>> November 2008    >> Newsletter Archive  

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In this Edition.....

• Where you can find us next - EIBTM 2008, ILTM 2008.

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

• Destination News - Heritage status will give fresh life to Kalka Shimla railway, Nilgiri Queen turns 100, Botanical Garden at Ooty expects World Heritage Site Status, Magnetic Hill draws visitors to Ladakh, Sri Lanka poised to become a global hotspot for whale watching.......all this and more Destination news.

• Hotel News - Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces - Best Business Hotel Chain in India, Grand Hyatt Mumbai winner of World Luxury Hotel Award, Mapple Tiger Retreat opens at Kanha and Bandhavgarh, World’s Greenest Eco Lodge - Kumbuk River in Buttala, Hulhule Island Hotel winner of Luxury Airport Hotel Award.....all this and more update on hotels

• Aviation News - Condé Nast Traveler Readers vote Jet Airways as one of the World’s Top Three Airlines, Spice Jet introduces new flights, SriLankan Airlines launches Non-Stop Return flights between London and the Maldives, Jet Airways and United Airlines forge frequent flyer partnership......and more

• Indian Recipe of the month - Spinach and Yogurt Dip.

• Special Feature of the month - Rann Utsav.

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Where you can find us next.....

To meet us at EIBTM, Barcelona, click here and email us your details   

To meet us at ILTM, Cannes, click here and email us your details   

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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 :

Saturday, November 1, 2008

From - Krupal Kanakia

To - Creative Travel

Dear Rohit and Atul,

We thank you all for making the NEXIA conference such a beautiful and enjoyable experience. We know that a lot of work went into the planning and execution of the same and the outcome was there for all to see and enjoy.

We received a lot of credit from the NEXIA delegates for having made their stay in Delhi a memorable experience however your team is the true worthy of such credits. We wish you all the best for future and assure you our support at all times.

Thanks

P. S. We will be sending a letter of (re)commendation asap.

Krupal Kanakia
NEXIA Coordinator
Mumbai
 

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Destination News.....

Heritage status will give fresh life to Kalka Shimla railway
With UNESCO declaring the Kalka-Shimla railway line as a World Heritage Site, people here hope the narrow-gauge line that is over a century old will get a fresh lease of life. The railway meanders through the hills between Kalka and Shimla, going through 102 tunnels, crossing 800 bridges and turning at over 900 curves in the 96-km journey. It was built in 1898 during British rule to connect the then summer capital of India, Shimla, with other parts of the country. The two foot six inch narrow-gauge railway line that ascends a height of over 4,000 feet was officially opened for traffic Nov 9, 1903. The inscription plaque of the Kalka-Shimla Railway as a ’World Heritage Site’ at the Kalka railway station was officially laid at a ceremony earlier this month.

Nilgiri Queen turns 100
As the Nilgiris Queen chugged into the mist-covered Udhagamandalam station earlier this month, the heritage hill train completed 100 years of its majestic journey. On its centenary, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), also called the Nilgiri's Queen, the lone rack and pinion railway in India, ran on a steam engine for the first time after 14 years. One of the oldest mountain railways in the country, the NMR, traversing a 46-km-long metre gauge stretch and scaling an elevation of up to 2,203 metres, was first proposed in 1854 and completed in 1908. Three years ago, NMR was accorded the world heritage status by UNESCO.

Botanical Garden at Ooty expects World Heritage Site Status
The one-and-a-half century old Botanical Garden at Ooty expects to get a World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. The garden is already home to 16 heritage properties, which include a 20 million-year-old "kal maram" (fossil). The Botanical Garden, maintained by the State Horticulture Department, has applied for the global status. Backing the global recognition of the garden is the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), which has erected a board naming the garden heritage site on the garden premises.

Himachal Pradesh to introduce helicopter taxis
The Himachal Pradesh government is introducing heli-taxi services in tribal areas of the state to tap high-spending adventure tourists.The tourism department will invite technical and financial bids for the introduction of tourist helicopter services in various tourist resorts. Himachal Pradesh attracts tourists from around the world, especially from Israel, Germany, Britain and several other European countries, not only for nature-based activities but also for exploring historic and ancient monasteries. Last year, more than 8.8 million tourists visited the state.

