites, Britannia Club Balcony, Britannia Balcony Stateroom, Britannia Ocean view Stateroom and Britannia Inside Stateroom. Their Grills Suites rate among the most luxurious at sea, and offer a liberating sense of space from 335 to 2,249 square feet. Every detail in the Grills Suite reflects the dedicated attention and cultured elegance that define the essence of Cunard. Those staying in a Queens Grill Suite are treated to even more amenities such as priority luggage delivery, butler service and priority disembarkation. All of your on board meals are included in the main restaurants or the self-service buffet restaurants. Speciality restaurants can also be found on board and a nominal fee will apply for dining in these alternative restaurants. All of

b Cruises library is one of the quiet jewels of Azamara, a peaceful and beautifully appointed space for reading or relaxing after dinner. Browse the collection and feel free to borrow the library books. On board the intimate Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, guests receive exceptional and personal service and the cruise line’s authentic, exclusive services. Guests also enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world, as well as more inclusive amenities, such

as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, speciality coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships’ bars and English Butler service for suite guests. OFFERS From the Alcazar to Dali & Gaudi, 10 days for $3,399.00, Holy Lands & Journey of St. Paul through Greece and Turkey for $6,299 (Club Suite) for 12 nights, The Spice Route II & Myanmar across the Bay of Bengal to the colourful paradise of the Andaman Islands, then on to Myanmar for $6,149.00 (Club Suite) for 13 nights.

Azamara offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or down-home cooking.

Queen Mary 2 is the only ship to host a planetarium at sea. Take a virtual tour into outer space, view the stars and journey to the moon or take a course on celestial navigation. their ships offer exciting programmes for children and teenagers, aged 2-17 years. Queen Mary 2 is the only ship to have a planetarium at sea. Take a virtual tour into outer space, view the stars and journey to the moon or take a course on celestial navigation. The Royal Court Theatre, classically elegant in style, offers comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy the very finest award winning entertainment at sea. Lavish productions and musicals are performed in this theatre. Also the breathtakingly beautiful Queens Room with its crystal chandeliers is the perfect venue to enjoy a glamorous Cocktail Party, Captain’s Reception or Gala Ball. OFFERS: Mediterranean- Early Saver Balcony Stateroom, fares start from £1,149, Atlantic Isles, Early Saver Balcony Stateroom, fares start from £999 and Baltic & the Fjords, Early Saver Balcony Stateroom, fares start from £1,449. For more offers visit: www.cunard.com May 2014 GO NOW

119

?????????

Seabourn

ruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed – elegant, yet casual – sumptuous, yet understated. Destinations that Seabourn covers are Antartica and Patagonia, Arabia, Africa, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Medirrenean, Northern Europe, South America, Antarctica, Transatlantic. Step aboard any one of the ships – Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn or Seabourn Quest – and you’ll enjoy a sophisticated and luxurious journey like none other. You will feel as though you’ve been invited to sail on a private yacht. Helping you create the perfect day is something they take to heart at Seabourn. The lounges at Seabourn and decks are open and inviting, the ambiance relaxed and the variety of activities offered plentiful. Work out in your ship’s well-equipped fitness center, with cardio and resistance equipment. Strengthen your core with complimentary pilates and yoga classes,

or book a private session with a personal trainer. Expand your horizons in the library, at a port lecture or at one of the many inspiring enrichment pro grams. You can also get yourself pampered by Massage MomentSM on deck. Indulge your need for pampering at the spa, or pamper your palate at a food or wine tasting. Many voyages feature their signature Caviar in the SurfSM Beach Party or a Marina DaySM, inviting you to enjoy complimentary water sports right from the back of your ship. The art of conversation has always been central to the Seabourn experience. Measuring an ample 277 square feet or more, your Seabourn suite is an ideal haven. The sea is always in view, framed by the expanse of a five-foot picture window or the doors of your balcony or verandah. Fine Egyptian cotton linens, a fluffy duvet and king-sized down and feather pillows encourage the indulgence of afternoon naps. Sunshine enters your suite each day in the form of your personal suite stewardess. Whether she draws the warm, scented bath of your choice from our Pure PamperingSM menu or surprises you at night with a sprinkling of rose petals on your bed, she helps make your wishes come true. Everything you could ever want and more is here. From the complimentary insuite bar stocked daily with your personal favourites to the flat screen TVs and stereo systems, nothing is overlooked. OFFERS Arabia, Africa & India from US$4,999, Asia from US$3,999, Australia & New Zealand from US$5,999, Canada & New England from US$4,999, Mediterranean from US$1,999, Northern Europe from US$2,499. For more offers visit: www.seabourn.com

Measuring an ample 277 square feet or more, your Seabourne suite is an ideal haven. The sea is always in view, framed by the expanse of a five-foot picture window or the doors of your balcony or verandah. 120

GO NOW May 2014

Windstar Cruis

indstar’s small ship luxury cruises feel like your own private yacht- plush, gourmet cuisine, exceptional service and primarily because of exotic ports of call. With fewer than 300 guests, Windstar’s yachts are small enough to reach those destinations where others fail to reach, yet large enough to keep you entertained and pampered. Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships known for its intimate yacht style and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbours. Its three recently renovated sailing yachts carry 148 (Wind Star and Wind Spirit) to 310 (Wind Surf) guests and cruise to 50 nations and 150 ports throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Central America. As the size and capacity of cruise ships continue to grow, Windstar remains focused on small ships with less than 300 passengers. It believes its “private yacht style” creates truly unique guest experiences – access to places larger ships cannot go, excellent personal service and exceptional on shore experiences. Continuing its commitment to small-ship cruising, Windstar has recently added three new power yachts, Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze, to its fleet. The

Windstar Cruises operates a luxury cruise ships and is kn intimate yacht style and uniq world’s best small ports and h

summer getaways

SeaDream Yacht Club

ses additions also expand Windstar’s itineraries to Southeast Asia, Arabia, Iceland, and beyond. The Windstar free Private Event has been created solely for Windstar guests on all Tahiti and 2015 voyages. The nearly one-to-one staff to guest ratio is offered for exceptional service and pampering. Deck Barbeque on every voyage is offered and includes a 5-star buffet of grilled lobster tail, steak, freshly caught local seafood, and Windstar’s signature paella that’s cooked right on deck. Windstar’s captains and officers welcome guests on Bridge while the yachts are at sea. Guests can chat with the officers on watch, view the navigational chart, and enjoy some of the best views at sea Also the cruise has a Watersports Platform that is located at the back of the Windstar yachts and lowers to create a space for guests to make a splash. Guests can dive, waterski, snorkel, or kayak directly from the platform. Also the guests get to pamper themselves in the on-board pool and the hot tub.

