>> July 2009    >> Newsletter Archive  

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In this Edition.....

• Summer Special Offer - Creative Travel is pleased to offer individual tours for Golden Triangle and Kerala.........Come discover India with us.

• Special Feature of the month - Journeys as great as the destination - Rail tours in India

• Guest Comment of the Month - Find out what our clients have to say about us in this section

• Destination News - India dominates world of films, Travel + Leisure states Udaipur as the No. 1 Destination in the world, Indian Cities host Gay right parade; Gay sex no longer illegal in New Delhi, The Ranthambhore National Park closed for rains, High hopes for Sri Lanka tourism, Closure of Chitwan National Park lodges, Maldives may last beyond this century: Experts......all this and more Destination news

• Hotel News - Taj Group to take over Sea Rock Hotel in Mumbai, Soma Palmshore by Somatheeram opens in Kovalam, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces announces a Premium Hotel - Vivanta by Taj - Goa, Shangri-La Kathmandu will undergo complete makeover, Alila Villas Hadahaa to open in August 2009.......all this and more update on hotels

• Aviation News - Jet Airways Konnect launches New Routes, Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan Airlines expand codeshare, Kingfisher Airlines joins oneworld's Global Explorer, Druk Air lands at Bagdogra Airport........and more

• Indian Recipe of the month - Ginger Pudding with Tea Sauce

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There is a lot of misconception as to why India cannot be visited during summer. Not all are true. There is a lot one can do in summer and the best part is that we can leverage our volumes from the season into some great deals into the off season.

Some reasons to visit India in the Summer are -

• The best value possible - you get to stay in some of the finest hotels in the world at prices that you would pay for a 4 star hotel in the winter.

• For wildlife lovers, late April and May are the best time of the year to see the famous Indian tiger. This elusive animal stays closer to the water during this time, and is more easily seen.  

• It's cooler than you think! Particularly in the desert regions of Rajasthan, the peak heat is between 11:30 am and 4:30 pm, when you could relax and enjoy the hotel. Sightseeing can be done in relative comfort in the early mornings and the evenings. The Indian summer is not hotter than many other destinations that you would consider visiting in the summer months - Dubai, Spain, Miami, etc.  

• Enjoy the monuments without the crowds - you have the luxury of visiting the monuments in the cities you visit, without having hundreds of tour buses present at the same time.  

• Enjoy the hotels - with lower summer occupancies, you can enjoy the hotels to their fullest. Use the spa without having to book it in advance, step into the restaurants without a reservation, have the pool to yourself......

Creative Travel is pleased to offer individual tours for Golden Triangle and Kerala.........Come discover India with us.

• Discover Kerala

• The Golden Triangle Tour

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Special Feature of the month......

Journeys as great as the destination - Rail tours in India



The weeklong journey aboard a luxury train is an interesting alternative to the hassles of packing and unpacking and long surface drives during the day. These trains offer the comfort and luxury at par with 5 star hotels, is a home away from home and allows time for bonding with your partner and an opportunity of making new friends. It is indeed an interesting way of exploring the most beautiful and vibrant parts of India. After the success of Palace on Wheels several new initiatives have been takes and there are now several options for touring in India on train.

Surrender yourself to the charisma of ancient townships, mesmerizing architectural designs and exotic natural landscapes. It is more than a voyage of self discovery. Be ready to be pampered by the efficient staff and indulge in luxury like never before...

Contact us for packages ranging from 3 nights to 7 nights stay and for incentive groups the trains can be chartered also. Book now to avail for early bird discount.

• The Indian Maharaja - A voyage of rich experiences that will reveal a pot-pourri of cultures, customs and history from the world's most culturally diverse capital - India......more....

• Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - The makers of the Palace on Wheels have rekindled the charm of luxury with utmost consideration of your comfort and modern amenities at the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.....more....

• The Golden Chariot - takes you on a journey back in time through the historic state of Karnataka....more....

• Deccan Odyssey - welcome to a mesmerizing Maharashtra Experience....more....

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Guest Comment of the Month.....