Magnetic Hill draws visitors to Ladakh
You may not believe that a vehicle with its ignition off can move, but in Ladakh seeing is believing. Not only do vehicles move without the engine being turned on, they even defy gravity by climbing uphill. A hill on the outskirts of Ladakh, a picturesque cold desert town is so full of magnetised iron that it has the power to pull any vehicle in its vicinity towards itself. The hill situated on the Leh-Kargil-Batalik national highway and is bordered by the Indus river, which originates in Tibet and flows through Ladakh on its way to Pakistan. Skeptical tourists are amazed to see their vehicles climbing uphill at a speed of 10 km per hour when in neutral gear.

Sri Lanka poised to become a global hotspot for whale watching
Sri Lanka has the potential to become one of the global hot spots for whale watching as it is among the easiest places in the world to watch blue and sperm whales according to researchers, marine biologists and eco-tourism specialists. Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans observed and identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Whale and dolphin watching is a seasonal activity in Sri Lanka, available on the west coast in locations from Kalpitiya and along the South West Coast from November to March while the east coast of Trincomalee is preferable from June to September. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society estimates that ten million people go whale watching every year. Sri Lanka has the potential to attract several thousand whale watchers on bespoke tours or even to take one off excursions. High concentration of both blue whales and sperm whales within easy reach under tropical conditions puts Sri Lanka on top of the world's whale watching map.

After skydiving, its duathlon in Khumbu
It seems that the Everest region is becoming a testing field for adventure seekers from across the world. Less than a fortnight after the first skydiving, the Everest region was the place for the KONA Yeti Duathlon 2008. Duathlon is a sporting event where two different sports are mixed together. In KONA Yeti Duathlon, participants ran all the way to Namchebazaar from Gorakshep (30 km) on the first day and to Lukla from Namchebazaar on the second day (20 km). The participants then rode on their mountain bikes to Jiri passing through Nunthala and Kinja. A total of seven participants, including four foreigners, took part in the event that began on October 20 and ended on November 3.

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Hotel News.....

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Best Business Hotel Chain in India
At the Business Traveller Awards 2008, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces won the award for the Best Business Hotel Chain in India. The readers of the Business Traveller in the UK voted to reward those companies whose products and services they valued as regular business travellers.

Grand Hyatt Mumbai winner of World Luxury Hotel Award
Grand Hyatt Mumbai won the award for the best hotel in the category of Luxury Hotel and Conference Centre at the recent World Luxury Hotel Awards. These awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels worldwide. This Award was established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in hoteliering. It is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step & such differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”. Grand Hyatt Mumbai is in the centre of Mumbai. More than a hotel, Grand Hyatt Mumbai is a multi-dimensional lifestyle complex set on 12 acres of landscaped gardens & water features. Located just ten minutes from Mumbai’s domestic airport and 20 minutes from the international airport, the hotel is in close proximity to Bandra-Kurla complex, Mumbai’s rapidly developing business district. The Grand Hyatt Mumbai hotel complex features luxurious accommodation, contemporary serviced apartments, dining & entertainment options, spa, recreation & fitness facilities, conference & exhibition spaces & an international shopping plaza. The complex’s multiple lifestyle features make it a Mumbai destination in itself.

Leela joins Preferred Group
Preferred Hotel Group has added The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts to its collection of over 650 hotels and resorts worldwide. The Leela currently represents four of India's leading luxury properties in the key locations of Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa and Kovalam, all of which are now members of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand.

Mapple Tiger Retreat opens at Kanha
Spread over 12 acres, Mapple Tiger Retreat is located on the Banjar river close to the Kisli gate of the Kanha National Park. Kanha is the original Kipling country immortalized by Sher Khan, Bagheera & Baloo in the book and film Jungle Book. In the sal and bamboo forests amidst the meandering streams you can see a tiger on the prowl, a Malabar hornbill feeding its young, a leopard relaxing on a tree top or the rare hard ground barasingha. Kanha also has some 200 species of birds which include storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets and peacock. The retreat offers four luxurious jungle tents along with four independent cottages and twelve comfortable and elegant rooms with all modern amenities. All the rooms have an ethnic charm complete with facilities in the form of 24-hrs Hot Water, Cable TV, tea/coffee maker, safe and mini bar etc. The personalized service extends to room service and appetizing safari packs. The sit down meals - Indian and Continental are sumptuous complemented by a wide array of cocktails and wines.