eaDream’s twin, luxur y megayachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II were designed as prototypes for the ultra-luxury yachting experience. Teak decks, inviting seating and lounging areas with plenty of room to stroll or simply relax and watch the world go by with your favourite libation make for a memorable experience. With all the comforts of home and more, SeaDream yachts reflect a passion for style, quality and casual perfection. SeaDream’s award-winning 5-star service is second to none. From the moment you are welcomed aboard by the Captain it feels as if you are being welcomed onto your own private luxury yacht. With only a maximum of 112 pampered guests and an award-winning crew of 95, the crew to guest ratio provides each guest with SeaDream’s incomparable style and utmost important attention to detail. SeaDream I and SeaDream II feature a large retractable water sports Marina providing a variety of water sports activities. Play with glass bottom kayaks, try a SUP (stand-up paddle board), go water skiing, ride the banana boat, go tubing or boarding, go snorkeling, test your sailing skills on a Laser sailboat, go for a swim or kick back

and lounge on the floating island. All with the assistance of the yacht’s Marina staff. The Marina also has personal watercraft (PWC). SeaDream’s Champagne and Caviar Splash is held in SeaDream’s Caribbean voyages and is a true celebration of the yachting lifestyle as it exemplifies “Casual Perfection”. A toast to crew and guest alike to the good times they share and meeting aboard again. In lieu of a sandy beach, the celebration is held poolside. Some of the entertainment options here are – Casino, Starlit Movies, Piano Bar and Live Guitar. Choose from an extensive range of spa favorites such as our Asian Blend massage, Soothing Aroma Massage and Traditional Thai Massage. The SeaDream Spa is an experience that you will surely want to return to again and again. It provides voyages to Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Caribbean, Northern Europe and Asia-Pacific &Northern Australia. OFFERS Mumbai to Athens for 15 days for $8,900, Civitavecchia (Rome) to Civitavecchia (Rome) via Ponza, Italy, Amalfi, Italy, Capri, Italy, 7 days for $17,599 for The Owner’s Suite, San Juan to St. Thomas, 7 days for $7,599 for The Owner’s Suite. For more offers visit: www.seadream.com Researched by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

With all the comforts of home and more, SeaDream yachts reflect a passion for style, quality and casual perfection. Only a maximum of 56 couples are pampered by an award-winning crew of 95.

OFFERS Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras, Barcelona to Rome (or reverse) – 7 days for $2,199 pp, Venetian Passageways, Athens to Venice (or reverse) – 9 days for $3,999 pp, Barcelona – Lisbon, 8 days for $3,399 etc. For more offers visit: www.windstarcruises.com

fleet of small nown for its que voyages to the hidden harbours. May 2014 GO NOW

121

summer getaways

HILLY HOLIDAYS India is a home to some of the most-popular hill stations, which suits every kind of traveller. Exotic locations, perfect weather and impeccable services at the hotels make for the most memorable trips. GoNow brings to you options of must-visit resorts and hotels located on different hills of India which provide magical experiences and mesmerising views.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Leisure on top of a hill

Location: A picturesque 45-minute drive through forested hills from Shimla, the resort is located at an altitude of 2500 metres (8250 feet). From its vantage point on top of a hill, the resort looks out onto rugged mountains, snow-clad peaks, verdant valleys and a cedar forest. It allows guests the opportunity of immersing themselves in the breathtaking natural surroundings. The resort is located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, at the foot of the majestic Greater Himalayas. Architecture: Set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar, the 85-room resort has been built on the grounds where Lord Kitchener’s summer home once stood. It combines the charm and beauty indigenous to the region with all the luxurious and contemporary facilities. 122

GO NOW May 2014

Reflecting its gracious past, the interiors of the resort are luxurious and inviting. Burmese teak paneling, fire places, artworks and polished parquet floors covered with oriental rugs instill the spaces with an old world charm. Arched picture windows in the spacious lobby lounge offer expansive views, bringing in the beauty of the outdoors and flooding the public areas with the warmth of natural light. What to expect: The resort allows you to immerse yourself into the breathtaking natural surroundings. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and valleys from the guest rooms and suites, restaurants, outdoor heated whirlpool and the in-door heated swimming pool or take leisurely walks through the fragrant cedar forest, with a gourmet picnic hamper adding a special element to these explorations. Nature lovers and the more adventurous can explore the Himalayas and enjoy several outdoor and indoor recreational activities

such as trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, billiards and golf. Meanwhile, the luxurious Spa Pavilions and Spa Suites are tranquil havens to revitalize and ideal for those who would like to experience a holistic wellness programme, which combines rejuvenating spa treatments with yoga and meditation sessions. Special Offer: for a perfect Himalayan Vacation, the hotel offers a 2 night stay package at `18,000. This includes accommodation in the Deluxe Garden View room and a dinning credit of `1,500 per night. It also entitles you for a 15% discount on the spa therapies. The same package is available at `19,500 for a stay at the Premier Valley View room. The same is valid till 30th June 2014. factfile Address: Charabra Mashobra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India Website: www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_ wildflowerhall

The Tamara, Coorg A Magical Getaway Location: Lying on the gentle rolling hills of the Western Ghats – Coorg (Locally known as Kodagu). It is here on the outskirts of Madikeri town, nestled deep in the seemingly endless acres of emerald green coffee beans lies The Tamara Coorg. Tucked away from the city, this award winning exclusive resort is dotted with unnamed waterfalls which are a renowned haven for relaxation and a delight for gourmets. A pristine and mystical getaway, The Tamara Coorg is full of sensory experiences that will revitalise your body and soul for the adventures and excitement that lie ahead. Architecture: The Tamara Coorg is a luxury 56 key resort and presides over an estate of 170 acres of coffee and spice plantation. It is currently one of the very few exotic places in the world that is built inside a fully functional coffee plantation to give the guests a 360 degree coffee experience of ‘blossom to brew’. All the cottages are a perfect blend of classic charm and modern

amenities to provide guests an exquisite experience of divine comfort and breathtaking view of the misty hills of Coorg. Their friendly, knowledgeable concierge team is expert on the region, and strives to ensure each guest has treasured experiences at The Tamara, Coorg. What to Expect: Encounter an unforgettable dining experience at ‘The Falls’ – a Multi Cuisine Restaurant, ‘The Deck’ – a Lounge Bar and ‘The Verandah’ – a coffee shop. Whether it’s a formal fullcourse spread, local specialities, a quick bite on-the-go or a few lounge-about moments, the chefs take immense pride in whisking up the most delectable dishes which tantalises the taste buds of even the most seasoned travellers. One can also enjoy a magical and intimate candlelit dining experience by the waterfall, with the surrounding tree-lines glowing with thousands of fireflies. Special Offer: go for a long weekend to this land of tranquillity and take a quick two-day jaunt to the resort to relax, rejuvenate and re-energise. The package can be

availed at either the Suite Cottage or the Luxury Cottage. It includes accommodation for a couple in the luxurious cottages with an exciting list of in-room facilities. The package also includes all the meals at The Falls – the multi-cuisine restaurant. It includes various complimentary services, like Wi-Fi, chauffeur accommodation, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and more. factfile Address: Kabbinakad Estate, Napoklu Nad, Madikeri Taluk, Yevakapadi, Karnataka Website: www.thetamara.com