We at Creative track guest feedback very carefully. Each evaluation form gives us an insight on our operations and allows us to constantly refine our service delivery process. Now and then we get a few letters that brighten up our days. These are some of them :

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
From - Fay Adams-Fruet
To - Creative Travel

Dear Rajeev & Lalit,

A big hug & thank you to you & the Creative Team for making our Naspers Directors event a huge success.

From the rose garlands received upon arrival at the airport; liaison at Imperial Hotel for a hassle free check into rooms; the organisation of all the equipment required for our meetings at hotel, meant that I could relax and enjoy my time in Delhi too! Click here to read more....

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Destination News.....

India dominates world of films
That the Indian film industry is the world's largest in terms of number of films produced as well as the number of cinema-goers is perhaps known. But you really get an idea of its size when you discover that it produces almost as many films as the next three - US, Japan and China - combined. Click here to read more....

Travel + Leisure states Udaipur as the No. 1 Destination in the world
Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, was voted the world's best city for travelers in 2009 in an online poll by Travel + Leisure magazine, trumping last year's winner Bangkok. Click here to read more.....

Indian Cities host Gay right parade; Gay sex no longer illegal in New Delhi
Waving flags with rainbow colours and donning festive masks, a large number of people in colourful attire participated in the Delhi Queer Pride Parade here on 28th June. Gay right supporters took to the streets of Kolkata, Bangalore & New Delhi to call for an end to discrimination and push for acceptance in the society. There are signs that homosexuality is being more accepted in India, at least in the big cities. In New Delhi, gay & lesbian groups hold biweekly movie screenings & parties. The gay pride parade in New Delhi, India may have just ended, but supporters of the gay right’s movement rose that striped flag once again in celebration of the New Delhi High Court’s decision. Though the decision did not legalize homosexuality, it did grant gay Indians the freedom to make same-sex love.

The Ranthambhore National Park closed for rains
The Ranthambhore National Park has been closed from 01 July 09 to 30 Sep 09 due to rains. The park is scheduled to open on 1st October 2009.

Bandra-Worli sea link inaugurated
The Bandra-Worli sea link was inaugurated on 30th June. The country's first ever sea link will reduce the travel time between the southern part of Mumbai and its western suburbs from the present 45 - 60 minutes to 6-8 minutes. Presently, the Mahim Causeway is the only link connecting the western suburbs to island city of Mumbai. The existing north–southwestern corridor is highly congested and during the peak hours results in a bottleneck at Mahim Causeway. The sea link will act as an alternate route between the western suburbs of Mumbai and central Mumbai, in addition to the existing Mahim Causeway. This link will also form a part of the west island freeway.The 4.8-kilometre long, eight-lane Bridge will save around Rs 200-crore a year in vehicle operating cost alone. It is India's first eight-lane freeway over the open sea and is hailed as a modern Indian engineering marvel. Some statistics on the bridge, its weight is equivalent to 50000 African elephants, the length of the bridge is 63 times the height of the Qutub Minar in Delhi, the height of the cable-stayed tower is 126m (equal to a 43-storey tower) and the length of steel wires used in the project is equivalent to the circumference of the Earth (each cable can take a weight of 900 tons).

New Domestic Terminal Opens at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Commercial operations have commenced at Delhi Airport's brand new Domestic Departure Terminal - 1D. The terminal features several modern features which would make the passengers' transit a smooth and memorable affair. These include:

• 8 entry gates from the city side for easy access

• 72 check-in desks with 4 level in-line baggage system eliminates baggage X-ray queues while enhancing safety

• 14 channels for smooth security clearance

• Spacious Security Hold Area featuring extensive F&B, Retail & Recreation facilities

• 14 gates for easy bus boarding with 11 Bus Boarding Points

Xtreme Desert Safari to rock Rajasthan soon
Adventure lovers will have a reason to flock to Rajasthan in the upcoming tourist season of September to April. After hot air ballooning and parasailing; the state is all set to introduce 'Xtreme Desert Safari'. A Dubai-based firm with the support of Rajasthan Tourism Department is planning to start it commercially for tourists in the sand dunes of Thar Desert. This is the first time a desert safari of this kind will be introduced in India, which is a popular adventure activity in parts of North Africa and Dubai. Power machines like 4x4 trucks and All Terrain Vehicles will be used for the adventure sport. A land near Kuldhara village in the desert district has been allotted to the firm on which construction of a resort for base camp is underway. At present, only the facility of camel safari is available for tourists in the state. "It is going to be the first of its kind project in India and will add to the existing attractions of the state. The safari will start with a drive of 15 kms towards the sand dunes of Sam, near Jaisalmer. Camel rides & ATV drive on dunes would be among other attractions.