Pashan Garh Panna Wilderness Lodge opens
Pashan Garh is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, along the pristine Ken River. The lodge is 50 km from Khajuraho. Pashan Garh sits on the border of Panna National Park, home to the majestic tiger. Guests will also see leopard, wolf, hyena, jackal and the sloth bear. The reserve is also well known for sightings of nilgai, sambar, chital, wild boar and Indian crocodile. Pashan Garh, meaning ‘stone house’, draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of north-central India. The 12 luxury stone cottages, located a mere 12 km from the park entrance, are spread out along a small stream, and are surrounded by 190 acres of private jungle wilderness. The overall design of Pashan Garh is stony and rough hewn, with white marble, leather furniture, and ebony and chocolate highlights. Each suite has private veranda machaans, and luxurious bathrooms with huge central showers. Delicious Indian fare, prepared by expert chefs, is discreetly delivered to guests using the unobtrusive butler hatches.

Oakwood Premier Prestige opens in Bangalore, India
Centrally located in UB City, one of the largest commercial property projects in Bangalore the Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore provides a five star luxury experience for residents blending the comfort of a home-away-from-home feel with hotel-style services. Housing 177 modern and fully-equipped studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, this up-scale serviced apartment provides a gamut of lavish facilities and amenities including: Resident's lounge/Al fresco dining, Fitness Center, Signature rooftop swimming pool, Fully equipped business center, Residents lounge, Spa, 24 hours room service

Water Habitat Retreat opens in Jodhpur
Water Habitat Retreat was a part of the Bijolai Palace which was converted into a comfortable residence. It lies nestled amidst the picturesque Aravali hills in Jodhpur. It is located right near the famous City of Jodhpur. It has 30 well appointed rooms. Water Habitat Retreat is a part of the Bijolai Palace which was built by Maharaja Takhat Singh as a summer retreat for the royal family. The red sand stone palace stands on the bank of a small lake, a traditional water harvesting structure, which ensures a perennial supply of fresh water thus creating an oasis in the surrounding desert landscape. The resort also offers the facilities of a multi cuisine restaurant. The retreat is situated 8 kms from city centre on the Jaisalmer Road, 10 kms from Jodhpur railway station and 15 kms from Jodhpur airport.

Mapple Tiger Retreat opens at Bandhavgarh
Mapple Tiger Retreat in the heart of Bandhavgarh is a haven for passionate wild life lovers. Hear the roar of the tiger and look in to its smouldering eyes at the true wildlife lover's paradise - Bandhavgarh. The sal and bamboo forests are also home to varied wildlife from Indian bison, sambar, nilgai and barking deer to 250 species of birds. The sprawling 8 acre Retreat offers ten independent cottages with a private machan and ten private luxurious rooms with all modern amenities. All rooms have 24 hrs hot water, Cable TV, tea/coffee maker, safe and mini bar. The Resort offers International cuisines and specializes in Continental dishes. Besides the delicious packed meals for the safari, the sit down meals are a gourmet's delight.

New luxury business hotel ‘VITS’ launched in Nagpur
A 100-room VITS property, part of a new chain of luxury business hotels from Kamat Hotels India Limited (KHIL), opened in Nagpur. Located near the railway station, the new hotel offers contemporary luxury business accommodation for discerning business class travelers. Direct dialing facility - national & international, Multi Channel Satellite LCD Television, 24 hours Room Service, In house Express Laundry Service, Travel Desk, Courier & Concierge services, Hi-speed Wi-Fi Connectivity in the entire hotel premises, Mini Bar/ Tea-Coffee maker, Hair Dryer, State-of-the art Spa are among the hospitality services. VITS Nagpur offers exclusive meeting and banqueting room, terrace gardens as well as a state-of-the-art business centre.

The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge, Jaipur opens
Located 35 km from Jaipur and set amidst lush gardens by the Ramgarh Lake, this lodge built in 1920 was the former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Surrounded by 8000 acres of farms, the European-style lodge has been host to honored visitors including Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, who were personal guests of the Maharaja. The lodge has undergone a complete face lift and the new rooms & suites are a seamless blend of history and contemporary style. Most of the deluxe suites are in the range of 650 to 800 square feet. The total operational inventory at the lodge is 13 rooms. Hunting trophies of the bygone era, old-world artifacts and sweeping views of the landscape recreate the ambience of an early 20th century hunting lodge whilst recent refurbishments and modern amenities infuse it with a contemporary touch. A new Spa facility in idyllic setting adds to that perfect moment of bliss and serenity. The new banquet hall and Spa will be operational by February 09.