May 2014 GO NOW

123

summer getaways

The Chalets, Naldehra Quaint Pinewood experience Location: An offbeat resort located next to the 18-hole Naldehra golf course is placed in a cedar forest at 6, 000 ft. with every room having a view. You can enjoy with deodars in the backdrop and revel in the lyrics of nature and the music of the mountain winds. Sip steaming hot tea, as you gaze through the fluttering curtains at the most scenic mountain views and landscapes. Discover a sky which is like an artist’s canvas with its ethereal cloud formations and often a rainbow sketched across. It is a place of

leisure, recreation, family and corporate bonding, an ideal base for adventure activities and golfing. Architecture: this resort offers you accommodation in charming cottages built with pinewood logs using imported technology and wood from Finland. The quaint log homes have a small bedroom which opens into a living room with a working fireplace. A twisting staircase goes up to another bedroom with an inclined rooftop. Small manicured lawns and independent balconies lined with potted geraniums add to the Scandinavian ambience. Every unit at the resort has been very interestingly named, that either belongs to the region or has been

named after an adventurer of that region. Like, The Gerard Chalet is named after the brothers Gerard, who were amongst the earliest travellers and mappers of the area. What to expect: the resort has various different kinds of options for the accommodation of guests. From a Double Room to three different kinds of apartments, cottages with small kitchenettes, family chalets and bungalows with three and four room options. The revolving restaurant, ‘360 top of the World’ is an octagonal shape gastronomy den which can accommodate around 24 people at a time. Along with this, it also has The Garden Pavilion which offers authentic Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine. The ambience of the restaurant draws on the property’s mid-Himalayan setting and the surrounding woods. To spend some quality time, you can head to the bar – Peliti’s Tradition which has some of the finest spirits from around the world that you can enjoy amidst the mesmerising views of the Himalayas. On a warm sunny afternoon, do not miss out on enjoying a dip in the temperature controlled swimming pool at the resort. Special Offer: the summer holiday package at The Chalets for 2 nights and 3 days includes a welcome drink on arrival, complimentary cake, free accommodation for child below six years and meals according to your selected plan. The package is valid till 30th September 2014 and is priced at `14,990. factfile Address: Naldehra, District Shimla, HP, India Website: www.chaletsnaldehra.com

Span Resorts and Spa, Manali

Amidst the echoes of the river

Location: settled in the valley of the gods, 4, 500 feet above the sea level, Span Resorts and Spa is spread over an area of 10 acres, and offers a luxurious experience to its guests. The echo of the gem-like Beas River always comforts and adds to the whole ambience around the resort. Located on the Kullu-Manali highway the resort is located amidst deodars and pines. The natural beauty around the hotel has made it a perfect destination for 124

GO NOW May 2014

???

s a y la a im H e th in e d tu li u o S Location: It is ideally located mid-way between Nainital and Mukteshwar at an altitude of 7,200 feet at Snow View Point Gagar, Ramgarh. Several lakes, including Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal & Sattal are within 1 hour driving distance. Ranikhet, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bageshwar and Jageshwar are approximately 3 hours away and day excursions are possible with an early morning departure. It is 41 km away from the Kathgodam Railway Station and a 6-7 hour drive from Delhi. Architecture: Designed as a sprawling

vacation home that captures panoramic snow views from most rooms, Soulitude has been made with immaculate attention to detail, naturally integrating into its surroundings with a cheerful character. The Main House features 6 bedrooms, dining room & lounges and the adjoining Cottage has 4 bedrooms. What to Expect: Soulitude offers a bouquet of 10 exquisite rooms, personalized attention and all the luxuries of a fine vacation home. Fresh mountain air, spectacular 180-degree snow views, long walks, good food and warm hospitality….. Soulitude has just the right ambience for rest, relaxation and fun. Soulitude is ideal for those looking to get away from the clutter of the city. All the facilities that one could ex-

pect in a fine vacation home are available, including good food, warm hospitality, large beautifully appointed rooms, several open spaces, decks, delightful gardens & orchards. The peaceful environs of this idyllic hamlet have inspired Rabindranath Tagore, who is said to have written a part of Gitanjali here, and Mahadevi Verma’s former home is now open to visitors who are interested in Hindi literature. There are several beautiful walks & treks that start from Soulitude’s door. Special Offer: The room tariffs include taxes, breakfast for 2, and free Wi-Fi. Soulitude does not offer any packages or discounts. factfile

both private travellers as well as major Bollywood film units. Architecture: with triangular roofs, and intricate stone work, the resort’s architecture goes very well with the surroundings. The dark-green roofs surrounded by huge trees are a treat for the eyes. The thirty six cottages spread over the property offer unhindered views of the river and peaks. At twilight, one can watch the sun set from the sprawling wooden patios while the invisible crickets hum their night-songs. The rooms are divided into four different categories, namely, Grand Deluxe rooms, Premium Deluxe rooms, Elite rooms and Premier rooms. Whether one stays indoors or ventures out, the architecture of each cottage assures that they are always in

the midst of nature, the misty banks of the Beas a stone’s throw away. What to expect: the varied services at the resort together bring the highest level of luxurious experiences to its guests. The La-Riviera Spa by L’Occitane has four treatment rooms which drain away the stress with body wraps of honey and sesame or a pampering bath in a sea of aromatic flowers. The resort also has a dedicated helipad for its guests to arrive at even as they enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the valley. You can also get going with your workout regime at the Health Club at the resort which has modern technology in its facilities. Your trip to the resort isn’t complete without trying the myriad of gastronomic options. From Zensation, which is a Pan-Asian restau-

rant, to the Zing Zing Bar and the culinary wonderland – Walk around the world, the resort offers something for each guest. It also boasts of a pool bar, library lounge and café and a riverside restaurant. Special Offer: the continental plan at the resort starts at a price of `12,000. This is for the room category, Grand Deluxe. The same is available at `13,000 for a stay at the Premium Deluxe room. It also has special per day packages starting at `13,522 and three night packages starting at `40,566. The rates are valid till 31st October 2014. factfile

Slow down and rejuvenate

Address: Snow View Point, Gagar, Ramgarh, Nainital. Website: www.soulitude.in

Address: Kullu - Manali Highway, P.O. Katrain, Dist. Kullu (HP) Website: www.spanresorts.com

Researched by NIKITA CHOPRA

May 2014 GO NOW

125

summer getaways

REACH THE BEACH THIS SUMMER Beat the scorching heat of the summers by going on a vacation to the beach. Places like Goa, Kerala, and Bali are the favourites amongst travellers, when it comes to choosing a beach destination. GoNow brings to you offers from various hotels situated in some of the desirable beach destinations in India and abroad.

Romantic Rendezvous at Cidade de Goa

its natural beauty intact. Book a treatment at the In Balance Spa by Novotel to soothe your senses and feel beautiful this summer! factfile

Getting married this summer? And looking for a honeymoon destination? Head to Goa and enjoy a blissful journey at Cidade de Goa. The hotel offers a package for three nights, which gives couples a chance to enjoy their romantic getaway in a luxurious Deluxe room with a private sit-out and direct access to the beach. It also offers a complimentary Swedish massage session for two at the spa once during the stay. The hotel is a premier five star luxury beach resort, located at a picturesque location. factfile Price: `11,000 onwards, per room per night. For further details, visit: www.cidadedegoa.com

Discounted Spa offers at Novotel Goa Shrem Resort This summer, pamper yourself to the best Spa experience. Thereis a 50 per cent discount on special therapies such as Balinese treatment, Jet Lag massage, Detoxifying Sable body treatment and others. Sit back, relax and unwind while the nourishing touches of the expert therapists help you de-stress and keep your skin glowing with

Timings: 08:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs. Where: Novotel Goa Shrem Resort, Anna Waddo, Main Candolim Road, Bardez, Goa. For appointments, call: (+91)832 2494985