No diesel, petrol vehicles to be allowed at Khajuraho
People visiting the famed Khajuraho temples, known for their erotic sculptures, can travel to the site now in special battery-powered vehicles - a step taken to protect the World Heritage structure from pollution. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to ban the entry of vehicles powered by petrol and diesel to the temples once the construction of a concrete two-lane road is complete. It is expected to be completed by March-end. The battery-operated vehicles will run from the entrance to the shrine. The two-lane road will be decorated with colourful stones and a walkway will also be laid. The Khajuraho group of temples is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of national and international tourists every year.

International airport to come up in Kushinagar
An international airport is soon to come up in Kushinagar, the destination of Buddha 'Parinirvana' or final salvation, where Buddha breathed his last. The place is connected by road only. Although it has an airstrip, it is not enough to meet increasing volume of tourists from across the world. The government has hence taken a decision to develop an international airport in the city. Kushinagar is one of the four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites relating to the life of the Buddha. The other three being, Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Lumbini in Nepal and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.

High hopes for Sri Lanka tourism
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau GM Vipula Wanigasekera is upbeat about the country's prospects for boost tourism and MICE business. "The time is right to reap the benefits of tourism. We're preparing to welcome tourists and MICE delegates for the upcoming period," he says. Mr Wanigasekera added, "Our President has declared the country 'liberated from terrorism', ending more than 30 years of armed conflict in the north east of the country. In the aftermath of the victory, which will ensure peace on the island, Sri Lanka launched a new brand and a comprehensive communications campaign. Sri Lanka was receiving over 400,000 visitors every year despite the conflict. We can now expect an influx and the industry is gearing itself to cater to increasing numbers of arrivals in the coming months.

Kandy Perahara (From 27th July 2009 to 6th August 2009)
Kandy Perahera, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha's tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets and is a must see if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains. Elaborately adorned elephants, in rows of three, sway to the beat. At times, with their trunks linked or tucked away, it almost appears as if they are joining in the dance. Flanking the entire procession are the torch-bearers. Kandyan dancers, fire-juggling acrobats, whip crackers, palanquins, musicians and torchbearers follow the elephants through the streets in a spectacular procession.

Second international airport in Mattala, Hambantota
The Government plans to set up the second international airport at Mattala in the Hambantota District. Placed in the deep south of Sri Lanka close to the fast developing coastal town of Hambantota this air link will further facilitate travelers to this popular destination, which is in close proximity to the Yala wildlife sanctuary, Kalametiya bird sanctuary and a host of other locations offering a variety of experiences within close proximity to each other which is a unique feature of this island nation.

Closure of Chitwan National Park lodges
With immediate effect, all the resorts inside Chitwan National Park are closed for an indefinite period due to some issues with the Government. Higher level talks with Hotel Associations, National Park authorities and the concerned Ministries are going on. We shall keep you update on the latest development. Click here to read more......

Maldives may last beyond this century: Experts
Since climate change fears first gripped the globe, tourists have flocked to the Maldives to enjoy the islands' spectacular vistas before they vanish. Scientists have long warned that the Maldives, an archipelago nation of nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, will be wiped out by rising sea levels in the coming decades. In the worst-case scenario, if global sea levels rise higher and faster than expected, the islands may indeed be swallowed up. But some recent data challenge the widespread belief that the islands are destined to disappear and a few mainstream scientists are even cautiously optimistic about their chances for surviving relatively intact beyond the next century. "The outlook for the Maldives is not all doom and gloom," said Paul Kench of the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Kench said his studies of the Maldives show the islands can adjust their shape in response to environmental changes, such as the rising seas and warmer temperatures predicted in the next century. Kench suggests the islands might move onto their reefs and build vertically, offsetting the potential threat of sea level rises. Click here to read more....

