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from 2017-08 Sydney (2)

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Our Independence Day special issue cover story was on off-the-tourist-map travel in India

Kanchan K Kukreja, Assistant Director of India Tourism, Sydney wrote: Travelling through India’s landscape on two wheels is an interesting way to appreciate the small details of Indian life that go unnoticed when using faster modes of transport. Whilst cycling through this vast country, one goes from high-altitude mountain-biking in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh to gentle meandering along the back roads of rural Rajasthan and coastal Kerala. Cycling across the Himalayas in the Ladakh region is a challenging and extremely rewarding journey by bike, crossing ve passes including the world’s highest, Khardung La, at 5,602 metres.

Presenting a unique cycling holiday is through the smallest and most diverse state - Sikkim - rich in culture and heritage. The main peak of the Himalayas in Sikkim is Kanchenjunga; standing tall at over 8,500 metres it is the third highest mountain in the world. Though an ideal venue for mountain biking, one can also stop and experience the breathtaking views of this majestic peak throughout the trip.

Exploring Rajasthan on two wheels besides enjoying the scenic beauty of the state with visits to forts, palaces, temples, city monuments and remote villages and wildlife reserves, in addition to some unique experiences on the road, is the perfect way to gain real insight into the many facets of Rajasthan. Despite being less visited compared to the north, South India is no less exciting and vibrant. At the southern tip of India the state of Kerala, and to its north, the state of Karnataka, encapsulate everything that is magical about these tropical region- traditional towns, a mix of mountainous and coastal landscape, endless white-sand beaches and sensational south Indian cuisine. Starting out from Mysore and ending up in Trivandrum, this easy-paced cycling holiday provides a great way to explore this colourful part of India. Heading south, the ride passes through the cool heights of the Western Ghats where the sanctuaries at Bandipur and Mudumalai.

After crossing the hill-station of Ooty at 2240 metres in the Nilgiri Hills, a rolling hill-country ride and amazing descent takes you into Kerala for a chance to laze on the beach and re ect on an unforgettable experience of rural India.

Melbourne Voted Most Liveable City

For the 7th time, Melbourne has once again been named the world’s most liveable city by The Economist. And, Sydney was ranked 11th. Ouch! When we shared this story with our readers and some of them were quick to agree. Ash Uchil wrote: Yes, I read it this morning.....well looking forward to living there now

Faiza Shoukat wrote: Love u Melbourne!

Looking at ways of building relationships with India… we now have a female Foreign Minister who is very keen on fashion diplomacy Aust High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu on Lakme Fashion Week

The Indian team is full of con dence. And if India can beat South Africa, Australia and England in away conditions, there’s no doubt India is the world’s No1 team Former Aust captain Michael Clarke

Meeting Aishwarya At Melb

Raj Gondaliya from Melbourne was at the right place at the right time when he and his wife met Aishwarya Rai Bachchan when she was there for IFFM. Raj shares his experience

We all know Aishwarya as an actress, but I can add that she is a humble and warm person as well. As she was about to go for an interview with Rajeev Masand, my wife and I asked her for a photo with her and I can’t believe how considerate she was. She didn’t want us to wait till her interview nished so she asked us to come forward to pose for a photo before it. We had an opportunity to have a quick chat with her, and it was a pleasure talking to her. She’s been in the industry for long but is still grounded. It was also good to see Aaradhya with her during ag hoisting ceremony. She is a hands-on mother, balancing her work life and personal life well. I think it’s inspiring how she has maintained a digni ed status as a daughter, daughter-in-law, wife, mother and above all - a woman.

WHERE IN INDIA?

We usually quiz our readers about places in India. Our readers are quick to answer!

Jillian Abery guessed: Assam

Anuj Parihar guessed: Munnar?

Raman Khatra too guessed: Munnar, Kerala?

Jillian got it right!

Spectacular Independence Day For Australian Indians

Jodi McKay, Member for Strath eld looked stunning in a sari at an Indian Independence Day event in Parramatta. And our readers agree too. Chandra Kishore wrote: With a bindiya she would have just looked as Indian as possible. Looking great Madam.

Meenakshi tweeted: Doesn’t she look gorgeous!

Jodi also shared our post: Thank you Indian Link for your coverage of Indian Independence Day Celebrations. Yes, it was very, very green! Given the number of photos where I’m in a sari on my Facebook page - I think you can tell that I love wearing them!

HAPPY JANMASHTAMI!

On the occasion of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birth), we shared a video of a lovely kids’ performance.

Betty Jager wrote: Those young dancers are awesome, what a wonderful future they have in their arts and culture.

Deepika Padukone Shares Inspiring Letter From Dad

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, early in her life, got an inspiring letter from her father Badminton champion Prakash Padukone on how to navigate a life in the limelight. And, now the letter is part of school syllabus!

#BURQAGATE

One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson came under severe attack after she walked into the senate wearing a burqa and called for a ban on the garment in Australia.