Family Vacation fun at Ramada Caravela Beach Resort Goa With three different categories of rooms, Garden View, Pool View and Ocean View, Ramada Caravela Beach Resort offers an all-inclusive package to its customers this summer. The package includes a two-way airport transfer, a cooling welcome drink on arrival and complimentary Wi-Fi facility. The package includes three scrumptious meals for the guests and offers happy hours at the Atrium Bar too. You can enjoy a half-day of sightseeing and the complimentary use of the gym and pool. If you are going with your child, then you can enjoy your holiday while the hotel takes care of your kid and organises daily activities for him. factfile Price: Garden View – `31,500; Pool View – `33,000; Ocean View – `35,000 For further information, call: 0832-669 5000

Romantic rendezvous at Cidade de Goa 126

GO NOW May 2014

summer getaways

Ramada Caravel Beach Resort: Beach Restaurant & Bar

Adapt a Healthy lifestyle at Spice Village, Kerala Complimentary Aroma Therapy at Vivanta by Taj Bekal

Leading its guests towards healthy living, Spice Village, a resort run by CGH Earth, offers a special Ayurveda package to soothe mind, body and soul. This package includes Ayurvedic meals that are customised to your body constitution

and which enhance the efficacy of the treatment. While on an Ayurveda package, if the doctor permits and depending on the nature of the treatment being taken, a guest can engage with some of the other offerings at Spice Village. The duration of the package can range from seven, 14 to 21 days. The package includes accommodation in the basic category of rooms and all taxes. factfile For further details, visit: www.cghearth.com

This summer Vivanta by Taj, Bekal offers a spa sojourn to its guests. The package includes a minimum stay of two nights for two people, breakfast and a spa meal (lunch or dinner, once during the stay). One session of Aroma Therapy for 45 minutes per person and a choice for a scrub or wrap or a head massage for 30 minutes per person is a part of the package. Along with this, you can also avail 10 per cent discount on Food and Beverage and 10 per cent discount on an additional spa treatment during your stay. factfile Price: starting from `33,500 (Superior Charm Room with balcony). When: Valid till 30th September 2014. For further information, visit: www.vivantabytaj.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201A; A standard villa at SpiceVillage

May 2014 GO NOW

127

The Terrace at Sinclairs Bayview Port Blair

factfile

Price: Starting from `34,740 (Deluxe Room) For further details, visit: www.sinclairshotels.com

Discover Andaman with Sinclairs, Port Blair

Sinclairs Bayview, Port Blair offers its guests a four day package with free accommodation for child below six years and takes you around the city. On this tour, you will visit the Cellular Jail, the Anthropological Museum, the Marine Museum, and the Cottage Industries Emporium. A trip to the Ross and North Bay Islands and the Jolly Buoy/ Red Skin Island is also a part of the package. Sightseeing will be done in an AC car and the package includes boat tickets, entry fees and airport transfers.

package, they also host group lessons for beginners in Archery, Yoga, Mountain biking and more. The kids can also play basketball, badminton, beach volleyball, soccer, squash, and other sports. factfile When: Valid till 31st October 2014 For further information, visit: www.clubmed.com

Special offers for the kids at Club Med, Bintan Welcoming kids of all age groups, Club Med, Bintan offers supervision for children two years old and above. They have Petit Club Med, Mini Club Med and Juniors Club Med for different age groups. They have planned different activities for the varied age groups. They provide them a place to discover creative, sports and artistic activities. As a part of the

Living Area of Pool Villa at The Chedi Sakala, Bali

The Ayurvedic pleasure at The Chedi Sakala, Bali

Stay a minimum of three nights at their luxurious suites and experience an exclusive and intimate hideaway in a Chedi Deluxe Suite or Chedi Cabana Suite. A spa treatment and a romantic dinner on the beach or the sky deck or the dramatic Kul Kul tower overlooking the Indian Ocean is also a part of the package. The package includes a daily buffet breakfast for two at The Restaurant and a return airport transfers along with a one-time 120 minute Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage for two with a complimentary bathing ritual. You can also avail the daily complimentary shuttle service to the shopping area in Nusa Dua. factfile When: valid till 20th December 2014. For further details, visit: www.ghmhotels.com

Researched by NIKITA CHOPRA

128

GO NOW May 2014

May 2014 GO NOW

129

tourism connect

it ir p s l a c lo e h t e c n ie â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Exper C e g n a r O h it w i in b a K and

If you come t our resort, y Kabini. And local Kabini 130

GO NOW May 2014

in Coorg County’

to Kabini and you visit you will feel the spirit of by Kabini I mean the i in every sense.

hat is the experience offered to the guests at Orange County? The Orange County goal is to preserve the purity of the nature and culture of the land. This is our mission statement, which means our idea is to build resorts that are inspired by the destination. Our Managing Director is an architect. We first study the local architecture of that place, and local lifestyle, kind of food and we bring all these things to our property. We put in the element of our luxury and high standard and good service with that. So, the guests stay in luxury but experience the local. We have one of our resorts in Kabini. There we found out about the Kuruba villages. These are the tribes who lived inside the forests. So, our resort in Kabini is inspired by these tribes. So the resort in terms of architecture, and styling and theme and activities has actually been inspired by the lifestyle of the Kurubas. We practice the same thing at all other properties too. We have two resorts currently and we are building a third one now and we have a fourth one in the pipeline. This is the stage of the brand. Hampi is a place known for the ruins of the Vijaynagara dynasty, 13th to 15th century. There, we are building a 13th century style, Vijaynagara-style palace. So the architecture is inspired from the Vijaynagara dynasty. So, wherever we go, we study the local architecture and we theme the resort according to the traditional local architecture. We relate our resort to the place we are in. How was Orange County started? We started with our first resort in 1994, and we are seven brothers out of which four of us are involved in the hospitality business. Otherwise we are originally planters; we own plantations of rubber and coffee. This is still a big business for us and the rest of the brothers are involved there. Some of us have moved into the hospitality industry. We are still in the business together. From the time we started, we didn’t have any great insight into brand management or the hospitality industry; it was absolutely new for us. But in the last seven to eight years, we have done a lot of work on the brand and nurtured it with very clear positioning – what the brand is all about and how we have to develop it. All things have been very carefully worked out and that has contributed a lot to the success of the brand. How is Orange County managed?

What role do the different brothers play? We are a small business in comparison to other huge brands. There are good points of having a small business, like our resorts are intimate and personalised. But we do not have anyone of us present in our resort at all times, so the resorts are being managed professionally. So we give our professional general managers, vice president and others the vision about how to run the resort and guidance on customer service, but we do not constantly interfere in the operations. It’s not really hands-on management in running the resort. But yes, marketing, sales finance and visioning are handled by us, the family. I look after marketing, my brother Cherian looks after sales, whereas, Abe is the Vice Chairman of the group. He is involved in finance, and then there is George Ramapuram who is the architect and looks after the projects and the designing the resorts. Our chairman is not full-time but he looks after plantations and helps in operations as well. What is the USP of Orange County Resorts? We try and capture the local in the resorts. The tag line is the ‘spirit of the land’. We capture the spirit of the land in our property. So if you come to Kabini and you visit our resort, you should feel the spirit of Kabini. And by Kabini I mean the local Kabini in every sense. Even the activities, everything is inspired by the local spirit. The activities for our guests are also inspired by it. For example, in Kabini we have bullock cart rides, and we have our own elephants, and we have coracle rides in the rivers and we also arrange visits to the local village. Everything is locally inspired. We will not bring in something which is alien to the destination. How do you incorporate Responsible Tourism? This is an integral part of our brand itself, so at every stage we incorporate it. We have an associate director for responsible tourism, who takes care of the local environment, community and other such aspects. Buying organic food, all kinds of areas, controlling recycling of wastes – we go to really great depths. Recently we had an audit and we were a part of TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers). They have given one of the highest ratings to us in India. The environment, local community and society are integral parts of our brand. May 2014 GO NOW