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Hotel News.....

Taj Group to take over Sea Rock Hotel in Mumbai
The long-silent Sea Rock hotel in Bandra is getting a new lease of life. The 440-room property, among the oldest five-star deluxe hotels in suburban Mumbai, is set to become part of the Taj group, as the Tatas are purchasing a majority interest in it. The deal would give the Taj group, owner of the 368-key Taj Land's End just across the street from the Sea Rock, the largest room inventory - it will be about 1,000 rooms after the expansion of Land's End. The Sea Rock has been non-functional since it became a target during the March 1993 blasts, which severely damaged its structure. The building is currently being redeveloped. The hotel is spread over six acres of prime seafront. Click here to read more....

Fortune Park JPCelestial, Bengaluru opens
Fortune Park JPCelestial is conveniently located in the heart of Bengaluru just off the famous Race Course Road, in close proximity to the lush green Bengaluru Race Course. Just 4 kms from MG Road, 1.5 kms from the railway station and with easy access to the airport, the hotel is walking distance from major shopping malls and commercial centres. All the 130 guest rooms including 64 Standard Rooms, 34 Fortune Club Rooms and 32 Suites, combine contemporary elements with efficiency and cleanliness of design. The rooms are well equipped with a complete range of modern amenities including mini bar, tea/ coffee maker, electronic safe, LCD TV and much more. The hotel offers a choice of dining facilities, including Orchid-a 24 hrs multi-cuisine restaurant, Nevada Bar and a Tea Lounge. Other offerings at Fortune Park JPCelestial include a gym and spa. The hotel also offers state-of-the-art conference and banquet facilities with a bouquet of banquet halls and 4 board rooms equipped with state-of-the-art equipments.

Soma Palmshore by Somatheeram opens in Kovalam
Soma Palmshore is located at Kovalam Light House Beach, about 14 kms from Trivandrum. Managed by Somatheeram, the Ayurveda People, Soma Palmshore has been packaged as a unique destination, giving you the best of beach, ayurveda and yoga. The resort has 35 well-appointed rooms and cottages with en-suite facilities. The 18 Standard Double Rooms, 15 Deluxe Double Rooms and 2 Cottages are spacious and tastefully furnished. Each room has a balcony offering a stunning view of the beach and the seas, a private sun deck with sunlight in abundance, television with satellite channels, telephone and hot & cold running water. The dining facilities include Palma, the multi-cuisine restaurant & Palmshore Cafeteria which serves a choice of Snacks and Beverages. Other facilities include Swimming Pool and Ayurveda Spa

Cambay Spa & Resort, Kukas, Jaipur opens
The Cambay Spa & Resort, Kukas is located in Kukas, Jaipur. about 27 km from the Sanganer Airport, and 24 km from the railway station. True luxury makes its mark in every inch of the 81 lavish rooms, suites and cottages, elegantly backed up by contemporary amenities such as LCD TV, electronic safe, Mini Bar, Tea / Coffee maker. The rooms are divided into 30 Superior Rooms, 32 Premium Rooms, and 19 Suites. Indus, the Multi cuisine restaurant serves delicacies from around the world like sumptuous North Indian food, Coastal snacks of India, Oriental dishes like Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Lebanese and various Continental delicacies. There is a 24 hour coffee shop as well, apart from a poolside resto-bar. The Orient Spa at the resort is spread over 22,000 sq.ft, making it one of the largest in Rajasthan. It specializes in a variety of international and traditional therapies, as well as having a Medi Spa & Cosmetic centre on the premises. Other facilities include a gymnasium & a swimming pool.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces announces a Premium Hotel - Vivanta by Taj - Goa
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have announced their new premium hotel, "Vivanta by Taj - Panaji, Goa", slotted in the "upper upscale" segment. The hotel located 28 kms from Dabolim airport and bang in the heart of Panaji, addresses the needs of Goa's expanding business environment, and offers contemporary experiences for the sophisticated and cosmopolitan customer. The hotel is set in a charming neighborhood with boutiques & shops in the vicinity. Vivanta boasts of a 170 stylish guest rooms and suites with views of the buzzing Panaji City and the sparkling Mandovi River. The rooms are adorned with artwork by local Goan artists featuring, traditional Goan architecture. Between casual all-day eateries and lively fine dining, you can look forward to great new culinary surprises at Vivanta. Plunge into a distinctive dining experience as you explore the finest cuisines from India and beyond. You’ll be treated to traditional as well as contemporary favorites. Take a dip in Celsius, the outdoor pool, or relax in the Jacuzzi on the rooftop or just pamper yourself at the signature Jiva Spa during your time off!