Kumbuk River in Buttala - World’s Greenest Eco Lodge
World Travel Awards 2008 has voted Kumbuk River in Buttala as the World’s Best Eco Lodge under the World Green Awards category. Placed in beautiful and pristine surroundings in the south of Sri Lanka in close proximity to the Yala wildlife sanctuary, Kumbuk River exemplifies the attempt of destination Sri Lanka to be a carbon clean destination. Situated 250kms from Colombo, Kumbuk River is Sri Lanka’s piece de’ resistance among eco lodges and is nestled on 14 acres of natural bliss. Welcome to the world’s biggest elephant, the eco-lodge extraordinaire in the shape of a giant elephant. What makes Kumbuk River unique is yes, its elephant shape, but, it isn’t the only thing. The entire facility can be reserved for just one touring party, from a single nature-loving person, to a small family or a bigger group of up to 10. There will not be any strangers. While you take refuge at this earthly, yet magical eco haven, it is yours, until you leave.

Starwood to rebrand Full Moon Resort as Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Starwood has signed a joint venture agreement with Full Moon Private Limited to rebrand the Full Moon Resort to Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Starwood is extensively refurbishing the 156-room resort, which is located on its own private island in the Republic of Maldives, and targets to officially open the resort as a Sheraton on 1 December 2008. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is located on its own private island, Furana Fushi, in the North Male Atoll and a 20 minute boat ride from Male International Airport. In addition to the 156 rooms, Sheraton also offers guests 7 restaurants and bars, a spa, and various indoor and outdoor recreational activities.

Hulhule Island Hotel winner of Luxury Airport Hotel Award
In the recently concluded World Luxury Hotel Award 2008, Hulhule Island Hotel was declared the winner in the Luxury Hotel award category. The ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards’ are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels worldwide. This Award was established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in hoteliering. It is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step and have as such differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”. The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for all categories in the Luxury Hotel industry. Award winners set the benchmark for luxury hotels in achieving recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence. Hulhule Island Hotel has become well-known for its excellent services and the hospitality offered to tourists. The Hotel offers 136 rooms including Superior, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe with Jacuzzi and the Suites. The facilities for the guests at the hotel include the Spa, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Beach area, Landscaping, Tennis court, Golf putting green and extensive Food & Beverage options. The diverse dining selections include a rooftop restaurant ‘Uduvilaa’ with a panoramic view of both Male and the Indian Ocean catering to the multi-cuisine creations for the International clientele.

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Aviation News......

Domestic

Condé Nast Traveler readers vote Jet Airways as one of the World’s Top Three Airlines
At a ceremony at New York’s Public Library recently, Condé Nast Traveler one of the world’s leading high end travel magazine, announced that Jet Airways has been selected as one of the top three airlines in the world in its 2008 Readers Choice Awards survey.

Charter flight service takes off in northeast India
The North-East Shuttles Ltd (NSL), a private airline company based in Kolkata, would operate air taxi service in the north eastern region, including Tripura. "The civil aviation ministry has given approval to operate this non-scheduled and charter passenger service, first-of-its-kind in the northeast," NSL managing director Sheba K. Mani said. "Our motto is to boost tourism and also to promote regional development in the northeast and to provide access to the small cities, towns, and remote areas of the region," she added.
According to Mani, NSL's nine-seater aircraft (Cessna Caravan 208B) can land at any airfield with an airstrip at least 1,700 feet long, and even on unprepared runways and unmanned airfields. The company's base station would be Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. The regional airline is expected to start operations by the end of this year.

Spice Jet introduces new flights
Starting 26th October, Spice Jet had introduced flights on the Mumbai / Srinagar / Mumbai, Bangalore / Srinagar / Bangalore, Mumbai / Jaipur / Mumbai and Mumbai / Jammu / Mumbai sectors. Click here for the flight schedule.....

IndiGo adds new flights
Effective 15th November, IndiGo has introduced flights on Chennai / Delhi / Hyderabad sectors. Click here for the flight schedule.....