131

experience

Orange Country Coorg

What personal touch have you added? This is where the difference comes between a large and a small group. With a small group like us, we inculcate the personal touch in every part of our hotel and in everything we do. From architecture – even our switches are custom made and designed in-house. So, we go to that extent. We go to great lengths and details, in Kabini the lamp shades are made out of Bottle Gourd. So, it’s the details which makes the difference between good and excellent. What kind of guests do you receive? And how specialised do you get for delivering the perfect experience? In terms of guests, in India it depends on kind of destination you have your resort in. For our kind of brand, I would classify Coorg as a hill station which is very popular among the Indian clientele. Kabini serves a wildlife experience, which is again hugely popular amongst Indians as well. Next, we

are coming up in Hampi, which is a heritage place. We are expecting a majority of foreigners there. So, it really depends on where we put up the resort. That dictates the kind of clients we will get. But whatever clients we have, they are all high-paying and well travelled worldwide. So, the standards that they expect are high. Especially when both resorts are among the top seven hotels in India on TripAdvisor. So the guests already come with very high expectations. Our operations team has done a great job in continuously raising the benchmark and going a little beyond the high expectations of our customers. Since we are from a large family, we ourselves are very good with people. This is because from the times we were young we had the experience of interacting amongst ourselves and sorting things out. So we have this special skill of dealing with people. We have a very happy team at both the resorts. Ultimately if your employees are pleased with you, it will automatically

Jose Ramapuram Director Marketing, Orange County Resorts & Hotels

“The Orange County goal is to preserve the purity of the nature and culture of the land. This is our mission statement, which means our idea is to build resorts that are inspired by the destination.”

reflect in the way they handle the guests. How do you involve the local community? Out of all our employees 60 percent are from the local community. We are very big employers as our staff ratio is 4-5 employees to one room. We feel that 60 percent local and 40 percent outside employees is a good ratio. We should have a percentage of outside employees too as the cosmopolitan culture spreads among the locals also. If we include 90 percent of local staff, then these people don’t get to learn anything from outside people. When you have somebody from foreign country working alongside you, you get to learn a lot from his lifestyle, his culture and his behaviour. We have two government schools, and appointed teachers on our payroll. We have setup libraries, computer labs and a lot more in these schools. What are the future plans of Orange County Resorts? We have our hands full with this property coming up in Hampi right now as the construction is going on in full swing. I think it will be a real iconic property for South India and one of the most beautiful in India. We are hoping to build it to those standards. It will be a big boost for Hampi and our brand too. Our fourth property is still in the pipeline, we have not started with it yet, and we are planning to build it in South of Goa, in a place called Karwar. We have acquired the land. Now the clearance is in process. We are hoping to start construction at this property by early next year, when the clearance is done with. We are also looking at various other locations in India and abroad. as told to NIKITA CHOPRA

132

GO NOW May 2014

May 2014 GO NOW

133

metro travel

THE NEW GOLFING HUB: AHMEDABAD

Ahmedabad, of late must be explored beyond its various ashrams and is not meant just for ‘’business trips’’, especially after emergence of prime golf courses. Some of the golf courses at this destination are on a par with international standards and of golf courses in Indian metropolitan cities, beckoning more golfers. GoNow talks to spokespersons of the top golf courses in Ahmedabad about what’s making their courses more distinctive than others.

Gulmohar Greens

he biggest USP of Gulmohar Green is that it’s the closest golf course to the city of Ahmedabad (10 kms from Iscon circle). It’s a walking golf course with cart facilities available on request but doesn’t have a designated cart path. Alpesh T. Parikh, Managing Director, Gulmohar Greens-Golf & Country Club Ltd. says ‘’Gulmohar Greens is a 9 hole par 36 golf course with water bodies on 6 holes making it a very challenging golf course to play on. The USGA slope rating is 127 and USGA course rating is 69.4 which make it among the golf courses which really challenge a club player. In addition to this it is a fully functional family club which includes a sports complex (one of its only kind in this part of the country) spread across a one lac sq. feet. This includes sports like swimming, badminton, squash, billiards, table tennis, aerobics and tennis. It has a gymnasium and a spa of international standards, as well as a children play area with cars and a mini train. It has 32 rooms including six suite rooms all facing the golf course. It has five different restaurants offering various cuisine and party lawns. It has four different lawns for groups from 100

134

GO NOW May 2014

to 10000) for big corporate events or destination weddings. It has two conference facilities and finally a membership strength of 3800 plus members.’’ The golf course also has a 13 Bay Flood Lite golf academy. They have two golf pro’s who offer golf lessons. They offer learning packages such as for Juniors, AdultBeginners, Adult-Advance, Ladies-beginner, Ladies-Advance. They also offer family lessons and corporate golf clinics. Gulmohar Greens has been designed by Indian Golf Architect, the late Col. K.D. Bagga from Delhi. “The highlight of the golf course is that an Indian golf architect has designed a golf course which is on a par with any other international golf design. The water bodies on 6 holes, with its number nine green – which is an island green – gives the wow factor to the design”, adds Parikh. Talking further about the most challenging hole at the course Parikh says “Almost all hole challenge the golfers however the par 5 hole no 7 is a long 550 yards dog legged hole with a long and undulating green which makes it’s a very challenging hole. The long par 3’s close to 180-190 yards are also very challenging.’’ Recently the golf course concluded a Gujarat Gulmohar Open golf tournament (in the month of November 2013) and it was followed by a two month long AB

JEWELS Gulmohar Greens Masters Trophy (started on 26th January and went on till 16th March 2014) in which 130 golfers participated in a league and knock out tournament for the club players. ‘’Gulmohar Greens was also the host to the green keepers seminar sponsored by Indian Golf Union in November 2013 for Western India. The seminar was conducted by renowned chief scientist from the Asian turf grass centre, Dr. Micah Woods. In addition to this, we had one of the top Indian golfers Anirban Lahiri practising at the driving range when he came to participate in one of the PGTI tournaments in Ahmedabad’’, adds Parikh. Also Parikh has something to share about the golf scene in the city. ‘’The greens varies from 400 to 600 sq. metres in size. Golf itself is still in its nascent stage in Gujarat and Ahmedabad with over-supply of golf courses which has real estate implications while golfers are not still as many in numbers. However the good part about the various golf course owners in Ahmedabad is that we all have the will to do better for golf in Gujarat as a whole. Two we try to help with each other’s problems about golf courses and are ready to help one other through good cultural practises and are more collaborative then just being competitive.’’