Mayfair Gangtok Spa Resort & Casino
The first five-star deluxe hotel in the Northeast, Mayfair Gangtok Spa Resort & Casino is situated 10 km equidistant from the down town and the famous Rumtek monastery. The Spa Resort aspires to offer individual guests an experience of being surrounded by nature, blending it with lavish luxury in the abode of the Gods. The resort, built on the theme of a monastery, has a unique blend of Sikkimese architecture and modern amenities. The resort offers 63 rooms - 53 deluxe, each having an approximate area of 600 square feet with private sit-outs, 2 Luxury, 4 deluxe suites, 1 Honeymoon Suite & 3 Luxury Suites. The multi-cuisine restaurant serves Indian, European and Oriental delicacies. Live cooking is on display at this restaurant. The all day dining Jungle Café is the perfect option for a quick snack with an experience of the great outdoors. The bar by the restaurant offers everything from cigars to champagnes, wines to whiskies. The hotel also offers a 12,000 square feet Spa with 12 therapy rooms along with an array of luxuriating treatments to choose from. The fitness centre is equipped with the latest in fitness equipments along with a fitness instructor.

Shangri-La Kathmandu will undergo complete makeover
In July 2009 Shangri-La Kathmandu will undergo a complete makeover of the superior rooms of the Second and Third Floors. All the 100 rooms will be upgraded to Deluxe and Executive category by the end of September 2009. During the renovation, the noise level will be kept at minimum and special care will be taken of the clients visiting during that time. Once the renovation is complete, the guests will enjoy brand new rooms with all the facilities which Shangri-La did not have before, like in- room safe, room phone with voice mail and state of the art features, boutique style interior with a Nepali touch, choice of pillows, and warm and comfortable duvet instead of blankets. 

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa opens in July 2009
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa is located on Addu Atoll and will offer guests a stylish experience in a spacious, boutique-style environment. The resort is surrounded by more than six kilometers of picturesque coastline and nearly two kilometers of beautiful, white-sand beach. This unique, three-kilometer-long island also features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut palms, three natural lagoons and nature trails. The resort will comprise 142 spacious stand-alone villas, from private ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas with panoramic views. All villas will feature both an indoor and outdoor shower, a private terrace leading to the beach and either a waterfront or lush garden. Each villa will be equipped with two iPods and docking stations, a DVD player and and other luxurious amenities. The resort offers a selection of bars and restaurants. The Khazaanaage Restaurant, will serve Arabian, Gulf, Indian Ocean and South China Sea. Dishes with enchanting flavours. International culinary experiences at the Javvu Restaurant will provide guests with further variety. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La will offer innovative therapies in a secluded sanctuary and a unique yoga pavilion overlooking the Indian Ocean. Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa is a 70-minute flight from Malé and just an eight-minute boat ride from Gan International Airport on Addu Atoll.

Angsana Velavaru in the Maldives to open InOcean Villas
This coming July, the Angsana Velavaru, located in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll of the Maldives, is to open a standalone collection of water villas. The Angsana Velavaru In Ocean Villas are an exclusive cluster of 33 two-storey water villas positioned on the edge of the reef, one kilometer away from the island of Velavaru. Each InOcean Villa has an infinity pool ranging from 21 square meters to 27 square meters, hammock and private access to the glistening Maldives ocean. The Premier and Sanctuary InOcean Villas feature an extended deck with a sala (an open pavilion). The InOcean Villas are the peak of style and opulence, with amenities including: a flat screen TV, DVD player, stereo system with iPod docking station, Nespresso coffee machine, and a designer bathtub overlooking the Maldives horizon. There are three categories of villas, from standard to two bedroom villas, ranging in size from 175 square meters to 290 square meters. Azurro, an Italian gourmet restaurant and bar offering unrestricted views of the Maldives horizon, caters exclusively to InOcean Villa guests. InOcean Villa guests also enjoy complete access to the facilities and services available on Velavaru island