International

Jet Airways and United Airlines forge frequent flyer partnership
Jet Airways will forge a frequent flyer partnership with United Airlines effective November 15, 2008. With this partnership, Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege members may now earn and redeem JPMiles on the entire global network of United Airlines. Similarly, United Airlines’ Mileage Plus members may now earn and redeem their miles while enjoying Jet Airways’ renowned service and in-flight product on its services to 64 destinations in India and beyond.

SriLankan Airlines launches Non-Stop Return Flights between London and the Maldives
SriLankan Airlines has launched direct (non-stop) return flights between London and Male. Previously, UK passengers bound for the Maldives on SriLankan Airlines returned to London via Colombo. Click here for the flight schedule.....

China Eastern Airlines to increase frequency in India
China Eastern Airlines, which connects Delhi and Kolkata with three Chinese cities - Shanghai, Beijing and Kunming has increased its operations in India. The carries has added one more flight on its Delhi-Shanghai-Beijing route, which currently has a frequency of four flights a week. The company will also fly daily from three flights a week on Kolkata-Kunming route. Click here for the flight schedule.....

JAL to add First Class on Tokyo - New Delhi Route
Japan Airlines (JAL) is to start offering a First Class service on its daily flights between Tokyo and New Delhi from January 11 2009. With JAL's First Class service passengers will be able to relax in the privacy and comfort of a JAL Skysleeper Seat, which reclines a full 180 degrees. Each seat will be equipped with MAGIC, JAL's personal in-flight entertainment system. Using the systems Audio-Video-on-Demand (AVOD) technology, passengers will be able to enjoy a wide range of programming on their own personal TV monitor with the freedom to start, stop, fast-forward and rewind as they please. JAL offers First Class passengers a choice of the very best Western and Asian gourmet food.

AirAsia to launch flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tiruchirappli
AirAsia is to launch daily direct flights between Tiruchirappli in India and Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, beginning 1 December 2008. The new service, the first route launched by AirAsia in India, will be operated with brand new Airbus A320. Click here for the flight schedule.....

Air Arabia launches flights to Hyderabad
Sharjah-based Air Arabia, has launched daily flights to Hyderabad. Click here for the flight schedule.....

Austrian Airlines to Cancel flights to Mumbai
Austrian Airlines has confirmed that it is to cease operating flights to Mumbai from 5 March 2009 onwards. The airline said that as a result of drastic overcapacity between European airports and the city in southwestern India, the weakening Indian economy and the consequences of the crisis in financial markets, it is no longer possible for it to operate this route profitably in the medium term.

Qatar Airways flights to New York from nine Indian cities
Qatar Airways will launch flights to New York this month, offering one-stop service to passengers from nine destinations in India. The daily flights to New York will replace the existing six-flights-a-week to Newark Liberty International Airport via Geneva. The airlines will operate Boeing 777-300 on the new route featuring 335 seats in a two-class configuration of 42 seats in business and 293 in economy.
Click here for the flight schedule.....

Malaysia Airlines adds a tenth flight to Delhi
Malaysia Airlines announced it will start yet another flight on the Delhi-Kuala Lumpur route. Click here for the flight schedule.....

Jet Airways launches Bangalore-Brussels flight
Jet Airways has started operating direct flights between Brussels and Bangalore. Jet Airways already has daily flights between Brussels and Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. With this new destination, Jet Airways is extending its current schedule of direct flights between India and its European hub at Brussels airport. The new flight gives passengers arriving at Brussels airport the opportunity of a smooth transfer to other Jet Airways flights to the United States (New York JFK and Newark) and Toronto in Canada. Click here for the flight schedule.....

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Indian Recipe of the month......

Spinach and Yogurt Dip
Yogurt is an integral part of the meal in India. It is easily digestible and contains number of essential nutrients. The spinach and yogurt make a very healthy dip. You can use more or less spinach as desired. This dip can be served with pita triangles, crackers or vegetable crudités. Click here to read the recipe.....

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Special Feature of the month......

Rann Utsav - 11th to 14th December 2008
The Great Rann of Kutch, located in Gujarat, is a land of striking contrasts and charming surprises. The Rann Utsav is a four day guided tour that explores the unexplored beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch. Click here to read more......
 

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Newsletters from the past.....

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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Our Regional Sales teams.....

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