May 2014 GO NOW

135

Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Course

he idyllic golf cour se in Ahmedabad, Kalhaar Blues & Greens is a world class championship 18 holes, 7425 yards, Par 72 layout designed by Nicklaus Design, a company owned by the legendary golfer and golf icon Jack Nicklaus. It is the longest golf course in the country today. The project includes a Golf Academy with a practice range that caters to beginners, amateurs and professional golfers as well as a pro shop offering a comprehensive range of equipment, apparel and accessories. KBG is regarded as one of the best golf facilities in India today. Built with strict USGA standards, the course boasts of 14 water bodies and very interesting and challenging green complexes. The course is a classic “Florida Style Parkland Golf Course”. With Championship conditions guaranteed 365 days a year, it is a treat to play KBG in any weather, any time of the year. Developed by the Navratna Group, the course complies with the United States Golf Association (USGA) specifications as well as the stringent and exacting standards of ‘Nicklaus Design’, making it one of the most exclusive and prestigious golf courses in the country. Devang Shah, Managing Director, Navratna Organisers & Developers Pvt. Ltd says “We have a 14 room boutique

136

GO NOW May 2014

villa hotel with banquet facility, a swimming pool and a meeting room with large lawns for outdoor parties. We also have a club house with a pro-shop and a lounge. The layout offers unique challenges and aesthetics, such as sand and beach bunkers and 14 bodies of water that cover over 35 acres. In addition, the course features a scenic ‘Island green’ on Hole No. 7 – a 174 yards, Par 3. The course has been designed to be a cart course.” About the most challenging hole he says “the most challenging hole is hole number 6, from the championship tees, it measures 525 yards, par 4. It is the longest Par 4 in India with water coming in play on the right side.” Also KBG hosted some big scale events. “In January 2014, we hosted the PGTI Ahmedabad Masters presented by Kalhaar Blues & Greens, first event of the newly launched Super Series of 7 events. We had a full field including the highest ranked Indian Golfer in the world Anirban Lahiri, SSP Chowrasia, Rahil Gangjee, Rashid Khan, Himmat Rai, Mukesh Kumar, Chiraag Kumar, Shamim Khan, Angad Cheema and Abhnav Lohan to name a few. Anirban Lahiri eventually won the event. We received great reviews of our golf course from all the pro golfers who played in that event”, adds Shah.

Kensville

he darling golf destination of ace golfer, Rishi Narayan, Kensville is located at the idyllic location of Dev Dholera, 40 kms from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This golf course is a fantastic weekend golf destination with an extensive mix of golf, food, de-stress zones and Ayurveda therapies. Col. K D Bagga, one of the only Indian Golf course architects, in conjunction with India’s most famous golfing hero Jeev Milkha Singh has designed the par 72 Championship layouts. The challenging greens, with standard par 3, 4 and 5’s and lots of hazards makes it a risk reward course, where rewards are few and risks galore depending on the tee you choose to test your game. For most amateurs and on non-tournament days the course plays very easy from the club tees. The front nine is a linear layout with very few trees, but the back nine has a fair share of hanging branches to catch the loose ball. Sameer Sinha, Managing Director of Kensville says “Being the only Jeev Milkha Singh signature golf course makes it very unique. The course is one of the longest

metro travel The Belvedere Golf and Country Club

lay outs in the country and is nestled in a beautiful country side with rice plantations all around it. It is also one of the few Golf courses with residential accommodation in 55 fantastic rooms available within a 100 meter walk of the first tee.” The Kensville Golf Academy is a unique offering from Kensville Golf & Country club, because of its ideal location. The Academy is situated in the heart of Ahmedabad and on the new arterial road, the SG Highway. The easily accessible location makes it unique, as not many cities in India have the luxury of having a Golf Academy in the middle of the residential and commercial district. Sinha further adds “the 620 yard par 5, 17th is a test for any level from the back tees, and it plays 590 yards from the club tees. The course has fairway bunkers, water for a stray shot, and OB to protect it against the long ballers. The undulating green makes it very critical to place the ball on the right quadrant to avoid counting up to 8 or 9.” Also they are open to non-members. “Though membership was by way of ownership of property at Kensville Golf

he Belvedere Golf and Country Club spans over a lavish 100 acres with a 9-hole Golf course, The Belvedere Golf & Country Club promises to be the only one-of-its-kind in the country with its luxurious and wide offerings within the premises. The golf course has been designed intelligently and thoughtfully to let you and your family experience more than just “golfing”. The swimming pool, the indoor games, the tennis and squash courts, the library, the lounges, the exclusive restaurants and cafes and the party cottage are some of the options where you can indulge in at this golf course. The golf course is a 3113 yard, 9 hole design which plays to a par of 36. This golf course has an exclusive clubhouse area for your various cravings that encompasses Business Centre, Indoor games and entertainment like 5 Table Tennis Tables, 6 Billiards/Pool Tables, Card room that can host 70-75 people, with four exclusive cabins, Separate area for board games (Capacity of 30 people), a mini-theatre that can seat 30 people. Also the Clubhouse offers facilities like Gym & Spa, Outdoor games area that includes 4 International class Lawn Tennis Courts, Basketball and Volleyball Court, Skating Rink, spread over 7,500sq. ft. of pure fun, 4

& Country Club, we have now launched membership in the tenured categories on an invitation basis”, adds Sinha. The course is in the middle of a 1000 acre residential community. The community boasts of a country club, with all sporting facilities, such as swimming pool, squash, badminton and tennis courts, Table tennis and a children’s play area. The country club also has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a golf club dedicated to golfers fully equipped with showers and locker facilities. Above all, there are fantastically designed 55 luxurious rooms which have brilliant views of the golf course from various levels for the guests to spend quiet weekends away from home with a bit of everything thrown in. Over and above all this there is a state of the art Kensville Ayurveda Centre promoting and helping you attain general well-being and to de-

standard size indoor badminton courts designed according to international norms. Total size of this complex is 8500 sq. ft., 2 Squash courts right next to the outdoor game area that has a viewing area around the court with comfortable seating arrangement. The cricket Stadium is also quite an attraction which is spread over 7 acres and a pavilion that can seat 5000 spectators. The banquet house is ideal for conducting small or big gatherings where it can be divided into 3 smaller halls, with capacity of 1000, 500 and 200 person respectively. The layout also has a driving range with 18 bays which is about 270 yards long. The driving range complex also has a training and game analysis room with sophisticated V1 Pro video analysis tools and a Sam Putt Lab tool which uses ultrasound to analyse your putting stroke. stress you and completely recharge your body for the gruelling work-life in the city. “Kensville Golf and Country Club, can perhaps boast of being the only golf club in India outside of Delhi and Bangalore to have had the privilege of hosting three major international golf events. The Gujarat Kensville Challenge held each year between 2010-2013 which were all Euro 300,000 prize money events which were promoted and hosted by the Kensville Golf & Country Club. The tournament, which was a part of the European Challenge Tour and was co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India, attracted 120 of the best talents across Europe and India. The events were won by Gaganjeet Bhullar, Max Kiefer and Shiv Kapur, who are all playing on the main European and Asian tours on a full card”, says Sinha. Researched by ANUPRIYA BISHNOI

May 2014 GO NOW

137

delhi update: this summer in the capital

Myriad fun filled offers at Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel

hangri-La’s - Eros Hotel, New Delhi invites guests to spend quality time with an endless array of fun activities like swimming lessons, Hand and Foot Massage, refreshing kulfi treats. Also Café Uno organises a special kid’s club for all the little ones to have a day full of fun and frolic while their parents let their hair down and relax. The brunch features an international cheese counter, exotic seafood bar, sushi, antipasti platters, a freshly baked bread station, and Indian and Western delicacies to choose from.