Alila Villas Hadahaa to open in August 2009
Alila Villas Hadahaa is set on a tropical island in the North Huvadhoo Atoll, about 400 km to the south from Male international airport. The islands here feature diverse landscapes covered by lush vegetation such as palm, coconut and banyan trees and tropical flowers, and fringed by pristine sandy beaches. The diving is unbeatable with long stretches of unspoilt coral reefs and a huge abundance of marine life. Surrounded by only the vast expanse of sky and sea, the resort’s 50 island and aqua villas, some with private pool, reflect the unique Maldivian sense of space. Here, no boundaries exist between you and the ocean where panoramic views stretch to infinity. The resort features 16 Island Villas (100 sqm), 20 Island Villas with Pool (120 sqm) and 14 Aqua Villas (110 sqm). The resort offers a choice of two restaurants, “Relish” and “Battuta’s”, both carefully designed to create unique dining environments in terms of design, furnishing and ambience, catering to guests' needs from early morning until late into the evening. In addition, private dining experiences can be arranged in the comfort of your villa or on your private deck. Other facilities include a Spa by Mandara in a natural garden setting, Bell's Bar (the Poolside & Cigar bar), Gymnasium, Yoga pavilion, Two large fresh water pools & water sports

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Aviation News......

Domestic

Jet Airways Konnect launches New Routes
Jet Airways has launched a new all Economy service - Jet Airways Konnect - on select routes in India. Jet Airways Konnect is a new economy class no-frills service designed to meet the needs of the low fare segment. It will complement Jet Airways’ full service product, by providing a service that is better suited to cater to a market that desires an economically priced low fare product. The on ground and in flight service will be delivered by Jet Airways staff, the only difference will be that travelers will have to buy their meals on board. Jet Airways Konnect currently links four major metros - Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai to several destinations across India, including Kochi, Pune, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhopal and Amritsar. The Jet Airways Konnect service currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-500 and two Boeing 737-800 aircraft on key domestic routes across India.

GoAir opens gateway to the North East, adds Guwahati and Bagdogra to its network
GoAir, has added two new major destinations, Guwahati and Bagdogra (starting 21st May, 2009). Click here for flight schedule....

SpiceJet introduces new connections; Bookings on single PNR; through check-in of baggage
SpiceJet announced a set of new connections that passengers can book on and travel through interconnecting flights within the SpiceJet network. These are connections on the existing flights within the network which can connect destinations that were not connected earlier. With these connections, Spicejet now offers 11 unique city pairs connectivity to its passengers. To enhance the ease of travel, passengers will get two boarding cards at the time of check in at the originating city. Their baggage will be checked in, at the time of boarding the first flight, directly to the final destination.

International

Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan Airlines expand codeshare
Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan Airlines signed an agreement to enhance their longstanding codeshare partnership, signifying a strengthening of the close co-operation between the two Asian carriers. The agreement enables Malaysia Airlines to codeshare on SriLankan s flights to Male in the Maldives while SriLankan Airlines will access Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta and Seoul through Malaysia Airlines. The partnership gives SriLankan access to several markets in the Asia-Pacific, notably the US west coast and Australia.

Air China launches direct Beijing - Lhasa flights
From today, Air China will be the first airline to offer passengers direct flights between Beijing and Lhasa. Flight times will be cut by two hours to three hours 50 mins as the new route will not go via Chengdu, allowing passengers to avoid time-consuming transit procedures.
Air China will use wide-body Airbus A330 for the new direct Beijing - Lhasa route. To maximise safety of the flights, Required Navigation Performance (RNP), an improved method of implementing routes and flight paths, is applied on the route. Click here to read the flight schedule....