When: 0700 hrs - 0800 hrs, 1700 hrs - 1800 hrs and 1800 hrs - 1900 hrs, Monday to Thursday (Swimming), Kulfi Mania is valid till 31st May, Noon to 3:30 pm (Café Uno) Price: `15, 000 per month for 16 Swimming lessons, Foot Massage: `1,000 plus applicable taxes for thirty minutes massage, Hand Massage: `800 plus applicable taxes for thirty minutes massage, `3,200 plus taxes per person with unlimited champagne, `2, 500 plus taxes per person with unlimited soft beverages. `1,500 plus taxes for kids buffet (Café Uno). For further information contact: 011 4119 1919

Summer awakening at The Imperial Salon

ith the advanced hair and scalp rituals, the team of experts at the The Imperial Salon – Ladies will regenerate your hair with nurturing and beautifying oils. The package includes your choice of facial with personalised skin analysis and face mapping by the aesthetician. You can also experience hair ritual with scalp diagnosis, which includes relaxing scalp, neck and shoulder massage with wash and blow dry. In addition to this, you can also opt for your choice of Imperial Manicure/Pedicure. The Imperial Salon – Men offers a session of Homme Gold Ritual with scalp massage and hair therapy combined with a relaxing Imperial Manicure and Pedicure.

When: Valid till 30th June 2014 Price: The Imperial Salon – Ladies: Duration: 2.5 Hours; Price: `8,500 + taxes The Imperial Salon – Men: Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes; Price: `3,800 + taxes For further information, contact: 011-23341234 138

GO NOW May 2014

Unlimited alcohol buffet at Hyatt Regency Delhi You can now spend your Saturday night with lavish buffet and unlimited alcohol at Cafe, Hyatt Regency Delhi. The buffet includes a range of authentic Indian and international cuisines, lavish spread of cold mezza treats, live tandoor station offering New World Kebabs, organic farm fresh salads and a selection of desserts, fruits and ice creams. Along with this, the resident guests, as well as the walk-in guests, with a valid ID proof can enjoy a 90 minute Stone Therapy, or a 60-90 minutes Swedish massage at Club Olympus spa and fitness centre.

Price: the unlimited alcohol buffet starts at `2,750; Stone Therapy: `5,700; Swedish massage: `4,050 For further information, call: 011-26791234

delhi update: this summer in the capital

Sunday Brunch and Tropical therapy at The Grand

he Italian specialty restaurant at The Grand, IT offers a sparkling Sunday spread this summer. Delight your taste buds with an elaborate buffet and a variety of hors d’oeuvres elegantly complimenting unlimited sparkling wine. You can also relish the spectacular alfresco experience at IT, and make your Sunday’s a memorable experience. Along with treating your taste buds you can also delight your body with the goodness of coconut and cashew nuts at Spa Oasis, The Grand. This 90 minute therapy will remove the dead cells and leave your body, soft and glowing.

Timings for Brunch: Noon to 3:00 pm. Price for Spa: `5,500 For reservations, please contact: 011-26705408 (Brunch); 011-26705550 (Spa) or mail: Italian@thegrandnewdelhi.com (Brunch); spa.oasis@thegrandnewdelhi.com (Spa)

F&B and exclusive spa offers at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa

THE SURYAA OFFERS VARIOUS F&B DISCOUNTS

eat the heat this summer with a plunge at the outdoor pool at The Suryaa New Delhi. Apart from this, the guests will get 50 per cent discount on food & beverage up to a table of 10 pax – 2 vouchers, complimentary voucher for two glasses of house wine – 2 vouchers, complimentary voucher for half kg cake – 2 vouchers, 50 per cent discount on a minimum of 2 kg cake (upto 5 kg ) – 1 voucher, 50 per cent discount on room bar rate – 2 vouchers and 20 per cent discount on usage of spa & salon facilities – 2 vouchers.

Yaki Tori at Saturday Lunch

When: Pool offer Valid till 31st July 2014 and Dining So Memorable Card benefits and vouchers would be valid till December 31, 2014 Price: `15,000 per person for a month (pool) For further information contact: 011 4780 8080

ome of the offers that The Metropolitan offers to the guests are Sakura Saturday Lunch Special where you can indulge yourself in a lavish sumptuous sit – down lunch of unlimited Japanese fare coupled with unlimited beer, Met Exotic Package where the guests pay for three nights and get the fourth night stay for free and exclusive offers on rejuvenating spa therapies for Summers at NeoVeda Spa where an exclusive offering of rich Aromatherapy Massage and Yoghurt and Turmeric Skin Smoother will rejuvenate you with its therapeutic and holistic benefits.

When: 12:00 noon to 3 PM (Sakura) valid till 31st August, Room package is valid till 30th June, Spa offer valid till 31st May Price: `2600 + Taxes per person (Sparkling Wine or Beer), `2,200 + taxes without Alcohol per person (Sakura), `6, 666 per couple (Room offer), `7,000+ Taxes for 75 minutes (Spa) May 2014 GO NOW

139

delhi update: this summer in the capital Discounts on accommodation at Radisson Blu Hotel, Paschim Vihar

t Radisson Blu Hotel, Paschim Vihar, make a booking before 31st May 2014 and enjoy 25 per cent off the best available rates on weekend nights. This offer is exclusive for club Carlson member and the guests. The guests who stay for three nights will get a night’s stay free. When: Valid till 31st may. For further information contact: 011-43699999

Dining gets interesting at WelcomHotel Dwarka

Pleasant summers at Crowne Plaza Today Gurgaon

rowne Plaza Today Gurgaon is celebrating the season of summers by offering valuable packages with luxurious facilities. Valid for Deluxe Room, this package includes Wi-Fi and Club Lounge Access, happy hours at Club Lounge and two hours boardroom

access for once during your stay. This package is available for `9,000. Along with this, they are also offering a spa package, with which you can avail 30 minutes spa treatment at Spazzo the spa and room for two at `5,499. For further information, call: 0124-4534000

Value for money at Lemon Tree Hotels

ou can get 50 per cent off on Second Night exclusively for their flagship hotels at Delhi Aerocity- Lemon Tree Premier, Delhi Airport and Red Fox Hotel, Delhi Airport. Here, you can enjoy a two nights stay and get 50% off on the second night. This offer also includes a complimentary American Buffet breakfast, Free WiFi 24X7 plus 500 bonus Lemon Tree Smiles reward points on each booking. The Summer saver, ‘Flat 15 per cent off’ offer serves guests with a flat 15 per cent exclusive discount on accommodation and a scrumptious buffet breakfast complimentary along with Free Wi-Fi 24x7 plus 500 bonus Lemon Tree Smiles reward points on each booking.

For further information, visit: www.lemontreehotels.com

140

GO NOW May 2014

njoy a leisurely meal with a wide array of popular live stations; fun filled activities and some interesting entertainment adding up to the Sunday Brunch excitement at WelcomHotel Dwarka.

Venue: Pavilion 75. When: All Sunday’s Timings: 1230 hours to 1600 hours Price: Brunch `1300 + taxes per head (nonalcoholic beverages), `1,500 +taxes with premium beverages. For further information contact: 011 4222 9222

Fun for kids at The Lalit New Delhi

uring these summer vacations, you can bring your kids to the hotel for some learning experiences. On Mondays, they have scheduled special yoga classes to build self confidence, improve concentration and enhance their immune systems. The programme for Wednesdays include Art & Craft for encouraging kids to sketch their imagination on paper. On Fridays, the kids can enjoy a session of water aerobics, which is a fun way to help them become more active, and channelise their instincts to move in a productive, invigorating way.

Price: `12, 000 per child, per month Timings: Yoga – 10:00 am to 11:00 am; Art & Craft – 11:00 am to 12:00 noon; Water Aerobics – 10:00 am to 11:00 am For further details, contact: 011-44447777

delhi update: this summer in the capital

SPEND A RELAXING WEEKEND AT VIVANTA BY TAJ

ith a special weekend wellne s s packa ge, Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon invites you to enjoy a 30 minute complimentary massage at the JIVA Spa. The package also includes breakfast and a drop to nearby malls within a five km radius. You can also avail discounts on food and soft beverages, laundry and telecom as a part of this package. Early checkin and late check-out is also possible, subject to availability. So, this summer have a relaxing weekend and get away from the hustle-bustle of the daily routine.

Luxurious treat at Hyatt Gurgaon

or the traveller who likes to take mini-vacations throughout the year or just wants to step out for the weekend with friends and family, Hyatt Regency Gurgaon offers great deals on rooms and Suites. In the spacious 44 sqmt rooms and 88 sqmt suites, you will find a comfortable and relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Weekend Getaway Packages are valid for bookings made on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. As a part of this exclusive package, one can enjoy a luxurious weekend stay, a sumptuous Buffet breakfast, a meal of their choice at Lavana, the fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Awadhi cuisine and Complimentary Internet services. Price: Single Occupancy – `4000 plus tax per night, Double Occupancy – `5000 plus tax per night When: till 30th September, 2014

Price: Room rates starting from `7, 000 + taxes For further details, visit: www.vivantabytaj.com

Learn from the Culinary Master Class at Taj Mahal

earn the art of presenting and making Sushi with Chef Yamamoto Masamitsu, who is one of the best trained chefs by legendary Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The chef opens his kitchen this summer to roll out exclusive learning sessions for his guests. Post the sessions, you can enjoy an exquisite and mesmerising three course sushi lunch. If Sushi doesn’t interest you, then you can learn the tricks of making a delectable three-course Indian meal with Chef Manoj Goel. The Chef will unveil the secrets of his most prized recipes with an opportunity to taste each course. The culinary experience will be followed by an exquisite three course lunch.

For further details, call: 011-66513030; or mail: tmhconcierge.del@tajhotels.com

Weekend fun at Eros Hotel New Delhi Nehru Place

tay over the weekend and get best deals offering great value for money. With a check-in on Saturday and check-out on Sunday, the package includes, Saturday dinner buffet for two, lavish Sunday brunch and 20% discount on spa/salon services. Kids can also have fun with a complimentary meal for kids up to five years, and 50 per cent off for up to 15 years, latest kids’ DVDs are also available on request. You can access the swimming pool and go for fun activities during your stay. Special discounts are available on group bookings. Price: `9,999 per room per night When: valid for bookings till 31st August 2014 For further details, visit: eroshotels.co.in

May 2014 GO NOW

141

last page

A Guide to Travelling with Children

could help even with fussy eaters.

Middle Eastern delights

Sitting down to a traditional Middle Eastern Mezze is a great way to introduce children to new flavours when travelling in the region. “A Mezze consists of a number of small dishes that are picked at leisure and perfect for sharing, so children can be encouraged to taste small samples of new flavours. Kibbeh, a torpedo-shaped fried croquette stuffed with minced beef or lamb can almost be sweet in flavour and is often particularly popular amongst children,” says Arman Bin, Head Chef at Anise, InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

Simple and satisfying in Japan

“T

aking a vacation as a family is a great way to bond. Ever y trip your children ta ke helps them to develop a keener sense of the world, open their eyes and minds to new cultures, sights, sounds and flavours, and grow to be global insiders,” says Bruce Ryde, Director Brand Management, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, IHG Asia, Middle East & Africa. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts have developed an Insider Guide as a handy resource, to help you create unforgettable moments on every trip you take with your young ones. Packed with helpful tips from industry experts as well as insider knowledge, this guide will bring you one step closer to having everything you need for a worry-free family holiday with your little globetrotters. The guide includes details of how you should pack while travelling with kids and things that you should take care of while going around at the destination and ordering food.

Packing for the young ones

Taghred Chandab, an award-winning children’s author suggests packing a childfriendly guidebook or creating a picture based tick sheet for children aged between five to seven as this ‘helps them to tick off 142

GO NOW May 2014

Packing a camera: A child’s eye view of the trip can be quite an eye opener! the sights they see and the places they visit, helping them to remember and making it a more enriching experience.’ For older children, Taghred highly recommends packing a scrapbook or a travel journal. Some children are natural collectors and you may be pleasantly surprised at what is precious to them, such as ticket stubs or foreign coins. To get your children more involved on the holiday, you can also pack a durable camera that they can use on the trip. It can be a fun project and get them excited about all the new things they are going to see. It is also a great way to recycle old cameras and soon-to-be-vintage camera phones. A child’s eye view of the trip can be quite an eye opener!

Introducing kids to diverse food palates

Regardless of whether you’re an adult or a child, a common aspect everyone looks forward to when visiting a new place is food. Getting your children as excited as you are about new eating experience

Food in Japan goes far beyond raw fish and sushi. Children might find Yakitori- grilled skewers of meat and vegetables - that are usually just a few bites each and come in an incredible array of combinations. Traditional Miso soup is a great introduction to Japanese cuisine as it is a simple, slightly salty broth made with vegetables and tofu that is gentle on a developing palate.

Sweet Singapore

The Singapore breakfast of soft-boiled eggs and kaya (a sweet coconut jam) toast is a traditional and much loved dish by both children and adults. Also, dotted around the city you will come across numerous ice-cream vendors that sell the crowd pleasing ‘ice-cream’ sandwich, which is made by cutting off a rectangular chunk of delicious ice-cream (exotic Durian flavour is a must try) and wrapping this in a thick wedge of sweet multi-coloured bread. It is a perfect treat on a hot day that the young ones are sure to love.

Warming snacks in Australia

You can’t visit Australia without sampling a tasty meat pie. Baked with love, the hand sized meat pie with crusty pastry contains minced meat and gravy, sometimes with onion, mushrooms and cheese, and is often eaten as a takeaway snack. One of the best venues to sample this Aussie favourite is the famous pie cart Harry‘s Café de Wheels located in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. Harry’s specialty meat pie is topped with mushy peas, mashed potato and gravy and it is not one to miss. The whole manual is available at: http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/ hotels/gb/en/global/explore/ communications

RNI No. DELENG/2000/3645 Posting Dt. 4-9/05/2014 Licence No. U(C)-299/2012-2014 W.P.P. at NDPSO Postal Reg No. DL-(C)-01/1250/2012-14

Date of Publication: 03/05/2014

"This is Thailand ...

Amazing Family Holiday Destination" Abhinav Chaturvedi & Family

Tourism Authority of Thailand New Delhi Office: B - 9/1A, (GF) Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057 Tel: 91-11-46741111, 41663567-9 | Fax: 91-11-41663570 Email: tatdel@tat.or.th | Facebook.com/tat.newdelhi Tourism Authority of Thailand Mumbai Office: 45 Free Press House, 4th Floor, 215 Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 | Tel: 91-22-22042727-8 | Fax: 91-22-22042729 Email: tatmumbai@tat.or.th | Facebook.com/tat.mumbai

Facebook.com/Tourismauthorityofthailandindia Twitter.com/ThaiAmazesYou