Kingfisher Airlines joins oneworld's Global Explorer
The Indian domestic network has been offered by round-the-world fare for the first time with Kingfisher Airlines joining oneworld's Global Explorer, which offers flights on all members of the oneworld® alliance and some selected other airlines. The fare covers all routes offered by oneworld's existing member airlines. These airlines serve five points in India - but the addition of Kingfisher Airlines' Indian domestic network expands that to a further 62 gateways across the country. No other round-the-world fare offers more extensive coverage of North America, South America, Australasian or, now, India, with oneworld the only alliance featuring member airlines based in South America, Australia or Asia's Middle East, and Kingfisher Airlines now the only Indian airline participating in a fare like Global Explorer. Global Explorer offers simple, flexible, and great value round-the-world travel for trips of up to one year long.

Kingfisher launches flight to Dubai
Kingfisher Airlines is starting direct flights from Bangalore to Dubai from 25th June. Click here for flight schedule....

Air India introduces new flights from Thiruvananthapuram connecting Chennai and Bangalore
Air India has introduced two new flights from Thiruvananthapuram connecting Chennai and Bangalore. The morning flight IC-909 will be operated by A319 aircraft leaving Thiruvananthapuram at 6:00 a.m., reaching Chennai at 7:10 a.m. It will depart from Chennai at 7:50 a.m., reaching Bangalore at 8:40 a.m. The flight will leave Bangalore at 9:20 a.m. and reach Thiruvananthapuram at 10:20 a.m. The evening A319 flight IC-911 will operate on the Thiruvananthapuram-Bangalore-Chennai – Thiruvananthapuram sector, leaving Thiruvananthapuram at 4:20 p.m., reaching Bangalore at 5:20 p.m., depart from Bangalore at 6:00 p.m. and reach Chennai at 6:50 p.m. It will leave Chennai at 7:35 p.m. and reach Thiruvananthapuram at 8:45 p.m

Singapore Airlines cuts Male frequency
Singapore Airlines is cutting the frequency of its direct service to Male to five weekly from the current seven with effect from next month as load factors hover 60-65 per cent. Click here for flight schedule....

Jet Airways Expands Frequent Flyer Programme with New Hotel Partners
Jet Airways’ frequent flyer programme, JetPrivilege, has entered into a partnership with the Preferred Hotel Group, Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts, and WelcomHeritage-Palaces, Forts, Hotels and Resorts. With these new partnerships, JetPrivilege has boosted its list of hotel partners to 20. Preferred Hotel Group represents more than 700 hotels and resorts in over 75 countries across five brands. Harbour Plaza Hotels and Resorts currently manages eight hotels in Hong Kong and Chongqing, China. With over 60 exclusive heritage destinations across the length and breadth of India on offer, WelcomHeritage-Palaces, Forts, Hotels and Resorts is a collection of some of the finest heritage hotels in India. It offers stays at splendid mansions, fort resorts, colonial hill residence and grand palaces at affordable rates.

Druk Air lands at Bagdogra Airport
A new edition to North East (Bagdogra). Druk Air have started the operation from 19 June 2009. Click here to read more....

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Indian Recipe of the month......

Ginger Pudding with Tea Sauce

Click here to read the recipe.....

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Newsletters from the past.....

May 2009, April 2009, March 2009, February 2009, January09, December 08, November 2008, October 2008, September 2008, August 2008, July 2008, June 2008, May 2008, April 2008, March 2008, February 2008, January 2008, November 2007, October 2007, August 2007, July 2007, June 2007, May 2007, March 2007, February 2007, January 2007, December 2006, November 2006, October 2006, September 2006, August 2006, June 2006, May 2006, April 2006, March 2006, February 2006, January 2006, November 2005, October 2005, September 2005.

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Contact Us......

Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd.
Creative Plaza, Nanakpura, Moti Bagh, New Delhi 110021. India.
Tel : 24679192, 26872257-58-59, 26114281     Fax : ++91-11-26885886 / 26889764     Email : creative@travel2india.com
USA Fax: +1-646-349-1614       EUROPE Fax : ++44-20-7681-1242      www.travel2india.com

24 Hours International Emergency Contact Number : +91 - 99 11 266 277
(prefix a "0" before the number if dialing from outside New Delhi but from within India)

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